Paul Cook’s Running Diary

So where did the time go? How did we suddenly go from October to December? This is my final blog before the half-marathon on Sunday, Dec. 6.

I have to admit, I am pretty nervous about running this distance in a hot climate, but I have a least covered the 20.1 kilometres once in the final month leading up to the run. So I know I can do it. I am proud to say I am heading to Barbados with the Arthritis Society’s Joints In Motion team having successfully reached and passed my fundraising goal of $10,680.

I remember the trepidation with which I revised my goal from $6,800 to $10, 680. I started to have my doubts in this economic climate. The last thing I wanted to do was head south to the race having FAILED to reach my goal! There were times when the donations started to slow to a trickle and I feared I had over-reached.

On Thursday, Nov. 5, 680News listener Kathi Amos did the math and donated $928.20 helping me hit the goal right on the nose, and still some donations are coming in. Thanks to Kathi, and to each and every one of you who have donated hard earned dollars to my Joints In Motion journey.

I hope I have helped raised attention for the need to find a cure and improved treatments for arthritis.    There are so many worthy causes to which one can contribute, but it sure does break your heart to watch people in pain no longer able to do things they love — never mind a run, but a walk outside with a beloved dog or simple chores around the house.

I am really looking forward meeting other members of the Joints in Motion Team at the airport and hearing their stories about training and fundraising. I hope to blog about the run as soon as possible. But first, there might be a cold beer or two to be savoured.