I hate running.
I guess my first statement isn’t really accurate anymore.
I used to hate running. I used to look at people jogging while I past them in my car and think, “those people are crazy.”
I recall the forced runs of Grade 8 P.E. class with the over -zealous Mrs. Smart screaming at us through her megaphone to “Push it, girls.” I also distinctly remember thinking the only thing I wanted to push was Mrs. Smart’s face – into the pavement.
But for a host of personal reasons, not the least of which was that I was straining to button up my favourite jeans, I have taken up running. With a busy schedule and a limited budget, running is a cheap way to burn calories on my own time. And as I have slowly progressed, the pain of burning lungs and aching legs has adjusted. I find I can push a little bit farther or faster and with that comes a real sense of accomplishment.
I wouldn’t say, I now love running. But I can say that I no longer hate it. Running and I now have a relationship, but its a complicated one. It’s something that’s been mostly private and solitary, with no competition with others, no logging of kilometres or calculating fastest times. There’s been no “official” runs on my slate, just me, my dog and a trail or the neighbourhood sidewalks.
But as much as I’ve hated running in the past, I hate cancer more. This year, I’ve had two friends diagnosed with the disease, lost a former colleague and know two local children who are now cancer survivors, thanks to excellent medical treatments.
So I’ve decided it’s time to take the plunge and put some leg power into a public event that I have often supported through cash donations, but not through putting track shoe to pavement.
So on Sept. 15, you will find me, along with my trusty running companion, Willow the Wonder Spaniel, attempting the four-kilometre distance of the Terry Fox Run.
The event starts at Blackburn Park with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The run starts at 10 and there are distances suitable for all fitness levels including the 10 km, four km, two km. And while I hope to run the middle distance, walking is totally OK. The routes are suitable for bikes, wheelchairs/strollers and rollerblades. And dogs on leash are welcome.
This is an event for everyone, but if you can’t make it yourself, consider helping my fundraising efforts.
Donating is easy.
You can pledge me online through the secure webpage at www.terryfox.org/donate and hit “donate to a participant,” which will direct you to find my personal donor page. Tax receipts will be emailed. Or you can contribute by coming into the Observer office at 171 Shuswap Street with cash or cheque in hand and fill out the pledge form.
This cause is important, Terry Fox’s legacy is still in need of support. I am sure there is not a person in Salmon Arm who has not been affected by this disease in some way, so please contribute what you can. It will help me keep putting one foot in front of the other. Even if I’m not necessarily loving it.
