Cancer came out the blue for me, never had I expected to receive such a diagnosis but there it was, black and white in front of me. Running stopped.
If you've been in the position of having to stop an activity you love due to illness or injury then you'll no doubt identify with many of the feelings I had at the time. Frustrated, angry, upset, questioning.
I learnt to harness this time, making the promise to rebuild stronger using my legs and love of running to benefit others.
My cancer was testicular cancer, I had an orchidectomy and chemotherapy. My message to all is check your balls - I didn't and it was very nearly much, much more serious. The Macmillan website has a great article on how to check, I'll put that link below.
It's not a book....yet. At the moment I am enjoying writing and publish my ramblings as a series of blog articles. This charts my journey to and through running, including the incredible run to Land's End.
Standing at the iconic sign was highly emotional, tears were not held back in the mile leading up to the sign, nor when standing there. I must have looked a complete wreck to the two lovely ladies who organise the official sign photos!
Determined is a fun read, the first few posts are already in the BLOG, I'll keep adding as the weeks trot along.
Whatever you call them, check them. Come on us guys are rubbish at grabbing our balls and having a feel for anything unusual. I'm sure that department is not totally alien to you so get this into your monthly routine.
You are welcome to join me, virtually and in the privacy of your own home of course, every first Tuesday of the month for Testie Tuesday, the day to have a rummage around!
The button below will take you to a Macmillan article on how to check and what you are looking for.
And whilst you are reading this give all the other men you know a nudge to go do the same, this is often a young mans cancer, 15 - 35 year olds. I was in the older age group to have testicular cancer.
Running Westward Ho!
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