First day of Running. by temporallobe at Garmin Connect - Details

First day of Running. by temporallobe at Garmin Connect - Details

2nd half of run 2nd half of Run by temporallobe at Garmin Connect - Details

Today was the first run of the event! I was up at 5am, and on route to Harbourside Park just before 6am. At the park Steve Belanger from BDO and Jeanette Holman-Price were both there in the very early and chilly morning to see me off on my first marathon





When we arrived in the park I had an interview with CBC Radio News 640. It was great to chat about the run, and then we did a quick TV spot as well. Who knows if it’ll air but the radio interview was live and we have heard it another few times during the morning news and on traffic updates when I was actually on the highway.

The run was no fuss and actually kind of boring. The only real oddity was discovering that you know it’s cold when your water bottle is freezing. Melissa, Magda and Mandy were riding in the Run to Remember Honda in front of me with a very fashionable flashing yellow light on the roof of her car. Behind me was a volunteer St. John’s City Police car. Between the two of the cars I was safely sandwiched during my run.

During the run there was a lot of honking, which I took as being of a positive, supportive nature versus the “you’re going too slow during rush hour” type of message. In fact, a car with Soccertots decal saddled right up next to Melissa, who was very unnerving and prompted her to yell about my safety, but they did so just to donate some money! It was very sweet but very dangerous. Thank you!

Now it’s clear as to why they call Newfoundland “The Rock”, it’s because the people here ROCK!

After a half marathon distance the ladies in front of me pulled me to a halt and loaded me in the car. I thought I was just resting a moment but it turned out I had another radio interview and speaking engagement at a local school. So, we headed back to the hotel to de-stink.

A very special thanks to the St. John’s City Police Department and Constable James Cadigan for being an awesome escort! The blaring radio as entertainment was greatly appreciated!

On our way to Larkhall Academy we had a radio interview with Kelowna’s AM 1150. Phil was wonderful and we had a lovely chat for his early morning show. Then we had a chat at the school with a group of 20-30 kids. It was a really energetic chat. I was able to take a lot of interesting and creative questions. The kids were animated and just a lot of fun to be around. They were so welcoming and willing to hear my story and message of brain injury prevention. Thank you Larkhall Academy for the welcome, the patience and the generous donation that was raised by the students!

Thank you Emily for presenting me with the mug of delicious goodies!

Then we had a short break for lunch and digestion, which was followed by another half marathon to finish up my marathon distance for the day.

Back on the Transcanada Highway, Melissa and Mandy led the way with my parents, Gerry and Judy behind me in the other Run to Remember mobile. It was awesome to have my parents on the road with me for the first time!

At 2:39pm a vehicle pulled over in front of us and Mildred Martin from Little Heart’s Ease community ran towards us to give us a donation and share her story about her nephew’s cerebral hemorrhage. THANK YOU MILDRED! The support was a great boost to get me through the rest of my distance.