Saturday 9 August 2008

It Starts Here...

Well, I've been contemplating starting a blog for a while! There are three main reasons for me starting this. Firstly, it will be a personal catalogue of my various adventures; something to look back on in years to come. Secondly, it will be a place for me to ramble on about my training, thoughts, excitements, fears etc... as I complete various events in my build up to the Paris Marathon next year. Thirdly, and most importantly I would like this to be a way of transferring some of my crazy activities into positive outcomes; raising awareness of pancreatic cancer and raising money towards it's research.

For those of you who know me and my family, you will know all about the inspiration that is my Mum! Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (for the second time) in 2003, she continues to show the disease who's boss!! We always tell her she's a 'Tough Cookie'. This of course, is a massive understatement - she is truly amazing! As is my dad who is always by her side. She inspires me in all I do, and the following events will be no exception. I reckon....if a bit of self-inflicted pain on my part, can go anyway towards helping the suffering of people affected by the disease...then it's a small gesture I'm only too willing to do.

So....over the next 9 months, I will be carrying out a selection of "Challenges", the grand finale being the Paris Marathon on April 5th, 2009. I plan to run the marathon for the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK. I will set up a dedicated donation page in January 2009, when my training will be in full swing. In the meantime, details of the charity can be found at http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/. You can donate on this page at any time.

This blog will track my preparations between now and then, and will report on my other adventures along the way. At the moment, these are as follows (more will no doubt be added in due course):

August 17th 2008 - Wolverhampton Olympic Distance Triathlon
August 24rd - 29th - Traversing the Cuillin Range, Isle of Skye
September 3rd - Self Transcedence 5km
September 13th - Edinburgh Sprint Triathlon
September 14th - Pedal for Scotland (49 mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh) http://www.pedalforscotland.org/


April 5th 2009 - PARIS MARATHON !!!

As you can see, the first event is only a week away...so watch this space! Happy reading...

5 comments:

Unknown said...

The apple never falls far from the tree... Good luck with all the challenges mentioned. J

Claudie said...

Battling against my cancer is made so much easier by having the support of such a loving and caring daughter like you. I believe that a fighting spirit and positiveness are the essential ingredients to overcome any challenges. You have both of them so from one “tough cookie” to another, “Bonne Chance” in all your future adventures. Papa and I will definitely be in Paris next year to cheer you along the way!
Gros bisous.

Julia said...

Good luck with all your challenges Jo! I look forward to some training sessions together over the coming months and will line up next to you on the start line for Paris!

Your mum is an inspiration to all of us - I'll also run the Paris marathon for Pancreatic Cancer UK so will set up my page for that when you do yours!

Simon said...

Hey Jo

Just wanted to wish you good luck for your first challenge. Make sure you dont beat my time by too much!!

Have fun and I will let you know if anyone replies to my challenge to the Brum lot!!

x

Anonymous said...

Hi Jo - great to hear your amazing mum is winning her race. Enjoyed reading about your triathlon, makes me want to google my local club (just need to get another cup of tea and some biscuits first tho...). I bet you will be under 3 hours on the next one, especially if you practice gettin wetsuit off ;-) Will look forward to following your progress.