swissletFunny couple of days with the #MS. Did a 5k time trial on the rowing machines at rate 28. Felt okay, and I kept the rate alright (which I wouldn’t have been able to do last year)… but I was about 30 seconds slower than last month. Oh well. Today, I was coaching at the track. I don’t do the session, but I do trot around to offer coaching at strategic points. Today, it felt hard. My legs don’t want to work. I’m generally very philosophical and positive about this, but it’s fucking hard.
Thayer
scribblans@swisslet Getting (and staying) fit with MS is bloody hard and frustrating sometimes, but I keep trying, and evidently you are too.
Keep on keeping on! 💪
I haven't tried a rowing machine but I suspect I could do it... I have done some kayaking. Most sitting down things are OK, it's anything standing and with balancing I can't do for long.
@scribblanitea yeah. I had to stop trying to run marathons during lockdown. I was falling over & hurting myself. 5k at a painful plod is as much as I can manage. I took up rowing and it’s been great: I can’t fall over and it’s great for glutes and core. My lack of balance isn’t great, but my crew mates have been so supportive. I’m accepting & try to do as much as I can without mourning too much what I’ve lost. But some days it’s hard.
Do try rowing. I’ve made some wonderful friends.
Do try rowing. I’ve made some wonderful friends.
@swisslet Cycling is my exercise of choice. It is utterly weird how I find it hard to walk unless I have my stick (I can't run really... well, only a few strides before some slapstick style hilarity ensues)) but I can pedal fine. Indoor bike mounted on a trainer, or getting out and about in the lanes if I'm confident I am alert enough to be safe.
In my area it would be gig rowing in the open sea rather than any nice flattish lakes!
@scribblanitea that sounds great. I confuse people when I walk with a stick (I now have several). I’m pretty active and it challenges preconceptions. I once had to run for the bus holding it. The driver waited, and everyone on the bus (including me) was very confused about what had just happened as I sat down in the only available seat, which was for people with limited mobility.
Steve GisselbrechtOh man I am so sorry. It's legit inspiring to see how open you are about your struggles and how generally upbeat you remain in the face of them, but you shouldn't have to be an inspirational figure. I'd much rather you could just be some dude, you know?
@stevegis_ssg thanks Steve. Appreciate it. I get a bit confused when people say stuff like this. I can’t see how else to live my life: striving to move forwards and not look back at what’s gone. It seems weird to me that this is unusual. One of the things I love about rowing in general and my crew in particular is that they don’t treat me differently, but will always offer me a hand when I need one. I’m still able to perform to reasonable level, but if that changes, I don’t think I’ll stop!
@stevegis_ssg ….I’m still running, after all. Just not as far or as fast. Even a 5k is a minor triumph and should be celebrated! If you can’t take joy out of life, what’s the point?