Here's a quick run down of the different stages the walk is split into.  If you fancy joining me on any then just give me a shout!

I can’t quite believe that it’s already two years since I received my diagnosis of heart failure, yet in other ways it’s hard to imagine life any other way now. I remember the shock of being told I had this condition and not having a clue what it meant, but I also look back at all I have learnt since and all the changes I’ve made since that day. Yes, there are things I miss about the old me, like my ability to be out socially for more than a couple of hours on an evening before needing to come home and go to sleep. But then I also look at all the new things I’m doing that I really enjoy. Obviously there is the big one, running, which I never thought I’d be doing, and all the health care related services I’ve become involved in (giving something back to the NHS and beyond) but also things I’ve rediscovered like hiking.

Where does the time go? Easter already and it’s been nearly 8 months since I last posted. Life has been busy with so many things going on both with work and more enjoyable things (although I love my job and am extremely lucky to have a good job that gives me flexibility).

So, today is the big one.  A year since my diagnosis. Many people wouldn't want to think about it but for me it's a happy day.  Hell I'm still here for one and I'm not feeling too bad at all, so why not celebrate?

Yes, it's a Happy Anniversary to me! A year ago today I stopped smoking and haven't looked back once.  I'd wanted to give up for quite a few years and had various failed attempts, some lasting a few days, some a few months but I'd never really felt like a non smoker. This time it's different.  I really do not want to smoke and haven't since waking up on the 29th July 2016.

So, it's been a while since my last post and things have been busy.  I've been keeping my running up but am having problems with my right knee meaning it seizes up when it's immobile for any time especially for a few days after a longish run. Pretty sure it's just while I'm building muscle up in my legs so no way will it get in the way.  I've also managed to damage my rotator cuff (muscles in the shoulder joint) so am having to do daily weight exercises to build up muscle and keep it flexible.  It bloody hurts at times but far better than it was when I first saw the physio.