'Let's go for a walk'

A year ago, those words wouldn't have left my lips. A year ago, I couldn't remember the last time that I had been for a walk. It was probably our second date back in January 2012, where we walked along Sand bay. My health deteriorated quickly after that. From holding a full-time job to struggling to get out of bed each morning.

I recently re-read my 'week in the life' posts that I did in May last year. It makes me sad that I was at that stage of illness and struggling. At the same time, I almost don't recognise myself now and I am so grateful for that.

Recently we spent a Saturday doing location scouting for the short film My Handsome Man is co-producing. After a busy morning, we chose to walk up to Lynn Valley Canyon Park.

We took things slowly. The group we were with were fully aware of how my health has been in the past. They didn't want to push me and have me pay the costs later, so it was up to me how far we walked and whether we continued or took a shorter route.

By the end of the day we had walked roughly five miles.

Five miles!

Perhaps the best part for me was that I didn't feel M.E. tired afterward.

I fully own up to being completely unfit. Not being able to walk distance or exercise does that to a person. As a result I had muscle pain the day after and you know what? It felt good. It was refreshing to experience the ache in muscles that comes as a result of exercise.

I have been increasing the amount I do each day as my health continues to improve and a few days back I got a stitch. I can't remember the last time I had a stitch from walking too fast! I normally get overtaken by older people using walking sticks!

As we notice the improvements in my health, we're able to plan on doing more. We're considering hiring bikes and going for a bike ride for my birthday. We're exploring other hikes that we could do together.

I am hopeful that my new levels of energy will last a very long time, but whether it lasts a long time or is short lived, I'm determined to make the most of it.