Keep on Running

So apparently if you have a blog you are supposed to update it...... so here I go

Today I set a personal best in terms of distance. We ran 12K today and from what my running group is saying we are on tempo (yes using fancy running lingo now) for a 1:50 1/2 marathon time.

I can tell you that there are a lot more hills in Vancouver than you think. I have discovered that I am only a fan of going in one direction when it comes to a hill and up is not it! Despite all the belly aching you just raise the head figure where the hill flattens out and dig deep as you know that eventually you will find the top.

I can say this though, I am actually really enjoying running and training for this half. Next training day is Wednesday and it is a all hill session. Wish me luck!

Way to Run Begins

It is good to have goals in life and to push your own limits. I have a great friend who is pushing her own limits in the fight of her life right now. To help make a difference in her life and the life of her family I have chosen to push my own limits run the Scotia Bank Vancouver half Marathon (http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm/). I am doing this to help raise money for a cause that I know can change lives and in my mind is the most deserving cause I have ever contributed towards.

My goal; to run this ½ marathon in under 2 hours and raise over $2000.

A very dear friend of mine, Michelle Way, is living with a life threatening genetic disease called Wilsons disease. Wilson's affects the body's ability to process copper and overtime internal organs can become badly damaged, and in Michelle's cause her liver to start failing. Michelle was officially placed on the transplant list in November 2008.

Michelle is a truly amazing individual and I consider myself a lucky person to have gotten the opportunity to get to know here over the years and call her a true friend. Michelle is married to one of my oldest friends Jarvie and has a two year old son Nathan. To find out more about Michelle and her condition please go to http://michelle-waytolive.blogspot.com. Another friend of our puts together this blog to help Michelle tell her story and keep in touch with everyone.

Every day Michelle deals with the struggles of living with this disease. It is taking a toll on her physical health and though she puts on a brave face we can still she the pain that she lives with on a daily basis. Michelle is a real trooper, she never complains, she rarely asks for help and she is always smiling. To me Michelle is a real inspiration and testament to what the human spirit is capable of. She is without a doubt one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of getting to know.

As Michelle lives with pain on a daily basis, so shall I for at least the next few months. My pain comes in the way of training for and running a half marathon in Michelle’s honor. For those of you who know me, you know I am not built to run; especially long distances. I am running to help raise money to help offset Michelle’s growing medical expenses and make a donation to the Canadian Liver Foundation in her honor to help others who live with liver related illnesses.

I am asking everyone I know and everyone they know to help me reach or exceed my goals. I will take care of the running bit but I need your help to meet the financial goal. Dig deep, donate anything you can and help me make a difference in the life of someone who is truly special. Remember no donation is too small as together it all adds up to a much bigger number. Together we can make a difference in Michelle, Jarvie and Nathans lives and I ask for all support that you can offer. Please send this link onto everyone you know, the more people that learn about this and learn about how wonderful Michelle is the closer I can come to meeting my goals and hopefully exceeding them.

Cheers,

Kevin

April 19 Run

Didn't do the sun run, but did run over 10 km on Sunday with my running group. I am not built for distance running, or any type of running for that matter but I must say as the weeks past it is getting a bit easier.

Just in case you have ever wondered, the hill going up to the top of Queen Elizabeth park is really steep, especially if it is done half way through your run!

Wednesday's run here I come! More hill training in store for this lucky guy!