Kelly's Giving Page

Thank you for visiting my Fundraising Page. The money I raise will help fund life-saving research and bring forward the day when most types of cancer are cured. Whatever I am about to say below will involve COVID19-free activities. Fundamental principles first. When I was younger, I used to run a lot. I needed to run quickly, run slowly, sustain it long, jump high, jump long. For a long period, I thought that I had lost that ability. Last summer, for personal reasons, I started running again at one of the locations I used to in the past. I then realised that body has indeed memory. So, I am about to take the challenge of running 40 miles during November to retrieve that ability and in parallel, raise money for Cancer Research UK. Cancer-related family reasons necessitated to collect a significant amount of blood during the past couple of weeks. I was amazed by how many people helped us collect that (back in Greece). I came to the realisation that there are many things outside of our control, but there are always things that we can control, no matter how adverse years can be. Giving blood, raising awareness, and getting research further are still within the areas we can control and contribute significantly during the next months [1]. Someone would wonder why I decided to use yoga poses on the top of the page, although I will be running. Well, for those who have trained for military or marathons, you know that you run the last miles with your ‘mind’. When the temptation to quit is high, you need to visualise whatever will strongly encourage your mind to push your body more. For me, I need to think I will recover on a yoga mat. That will drive me through the challenge, bring me balance, make my mind dominate over my body and get it running. Well, I better get ready but before that, I really wanted to say massive thanks to all of you in advance. It means a lot. Not only for me, but for all those who collectively try to beat cancer. Stay well and safe, Kelly [1] https://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2020/07/01/covid-19-we-need-your-support-now-more-than-ever-without-it-were-lost/?_ga=2.163140220.1917852490.1595233158-1637127180.1554211619 Note 1: For accountability purposes, I will regularly update you regarding my progress in the gallery below using the Strava app. So, I guess I managed to complete the first mile on 01/11/20, and as always a lot can happen when you take just the first step. More to come. Note 2: A lot of you asked me where I run. Well, on weekdays, I do run in residential areas but depending on the hour of the day, I may need to redirect my route if I see something that will not make me feel safe. During weekends, I go to the park that is closest to my house. Unfortunately, I only have two big parks close to me and the other one did not feel safe to run during my test-runs in October. Similarly, because of COVID-19, I often need to redirect my route to avoid crowded areas. Note 3: In the possibility of getting an injury or being tested positive in COVID-19, I will pause the challenge and continue it after recovery. My page will not close automatically after the end of November, although this was my original intention. So, there is flexibility about how long I can extend my page and when I will close it. Note 4: For me, the most important part of this challenge is the 'reflection' part. Specifically, when I do Yin yoga, I need to stay at the poses for 4-6 minutes. This helps me reflect on which area(s) of my body (feet, ankles, knees, abdomen, arms, upper/lower back, neck, head) has been affected the most while running. Then, I will work on this/these area(s) more and focus on massaging and stretching as much as needed. Note 5: The other reflection part is of course 'mind'-related. Yoga helped me a lot through the challenge but it was not only that. What also helped me was discipline, and positive self-talk. I have been very good at the former through all my life. However, I really do suffer regarding the latter. So, my biggest lesson from this and the commitment I want to keep to myself from now on is to keep working towards positive self-talk. Work with myself for myself, so that the cup is full, the purpose is there and I can then give and help others (my true passion I guess). Note 6: Thank you very much for all your encouraging messages both here but also privately, they really mean a lot to me :) I think my last week has been a bit emotional, but instead of 'fight' it, I decided to enjoy it and most importantly feel it. Progress so far: - Weeks 1-3: Running: 32/40 miles Yoga for climbers: 3 hours (Restorative) Yin&Yang yoga: 3 hours Yoga for flexibility: 3.5 hours - (Recovery) Week 4: Running: 8.5/8 miles (Restorative) Yin yoga: 2 hours Yoga for flexibility: 1 hour I guess I made it, thank you everyone so much for all the support!!