First rebirthday 10k race
11 July 2010, 14:13Last Thursday was my one year anniversary of my bone marrow transplant, which others have taken to calling a “rebirthday”. James took me out for lunch and a very chill session at a super posh tea shop, followed by a surprise card and flowers when I got home! I’ve been planning a special celebration of my own for about six months now, when I got it into my head that I should run a 10k for my one year post-transplant.
The British 10K London Run was this morning, and even though I’ve been running around the river for the past 3-4 months to train for this, I had only managed 10km in my last three runs so I was feeling pretty nervous and hoping only to run the whole thing (no walking!) and to maybe finish in under an hour.
I had a fantastic run, and though it was a definite slog at times, the memory of three friends who died last year despite their transplants really kept me going (I wrote their names on my hand to motivate me). I couldn’t believe the clock at the finish line – 54:22!! And I started back about 50m from the start line so that’ll come down by a few seconds when the chip times are released, too. Edit: official chip timing says 53:48!! Woop!
Now, I always try to keep this site on-topic, so there really is some sewing-related craft in here…
Yes, I used my freezer paper prowess to stencil “One Year Post Transplant” on the back of my running vest! I used the same process and silver paint that I did for the green sweatshirt bolero last year. I initially tried the yellow Marabu Textil paint, but when they say that it’s not suitable for dark fabrics, they mean it! The yellow just soaked throgh and you couldn’t see it at all, so I had to follow up with the silver. So for future reference, if you’re painting onto dark fabrics, use the Textil Plus or Textil Metallics paints!
I’ve already raised way, way more money for the Anthony Nolan Trust (the UK’s bone marrow charity, and the people who found me my donor last year) than I was expecting to, but if I’ve inspired you and you’d like to donate to the cause, my sponsorship page will still be open for a while longer. Or even if you’re totally skint, please PLEASE consider getting yourself on your country’s bone marrow registry.
Thanks again for all your support, kindness, and thoughts over the past year. You guys are the best.
tags: exercise, hospitalComments:
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Congratulations!! You should be so proud. Enjoy the victory!!!
— Cindy Jul 11, 02:39 PM #
Congratulations!
— Daisy Jul 11, 02:43 PM #
Well done! I was meant to run in that race but a stinking cold this week has left me wiped out. I was gutted to miss it, though didn’t envy you the heat. That is an amazing time. Hurrah!
— karen ball Jul 11, 02:45 PM #
Congratulations!
— Bonnie Jul 11, 02:52 PM #
i just had a hospital visit of my own—nowhere near as serious—and i thought, oh, i’m a little tired, i’ll skip yoga today. then i read this post. guess who’s going to yoga.
congratulations, girl, you rock.
— oonaballoona Jul 11, 03:54 PM #
Congratulations! I feel so lazy by comparison! And you did really well considering how hot the weather has been.
— LauraVW Jul 11, 04:22 PM #
A bit more money for Anthony Nolan and their very good work.
— Toby Wollin Jul 11, 04:26 PM #
Wonderful achievement, congratulations. Really incredible a year after your transplant. Super!
— Sigrid Jul 11, 04:47 PM #
Congrats, what a great plan to celebrate!!
— Lourdes Jul 11, 05:10 PM #
Congratulations, what an accomplishment!!!!
— Victoria Jul 11, 05:15 PM #
I knew what to write in the comment box but the others have said it before me. Congratulations, you are an inspiration!
— Jali Jul 11, 05:19 PM #
Yaaay, Melissa! Great job!
I’ve been a member of a US bone marrow registry for about 10 years. I’m very glad that they transplant worked for you!
— Rose in SV Jul 11, 05:35 PM #
Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. You are a true inspiration!
— Shannon Jul 11, 06:16 PM #
I am soooo proud of you. Your courage and persistence is amazing and inspiring.
— Mom Jul 11, 06:56 PM #
Way to go!!!! I got teary eyed looking at your race pictures!
— June Jul 11, 09:54 PM #
Well done!
— RuthieK Jul 11, 10:55 PM #
Good for you!!!!!
— Kay Y Jul 11, 10:57 PM #
Well done – I think doing under an hour is a terrific time! Woo hoo!
— Sue Jul 11, 11:37 PM #
Congratulations on your fantastic achievement.
— allisonC Jul 12, 12:42 AM #
Congratulations Melissa, you deserve to be so very proud!
— Lisette Jul 12, 03:53 AM #
That’s amazing! Congratulations. Well done!
— Elizabeth Jul 12, 04:46 AM #
Congratulations with the anniversary and the run! That is a really great way to celebrate. By the way, I haven’t forgotten about the Knipmodes and will get to it soon I hope. I’ll contact you then.
— Hilde Jul 12, 10:36 AM #
Congratulations! You are amazing!
— mochimo Jul 12, 10:37 AM #
You must be so very happy to have been able to do this run – and in such an amazing time. I will have to work so much harder to come even close. My hat has been removed in respect. Well done.
P.S. I am already on the register – an opportunity given while giving blood. Both so little effort for the fit and healthy but so essential if needed.
— Kim Hood Jul 12, 11:46 AM #
Wow what a turn around from 12 months ago. 53:48 is better than my best so go you!
— Rachel Jul 12, 12:43 PM #
Wonderful! Blessings for staying strong through the year and for finishing the race.
— Dei Jul 12, 05:21 PM #
I will definitely get on the register; my boyfriend was a donor to his brother years ago, so I know it’s amazingly important. Congratulations and thanks for your continuing inspiration!
I think your run time is excellent as I can barely run around the block (too much bicycle)! ;-)
— M Kate Jul 12, 05:44 PM #
Well done! Also, your jersey looks great! You did a fantastic job of matching the typesetting for your stencil to the print on the jersey.
— Sharon Jul 13, 05:28 PM #
Congratulations on your rebirthday, and finishing a marathon one year on. The three friends were watching over you.
— Katharine in Brussels Jul 24, 11:50 AM #