Written by Miranda Vecchio
On Friday, April 14th, Vancouver Sun Run hosted a Sponsors and Charity Partners reception at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver. This is Charlford House’s first year as a Charity Partner so I attended with a friend who is also a Charlford alum.
I had no idea what to expect from the evening but it turned out to be a lovely and worthwhile experience. Apart from meeting some event Sponsors and the reporter who recently profiled us in the Vancouver Sun, I also made some great connections for possible future partnerships that will benefit our women.
When the speeches began, I was interested to learn of the origins of the event (now in its 39th year) and actually hear from the founders. Long-time participants and supporters were also introduced, as were some elite (including Canadian Olympian) athletes, which opened the door for some friendly banter – bragging rights were up for grabs but alas! would have to wait until Sunday morning!
Having had the opportunity to be in this room, full of such quality people, to meet some of the organizers and to bear witness to the passion and long-time relationships that have been forged, really left me feeling more connected to the event. What started out as a corporate /business initiative was now feeling personal.
On Sunday, April, 16th, I parked my car in an underground lot in New Westminster, near a sky train station and lined up to pay behind a number of other people wearing orange Sun Run t-shirts. On the train itself, stop after stop yielded throngs of excited people piling on, with the same apparel and (one would assume), downtown destination.
When I got off the sky train, I followed the crowd out to the street and, as unlikely as it is, came face-to-face with someone I know who had just dropped off a team. Again, that personal connection.
The cold, wet rain was relentless and standing around for about an hour until being called up to the start line was a test in itself. Fortunately, I was somewhat buoyed by the fervour of the crowd, the live band playing some rousing tunes and the knowledge that I’d made this commitment and would do everything I could to see it through.
Once ushered with the rest of the crowd, to the start line, I felt a certain levity and palpable sense of unity - an agitation to start moving forward...And we were off!…
I was grateful for Sponsor Kal Tire’s markers at each kilometre, with motivating messages; the clappers and people who cheered along the way, spurring us on; the live musical entertainment in several locations, pumping us up as we soldiered on and fought to keep pace. Many volunteers worked the water stations making sure runners, wheelers and walkers were well hydrated; first aid tents were minded, attending to folks with all sorts of ailments while medics cycled up and down the course, staying alert for anyone who may be in need. And, of course the police who stood at the barricades all along the way, kept the area clear and incident free. There were a lot of moving parts, a commendable number of people working together to put on a very successful event!
Because it is low impact, plus I hadn’t trained, I had made the decision to walk, not run. I was doing quite well until the half-way mark but knowing I was already half done helped. I started experiencing considerable pain in my left ankle. Between the 6th & 7th kilometre, it was basically unbearable so I stopped at a first aid tent and had them apply a tension bandage to see me through the rest of the way.
It helped for a while, but the last couple of kilometres were an exercise in “mind over matter”. To pep-talk myself, I remembered how gruelling my Charlford House experience had been and the emotional journey of the 12 steps of recovery. I had accomplished this by dogged determination and could apply the same principle here, of putting one foot in front of the other. if I just persevered, I would eventually come out the other side.
I also thought about how I had basically been crippled by arthritis two years ago, but thanks to Canadian healthcare and amazing health practitioners, here I was, fully capable of participating in this now.
My husband in the meantime, who used to be an avid jogger, was at home waiting for me. For the past several years, he has been bed and wheelchair ridden. I thought about how he would do anything to have a sore ankle, fighting cold temperatures and the rain, if it meant he could walk even a few steps at a time – let alone 10 kilometres!
Also, men and women in uniform the world over (my husband and father are both veterans, having served their countries honourably), continue to brave the elements and the cruellest of conditions, to give us the right and freedom to enjoy a day such as this.
All of these thoughts put things in perspective for me, overwhelmed me with gratitude, and brought me closer and closer to crossing the finish line.
Once I had finished the “race”, I hobbled home, satisfied that I had fulfilled my commitment.
In the meantime, other Board Members and volunteers had completed the run and made really good time! I can only imagine their exhilaration! Some women from our 2nd stage house had stood at the finish line, holding signs, offering a last-minute “Woot-Woot” for participants, before heading inside BC Place to watch our Board President participate in a Charity cheque presentation and to join in the celebrations.
I received a text and photos from other runners who had participated virtually (stretching their run over 3 days in a location of their choosing). It was heart warming to see their broad smiles.
All in all, it was a very positive experience. I think it’s safe to say, we will be participating again next year!