Since the start of my training I have walked quite some kilometres. I lost my way, I had arguments with my girlfriend, I felt like an idiot, I was happy, I had 2 weeks off which was ordered by my Fysio, I was proud of myself… and so on. I think I went through quite some stages of emotion.
The worst training was a couple of weeks ago. It was cold, I wasn’t prepared for that and the cold caused severe muscle pain. It got to the point that I literally had to stop every 2km and walked like I just broke both my legs. I had to call Carolien to pick me up 5 km earlier than planned. That night and the next day were the worst days. This was also the first moment when I thought: “This is what it’s going to be like”.
The best training was a week later when I walked 35km and was literally running to the finish. I made it, and with little pain.
And then yesterday happened. All of a sudden an old injury started playing up (it happens when I lift my foot. My muscles refuse to lift my foot and just hurts like hell) but… I kept on walking and finished.
In the past 12 weeks there have been moments when I thought : “This is it! Screw this” but I kept on going. Mind over Body. And once I actually had to stop because it was impossible to go on. So I am happy to know that I have the ability to “force” myself through the pain.
However, whatever I go through, pain, failure , my worst moments are temporarily.
What helped a lot were all the Facebook & Twitter messages I receive from you guys, the motivation, the sharing and the private messages I receive. People sharing their story and what they’ve experienced with Alzheimer. Those are the things I think off when I’ve had enough (and just went to through a hissy fit). Because these stories have really touched me over the last few weeks. So I want to thank you for sharing your stories with me. And thank you for all the motivating messages on Facebook/Twitter.
The more I learn about Alzheimer, the more Youtube films I see, the more personal messages I read and hear, the more I get pushed to complete the next training walk and complete the 100km. But I also think more and more “I hope I or my girlfriend won’t get Alzheimer”, there are moments when that thought seriously frightens me. Because it is such a horrendous disease. Too little is known about Alzheimer yet. It’s not just a disease where you become a bit forgetful, it changes everything. And worse, it does not get better, but it only goes downhill. There is no pill to take to cure it. It frightens the shit out of me.
I have tremendous respect for anybody who is going through this, family, friends, caretakers. I take my hat off for you and thank YOU for your support, sharing your story and taking time out to support me in this.
If you want to see for yourself what Alzheimer actually does to a person, have a look at these films on the Alzheimer Nederland Youtube page. Meet the married couple Stoffers and watch their journey.
I also met with Alzheimer Nederland last week. To find out more about what they do and how they work. My mind was blown. I came out of that meeting with a huge smile and huge motivation. Because they do awesome things and they have awesome people working for them.
I went with Kim. Kim does all the PR and marketing for me. She just took it upon her to help me, for free, for nothing. And she does an amazing job. Thanks to her, I now have a freaking awesome FB page. And that makes me smile. All that support makes me smile and happy.
I’ve already said this, but once more : Thank you!
