Hello, I am a new Ambassador and this is my first post to the forum! I will introduce myself properly in another post asap. Just to say I have run for Bloodwise in every Great North run since 2002, shortly after I completed chemo for CLL.So it was logical for me to post to this topic first.
Last year was rather special as I did my first ever marathon, and it was the big one. London. I am rather proud of this achievement as only now do I realise that I was doing it whilst my CLL was progressing, but now I understand better the fatigue was not just due to the training! I also did the Yorkshire marathon.
I am now enrolled in a clinical trial. I have exciting plans for the next 12 months and hopefully will be able to get a place at London next year. This year I will be doing the Edinburgh marathon and possibly Amsterdam. And of course the GNR.
If you are wondering whether to do an event like this for Bloodwise I really would encourage you to do so, whether you are just starting and going for a 5k or considering a marathon. It is so rewarding, and the fundraising will give the extra motivation to train. Yes, training for a marathon is hard, but it is far outweighed by the feeling of achievement when you cross that line. The crowds at London were truly amazing! . It is such an emotional experience, you feel like you are truly grabbing life and giving it, and leukaemia, a good kicking!
This is one of the reasons I became an ambassador. If I can encourage just a few people to do these things I wil be happy since it will have such a positive affect, both mentally and physically. But if have not run before, do check with your doctor or specialist a first. But I would guess in most cases they would encourage you. But I warn you, once you do a big event you will most likely be hooked! And I used to hate the idea of running.
Basically, running saved my life and it is great to be able to still run.
Look forward to chatting more with you in the future!
Hi, a great big welcome as a new Ambassador and on this community forum. You certainly have got hooked on running, I recently hurt my back and my chiropractor told me my running days are over, actually I have to admit they had never started in the first place. I am sure your achievements and enthusiasm will inspire others. I also have CLL. I would certainly extoll the virtues, emotionally and physically, for me of going out for whatever exercise is suitable, fresh air and interacting with people. I am sure you will soon be hooked on being an Ambassador and interacting on this community forum, It sure gives me the feel good factor and I really feel supported. Take care of yourself as well and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Wow! Thank you for all you have done for Bloodwise, and you show have certainly shown what can be done after a blood cancer diagnosis (although not for everyone, myself included). Welcome to the forum and to being an ambassador, both of which are very rewarding. I look forward to hearing more from you, and possibly meeting you in the near future. Best wishes
Thanks so much Erica!, Really appreciate the warm welcome! Sorry to hear that you are not able to run, but my words above apply to any Bloodwise event, not just running. Sounds like you are already finding positive ways of coping with your CLL.
As you will understand from the above, I am a bit obsessed by running , but there are so many possibilities for finding something rewarding.
Totally agree about the ambassador role, really looking forward to contributing in the future.
This morning I just did a patient feedback video, I will be sharing more news of this later.
Thought Iād post on here that I got discharged by my Oncologist yesterday, 21st December 2020. Almost exactly 42 months since my treatment for stage 3 HL.
To celebrate the moment I pledged to run for Blood Cancer UK in the Big Half on 25th April 2021.
I used to cycle a lot before my illness, but I decided to take up road running on 4th November 2020 when the country was locked down again and the gyms were closed.
I surprised myself by taking to it pretty well and Iām just over a month I ran 10km in 63 minutes.
I have a 16 week training programme which starts on 4th January and hopefully will help me run 21km in a decent time.
There is life after cancer and Iām probably in the best physical shape of my life
@James, it sounds as if you are doing so well and I am impressed with your training plan and event.
Please let us know how you are getting on, take care and stay safe.
. It is such an emotional experience, you feel like you are truly grabbing life and giving it, and leukaemia, a good kicking!