Recharge Adventures- Salt Therapy

So I’m writing this in the middle of my second round of salt therapy treatment- my first was this morning and I absolutely loved the shit out of it!

So what is salt therapy treatment you ask?

Well, I’ll do my best to describe it. Basically you enter a sealed chamber (see attached videos photos), and you get to relax in said chamber that has salt covered floors, comfy chairs to recline in and salt air also pumping out through vents from the top of the room.

Now this session they’ve dimmed the lights even darker then the last one so I’m hoping I don’t fall off to sleep- I read a magazine or two in the last session, before being it as an enforced disconnection time and mostly did so (apart from the other people whose phones kept pinging). At least this session there’s only one other and we’re both in a state of relaxed contentment, sitting with our thoughts and zoning out.

Soon after this will be the twilight hot springs and I’ve been told it looks to be a quiet session.

Recharge Adventures- The Trip to Warrnambool

I’n on my way!

Surprisingly, the train left on time- praise the Jeebus!- and I’m on my way down to the ‘Bool by Vline- a train similar to the one in the picture above!

What is noticable- and to be fair it’s been a while since I’ve done a long distance train trip pretty much anywhere!- is that with the declassification of First Class on the loco hauled services, how much fuller the carriage is. Now maybe I’m just imagining it, but in the past the first class carriage wasn’t too bad; it was a small haven to avoid the bogans and from the looks of some of the passengers on the platform at Southern Cross there’s a quite a few bogans on this service! Now to be fair this carriage is mostly bogan free- mostly old people and one or two “unique: characters”, but it’s proper full. At this stage I have my little two seat bay to myself and I’m hoping it stays that way!

The “buffett” opens after our departure from Geelong- I’m writing this between Tarneit and Wyndham Vale but before rejoining thet main line through to Geelong- so hopefully I can the meat pie combo- for a public transport service the meat pie is very yummy even if they charge for condiments! Talk about irony considering I’ve done the XPT MElbourne<> Sydney a few times and they’re catered for by Gate Gourmet!

Read into that what you will!

Time To Recharge

So I’ve got a about two and a half weeks off from work, so that means it’s time to recharge.

What does that entail you may ask?

• A couple of days at a hot springs resort in Warrnambool

• A fun walk

• Working on my fitness/exercise programs

• Training

• Reading

• More writing

I’m looking forward to recharging my batteries and soon I’ll be back and fighting to continue to get better.

Progress

Making progress towards your goals is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. But sometimes, it can be frustrating when you feel like you're moving too slow. It's easy to get discouraged and lose motivation when you're not seeing results as fast as you'd like. However, slow progress is still progress, and it should be celebrated.

For many people, making slow progress in the right direction can be challenging. However, it is essential to keep in mind that any step towards your goal is still a step in the right direction. It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate every little milestone that you attain on the journey towards success.

The key to making slow progress is persistence and consistency. It would help if you had the commitment to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you're not making any headway. Persistence and consistency are the foundational blocks of progress. Keep chipping away at your goals, and eventually, you will see the fruits of your labor.

Another aspect to consider is having patience. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your goals be achieved overnight. Remember, slow progress is still progress, and as long as you are taking steps in the right direction, you are on the right path.

Lastly, celebrate the small victories along the way. Every small win is a testament to your hard work and dedication. Whether it's losing a pound or hitting a revenue milestone, take time to acknowledge your achievements and use them as fuel to keep going.

In conclusion, making slow progress in the right direction is still progress. Be persistent, consistent, patient, and celebrate every small victory. Keep pushing through, and eventually, you will achieve your goals. Let's keep working hard and take things one day at a time!

A Pivot- yet again

I originally meant to post this about two weeks ago, but things have changed.

In a nutshell my health has pivoted yet again and I’m facing more challenges then I realyl like to.

But I wil lget there- I have things planned and I WILL achieve it.

Let’s hope the latest batch of medication and treatment plan I have got will help!

Medals of Progress

Looking back in the last six months, it seems that despite a few setbacks health wise, I’ve seemed to gain a new addiction.

What is that you’re asking?

My name is Robbie and I’m addicted to taking part in fun walks.

Please explain

Ok so hear me out. Somehow a friend of mine mentioned this and mentioned how they were doing the MS Walk around Albert Park in May 2022. Somehow that motivated me to take part, as I was looking for a challenge- previously I was planning on doing the Stadium Stomp but first that got postponed because of Covid and then life got in the way.

So I ended up focusing on that- it was happening at the end of my annual leave which was perfect timing! I even attempted to do a few practice laps of Albert Park before the big day- a big fail as I tried one up (5km) and bailed on the second; which could have been an ominous sign as I had signed up to do two laps (10kms), with my thinking being “go hard or go home!”

Never mind though- I increased my general walking whenever I could do it wasn’t like I was a total lazy douche canoe, hell when I was in Sydney a few weeks prior to the big day, I ensured I walked everywhere and included doing laps across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of the routine- which isn’t that crazy because the distance across the bridge isn’t that long (about 10 minutes to walk across), and fairly flat (some incline not many), with the hardest part being the steps climbing from the ground below up to the bridge level.

Anyway- signs were looking good I decided to test myself to a stay in the city the night before and the night after the event, to make it easier to get to the event. I took advantage of the hotel infinity pool the day before as well as the gym, to get the last minute gentle workout involved- and I carb loaded the night before by a lovely a pasta at Pellegrini’s.

Before I knew it, the big morning came around and I was mostly excited. Not surprisingly, I did have a bit of anxiety when I got the event and my body reacted in its usual way. But I powered through it and had my eyes on the prize- the accomplishment of achieving something that was bigger then me. I had my fuel consumed and my water ready- I was determined to nail this thing!

And as soon as I took the first steps across the line, it was on like Donkey Kong! I wasn’t at the very front, but neither was I near the end- I was probably a quarter of the way near the start and I was excited!

As I had done a practice attempt, I was aware of the general layout of the path (the walk did a few diversions) so psychologically I knew what to expect- a generally flat track, with landmarks for my brain to associate with progress and progress I did make- I had my headphones on (I can’t remember what I listened to looking back on it), and I was making good times- before I knew it I was almost near the end of lap 1, and got talking to a lovely fellow walker.

And soon it was time to power through to lap 2 and towards the 10km mark- all the whole wondering how awesome this was and how psychologically speaking, it was a hell of a lot easier then my practice attempt!

The weather turned out to be on our side as it was a gloriously sunny day that Melbourne can put on- but only when it wants to! And it was an omen- for soon on my second lap (about the 7.5km mark) I soon found myself actually lapping people!

While I know that’s not important- after all we’re raising money for charity (sadly only one person donated money)- the psychological impact of it was a massive endorphin boost! I couldn’t believe I was actually lapping people- I didn’t think I had it in me but I did!

Soon enough, it was time to pass the finish line and I did- I was mostly happy with my time as while I didn’t have a specific time I wanted to make, I had a rough figure I wanted to achieve and I mostly achieved it- I had aimed to achieve it in 90 minutes (a figure I calculated based on my average time/distance along the St Kilda/Port Melbourne foreshore being 55 minutes at a somewhat comparable distance of circa 6km), and I achieved it in 93.

And with that victory completed I present you the following

The 2022 MS Walk+Run+Roll Medal- a sustainable medal made of wood, that’ll have a special place in my heart

Intermission

So just after this major achievement of mine, I had a massive attack of vertigo which is a symptom of the Meniere's disease- which I was diagnosed with in 2020 (during bloody lockdown!)- and six months on as I write this, I’m not fully recovered from this latest bout, but I do have a target of when I should see an improvement (no surprise I am determined to beat that target!)

Anyway, despite this I had been thinking about taking part in the fun walk part of the Nike Melbourne Marathon- a distance of only 3km, but you end up finishing with a lap of the hollowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground!

Despite the fact that for essentially the entire month of June 2022, I was literally bed ridden due to being unable to have any form of balance, this target was always on the back of my mind- I wanted something to focus on, something positive to work towards for when I got better.

After many sessions with both my GP (who eventually gave me some medicine which helped me regain my balance somehow!), and many sessions working on my balance and gait with my awesome osteopath(!), I decided to say “fuck it” and signed up for the walk- worst case being that I simply didn’t take part, but still raising money for a charity (in this case I chose to fundraise for Minus 18).

And before I knew it it was soon October and nearly time for the walk!

It’s amazing to look back on it and look at how fast July, August and September went by, I found a pattern that would help me; often I would go for a walk in the water at my local beach which helped me regain my balance with resistance from the waves, along with increasing my walks in my local area. I was also attempting to get back into work- a few false starts along the way and a few since then, but on a whole I have found the grove again.

While this was happening, I also had the support of some really awesome and caring people in my life. I’ve always enjoyed getting to know people more- as a writer I love hearing about peoples own stories- and this one person helped me through a really bad spot in my life. So to this person- I say many thanks and I owe you a few cases of beer!

Anyway, the day of the walk soon arrived and I found myself amongst many others at Batman Avenue ready for yet another sunshine filled day of excitement and fundraising- this time I had more people donate to my cause and smashed the fundraising target out of the park!

Thankfully this time I was less nervous and anxious as I now knew what I was doing, plus I was walking to the start line I did see my friend who got me into all of this- so a friendly face is always a good tonic for the nerves!

Start line

Anyway, soon we were off and as per normal, my headphones were in and I was smashing it! A bit more crowded then the MS Walk, Melbourne put on yet another glorious day and soon enough, we were crossing the old Jolimont Rail Yards twice then meandering towards Birrarung Marr, before then heading towards William Barrak Bridge and the mighty G!

The G- it’s getting closer!

At this point I won’t lie and admit to getting excited, for being able to get onto the hollowed turf of the G was a dream of mine! And soon enough I was on it and heading across the finish line in another acceptable time- I had a rough aim of doing the 3km walk in around 30 minutes and I kicked it out of the path in 33 minutes!

Success!

Personal Figures for the 2022 3km Nike Melbourne Marathon Fun Walk

Nike Melbourne Marathon 3km Walk medal

The Home Stretch and The New Start

So with two fun walks done, my mind was running a millions mile an hour and I was determined to find a new challenge.

October and November were passing us buy and sadly I was having more bad days then good in regards to my health, but yet I was determined to always look forward and I knew better days were ahead. except I just didn’t know when (to be fair none of us do, do we?)

Anyway, what was a constant was the fact on my Facebook feed were ads for virtual fitness events called The Conqueror Virtual Fitness Challenges . I kept looking at them, and they kept appealing to me. So one day in early December I decided to say “screw it” and signed up for the first one- the 33km English Channel Challenge. The reason the virtual fitness challenge appealed to me was because you could specify the time frame you wanted to a achieve it in and you don’t have to achieve it in all one go- so you can log a 1km walk one day, a 5km bike ride another day and so on.

So to pace myself, I decided to give myself 42 days to achieve this challenge- I could always adjust it if need be, just to see how I would go and if I would enjoy it.

The short answer is I loved it and kicked it out of the part- so much so that I soon signed up for the next challenge and and soon kicked THAT out of the park. I’ll show you the screenshots- the second challenge I kicked butt at was the 42km Marathon to Athens.

The finishing location in Athens is a place I’ve been to in real life and it’s amazing :D

First Virtual Medal- The English Channel

The Future and Beyond

So as you can see despite the crappy six months, it’s also been an enjoyable six months with my Medals of Progress.

I have the bug for this thing now and I intend on maximisng my effort as my health allows it. I’ll attach a screenshot of my next virtual adventures- as you can see I’ve a itch and I’m going to enjoy scratching the itch; the only issue being is how will I display all the medals?

To the awesome people who’ve supported me- thank you so much.

Apologies for the long post, but hopefully now you can see why they mean so much to me

A New Beginning

I look at every day as a new opportunity for anything to happen.

In the last six months, I think it’s safe to say I’ve had a bit of a hard time. I struggle to find the right term simply because “hard” is a relativistic term- for me my health in the six months has caused me issues, no doubt, but compared to people who have cancer or other serious diseases?

It’s nothing.

So hence I look at everything and every day as an opportunity.

In the last six months, for example, I’ve had the support of someone who’s friend out to just be an all around good person. It’s amazing how things turn out and their support has helped me no end- especially on days when it has felt like I’ve just been banging my head against the wall.

But I’m making progress and everyday is another day in the right direction.

Even if, Even When

So the hardest part with any chronic illness- I mean apart from the physical symptoms that is- is the mental aspect of the wild journey that you’re on. It’s as if you’re stuck on a never ending rollercoaster of a ride of symptoms and emotions and you can understand how easy it is to get in a trap of anxiety and depression.

Thankfully while I’m sort of on that ride, I’m not too far along on and I’m doing my best to not go all the way up to the top without trying to intervene.

So what is this even if, even when thin you ask of?

Well, it was something that my fantastic osteo mentioned one day in a session. In a nutshell it’s similar to his other saying of you can be a gazalle or a lion- - in the sense that you can accept things, or you can push forward. With the mindset of “even if, even when” I am embracing the moments when I am showing physical symptoms of my illness (crazy innit?)

But think about this.

If I embrace this thinking- strike that, because I AM- I am reframing my thoughts and trying to maintain the looking forward and getting better part of my journey. I am embracing the fact that: 

“Even if I show symptoms, I will be ok” 

even if I am somewhere other than home. It’s certainly a hard process- in fact it is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done- but it is just one part of the process for me to get back into some stability with my health.

By combining this with the one percent mentality, along with the approach of choosing to be a lion rather then a gazalle I am focusing on the importance of the mental health aspect that is crucial in my recovery, along with the physical aspects.

It’s on ongoing fight and one I am continuing to embrace and not give up  

Chop Wood, Carry Water

So it’s been a while since I’ve posted an update, so I suppose I better provide one.

The last few weeks have been…. interesting, if nothing else. As one might imagine, the problem with a chronic illness like Meniere's Disease is more two fold then just one thing:

1. Mentally its draining because it’s a vicious cycle of doing good, then bad, then good again

2. As it’s related to the brain, it’s a hard disease to “handle” as there is a lot of unknown.

As you would know, the last couple of months- hell who am I kidding it’s been since July(!)- has been a slug as there was a lot of time I couldnt’ leave my bed due to having no balance, but conversly since that horrible period, while I am not back to the best I can be there has been more good days then bad (yay me!)

The worst part is regaining the confidence to do things again without a “safety net”. Sure I have medicne to help in the event of an attack, but it still comes tdown to confidence to be positive and go “she’ll be right mate”

You know what?

Let’s flip this shit on its head!

1. I am having more good days then bad days- I will forever be grateful of that.

2. I achieved taking part in the 3km walk part of the Nike Melbourne Marathon- I was determined to do it and afterwards my wonderful osteo even admitted that two months prior to that (so August) he didn’t think I was going to be able to do it!

3. Mind over matter- I remember thinking around July/August time (so during the time when it was the worst that I was going to achieve it- I was hungry to achieve it and get on the turf of the ‘G!

4. I am slowly returning to the gym- I have joined a local fitness centre for ease and I feel quite confident after just one small session back.

5. After getting a second opinion from a GP, I am doign the best that I can do all things considered and I am looking for things to help my “recovery”.

6. I can’t think of anything else LOL

So all things considered I think I’m doing ok. I’m annoyed I couldnt go to my friends place for his son’s first birthday but I am sure there’s many more of those in the future.

Alonsy!

Challenge Completed! The 2022 Nike Melbourne Marathon 3km Walk

It’s completed!

Despite the walk starting a little bit late, I can officially say I have taken part in the 2022 Festival and I am over the moon!

How do I feel?

I feel well- like it’s a challenge that I needed to have done and surpassingly I managed to achieve it.

Here’s some videos from the day you may like- I really like the pano one above.

The Night Before

So it’s the night before my taking part in the Melbourne Marathon and I’m quietly confident. 

I’ve surprisingly reached my donations thanks to some bloody amazing people (thanks Max!), so that has put me in a great mood- I’m fundraising for Minus18 so of course a charity that’s close to my heart. 

So I’ll be having another early night tonight- good nights sleep is always great! 

I have a small satchel and my clothes picked out for tomorrow- I’m ready to kick but. 

I’ll leave you with a video of a beautiful dusk at Altona Beach. 

A beautiful dusk at Altona Beach

1 Day to Go- Melbourne Marathon Fundraising

Hi guys,

As you may be aware in just under two weeks I’m taking part in the 3km walk part of the Melbourne Marathon.

As part of this, I have decided to fundraise for Minus 18, so any donations you can make to help the next generation of LGBTIA teens would be appreciated- it’s a very worthy cause!

If you do, here is the link! Cheers

https://melbmara2022.grassrootz.com/minus18/robbies-page?tab=donations

2 Days to Go- Melbourne Marathon Fundraising

Hi guys,

As you may be aware in just under two weeks I’m taking part in the 3km walk part of the Melbourne Marathon.

As part of this, I have decided to fundraise for Minus 18, so any donations you can make to help the next generation of LGBTIA teens would be appreciated- it’s a very worthy cause!

If you do, here is the link! Cheers

https://melbmara2022.grassrootz.com/minus18/robbies-page?tab=donations

3 Days to Go- Melbourne Marathon Fundraising

Hi guys,

As you may be aware in just under two weeks I’m taking part in the 3km walk part of the Melbourne Marathon.

As part of this, I have decided to fundraise for Minus 18, so any donations you can make to help the next generation of LGBTIA teens would be appreciated- it’s a very worthy cause!

If you do, here is the link! Cheers

https://melbmara2022.grassrootz.com/minus18/robbies-page?tab=donations

Melbourne Marathon Fundraising

Hi guys,

As you may be aware in just under two weeks I’m taking part in the 3km walk part of the Melbourne Marathon.

As part of this, I have decided to fundraise for Minus 18, so any donations you can make to help the next generation of LGBTIA teens would be appreciated- it’s a very worthy cause!

If you do, here is the link! Cheers

https://melbmara2022.grassrootz.com/minus18/robbies-page?tab=donations

Upcoming Posts

So just a heads up for everyone.

My next couple of posts are going to be quite political and could offend- so if you don’t want to read them that’s fine.

I’ve been inspired by a comrade to write the posts as during our course of conversations we’ve talked about some stuff and I feel inspired to flesh out those ideas.

Thanks brother!

On The Beach- Picture Edition

So here’s some pictures from today’s morning exercise- I didn’t go as deep today, but it was still very beneficial and enjoyable.

Specalist Time

As I’m writing this, I am hopefully in to see my ENT specalist and hopefully I shall have some answers as to my current situation, health wise.

It’s fair to say that I am slighty nervous, which is only natural I suppose, but it would be nice to be able to have a life again.

I have a list of questions to ask her so hopefully we can make progress- fingers crossed I don’t need another MRI (I am thinking I probably will though!)

One Percent

So what is the deal with 1% you ask?

As I’ve alluded to in another post, the full theory is as follows:

If you can get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thiry-seven times better by the time you’re done

(Atomic Habits, James Clear,2018 Penguin Random House)

So how am I going to use this approach?

Based on conversations with my awesome osteo and my awesome personal trainer, I am going to aim to get myself one percent better each day. I am going to choose to be the lion and not the gazelle, and try to find ways to work in myself both in regards to my Meniere’s and my body as a whole; each day I will find ways that I can improve and say to myself “this is how I am improving today.”

In the last few days- well since last Friday anyway- I’ve found ways to improve myself health wise; by entering the fresh beach wagter for a walk, I’ve found the morning exercise is helping me regain my inner balance and I feel much more refreshed (well the water is chilly so no surprise there!) In addition, by choosing to be active sooner rather then later it’s the push that I need to say to myself “you can do this, this is a step twoards ‘normal’”.

So fingers crossed I have this. Today’s been another day of the 1% and the lion and hopefully tomorrow will be as well