Argentina FOMO and countdown to birthday.

So the WTG 2015 started this week in Mar Del Plata. I've known realistically since the 2013 Games that I wouldn't be there. At the 2013 Games my lung function was 69%. I played squash and did the 3km race walk. The walk went fairly well, achieved my personal best time. The squash was harder though. Even though the altitude helped a lot, I struggled to keep up and would have probably had a better outcome if I were able to run more and had more energy. So now with lung function in the low 40's I know I wouldn't even be able to play for 15 mins without wanting to pass out and die. Being at a MUCH higher altitude in Joburg, I haven't actually even touched a squash racquet again since that day. I miss it.

We also would not have been able to do the Argentina trip AND the California trip, and I know we experienced much more in California and had way more fun, as well as a longer holiday. So the right choice was definitely made. But seeing the pics on Facebook does kind of make me sad, as I know that the next Games in 2017 will also be out of the question health-wise. We could maybe go and support and make it part of a holiday, but as far as competing goes it's highly doubtful. I've lost almost 30% lung function since the last games... and I know I have stabilised, but there is not much left for me to lose if I even just want to go as a supporter. So sadly I think my participating career is over. I might still take part in some less strenuous items at Nations next year (which will be in Joburg and that I will have to help to organise).

So this past weekend I did something that I've been procrastinating since 2009.... I mounted my medals in display boxes that I found at @Home. I think it looks pretty cool, and beats all the memories just rotting in a shoe box. Now I just need to get them up on the wall.

This weekend we're off to Dullstroom with the family (2 family trips in one month!!), and on Monday it's my birthday. Let's hope it's a good one. Have a good weekend

Operation #StayStrong

So this week I got an e-mail from my medical aid rewards program, Vitality, stating that I had to go to gym at least another 4 times in January in order to keep on getting an 80% discount on the fees. So off I dragged myself to the gym today. It's very hot outside, I'm pretty tired from the last week and yesterday and last night's festivities. But possibly losing my 80% discount was enough incentive to make me drag my but over there and do some weights.

At the gym I realised something that I've always known, and that is that I need a goal in order for me to keep fit. Since my transplant it has always been the World Transplant Games. And that was an AMAZING motivating factor. Living the post transplant sports-dream. But now my lungs aren't quite there anymore and for the immediate future there will be no more World Transplant Games. My previous fitness goal was taking part in the Nationals for 2014 in October, which I did and gladly so. However since then I haven't been motivated to go to the gym at all. It's not nice when things that were so easy 2 years ago are now a struggle. So I've been putting it on the back burner.

I also realised that of the 3kg I've lost since the National Transplant Games in Oct, some of it is definitely muscle. I need to get it back. So today I've decided my new goal is Operation #StayStrong. I considered calling it Operation #GetFit, but I'm realistic and in saying that I might not get very "fit". Also, the word strong is better when it comes to including more eating as part of it.

Today also marks 2 years since I was hospitalised for my first big drop in lung function (It dropped from high 90's to mid 80's). So it's a fitting day (see what I did there?) to start Operation #Stay Strong. This week I obviously still need to go to gym 3 times in order not to lose my discount, but after that I HAVE to go 2-3 times a week. I'm hoping it will also improve my energy levels (they've been a bit lower, my guess is that my O2 sats are probably lower than they used to be and it's affecting my energy). Also, I cannot do anything to improve my lung function, but I do have control over the rest of my body (I use the term "control" loosely), so I need to at least work on that, as bad lungs in a fit body is way better than bad lungs in a thin, weak body.

Nationals 2014!

So the National Transplant Games for this year is done and dusted! It was yet again bigger than in any previous year and a great success I think. Venues were BEAUTIFUL. Very glad I took part even though I couldn't do my "normal" events. Was so motivating seeing everyone again and meeting new and inspiring people once again. These people really are family!!!!

The petanque went really well and I won my game 13-4. It was loads of fun. Afterwards we went to support the Tenpin Bowling and had some drinks with our close friends from East London Robyn and Vaughn. On Sat I was an idiot and couldn't read the schedule of events properly... I confused the time that the men's shot put took place with the time for the women... and missed my event :-( Was so upset as I had especially gone for coaching to learn how to do this. I did however do the discuss but it didn't go very well! Was nice doing something new though.

Anna and Casey joined for the Gala Dinner which was very special! We are now staying with them in Glencairn until Wednesday and having SO MUCH FUN... But will post about that later! Also got to see Louzanne briefly which is always a bonus!!

P.S. Happy birthday to by friend Antoinette today!!!!! Welcome to 30!

Safely in CT!

We arrived safely on Wednesday evening! The drive was good! I even took over for a decent stretch and even more surprisingly Chris was able to relax during that time! Drove past some stunning scenery (this was my first trip via car from Joburg to CT) and the 2 pics below were prob the best ones I managed to get while Chris was on driving duty.

Yesterday we had a quick get-together ahead of schedule with my CF lung-twin and her hubby from California (Anna and Casey) and did a quick tour of the Castle (minus the dodgy scary dungeon where I think I got pseudomonas about 9 yrs ago!). Was so great seeing them again and I can't wait for Sunday when we will be spending a few days as tourists with them! Already have a Robben Island tour booked and hopefully on Monday we can do Table Mountain. Chris and I also went for a quick lunch in Kloof Str in the CBD.

After that we registered for the Games, caught up with old friends, had the SATSA AGM, and then went out for a rather disappointing supper at Cape Town Fish Market in the Waterfront. Service in CT is not as good as in Joburg and the 3 people who didn't eat fish were very disappointed with their steaks and chicken. I was the lucky one who ordered a prawn salad so mine was fine!

Today I participate in petanque from 12h00 onwards at Paarl Valley Estate. Should be loads of fun. Wish me luck!

P.S. check out my new age group on the pic below!!!!

craziness!

In the last week I haven't blogged as I don't have much to update on or anything interesting to say! Life has been crazy busy but at the same time pretty boring.

Work has been very very busy!!! (the norm rather than the exception I have come to realise!!!), especially with going on leave in Oct and other staff going on leave this month, so I'm being trained and training someone else at same time!!! Have to try and balance my life and try not to work late too often while still getting everything done! Keeps me out of trouble at least!

Then there is also the shot put and discus training that I go to when I have time!!! It's going OK, don't think I will throw the distances needed to qualify for the next transplant games, but to be honest I also don't think that I will be going to Argentina if my lungs continue their trend in any case. I'm just doing it for fun and because I really want to compete in the Nationals next month.

My sis and Pierre are also proud home-owners as from last week Thurs!!!! So this past weekend we've been helping them clean and move some stuff over to their new place. Excited for all the good times we will still be spending there in future!

Saw psychiatrist yesterday (have to see him every 6 months to get a new script for anxiety meds and to see if they are still working!). All fine, meds (well there is only one med...) stay the same, seeing him again in March next year!

This Sunday is also the organ donation Biker's Day where I will be helping to register people as organ donors. Should be interesting! There is also the Gauteng Transplant Sport AGM coming up on 27 Sept, so that needs to be organised too!

As you can see pretty busy and just trying to survive the next month until we go away on holiday!!!!

P.S. Fawny did a blog post about my 30th birthday picnic... check it out here.

ONE YEAR FROM TODAY

Will be awesome to be there!! Hoping I will...

Awesome weekend and Carli turns 30 today!

Had an awesome and busy weekend! But first, one of my best friends in the world Carli turns 30 today... HAPPY HAPPY Carli!!! Will be seeing her in 2 week time when she comes all the way to Joburg for MY 30th. So excited for that weekend!

Back to my weekend.... on Sat we had lunch with Fawn and some of her friends. It was GREAT and they are such cool people. Afterwards we went to my friend Brendan's house for a braai. Today we had my parents and Chrislie and Pierre over for lunch, after which Chrislie and I had a very impromptu and productive shopping trip!

Tomorrow I have my first training session with a coach from the university for shot put and discus that I will be doing at Nationals in Oct. Eeeekkkk am nervous!!!! Less than 2 months to go to the event and time is running away from me!!!!

Also saw this great endorsement for Organ Donation from Katherine Heigl, which makes me very happy! Have a good week!!!