Busy Spring and Fun Run

I'm back!  March, April and now May have been busy months and it should be time to try and have a little rest before we go off to visit family in London and also the Chelsea Flower Show.

I have continued to try and keep attending the Chairobics class, but the infection that I had around February left me very debilitated and so I had to temporarily suspend these sessions. If I get poorly I have to firstly recover and get better and then move up a second gear to get to where I was previously, in effect working twice as hard to recover. This is somewhat frustrating, but I have learnt that it is all part of how I now am after the stroke.

March was the month for the annual cricket club trip and this year it was to Ljubljana, Slovenia. The party was large this year with 30 people, so I had plenty of minders!
Three day trips had been included and the country did not disappoint, stunning scenery, friendly people and very clean. The weather was glorious, sunny and warm all week and a one local informed us was "freak" for the time of year.
We visited Lake Bled, Piran & Portoroz and Postojnska Caves, the remainder of the time was spent discovering Ljubljana. A trip which was very memorable. On our last day I was helped to the top of the tower at Ljubljana Castle, which was accessed by a spiral staircase. This proved to be a step too far and I heard a cracking sound, unfortunately I had damaged one of my knees, which required treatment on our return.

Lake Bled

 

Portoroz

Ljubljana

Favourite Street

 

 The statue was covered one day when it was a Bank Holiday - possibly a Holy Day - we are not sure.

During April I hosted my annual coffee morning for Stroke, the support was incredible this year and the money that was raised went directly to assist the running of local Stroke support groups.

The, last Sunday, 4 days ago, I took part in our local Fun Run.  The idea started off as a personal challenge to myself, but people said that I should consider being sponsored. A friend offered to walk with me as did my husband. So the day arrived and I was pleased that I could take part and raise the awareness of Stroke in the Stroke Association's "Action on Stroke" month.

In the garden - Pre-Race

 I had a lot of support during the run and it was quite funny that when I was on my outward stretch the first runners were passing us on their way back, but the youngsters were big hearted in their encouragement. The weather was good during the run, sunny but not too hot and this was welcome after standing on the start line in a very heavy rain shower.

I use the word run - but I actually walked the 2.5miles course in just slightly over one hour.
When we reached the last Marshall she escorted us back to the school field and had even arranged for the man on the P.A. to mention that I had arrived. People were clapping on the last stretch and I was overjoyed that I had finished. Even yougsters were standing at the "crowd barrier" clapping and shouting "Well done".

Entering the field on our way back

Getting nearer the end line

And nearer . . 

Hurrah!  (Husband and friend let me finish before them!)

My running shoes are now hung up! I have been totally overwhelmed and humbled by the level of support that I have received. The donations that have been received means that the Stroke Association can carry on their research into prevention, treatment and better methods of rehabilitation and also assist stroke patients annd their families.

What began as an idea gathered momentum and I have been lucky to have been able to have taken part and raised the awareness of Stroke. I have had to learn to walk again and after almost 5 years my recovery is still continuing. I still have some way to go yet, but with determination and focus who knows what can  be achieved.