My Next Big Challenge
Life is a challenge. Arthritis is a challenge. My challenge is living with arthritis and continuing to promote awareness and to raise funds for arthritis research.
Many of you know that in May 2011, I undertook "My Great Wall Challenge" - a half marathon on the Great Wall of China. Although I had an arthritis flare-up in March and did not know whether or not I would be able to complete it, I was determined to go and complete whatever distance I could, however long it took.
As you can see by this photo---I did it! I used hiking poles on the tricky parts and it took me just under 5 hours to complete the 21 kilometres, but it was a fantastic journey. I was thrilled in the end that my sister shared the journey with me.
Many of you already showed me great support - financially, by helping me to raise $10,000 for The Arthritis Society for research and programs; - physically, by training with me, and supporting my health care; - emotionally, by encouraging me when I was feeling down.
I don’t normally participate in Joints in Motion events so close together but I am doing so this year for 3 reasons:
1) My friend Sandra, who is close to my age and has had osteoarthritis for over 20 years, is participating for the first time. I want to support her and share the excitement of her first long walk!
2) I wanted to challenge myself in a different way—this time, I am trying to “pick up the pace”. I have walked half marathons in 3:16 and 3:30. Can I finish in under 3 hours as this course is flat and the temperature moderate?
3) The need for continued research and programs for arthritis does not go away. Did you know that arthritis costs the Canadian economy 6.4 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity and that 1 in 1000 children under the age of 16 in Canada will develop some form of the disease.
If you have not sponsored me before, please consider doing it now. If you sponsored me for China, please consider a small donation. Thanks.