By Grant Cowan
It’s hard to believe everything can be totally different in a matter of seconds. I was a serving police officer when I had a stroke in March 2017, which left me with paralysis on my right side and a communication impairment called expressive Aphasia. I can understand you, but I find it hard to talk.
Before this, I had completed two Ironman triathlons and ten Coast-to-Coasts (see notes from the World Multisport Coast-to-Coast at the end). Not supposed to happen to fit and healthy people is it?
For the first two years after having a stroke, my mental health was not good. I felt afraid, frustrated, anxious, shy and worried. I now look at life differently and appreciate the little things. I work hard in the gym to improve my physical function – once an athlete, always an athlete – I’m a member of the Aphasia and Disability Biking Group, I can drive, and I’ve made new friends.
It has taken me seven years to be able to talk more. It’s not perfect, but I can get my point across. It just takes a little longer than I’d like. Every day I work on my speech and language through spelling, speaking, reading and understanding. I am also a member of the Cantabrainers choir where I have great friendships and practice my communication and singing therapy in a fun space.
I know what it is like to be alive. I’m grateful for what I can do and I value each moment. I know who my people are, who to be with, who helps me to be excited about life. And I’ve learned to be more patient and kind to myself.
My mother and sister are my advocates and support network. My son and daughter have kept me focused and motivated to be the best I can be.
I often tell people I’m glad this happened to me and not anyone else. I have the resilience to move through this and live a good life. I’m proud of where I am today, because I’ve worked hard to get there.
You never know what you will do after a trauma like this, but I was determined not to just survive. I want to thrive in my life.
Notes from the World Multisport Coast-to-Coast
The race went very well, good first run and worked hard on the bike (got into a good bunch).
Caught the leaders with 25km to go. Excellent.
Then a good transition, no mucking around.
The run was good, but had to patch up a fellow competitor who had a fall and cut his head.
He didn’t look too good, so walked with him for a bit and then ran.
When he seemed okay, I got back into the race.
The next bike was okay but didn’t really nail this section.
Kayak has been going well, so I was keen for a good effort which I did. But I stuffed my navigation and lost time. Bugger.
The last bike ride was okay. Really went for it for the first 40km and then got a sore back and had to stretch it out.
Glad to the reach finish line. Hadn’t realised I was so dehydrated.
The event organisers Robin Judkins and winner Steve Gurney recognised my efforts in the run.
My time was 13:19:52