Brian’s fitness journal after a brain stroke
From Muscle Pain to Strong Run
This morning began… uncomfortably early.
I woke up needing to use the bathroom, but as I walked there, I realized my abdominal muscles had filed a formal complaint. They were so sore that walking in a straight line felt like an optional feature rather than a guarantee.
Recovery is not always straightforward for me. Because of my kidney condition, I cannot rely on high protein intake to support muscle repair. So when I push myself, soreness tends to linger longer than I would prefer.
Fortunately, rest remains a reliable strategy.
I went back to bed and fell asleep easily. When I woke again—just before my alarm—my muscles had improved noticeably. Not perfect, but functional. I had worried about my planking session, but surprisingly, it felt easier than the day before. Either recovery worked overnight, or my muscles decided to cooperate out of courtesy.
A few hours later, I headed out for my run.
The results were unexpectedly good. I reached my target pace and kept my split times consistent throughout. I set a steady rhythm early and managed to hold it to the end—a small but satisfying victory.
Days like this remind me how much my running has improved over the years.
In the beginning, it was difficult. I actually run more now than I did before my brain stroke. At first, I ran because my wife encouraged me. Exercise supports both my kidney health and brain recovery, and I wanted to show her that I was trying.
Ironically, telling her that would only make her sad. She prefers that I do these things for myself.
Over time, that shift happened naturally. Running stopped being something I did “for someone else” and became part of my life. Along the way, I added other exercises almost without thinking.
Consistency quietly turned into identity.
Meanwhile, at home, our cat continues her own version of restricted training. While I can run freely outside, she remains confined to my office for recovery. My wife briefly tried moving her to the bedroom, but the moment she gained access, she immediately planned a full return to her usual routine—kitchen exploration, counter patrol, and likely a trip up to the catwalk.
Given her enthusiasm, we decided that “freedom” might come a little too soon for her incision’s comfort.
So, back to the office she went.
Now I find myself wondering: after ten days of limited movement, will she experience muscle soreness too? Or will she simply resume full-speed chaos as if nothing ever happened?
Knowing her, I suspect the latter.