What a busy month it has been completing the Superheroes At Home Summer Challenge!
Alongside my fellow Active Essex, Essex All Together Ambassadors Billy and Donna we have been virtually travelling around the world as part of #Team Ironman in a bid to inspire, promote, deliver and support those with long-term health conditions and disabilities to access sports and physical activities.
For the final week, my focus has been firmly on building on the foundations of the first three weeks. Looking at ways to remain active which include my physiotherapy, Mobilates sessions, getting out in nature and also looking after my mental health. Trying to rest and recharge where possible and finding new ways to increase my step count.
I am proud of the fact that I have met my goal which was to achieve 10,000 steps each day throughout the challenge. I cannot thank those who have helped me along the way enough. Special thanks go to my Mum Sheila for being my sidekick every day. Supporting and encouraging me to keep moving despite health and life challenges.
At times I have had the help of some additional amazing sidekicks to give my total an extra boost. Thank you to the Mobilates team. To Leanne, Kerry and Callie for always being there when I click the meeting link to every single pilates class or togetherness session. For providing me with love, support and adaptations that enable me to complete each session. Focusing on what I can do and not my limitations. To the wider ‘Mob’ for supporting and encouraging me and especially the ‘Walk Fit' gang for helping me add some extra KM’s over the last few weeks.
We have completed many walks along the way, making use of the accessible slopes giving me wheelchair access to the seafront. Some days Flags cafe has served as a perfect pit stop for us, other walkers, dogs and tourists. Lesley and the team provide a great sanctuary for rest, some chat with friends and a support to mental health as we listen to the waves and observe the local wildlife whilst also enjoying dog and people watching — all while enjoying the great refreshments on offer.
Some days out have provided some unexpected levels of activity and a much-needed break. Colchester Zoo is the most surprising — generating over 16,000 steps!
At work, I have experienced my first Forrest school and walked the school playing fields with some inspiring young people. I’ve worked with many young gymnasts who show up full of love and energy for the sport of gymnastics each week and make me smile with their dedication and determination to succeed and progress, whilst having fun.
We’ve crafted with the residents of Ridgewell House and been delighted and proud of their achievements. Seeing their hand-eye coordination improve alongside their fine and gross motor skills. Their confidence has grown and we have some great chats and laughs along the way.
At night I’ve utilised sleep meditations to help me relax and switch off my brain, trying to battle against the restless mind, anxiety and pain that challenges my ability to rest.
In total, we have contributed nearly 500 KM’s to #TeamIronman and hopefully inspired many other disabled people to get active in their own ways.
Living with health conditions and disabilities can be so challenging and finding what’s right for you is a very unique experience that you need to go through. Living with EDS, Addison’s Disease, a Neurological Movement Disorder, Psychosis and the resulting Chronic Pain and Fatigue can be a battle.
However, being active can really help and with the support of my medical team, family and friends they make it possible for me to find balance and activities that I can access. I don’t always get it right and sometimes I need to take a step back before going forward. But there is always something that I can do whether that is active movement or active rest. Our bodies need both and that's something that I have only learnt in recent times.
Remember the mantra that Billy, Donna and I have created on our way:
“You find your superpower when you find your active”
This brings together both the message from the Superheroes challenge and the Find Your Active and Essex All Together Campaigns in Essex. There are just so many ways to be active and this doesn’t have to involve formalised sport and activity. Moving at home, in your garden, local community and at various attractions and parks are great ways to get started.
To find out more about what activities are available in Essex click the link below:
To access Mobilates — an accessible pilates provider click the link below:
For more information on future Superheroes challenges including the Triathlon and Winter Wonder Wheels challenge click the link below:
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