Birthday Thoughts

Today is my 57th birthday.  There were times right after my stroke that reaching this day was very optimistic.  Early on people had no idea what would happen and even if I would walk again.  Well I am one of those people that has been graced with many blessings in my life including a fabulous life partner who is both beautiful and incredibly patient.  My first thought post stroke was of Kathy and what she would think.  I'm sure that having me in the hospital for 3 months was not what she had bought into.

Kathy has been my partner, my confidant and my motivation.  She inspires me to be a better person and has been by my side through everything important that has happened to me.  One of my strongest memories during my recovery was her asking me not to give up.  How could I possibly after that. Today I thank god for having her in my life and I wish for all of you to be as blessed as I have been.

Back in the Saddle Again

Well we finally had a sufficient weather window to get out on the trike yesterday.    I definitely am a fair weather rider.  I have finished many rides in the rain but I just don't seem to have the dedication to voluntarily start one in the rain.  We've had a lot of rain and cold weather - a typical Vancouver winter - and I'm glad to get an opportunity to ride.

I remember now why I love riding my trike so much.  It is the closest I come to being able to train the way I used to before my stroke.  Its hard to get a good cardio workout when you can't physically move fast enough to get your hear rate up.  I can when I'm on my trike.  I haven't set a goal yet for this year but I need to give myself some kind of a target to work towards.  I have a lot of hibernation effects to work off.

Raining again today so it looks like I/m off to the pool.  What will you remember about your accomplishments today?