Hey everyone,
Not sure if anyone remembers the WA bushfires earlier this year.
An ultramarathon (100km) was organised in WA at the time and, as a result of the organisers' lack of attention to safety, a number of runners were severely injured (burned) when they got caught in the bushfire chaos with shifting winds etc.
upshot is that two of the worst injured are two lovely Victorian girls, Kate and Turia. Both girls suffered severe burns to most of their bodies...horrific stuff.
Kate may never run again as she has had one foot amputated, and I heard today she is due for a further amputation procedure soon.
Turia has to wear a compression suit and face/headgear due to the severity of her injuries still.
Today a race around the Tan Track in Melbourne was held to raise funds that will all go to the girls to assist them with their medical and other expenses. Around $30k was raised, which is fantastic.
The race was the Ultra Spirit (details here:
https://www.facebook.com/1ultraspirit?ref=ts)
It was 2 laps of the track, so 7.6km.
My KB trainer is a friend of Kate's and asked if I'd like to go. OF COURSE I WOULD.
I haven't been running this year at all since early January (don't do too much cardio or you won't gain LBM - fair point).
So I haven't really trained endurance ... now 7.6km isn't a huge distance but having recently developed full blown asthma, I was a tad concerned (images of me collapsing in a wheezing heap on the pavement and being trampled by eager runners...ain't pretty
)
Well, I had a fabulous time ... we ran the course, I only stopped a few times to normalise my breathing and avoid a wheeze attack (successfully) and still managed a decent pace, considering my lack of form.
Most importantly, it was FUN and for a great cause.
I was very inspired to see young Turia, covered head to toe in special burns compression gear, out in the cold, running alongside us all. The air was cold at 8am!!
What a champ. That's the kind of never say die spirit I find so very inspiring. She's still in enormous pain, but was so appreciative of everyone's support, she came along to join in.
We all got a medal for finishing, as you do in a fun run. Everyone's a champ
i survived, with lungs a little worse for wear and massive leg DOMS but totally worth it