It’s easy to raise money for inclusion for all Manitobans!
To all who say they hate running,
I hated running too, but it all changed in 2020.
My running journey started during the pandemic 2020. When the gym closed I found running a way to be healthy and active. The first few runs were painful and short like about 2K. My first runs started in Hershey, Pennsylvania while I was working at the peak of COVID-19 in the hospital. On my runs, I met friends, neighbours, and deers! I felt I was able to connect with people while I was running. A smile and a wave during my runs lifted my spirits!
When I moved back to Toronto in September 2020, I ran a little more with my best friend Kewi. Everyone who lives in Toronto can attest to the humid weather and I felt it slowed my pace down. During our runs, I would occasionally walk and then catch up with Kewi. At this point, I was uncomfortable with a 5K, but spending time with my best friend made it worth it!
Summer 2021 was when I started to add more distance and speed. I met Aaron who is an inspiring runner and friend. He pushed me to up my game. He didn't give up on my weakness! At this time I found a job in HealthLink BC and studied a Pathophysiology course for my Nurse Practitioner school. It was one of the most unforgettable summers training on BC terrain. The scenery, from mountain peaks, snow caps, flying crows, luscious vegetation, berry bushes, and the active people around me made running so enjoyable. Running was a way to explore BC and at the end of summer, I was comfortably running 10k!
In September 2021, I moved to Thunder Bay to start in-person clinical placements. I praise and acknowledge my housemate Beks for being my best friend, role model, and favourite sister-in-Christ Lakehead University varsity athlete. She was gracious and shared tips on running and nutrition. I am indebted to her for making me strong and healthy to run this half marathon.
During my training in Thunder Bay, I was running in below 30-degree Celsius temperatures because the gym was closed due to the rising Omicron case count. I was challenged physically and mentally to keep going. There were so many days when I wanted to stop running. Sometimes I came home with ice on my eyelashes and soaked shoes from the snow and slush. Over time, I was able to adjust my attire to be able to run safely in extremely cold temperatures. Now, the weather cannot stop me from running and I am able to run 12K comfortably!
Who ever knew that I would endorse any social media platform, but I love using Strava! Strava is an encouraging platform to give kudos to all my active friends! We are a community that is inclusive and believes that everyone can make active living fun! Join it if you want! If I know you, I'll add you back: Iris L
So here I am, June 15 of 2022 and I will run my first half marathon with Brett! I cannot ask for a better friend and brother-in-Christ to join me on this journey to not faint but to make it to the finish line alive! This is only the beginning, let's go!
Description
Make a donation to provide life-changing support for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities.
We can make sure people have the chance to be more independent and active in our community—from learning to live independently to making life-long friends, there is so much we can do to empower people and encourage inclusion!
Let's run together and celebrate how our efforts are changing lives!
Achievements
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 19 | Shirlin Cheung | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 17 | Michael, Celeste, Josiah, and Clara Chen | $50.00 |
| Jun 17 | ZIAM | $50.00 |
| Jun 16 | Alysha | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 16 | Hilda C | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 16 | Stephanie | $100.00 |
| Jun 16 | Ryan | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 16 | Wa Sang | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 15 | Lauri | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 15 | Ariette | Undisclosed amount |
