Catch Me!

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“You should set goals beyond your reach so you always have something to live for.”
– Ted Turner

Life post-transplant has certainly been interesting!

I have learnt a lot about myself, as well as others. I have seen where my priorities truly lie, as well as those that would give everything to see me healthy once again.

I have seen family rally, & friends disappear (as well as the other way around…)

But mostly, this year has been about LIVING. It has been about trying new things, getting out of my comfort zone, meeting new people & constantly living the best life I possibly can.

This past weekend was a perfect example of such an activity – along with questioning my stupidity & capabilites…

“The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”
– Michelangelo

I signed up for my first ever trail run through Catch Me If You Can. I had heard of them through some of my fitness pals I have made, & thought it was a good excuse to try them out whilst improving my fitness & getting out in nature.

Catch Me If You Can (CMIYC) is South Africa’s largest all women running community that connects ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes. They’ve helped thousands of women connect and build lasting friendships whilst improving their health, fitness levels and lifestyles.

The CMIYC Leaders are phenomenal women with a common goal to encourage women of all fitness levels to join a community where they will feel comfortable and celebrated for who they are! They run all over South Africa, giving you the opportunity to discover the most beautiful routes and races in your area. They offer safety in numbers and a chance to get out and have some fun!

From beginner to Comrades Marathon – start your journey with them. Their diverse team of CMIYC Leaders will support you all the way! Their weekly activities include running, walking, hiking, and trail running.

They believe that running is about so much more than putting one foot in front of the other – they know that running will change your life.

They’ve put their everything into building the 1st Women Running App just for us and know we will love it!

I arrived at Rietvlei Zoo Farm nervous for what I was about to do. They had 5km, 10km & 15km options – & of course I had gone for the biggest challenge. I was filled with trepidation & all the comments from the nay-sayers were playing through my mind.

“You will never manage.”

“Do you know how far 15km is?”

“I’m fit & I wouldn’t even manage that distance.”

“You’re being stupid.”

“You’ll never make it.”

And then I remembered all the encouragement I received too…

“Your mind is strong Megs.”

“You make me so proud.”

“Do what you can.”

“Just enjoy it.”

“Think of how far you have come!”

“You can do it.”

With renewed passion I went to register & received my pink band that I put around my wrist. I saw some ladies I had met previously, went over to say hi & then prepared for the adventure ahead…

(note to self… Serious trail runners do not carry water bottles. They have those fancy-pants backpacks with water, or nothing. Do not be that kippy that takes your own & then has to hide it somewhere at the start to collect once the race is finished. You’re welcome.)

When the race started, I felt butterflies in my tummy & an excitement that I have not felt in years. I was actually doing this. Last year I was walking with a cane & now I was taking on a literal mountain. I took a deep breath & started putting one foot in front of another… Every step for the Rare Disease patients who can’t. Every step squashing the negativity & hurt that I have been carrying for way too long.

Yes, there was pain.

Yes, there were moments of wanting to give up.

But, there was also so much laughter. So much fun. So many friendships.