Hello Everyone:
Run Day. October 2nd. It was a great day. 13 Warriors and I did the CIBC Run for the Cure. This was the team’s 5th outing. The weather called for Thunder-storms. However when I left my condo to head down for the Opening Ceremonies, the sun was shining and it was actually quite warm. I was feeling good and proud to be doing the Run again. I still get goose-bumps as I see all the other participants and when I enter King’s College Circle. I remember my first time out in 2011 after my treatments just ended and how overwhelmed I was. I remember when I crossed the finish line that first time and heard my brother encouraging and cheering me on (while taking a video of my very slow trot), to the event where I told my story to the over 13,000 people who were there. Then, writing “Winnie’s Warriors” on the Wall of Hope. Now for the 5th time. It was a beautiful day and I even ‘jogged’ 3 out of the 5 kilometres!! Pleasantly surprised that I was in better shape than I had thought. I mean, I am not a jogger, let alone a runner! HAHA.
That said, we were all pretty much ready to go home after the pre-run “warm-up”. But all 14 Warriors crossed the finish line! J
On another note, my girls came out for the first time…….I’m talking about my little nieces, Hana and Miya! J *Photos attached.
All said and done, I walked almost 9 miles and took 17,000 steps over the course of the day. At least that is what my watch gadget said. The Advil and a warm Epsom salt bath afterwards when I got home was welcomed! And a little nap of course! I have to admit that my legs were a little sore this morning walking up the subway stairs! 😛
When there were 3 sleeps to go, I received a message that I was a Top 25 fundraiser in Toronto. With over 10,000 participants at the Toronto Run – I thought that was pretty cool. We are all Changemakers!
Thank you to all my wonderful, generous friends, colleagues, Warriors and family who have helped Winnie’s Warriors raise about $40,000 since I have started on this journey and I am truly honored and humbled by this achievement.
Next year, I am going to take Winnie’s Warriors and move us to raise funds for the Yorkville Run, which supports local charities. I used that run as part of my “training”. It was 5 kilometres as well. Special thanks to Warrior Brenda for doing it with me. We power-walked (sort of) the entire away – coming in around 53 minutes. I think we shaved a few minutes off that time at this Run. J LOL.
At that run, I supported Wellspring, which is a local charity that provides support, assistance, and activities to those who have gone through, are going through, and living with cancer. I think fundraising for local charities may have more impact overall.
My fellow Warriors and I had some delicious dim sum after the Run. It was another moment in my life that I will cherish. There have been many on this journey – and there will be many more!
Year 5. I’m looking forward to Year 10 (when I hopefully won’t have to take any more Tamoxifen and my hair will really grow back!!)
Life is a collection of moments and the idea is to have as many good ones that you can. That’s my plan!
Hugs and love,
Winnie, the Warrior xo
