18. Mother's Day Classic 2012
Friday after I got my results I knew I needed a longer walk. I put my pedometer on and walked 2kms. I figured if I could do that, I could walk 4kms on Sunday at the Mother’s Day Classic. I found if I kept my surgery arm (that’s what they are referred to, I discovered) close to my body and bent in a protective manner, it didn’t ache.
Saturday I made myself a ‘I’m running for….” card. Many people wear them during the event. Some wear them saying who they are walking for or in memory of. It was rather emotional making one for myself. Mine said:
I am walking for me. Nine days after surgery for breast cancer.
Our friends had made and laminated pictures to wear on their backs. They had a photo of both us couples together, saying they were doing it for me. I didn’t see them till after the event and was very touched by them.
The forecast was not looking good for Mother’s Day, but I was determined like never before to participate. This held so much significance for me now. It wasn’t just a fun run and something different to do on Mother’s Day. Personally, it was a sign that though I might have had breast cancer and recent surgery, it was not going to beat me down. It was also a show of strength. I was strong and I was recovering and I planned to let people know I wasn’t ill, or sick or suffering. I was overcoming!
My son had entered the 8km event, but he wanted to walk with me. I valued his support so much. It was extra significant as we had done the first Mother’s Day Classic together when he was 11.
The night before, the forecast got worse again. Rain, with temperatures between 10-12 degrees. Brr. Many people suggested I didn’t walk. But there was no way I wasn’t going to be there. It was far too important to me.
I dragged out my thermals and found the big plastic rain ponchos we had stashed away. I wore my hiking shoes and my thick socks. I put my hair in my trademark pigtails I always wore when exercising. Yes, I viewed this as exercise. This was another statement that I was back on the road to fitness. I also wore a pink headband my daughter gave me.
We drove to the city and parked near our daughter’s place in East Melbourne and then walked past the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Tennis Centre and across the Yarra River. I was surprised how many people had still come to participate despite the weather. 41,000 people had entered all events. They ranged from a 4km walk or run to an 8km walk or run. We followed the crowd control and lined up for our walk, huddled together with thousands of others. I felt a tap on my shoulder, turned around and saw a familiar face of a woman I know. Her sister had read my ‘tribute’ pinned to my back and pointed it out to her. My friend, Rosie thought it was probably me. It was nice to chat briefly as we waited for the start gun to go. There was a minute’s silence known as the Memorial Minute of Silence, to remember those whose lives breast cancer had claimed. I thought of two very special women in my life and gave thanks for having known them.
I wouldn’t have blamed any of our friends or family if they had pulled out on the day, but they didn’t. Our friend’s daughter, Rose, ran the 4km at 7.30am. And then she waited around in the cold and rain to see her Mum and Warren run the 8km at 8.30am. Our daughter, her fiance and a friend also ran the 8km. We told them not to hang around and wait for me, but to go home and keep warm. We planned to have morning tea at their place nearby afterwards.
I’ve always loved autumn and I especially enjoy it in the city and around the Botanical Gardens. As we walked, I felt stronger. My determination to finish gave me strength and I felt great. The wind blew and a few showers blew across and dampened us, but certainly not my enthusiasm. I reflected on the past few weeks as we walked and was so grateful I had come through this so well. I chatted a bit, but my son and I were both lost a bit in our thoughts I think. I recalled running this event two years ago with our daughter after we had moved back from overseas and then running it myself the next year, missing her company.
As we walked to the finish line on St. Kilda Road, we saw our friends and my husband with the camera. We smiled and chatted, but then I pointed to my watch – I still wanted a good time, even if it was a walk and not a run! I guess that competitive nature was alive and well.
We walked back to our daughter’s place. They had set up the table for a special morning tea. We had croissants and jam, a cake she had baked, and tea and coffee. We chatted, enjoyed the sun streaming in the window and playing with the cat.
Soon it was time to head home again and have a hot shower. I looked at my pedometer on the way home. 8kms total walked! WOW. I was so pleased and I felt fine. And I felt blessed to have such a wonderful husband, children and friends.
That afternoon, I had a long, well earned sleep.
I’m sure I had a smile on my face, too.