OlympicTorch Relay

Had an awesome experience today as a torch bearer for the Olympic Torch Relay. Today was the three year anniversary of my stroke. I didn't really think too much about that today. I was thinking more about no tripping and lighting someone on fire.

Seriously, I have been working with Heather Branscombe, a neuro-physio in Abbotsford to see if I can learn to run again. Today I jogged about half of the 300 metres. I'm very excited because I really think that I may be able to run again. I didn't really focus on the crowd very much because I was focusing on not falling. However, today really was for me. It was about me recognizing that I can push the envelope and start jogging.

The one thing about carrying the torch I was not prepared for was the impact it had on other people. I had many many people want to take pictures or have their picture taken with the torch. At my son's school they had someone who was supposed to come in and see the kids. However they only got to one classroom. I went up and spent the afternoon so each child could get their picture taken with the torch. The kids were so excited. I'm glad I got the opportunity. Tonight I have the first session of the Sun Run Walking clinic.

Life Back at Work

Well it has happened. In December, I received an offer to work as the Executive Director for the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. I am now part way through my first week earning a pay cheque again.

I have always thought that I needed to do something to encourage others in their stroke recovery. Well I believe that this job is where I am meant to be at the moment. This job is the closest thing I can be doing to encourage and still being getting paid. There is a lot to do but I think I have a good background for moving the Association forward and enhancing the opportunities for stroke survivors.

Today was also pretty exciting because my Olympic torch bearer's uniform arrived today in the mail. I think this is going to be an incredible opportunity to raise awareness about stroke survivors in the local and international arenas.

Next Step in Life's Journey

Well it has been an interesting finish to the year. I have been ready to go back to work for a few months now, but have been unable to find full time work in my selected field. It has been a struggle but I have kept active in volunteering for various organizations. On Friday I got the call I had been waiting for offering me a job. In January i will be the Executive Director for the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. I didn't actually go looking for this position because it is somewhat out of my comfort zone. However, I have long felt I need to use my recovery as an example to others. There are many people who need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Rather than a dark hole they are sliding into. I have been granted an incredible opportunity to influence not only people's outlook on rehabilitation but also program delivery in the province. This is an exciting time in the province with stroke care and I am looking forward to helping improve the opportunities for stroke survivors.

A Place at the Table

I was at Mt Seymour United church this morning and listened to a very interesting message as well as a great choir performance. Regardless of the controversy within religious circles, the United church stands proudly and significantly for inclusion of all colors, beliefs, creeds and sexual orientations. Although I have my own beliefs on some things, the church stands and welcomes all to the table. This invitation is often not presented to those with disabilities. Mt Seymour United church in particular needs support to carry on this message. Not everyone believes it is necessary to go to church to display their spirituality and Christian ways of living their lives. I don't deem to be a judge of people on that issue either. I have felt as much spirituality deep into a trail run. However, the movement away from regular attendance at church is challenging the finances of the church. Mt Seymour United delivers a great message that some people need to hear. Think of supporting them as a charitable donation although physical presence and volunteering has virtues all their own. I challenge you to help me help out this valuable organization.

Can't be great? Have a great team

On Labour Day I competed in the Vancouver Triathlon in the relay category with two other members of the NS Tri Club. I had a great team with a very fast swimmer to give me a lead and a great runner to bring us home. I was the weak link in a potentially winning team, however, I warned them up front. I did the 40 km bike leg consisting of 4 loops of the Stanley Park road. So I climbed up to Prospect Point 4 times but I also got a fast downhill run down the back side 4 times. Had incredible support from friends and family and lots of fun even though the road was very wet from the overnight rain. Now if only they will change the rule so I don't have to ask permission each time.

Power of Support & Positive Thought

This past weekend I was in Penticton to cheer on a friend of mine who was undertaking his first Ironman event. For those unaware, the Ironman consists of a 4 km swim followed by an 180 km cycle followed by a 42 km run. This is all done consecutively and must be completed in under 17 hours. This is an awesome undertaking and completion justifies the title. My friend did complete in 12 hours and 42 minutes. Another member of the club finished after 16 hours and forty minutes - 20 minutes under the cut-off of midnight after which you are not considered to have been an official finisher.

One of the curious hings I noticed about this event is how people responded to positive encouragement. We positioned ourselves along the 2 mile out and back finishing chute. It amazed me to see people who were having to walk on the outbound leg after positive encouragement were running on the return leg. Granted they could now see the finish line, however, the response achieved from positive mental energy from people who were 223 km into their event was astonishing. The positive mental imaging clearly empowered these people to overcome their fatigue and finish strongly. This kind of power needs to be remembered when facing challenges.

Epilogue

I was worried when I started this endeavour that I would have troubles in camp and concerned about the non-riding stuff. Danelle, her staff and the other participants helped me out tremendously and I needn't have worried. This was another situation where most of the participants were blown away that I was able to ride the mileage that I did. Everyone I talked to had someone they knew ho was struggling with something and they all said they were going to tell my story when they saw those people again. Many said they wouldn't be accpting excuses anymore.

Strangely enough I was never that worried about the cycling. Yes it was a huge challenge for me particularly seeing where my rehab started. However, the cycling was in my comfort space and it was simply a question of how far would my body let me go. I was pleasantly surprised to ride 143 km and follow that up the next day with 134 km. My weak leg has actually improved over the week of riding. But learning comes from repitition and how many revolutions are there in 800 kms.

I know that my story is having an impact. I am trying to figure out how to keep that moving forward for others to motivate them to make their own challenges. What's next? I have to convince an employer that I am worth the risk. Next activity is doing the cycle leg of the Vancouver triathlon with a yet-to-be determined relay team.

Oh yeah, currently the fund raising total is about $2,000 with several possible contributions still up in the air. Less than I had hoped for with a $15,000 goal but I still have a few ideas yet.