Race4MS- Running for my Life

I Believe you can help me, that a thought will make a difference, that anything that you believe from the deepest fiber of your being can be done, that you can help me race the longest and hardest race that I have ever ran in my life.

In 2003 I was healthy; I was going to the gym, riding my bike to work every day and playing tennis two or three times a week. I had recently quit smoking, and was at a new all time low weight of 195lbs. I had never been an athlete in high school, and I don’t think I ever had any aspirations to be, but I felt like I was strong. My health was never a long term concern for me.

In May I was working the night shift and in the morning at the end of my day I felt a strong cramp in my left forearm; it spread up my arm and down the whole left side of my body until I collapsed in the hall and had to wait until it had passed. It continued to happen for three months as many as 30 times a day. Six months later I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In 2006, a year after my second attack I decided to make a change, I went back to the gym. I started out slow jogging on the treadmill and doing light resistance training. Slowly I started losing weight, and getting stronger. I made a goal to run the Vancouver Sun-Run in 2007.

I have been working to raise awareness for the MS Society. I have raced six races since September 2009 and on August 29th 2010 I will be racing in Ironman in Penticton BC for the race4MS intiative run by the MS Society of Canada.

Here is the updated list of events since September 2009, I have missed one race due to injury, and may add one in July to make up for it :-)

September 2009 - Oasis Montreal Marathon
I had a great race, and finished in 4:06:13. Not my best time for the distance, but I had a great run, and met a lot of great people during the trip.

Historic Half Marathon - Fort Langley - February 21 result: new Personal Best time 1:49:24, waS a great race.

April Fools Run - sunshine Coast - April 11 Result: 1:52:21 - this was such a fun run, it was also my friend Q's first half Marathon.

Vancouver Sun-Run - May 9th Result: I walked this one injured with a separated Shoulder in 1 hour - 39 minutes. I had a great time, and played tag with a lady who walked the whole thing on stilts. I also made the news, for talking to Mike on his 26th Sun Run

Wine Capital of Canada Triathlon - May 16th Result: I had to skip this one due to a pesky shoulder injury, but I helped with a camp for people training for the Oliver Half, and still had a great weekend.

Oliver Half Iron Triathlon - June 6th Had a great Race, finished in 5:58:24 taking it easy in the swim, and enjoying the run. I will do this race again for sure. also talked to another man who is also doing Ironman this Year. He was diagnosed with MS 5 Years ago, I think my race class just got bigger.

Scotia Half Marathon - June 27th just for the fun of it, or so I thought...Started at 7:00 AM, looking to have an easy run, and even let my friends go on ahead so I wouldn't be tempted to catch them.....Lot good that did, I caught all but one of them by 15km, and pulled in a new PB by 13 seconds, catching the last of the group at 19 km, and pushing for a pass at the finish. I ran the last three km at less tan 5 minutes a kilometer with the last km being the fastest of the whole race... and felt great at the finish line. Total time, and new personal best for a Half Marathon 1:49:44

Desert Half Iron - Osoyoos - July 11th final Wet/dry run before Ironman

Ironman Canada - Penticton BC - August 29th The money shot, this is going to be the biggest race I have ever been in, and the focus of my year.

..Yes Sucker for punishment.

MS is a Chronic and terminal condition and I am fortunate to be able to live the active life style that I do. Please Pledge to support the research to cure and treat MS, There are Hundreds of thousands of people who live with this condition where one day you can live completely normal, and the next it can be a great success to be able to stand, and the next you are happy to still be able to see out of both eyes.

I am running for my life, and as long as I can, I will.

http://www.race4ms.org/

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