September is the start of a new year as far as I’m concerned. I’ve just had my birthday, the season is changing, schools are returning so lots of change going on. And there’s not the same pressure for goals and resolutions as there is in January.
So starting on the 1st September my new year resolve is to get myself in better shape, both physically and mentally. I’ve come a long way in the last 18 months but I need to start a new chapter and make some improvements.
I saw a great quote yesterday:
“If you don’t make time for your wellness,
you will be forced to make time for your illness”
So here’s a little bit of a back story to explain why this is so important to me…
I started running when I was thirteen. It was the 70s and not many people were part of that group. Joining the local running club gave me new friends and a healthy social life. Running became an important part of my life and continued to be so over the years.
I ‘identified’ with being a runner even before it was popular.
So in 2018 when I started to have ‘niggles’ with my lower back it was irritating but it didn’t stop me running. In fact I tried to train through it so I did more miles not less.
By December 2018 I was getting a weird ‘locking’ sensation in my back. Not when I was running, only when I walked.
By January 2019 it was getting worse, and I started getting nerve spikes and spasms. A confident chiropractor didn’t help it. Massage didn’t help it. Core exercises didn’t help. I had to stop running.
For February half term we’d booked a trip to New York. I spent the first day on crutches. And then, when it became obvious that wasn’t helping, we hired a wheelchair.
It wasn’t how I imagined our trip would turn out. I put on a brave face, made the most of it and at least it meant I wasn’t holding my family back. And, it gave me a small glimpse and insight into some of the problems and prejudices someone in a wheelchair has to deal with.
I’m not going to dwell on my ups and downs. At least not now. Let’s just say that 18 months later I’m still not where I’d like to be. At times I don’t think I ever will be. Which is why I’ve decided to set myself this new challenge. And I’m posting it here to keep me motivated to do it.
If you’ve been or are in a similar position I’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments below.
Oh, and a Happy New Year!