Blogg Twenty Four
17th - 22nd August
17th August
So today I did some art!
Working with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board with community and staff to brighten up the field hospital and as a place people can come and relax, do art if they want or just relax.
A much more holistic form of healthcare and social contact which I think Covid has proved we need. We are also building garden furniture and spaces to relax in for community and staff and patients if the hospital is ever needed (it is going to be a step down not an ITU). In fact we have so many ideas and are welcoming more.
Just such a good idea from the team there. And I had the best time today. When else do I even get a chance to try art? And what you want to try is your choice — anything seems to go - even if it is a piece of elm wood that was cut down. I was worried about the freedom and whether I could do it but loved every second.
If anyone wants to come and join us message me and I’ll given you the email address to book when you want to come (just so we can keep groups small). You don’t have to be NHS staff.
We are also lacking materials so if anyone has any paints (emulsion, watercolour, acrylic), materials (any form of media to paint on - we have been using mdf but anything), paint brushes etc and any other materials (cable reels, wood - anything) we would be very grateful. Or if anyone can direct us to any business that might be able to help please let me know. Apparently B&Q might be a possibility?
August 18, 2020, 10:02 AM
Lovely run with friends :)
TimeDistanceElevation52m 44s4.13 mi99.74 ft
What a day - absolutely shattered but happy
Met some new friends from the online running club and went for a run and a coffee. Just brilliant and so enjoyed it - thanks to Louise Michele and her daughter. Then did another 5 miles to make up my run.
Then took some Paints down to the field hospital and Chris came too and is going to volunteee to try and develop CERI the Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB staff group Covid bot.
Finally a walk to the gym for a short 500m swim and a walk back to Bridgend. This not driving is going to get me so fit - or work out - but I guess it’s good for me!!
Finishing my tempo run from this morning
TimeDistanceElevation1h 33m5.17 mi131.23 ft
Evening Swim in the sea
TimeDistanceElevation21m 27s0.31 mi0 ft
August 19, 2020, 12:35 PM
Easy 6 miles
Meant to be easy - anything but. The air is clearly made of treacle today as every step was hard!!
TimeDistanceElevation1h 15m6.03 mi148.95 ft
Swimming again (did run 10k earlier), remembered a towel this time and met someone else running the marathon, I’m loving the gyms being open again
And yes of course my weird towel robe thing is pink!!
August 20
So today I met my parents before the first time since February, because of working and coaching I have been staying away from them as they are both very at risk from Covid.
Having had a negative swab test this week and another positive antibody test, I kept over 2m away from all it was really safe. And we met outside at the most lovely place in Bristol. It was beautiful weather.
On the one hand it was so so lovely to see them. I’ve missed them so much and am so lucky that they have so far come through this ok.
On the other hand 2m felt harder than 100 miles. All I wanted to do was hug and cuddle them, but I couldn’t. A stark reality that so much has changed, so much time has been lost.
I thought I had handled everything about lockdown so well, and was bouncing back really fast despite the issues that everyone has faced over lockdown. I know I no different to anyone else on that. But today something which should have been so positive, seems to have brought the whole pack of cards crashing down around me.
It’s probably just my stupid (and confirmed odd!) brain - Just hoping a long run tomorrow will sort it all back to normal.
August 21, 2020, 10:08 AM
Long run
Omg that hurt! Started tired and got no better. But did it - slow and just hoping marathon will be quicker but maybe not.
TimeDistanceElevation4h 14m20.02 mi902.22 ft
So today was long run day. 20 miles.
Having worked an HCA night shift I was somewhat tired hence the slow time, it got round it. Only fell twice and my watch didn’t call the flashing taxis so was happy with that!!
Then had a fantastic call with Royal Free Charity and Heather the Epilepsy Lead to sort out some of how I’m going to do the virtual VLM and to hear more about the app. My target is now £10,000 as I have till next October to do the real marathon, the real cycle and the serpentine swim. So having done the virtual cycle along the welsh coast path, for the virtual VLM I am going to run round the Royal Free hospital sites (moaning all the way clearly!!) so if you are in London and want to come and run or walk a little with me, or say hi, or wave a collecting bucket or just wave a bottle of gin in front of me to motivate we would love to see you.
Thanks to Sports Direct sale I now have a VLM t shirt in my favourite colour!
And then this evening I got back on a trampoline. Massive thanks to Robin for keeping me safe, but so far no issues with falling out of the sky!! Felt so good to be jumping again.
The only downside of today was hearing that the Serpentine Swim has been cancelled for 2020, but more time to train for next year
Anyway, please please sponsor me and persuade anyone else you can to. I so want to get this app up and running and we are so close. It will make such a difference to everyone with epilepsy.
August 22, 2020, 10:55 AM
Morning Ride - exercise bike, pilates and swim. I have so missed being back in the gym :)
TimeDistanceElevation38m 50s0.00 mi0 ft