Well it sure has been a year so far and it is only August!
My last update to you was in April, where I told you of my goals to do the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon in May, and The Glenbrook 25km Trail Run in August - and I am delighted to tell you that I have completed both.
Goal #1 and Goal #2 ✔
The first half of the year was not without challenges though - my left shoulder issues have meant no swimming or cycling for the last 5 months and undergoing intensive Physio (the money pit!) and so running has been my focus. Lately however, there is a definite improvement I am delighted to say and I am slowly getting back in the pool……
It does mean I am hopeful for this summer triathlon season! Hmmmm………..I think that means getting back in the ocean too, which after a long break may be the biggest challenge of all. You KNOW how I feel about oceans, and waves, and rough seas, and nothing to hold on to…….
However there is a story I’d like to share - so please do read this email right to the end!
There are times in your life when perspective hits you in the face. There is no doubt that I have whined and moaned about being injured and not being able to do exactly as I wanted physically (I never said I was perfect!!) and I am probably not the only one to do so when recovering from an injury. Selfish me! I have however been able to run.
A few weeks ago, I went to join one of our Can Too groups on a dark, chilly morning at 6am to do their track session with them. There was a lovely young lady who was running slower than anyone else around the track, and so I decided to keep her company and as you do, I asked why she had joined Can Too and what her story was…………and so she told me.
Australian born, she was married to a Belgium national and had lived in Belgium for the last 5 years. 4 years ago she had a cough, went to the Doctor and was told she had lung cancer! Out of nowhere. Never smoked. Used to be a runner. She then had 60% of her right lung removed and intensive chemotherapy, and was told they would not have children naturally. Devastated. They moved back to Australia about a year ago with her company (who had supported her right through this) and as she got better, she looked around to see how she could support cancer in her own way. A friend told her of Can Too and she joined because it spoke to her heart - she could raise funds for research, get fitter and go back to running. Remember she only has 1 full lung and 40% of the other!! So there she was, slowly running around the track. Determined to run a Half Marathon in September with Can Too, and she has already raised $5,000 for cancer research.
I was blown away. I talk about physically pushing myself because I can and others cannot. I also ask my supporters to help me raise funds for what I consider to be one of the most ethical, and fantastic Charities in Australia. BUT I have not faced cancer myself and I certainly have not had to come back from a journey like she and many others have. I am lucky! Beyond lucky and somehow it really put all that Can Too does and stands for in perspective that morning.
There are other facts you should know! Can Too raises their operating and admin funds via corporate sponsorship, so that as much of the funding raised by their participants and their supporters goes to cancer researchers. This equates to about 90+cents of every dollar you donate to this amazing charity getting to where it is needed most. There are not many charities that can honestly say that today.
I ask you to continue to come with me on this journey. As you always have and I hope, always will. Your support (hugs, emails and dollars welcome!) has always meant a great deal and I do not take it for granted. I have more physical goals to complete and you know I will - but if there is one thing I have learned this year, it is patience. Stay tuned to hear more!
PLEASE give what you can to continue to help support me in fundraising, and in doing so you will be supporting those brilliant, young, innovative cancer researchers that will find a cure for all cancers. Not just breast, or lung, or blood, or prostrate, or liver, or brain, or anything else - but ALL.
Thank you. From my heart.