I leave Portishead much earlier than normal just after 7am so I can hopefully avoid the forecasted torrential rain later in the afternoon. I am helped by this being one of my shortest legs at under 50 miles.
I feel good as reach 1st big hill outside Portishead but it is then I notice the lack of power in my legs which has not been part of this adventure so far.
The next 6 miles take me 90 minutes when have averaged at least 15 previously. admittingly over hills but I am genuinely drained of physical power but this is not a new feeling to me.
Dan in his blog last night described this feeling that all heart failure patients feel, physically I am totally drained & after 2 hours I seriously think of calling Lorna & Dan to come & get me.
It is as I reach Somerset & the Bristol airport road that I make a decision. I know this road is reasonably flat from flying from Bristol airport many times so will drop gears and see if I can work my way through this.
I base this decision on 8 years of training with heart failure, I get it most days even if only in short spells, I get it sometimes while exercising so basically just stop but I can't understand today's especially as so late in this adventure so I based my decision that my conversation with Dan yesterday & this being my shortest day has somehow effected me sub consciously.
I reach the 25 mile point with bridge over M5 I worked out last night in just over 3 hours so know I have picked up time, I feel stronger & more confident after basically being on a flat road.
The next 20 Miles are surprising to me as I cover a more up & down road through Bridgewater in basically under 2 hours and I reach Taunton by 12:30 just before support team. This mean overall I have averaged 11 miles an hour including breaks in total so I have reached Taunton at planned time.
So today I am reminded on why I wanted to do this challenge now because basically I felt I could, My NHS team in Glasgow love fact I can be so physically active but I nor they have no idea how long it will last. I thought of Dan today my support driver I admire for volunteering who can't work because of heart failure but can support me this whole way. I am just lucky I get less physical symptoms presently.
I think of other patients throughout my cycle today who have supported me & who I admire for the fight they show again I only do what I think I am capable of thanks to the NHS.
So only 3 days left & I have no idea if the physical problems will return but such is the day to day living with heart failure all my fellow patients understand.
Time for sleep
John
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