This is a time to remember

Got Billy Joel in my ear...and it will not last forever...Gotta remind myself of the privilege to be able to run and to be able to run for a cause. The Boston bombings sure have been a game changer - its hard to be excited. What is driving me at this stage however, is a way deeper sense of not being defeated by this terrible tragedy. Thanks so much for all your support. Across the two charities, we are close to the target of R20000 and I can assure you that all your donations have been put to good use. Gotta go: "London" waits for me.

Clocking up the kilometers

See, now I am not one of those people who believe that if it does not take hard work and committment, it is not worth it. If there is an easy way, I will most definitely take it! Perhaps that is why I have a love/hate relationship with running and preparing for a marathon. There is just NO EASY WAY out. I am starting to spend some serious time on the road and I must admit, I am still fighting. I currently pause to catch my breath, not to appreciate the magic of the moment. I will get there...Thanks so much for all the wonderful donations made to Moira and Put Foot Foundation - makes my efforts worthwhile.

Kindness in abundance

Kinder and wiser. My mantra. I started studying towards my Masters this year - so for now, that ticks the "wise" box (I know wiser does not necessary refer to book knowledge, but it sure is a good foundation!). When raising funds for my marathons I am always struck by people's kindness. This, in turn, reminds me of my mantra and urges me to be a kinder person. Thanks everyone for helping me to help others. I am humbled.

A holiday for a steal

About Ryan

I promised to post more information on Ryan. I am doing this, not to evoke pity, but to remind myself to be thankful for the body that I have been given: Ryan who has just turned 18 last November,suffers from (to name but a few) the following symptoms of this syndrome:
Cystic Fibrosis
Profoundly Deaf (does communicate through picture communication and sign language and also has a cochlear implant).
Abnormalities of the head and facial area resulting in Ryan going through 7 Maxi facial surgery’s over the last 6 years (he still has to have 3 mayor surgeries to his face still as it is growing downwards opposed to growing out so will ultimately block his breathing tract the older he gets).
Full Blown Autism
In addition to the various other symptoms of this syndrome Ryan was diagnosed with Scoliosis which is not part of JBS. His current curvature of the Scoliosis on his spine is 32% however if it goes past 40% with the normal growth pattern Ryan will then have to have his spine fused in order to stop the curvature from further damaging his vital organs namely his lungs, heart, kidneys and digestive organs.

My body - a temple in ruins

And so I run. I have been advised time and time again that running is counterproductive to my weighloss endevours. If that is the case, I would rather be fat. It is my time - when I run, I feel as if anything is possible. I priortise my life and heck, if you dare run with me, I might just sort out your life for you as well. It is a privilege and a blessing. This year I run for Ryan and for the millions of children that don't have shoes to wear to cover their bare feet. It motivates and it humbles me. And so I run...

Perspective changes

So, here I am, a couple of years later but a lifetime older.  A mother of a 3 year old with a loving and supportive husband.  Still, raising a toddler is hard - a healthy toddler.  That made me relook this year's fundraising efforts to again include Ryan.  Perspective is an amazing thing.  Moira, my colleague has, on her own, raised a beautiful young man who suffers from an extremely rare condition.  I am going to be sending more information on Johannsen Blizzard Syndrome, but in the meantime a pic of Ryan at 18 years old.