messy update 28/2
Between bike rides and battling the flu, placement, lectures, and upcoming exams, there hasn’t been much time to write. And even in moments of calm, I haven’t known what to say.
Broadcasting every family update feels too much. Talking about training and nutrition feels like something an athlete does. And all the bits of being a medical student feels disconnected to the challenge of North Cape 4000. At the crux of it, none of the ideas I feel perfect enough to share. Then I look back and realise I haven’t shared the progress Baby J has made! Or the fun parts of training, and how exams are interrupting them!
So let’s starts with an imperfect (and speedy) update
Baby J!
Baby J is MUCH better after his surgery. He’s gaining weight and looking happy! He’s been on adventures outside (bundled up in plenty of layers to oppose the cold February air!) and his feeds are getting spaced a little further apart (so my brother and sister-in-law can finally sleep a little more!).
Recovering
While Baby J’s recovering, I’ve been getting sick. Too much working out, not enough eating or sleeping, and placement in a GP meant I was hit with flu for a couple of weeks. Bed bound for a few days, and ridiculously tired, I took time off training - but we’re back at it! Three days of minimal movement and maximum sleep + 1 week no exercise showed me that listening to your doctor actually works - rest is good for you. Wild.
Thriving
This means gym sessions before lectures, intervals on the bike afterwards, and squeezing in runs between dinners with friends, rep meetings, and organising fundraising events. Despite the mixed consistency of my training, my fitness is improving (evidenced by a comfy 90km bike ride this morning!) and I’m cheerful now that the days are getting longer again.
(stu)Dying
Exams are in three weeks (!!) and there’s a lot to learn: anatomy, clinical skills, diagnosis, treatment, too many drug names. Everything feels familiar (thanks to attending most teaching sessions) but recalling the detail necessary for a strong pass feels impossible. Which isn’t great when retakes are in the summer.. when I’m meant to be cycling to Norway. Since failure isn’t an option, revision is the priority for the next few weeks
See you on the other side of exams 👋
