A Run A Fire Part Three

So here I am Day 2 of my Marathon of Hope, and post day 2 from the fire.

I had decided even before the fire that when I ran day 2 I wasn't going to start as early.  As I said I have never run a 1/2 marathon before and doing 2 half marathons back to back seemed like a daunting task.  I had no idea how I was going to feel.  Was I going to feel sore, how was I going to be emotionally, many thoughts ran through my mind.  What I knew I had to do was clear my mind of any negative energy, put on my runners and just run.

I was still pumped from the events of the previous day and being highlighted on the evening news the night before.  I was to meet the rest of the support crew at noon at the same spot we ended off at the previous day.  It was going to be a good day, the sun was shining and the air was crisp.

I have no idea where I got the energy to do that little jiggy dance...something just came over me and it seemed like the thing to do. 

 With my pace vehicle ahead of me and my support vehicle behind(which of course had 2 huge banners on it)the first community I ran through that afternoon was Union Bay.  I was so shocked at the reception I received.  Folks were actually out on their front porches clapping and cheering me on.  Other folks in their vehicles were honking their horns in support.  I was brought to tears.

As we wanted to draw attention to the run we had decided to make a couple of pre organized stop both of which were pubs...fancy that!!  Anyhow, my one and only stop that day was in a little town called Royston.  Royston was 16km into my run

These two gentleman were so kind and encouraging and made a great donation towards the run!

I only had a short 7km to go once I left Royston.  But that would be the longest 7km of my life.  Every part of my being was beginning to hurt at this point, my running pace was fluctuating and I was getting tired.

When I saw the sign for Courtenay I was ecstatic!

It was another 4km from there where my journey would end.  I feared I didn't have the energy, I pathetically cried to myself.  It was only a few short blocks and I was standing waiting for the light to turn green and I could see the Legion sign ahead of me.  I wanted to finish this in style.  I had to dig deep within myself to find the strength to give it the runners last push.  I sprinted the last 3 blocks when I arrived the tears were pouring down my face.

Once inside I was greeted by the Legion president and led to the front of the hall where there were over 200 people!  I was overwhelmed and honoured.  I was presented with a lovely arrangements of flowers and treated so kindly.

This is a journey I will never forget.  It made me find my inner strength and to work at over coming adversity.  At the end of the day it was about my brother and his determination to be a fighter and to never give up. Please if you haven't already done so sign up to be an organ donor.  Here's the link to BC Transplant online registration.

Thank you for stopping by and for reading my blog.