As Íñigo Uriarte sat in the shadow of his hotel in Maspalomas, a pleasant Atlantic breeze provided a welcome respite from the tropical sun beating down on Gran Canaria. With a smile, he shared his satisfaction and joked about his performance in the Advanced Transgrancanaria, an 82 km ultra-marathon with a grueling 4,265 meters of positive slope. His result? 211 out of 800 registered runners – not bad for someone who, just a few years ago, was fighting for his life after suffering a stroke.
It was November 2022 when Uriarte’s life took a dramatic turn. A beep in his head, followed by dizziness and tachycardia, sent him crashing to the ground. He vomiting, had seizures, but managed to call 112, the emergency number, and crawl to his front door before losing consciousness. It was a call that saved his life, as the operator quickly activated the ‘Ictus Code,’ dispatching medical help to his location.
Uriarte, a seasoned ultra-runner with a passion for long-distance events, credits his physical fitness and ability to suffer with helping him survive the ordeal. One of his neurologists noted that his stamina and endurance, honed from years of running, enabled him to reach the door and get help – a feat considered unusual for stroke patients.
Since his recovery, Uriarte has become an advocate for stroke prevention, collaborating with the Freno al Ictus (Brake to Stroke) organization. He’s coined the term ‘@ictuencer’ on Instagram, where he shares his story and promotes healthy lifestyle choices to prevent this devastating disease.
Running Again: A Journey of Recovery and Self-Discovery
Uriarte recalled the day he decided to start running again, despite initial warnings from his doctors to forget about the sport. He began with short walks, gradually increasing his distance and pace. With the help of a nutritionist, postural rehabilitator, and physical coach, he worked his way back up to running longer distances. The mental and physical challenges were significant, but Uriarte persevered, driven by a desire to regain his health and share his story with others.
In the Advanced Transgrancanaria, Uriarte donned a jersey with ‘Iñigo Ictus’ on the back, a constant reminder of his journey and a conversation starter to raise awareness about stroke prevention. His finish time of 13 hours, 12 minutes, and 39 seconds was a testament to his dedication and resilience.
When asked about his experience during the race, Uriarte mentioned taking medication to prevent blood coagulation, a necessary precaution for stroke survivors. He also acknowledged the support of the medical team and the organizers of the event, who were aware of his condition and provided assistance when needed.
A New Perspective on Life and Running
Uriarte’s stroke has given him a newfound appreciation for life and a fresh perspective on running. He’s more cautious now, recognizing the importance of balance and pacing himself. His neurologist has even prescribed running as a form of antidepressant, acknowledging the positive impact it has on his mental health.
The road to recovery has been long and arduous, but Uriarte remains committed to his mission. He continues to collaborate with the Freno al Ictus organization, using his platform to promote stroke prevention and awareness. His next challenge? To keep sharing his story, inspiring others to adopt a healthy lifestyle, and to keep running – for himself and for the cause.
As Uriarte looked back on his journey, he reflected on the lessons he’s learned: “The victory is daily, every day I am recovering some land to the stroke. There is no day that I do not remember the attack… But, trying to return to what you were before is impossible, it is one of the teachings that I think I must have clearer.” His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, determination, and the will to overcome even the most daunting challenges.