Under the weather | Heart attack waiting to happen

We often joke about the need for a rest to recover from a holiday, but that seems to be exactly the case for me today. Having had a fun, active few days, we fought our way through the Friday traffic and arrived home late yesterday afternoon.

I was excited about the prospect of getting out on my bike this morning, the first time since last weekend, While we were away I got out on the mountain bike regularly, but it was primarily for transport rather than for exercise. I’m building towards the Euro City Cycle, but I figured a few days away from the road bike might do me good. Instead, I got my focused exercise for the week in the gym.

It looks like I’m not the only one that’s struggling with the pace!

I awoke to a very blustery morning. Unfortunately the day seemed to have a lot more energy than I did. I felt flat, deflated, pooped. The intention had been to do a hilly 60 mile ride, but I quickly reconsidered my plans. Given the lack of any specific ailment I decided to get on the Turbo Trainer instead. It didn’t take long for my decision to be vindicated… I felt weak, empty, and tired quickly.

Pre-Heart Attack, I would have just considered myself to be “knackered” and prescribed rest. So that’s just what I’ve done. Hopefully I’ll have more of a spring in my step tomorrow.

***

Fortunately I have “The Masters” to keep me occupied over the weekend. It’s probably my favourite sporting event of the year. I think it’s partly because it’s such a contrast to life here. It’s idyllic, alien even, in comparison with winter in the North East of Scotland. The colours are so vivid, the grass perfect, and the weather generally beautiful (in fact I feel somehow cheated when it’s less than perfect).

The exclusivity of the course also adds to the appeal. There are few people that have picked up a golf club that haven’t dreamt of playing a round at Augusta. Even just hitting a tee shot at the 12th hole would be a thrill.

Of course, I also enjoy the golf. There are always so many twists and turns to the event, so many trials and tribulations. There’s something satisfying about professionals at the top of their games battling the course, each other, and occasionally even fighting to avoid embarrassment!

I think psychologically “The Masters” also represents the promise of better things… warmth, fresh air and sunshine. We can but dream! Enjoy!

I’ve realised that I have a tendency to write about days when I’m not feeling great. Sorry! I guess it’s a way of sharing my thoughts… I am still very much in the “coming to terms” phase of being a Heart Attack Survivor. There are a lot of new things that go with it; medication, dietary control, regular exercise, anxieties (my own and other people’s) etc. etc. I guess illness is one of the more worrying!

Well, I’m pleased to report that for the past few days I’ve been feeling good! I feel like I’ve fully recovered from whatever was hanging over me. All signs of malaise and tiredness have gone. All is good with the world!

I guess one of the reasons feeling under the weather is newsworthy is that I’ve been feeling good most of the time since I left hospital. I recognise that’s a good thing… just not newsworthy.

I did a couple of good rides over the weekend. Having struggled during exercise generally last week, it was great to get back in the saddle and resume my training.

On Saturday we went over 25 miles for the first time. There’s a long way to get up to the distances I’ll need to cover during my Charity Ride, but it feels more doable now, particularly as my recovery is getting much faster as well.

***

This week sees my first business trip since the Heart Attack. In fact, I’m sitting in my hotel room as I speak, having successfully negotiated the tricky drive from Manchester to Lancaster. The drive was built up as a potentially treacherous route (people have been known to go missing for days attempting it), but it turned out to be fairly straightforward.

Travel has been a feature of my work life for as long as I can remember. This trip requires a short return flight and two nights away. Absolutely run of the mill under normal circumstances, but normal circumstances went out of the window a while ago! So it’ll be good to get it out of the way. Another “first” ticked off the list!

Not today’s destination I’m afraid…
maybe next time!

I’m also pleased to report that my Stents do not set the Security Alarms off at the Airport (at least not on this occasion!). Another relief! Happy days! 🙂