Daryl

Hi, Daryl. I have experienced a major stroke. However, I am physically very well (the brain is injured but the body is good.) I have an Exercise Physiology background and am happy to assist you with your goal. I am also a trained health coach and can assist with your goal setting, especially with this goal. 

where are you in Victoria? I am in Port Melbourne. I cam also assist quite well over the phone. 

let me know if you would like some support and I will send you my number. Take care. Theresa

I am located in Brookfield (suburb of Melton - 38 KM west of Melbourne).

Unfortunately my stroke impacted me in several different ways. 

Mine was a left-sided stroke that's affected the right-hand side of my body and I ended up getting aphasia as well.

It's pretty bad when you can't spell any more, have to use Dragon speech to text and to communicate effectively.

It would be good if you send your phone number Theresa.

regards

Daryl

Hi Daryl,

You're on the right track! I had my stroke when I was 54, and am now 62. Slowly I have worked up my looong walks, and eventually jogging. So I don't know if you actually mean running, but in earlier years I used to have spurts of running, but was never that good an athlete. However now at my age, things are slowing down even further. Nevertheless I jog 4 laps of a standard footy oval every weekday, and then walk another ~ 14,000 steps to have minimum 21,500 steps total every weekday.

But several pointers if it applies to you, because each persons stroke is different.

1) Go easy on yourself,

2) timing yourself to get better is good, but go easy on yourself nevertheless,

3) have good shoes, and good track shorts, t-shirt. I used to have an ordinary check flannel shirt, but in the summers it caused embarrassing chafing to my nipples. Yes, I'm a male. I now wear proper wind blocking $10 to $20 t-shirt you can get at k-mart or target. Shorts aren't too important to me, but probably not really worn with holes in them, and wear briefs beneath them. Shoes, well you have to look after your feet. So you can jog barefoot, or in dress shoes, or flip flops, but your muscles and under your feet will not hate you if you get something fitting and comfortable. I have been there, so avoid my mistakes.

4) I would suggest a footy oval, or similar sports ground, where you don't have to risk running into or being run over by another sports person. That is do it when there isn't a match about. Ordinary footpaths and road asphalt is harsh on the ankle, knees, hips etc. Plus traffic of other pedestrians, prams, cars, trucks, etc.

5) Jog in good weather. I have jogged in rainy weather, where the puddles would be covered by grass, and you don't know how far the splash is going to go. So aside from cold sodden feet and legs you will also ruin your expensive shoes stitching, gluing etc.

6) Back to item 1) Go easy on yourself. Take whole week or more to go faster and or longer. There is no hurry! You're not racing against anybody but out to give your legs and lungs a work out!

7) Enjoy your jogs and warm showers after your jog! :-)

There are some great comments and advice here - Thanks all!