Missing out, but my mates hear me cheer
When I was first diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer seven years ago and given maybe just two years to live, I had one thing on my bucket list. Running an amazing 150 mile desert race called The Marathon Des Sables in Morocco.
Somehow I managed to get to run that race in 2016 and it meant so much. A dream I felt would never be fulfilled actually happened.
I have since been to the Sahara five times to compete in the race – and even ran it in my back garden during lockdown.
So this week is kind of sad as I’m missing the race – I can’t get insurance due to my health plus my recent hernia operation. Instead, I have been following the runners online.
Every day I have been “dot watching” my 10 or so friends who are privileged to be able to be out there. And from the aerial satellite map I have been living every step of the race with them, from the huge endless sand dunes to the jebels (mountains) where they use ropes to get over the top.
But life is always about what you can do rather than what you can’t so additionally I have been sending daily emails to all my friends wishing them luck and reminding them about salt tablets, drinking often, making memories and, above all, hygiene!
My support does not end there as I have randomly picked other British runners and sent them encouraging emails too. I know they get these each evening printed off when they are recovering in their tents and I remember what a buzz it is to know that others care about your progress even though you can not reply.
I can’t wait to hear from them all when they return next week as in a small way I have shared their journey, too, and for now that is all I can do.
Like me, if there are people who you know could do with a word or two of support just send them a message or give them a call. You will improve their day and make them feel loved. And we all should feel that more often.
I remember what a buzz it is to know others care about your progress
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