4 months out of hospital - It feels like years ago now - The photos are a reminder of where I was only 4 months ago - Doing my physio in garden my heart rate was 130 just walking

10/23/2010

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4 months ago
4 months and it feels like 4 years in some ways, I have learned alot about the mind, body and heart over the last 4 months. Going from not been able to walk or use my left arm to leg pressing 220kg and biking for 60min at 280 watts all after only 11weeks off walking sticks.
What I have learned is that if you desire something and dream about it, if its meant to happen it will. Approach life with a passion from your heart and work hard for everything and its amazing what the human body can achieve. 
In my case having the best support around is amazing and this week I pushed very hard and achieved lots. It just showed my that my desire was so high to get it I worked hard and the reward was more progress
Big thanks to Andrew my physio at moment for pushing the SAQ drills, we had great fun and the progress was just fantastic feeling.....
Still long way to go but I know how much this means to me and nothing will hold me back......... dream about your goals and train/work hard and you will get there... 

Click on the photos to enlarge.
Video of me squatting - nothing was going to hold me back, it might not be much, but it is a start and thats all I need. I would use the wall as my guide, the lower I got the stronger I new I was getting. It is hard to put into words what it feels like to have it all in terms of strength and then loose it all. I had at one point been a very powerful athlete, and now I cant even squat down. people look at you differently and seeing yourself in the mirror is hard. This is truly a test of character, not just physical
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My 1st MRI scan to check all is ok

10/20/2010

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Chile 2007 - A view that I took for granted
This was one of the most nervous days I have had in my life I could not sleep last night and was sick at 3am with nerves. Back in the MRI in Oxford for first set of scans then the contrast goes in arm and back in machine for 2nd round.... Its funny before surgery, scans didnt scare me, but today I was very scared..
When I got out I almost felt a tear in my eye as I was back in the hospital and all memories came back. Now got to wait till I get results. Have put it to back of mind now and back in rehab tomorrow......
Did make me reflect lots on where I have come from, Not been able to walk of use left arm, doing this blog by lifting my left arm up to key pad and using one finger... Its been long road and hard one but I am so happy with where I have got to with all the support..... All most feel like athlete agian 
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South Florida

10/17/2010

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My back garden
This was a much needed holiday and huge thanks to Carlos at the Hilton in Fort Lauderdale for the room, The hotel was out of this world and days by the pool helped my body recover so much.  I made some great friends out there and Even ended up in a Dojo on the mat watching Mixed martial arts which was amaizng and brought back lots of great memories, Thanks to the Kaizen MIXED MARTIAL ARTS club in Fort Lauderdale 

Football became my new sport and am torn between my new mate Tonys team the Ravens and Shari Team the Broncos but am going with the Broncos, sorry Tony!!! Also reading a book from Karl Mecklenburg the Broncos ledgend who signed a copy for me, thank you Lesley for getting that for me...

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My pool
Real great holiday and gave me time to reflect on this year with the surgery now only 4 months ago and how its inpacted my life. I have learned one real important lesson and thats to live for the moment and the now, dont hold onto the past just learn from it, and dont worry and stress about the future, if you work hard you will find your way...... 

Photos - View from my room, thanks Carlos the Hilton in Fort Lauderdale is amazing and the pool mmmmm just perfect..

Beach life - felt so great for the body and thanks Shari for showing me all the best places 
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British Olympic medical Centre week 8 of training - surgery feels so long ago but only been out of hospital few months

10/01/2010

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The Olympic rehab unit
Top week of training and sort of feel like an athlete again, what a great feeling. Those guys there are amazing and keep pushing me forward. Without them I would never be this far on. Having the support of all the EIS guys at bisham and OMI support, I am miles ahead of where I would have been on my own.. BIG THANK YOU GUYS :)
The Video below is from today's training with Ben and Rachel in OMI.... great session and in bits tonight!!!
Leg pressing 220kg which is not bad after it was only the 9th week off walking sticks..... 
These sessions we hard work, but been in an environment where you know is safe and you have the best experts on hand you can push your body further than you would on your own. It shows that having a support system in place works.

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