I began a journey 290 days ago towards fulfilling a longterm ambition of mine — to complete an Ironman Triathlon. In 10 days time, I will have accomplished that goal. I have worked hard to get to this point. And have much work left to do.
I will face some dark moments on the 19th of August – moments where I will feel like stopping. Feel like I cannot go on. Feel like I haven’t got the will to continue. Like I want to give up. I will need to dig deep to ensure I do not give into these temptations. To ensure I continue. I will find strength in knowing that there is a finish line — and it’s only hours or minute away. That while the pain might be intense, it is only temporary. And quitting, well, quitting will be with me forever in my heart.
In conjunction with my journey to an ironman, I also set out to raise funds towards the fight against cancer. I did so to ensure the effort wasn’t completely self-serving. As well as for very personal reasons — I lost my father to cancer 16 years ago. And my nephew, despite only being 12 years old, is already a survivor. I’m sure we can all relate, with our own stories of friends and family who have been touched by the disease. And unlike me on race day… those that are fighting cancer are doing so without the knowledge that there is a definitive “finish line”. For them, the pain has no defined end point. And for them, quitting is truly for ever.
My journey towards an ironman has been documented here on my blog site — if you’re reading this, you’ve no doubt enjoyed at least one of my posts (well… read one – enjoying them is a matter of taste!). More importantly, if you are able and willing to support my chosen cause, feel free to do so by donating using the links below.
Donations for the Canadian Cancer Society –
Donations for the American Cancer Society –
Thanks in advance for any and all support you are able to give. It is truly appreciated.
Mark,
You are going to be great in the race. You’ve trained appropriately and your head is in the game. I will donate on your behalf. My father is an esophageal cancer survivor. He was able to beat the odds (15% at 5 years post diagnosis) b/c of the advances made in treatment research. He’s now at year 12. The money you are raising DOES make a difference. That research enabled him to meet my children. They call him Papa Phil. You can’t put a price on that. Thank you for doing what you are doing for cancer research.
Peace my friend,
Kevin
Kev… a wonderful thing about your father. Thanks for sharing. And for the kind words.
AND, Kevin — thank you for the donation as well…
no, no..thank you. Now the rest of the people reading your great blog need to step up and make a difference!
Love to read your blog!
As a cancer survivor myself, I know every dollar raised made my fight that much easier. Best of luck on your Iron man journey. May it be all that you have trained
for.
Jenna
Thank you for the well wishes. And congratulations on being survivor!!