The Mental Game

When training this last weekend, I promised myself I would do a certain distance and fulfill that commitment. This is a pattern I make all the time, I commit to a challenge each running session before I train, also depending on the type of training, for example; hill reps, interval sessions, etc. But most of the time, for me the commitment at the beginning of a session is made on time not distance, so I changed it a little this time…

The real commitment this time whether it be time or distance was in staying power. I’m not talking about endurance with physical staying power that the body needs to make the distance or time. This time I’m talking about the mental staying power, which so many experienced runners warned me about in the early days of training for my marathon challenge last year. People who had ran marathons and ultra marathons, all saying the same thing; “Running a marathon is a mental game Donna.” Back then I initially focused on my physical capabilities and how I could improve on them every day!

Hearing these words more than once; “It’s a mental game Donna.” I thought there must be some truth in this. Of course they were right! I experienced this on marathon day and all through the training before hand in fact, especially through tough times of injuries, lack of encouragement from certain people in my life, and the death of my brother last year. These were all tough times mentally that I had to pull through and turn them around to get me over the line…each day!

So getting back to my weekend training session, the weather was fine at first a little cool, but that’s fine for me as I warm up quickly when running. However today there was no warming up or taking off my jacket after a km, instead there was rain and strong winds to run against like a slow motion Bionic Woman episode or was that Baywatch?… Whatever! It was hard going and very challenging (even the cricket team I ran past packed up and left) and the thought of stopping this distance challenge and racing home in the hope of feeling fine with quitting “Sheez! It’s a valid excuse and I’m not training for a freakin’ marathon or running to save the world” said the voice in my mind.

But what I did have in my mind also was a 10yr old boy named Thomas. I will be running a 5km fun run with Thomas next Sunday and this will be his first 5km fun run ever. We are both super excited to be running together and he is doing something even extra special with this run. He has decided to raise funds for the MS Foundation, in hope to find a cure for MS, only just recently finding out his mother has been diagnosed with MS.

Thomas is a real example of strength and a champion going through challenges and fighting on, as he too has been a patient of the Royal Children’s Hospital, just as I was and has been following my RDR journey. He ran a little with me on marathon day last year and was one of the ‘Whys’ that kept me going the distance that day. It was windy and raining and even hailed that day, but nothing was going to stop me from completing the marathon, not even the extreme pain I was feeling in my right hip.

So thinking of Thomas last weekend, thinking of the weather (I have ran in before and survived) and thinking that maybe it just may be raining and windy on the 5km run with Thomas on Sunday, there was no way in my mind I could stop my training session and race home and quit.

Nearing the end of my distance challenge the strong wind and rain stopped and the sun came out, feeling as if it were congratulating me for making the distance and not giving up 🙂 It was all worth it.

Have you ever been so close to a goal and let something get in the way, because it just wasn’t going as you planned? Some things may get in the way or even some things out of your control will blow you off track. Is that a reason to quit and go home?

Please show your support to Thomas at https://give.everydayhero.com/au/thomas-running-for-ms  he is very close to his goal.

The Power is in Me!…it’s in You too!

Donna

 

It’s all in the mind

Announcing my scary goal to you a couple of weeks ago was a very big deal to me! Yes I have made the commitment of writing a book that reveals my true essence, sharing my thoughts and interpretation of my journey!

This is truly a big commitment. It’s time consuming and sometimes mind boggling as to how I am going to fit this into a legible form of interest; involving my experiences, story of determination, struggles, humour, motivation and lessons in my effort to pass on encouragement, inspiration, curiosity and hope this will guide readers into a time of reflection and motivation. I have done this many times at speaking events, but to write a book; to bring a certain voice to my pages can be a tricky mission.

For those who know me well, realise I am a person who detests being called a sufferer or a victim…eeew that really doesn’t work for me. I explain my story as a grateful survivor who just likes to get on with things and believe that there’s no such thing as can’t…

In the past I never liked to draw attention to myself regarding my stroke or diabetes, but then WHAM! Run Donna Run happened www.RunDonnaRun.com.au with no other reason but to raise funds for the RCH and encourage others, it was a huge personal goal too. No, I didn’t have to make a big song about it, but it just kind of grew into something I am proud to say made a positive difference and still does.

So back to the book writing dilemma, is it a dilemma or a process that I’ll grow into as the pages come to life? Yes, I write short pieces, such as my blogs, or articles where you are so wonderful to give feedback…good or bad, I am open to opinions and constructive criticism…although it’s all been good so far, thanks! 🙂

This reminds me of my first solo art exhibition a few years ago. I was revealing my work without hiding behind other artists talent, it was all me! Whilst being exciting it was scary too when I paused before opening night! Would people like it? Would they purchase my work? Would they totally bag it? Having a conversation with a friend of a pleased buyer at my exhibition; he said once he stopped painting for himself and painted what he thought would sell, that was when he actually didn’t sell! Hmm…interesting observation.

Where am I going with this? Well, it makes me think of scary challenges I’ve faced in the past, surviving a stroke, learning to walk again, changing my little sisters nappy (she probably won’t read this… 😉 ), launching a solo art exhibition, learning to run all over again (after 34 years) 30 steps to a marathon in 11 months…now writing a book… it’s written, in my mind, I just have to transform it into text.

We all have our own version of paintings, books, running a marathon, some sort of scary and exciting challenge, but do we go with “what sells” or conform to others expectations? Or go with our heart and our own PB (personal best)?

 

The Power is in Me…it’s in You too!

Donna

Back in ‘blogger world’

It’s been awhile since I have written in ‘blogger world’, apologies if it appears that I have neglected you.

If you have been following me at www.RunDonnaRun.com.au  or  www.facebook.com/RunDonnaRun you will have seen I created a running group called ‘PIIMP My Run’ (Power Is In Me Program) this was a 20 week online training program, providing keen participants with a program, this included expert running training and a nutrition program from my awesome coach’s, along with our continual motivation, fun and encouragement to reach the goal to Run For The Kids in April. Some travelled to Melbourne, while others ran in their town/city. We all raised funds for the RCH, here is the team http://www.rundonnarun.com.au/#!piimp-team/c22uy I am very proud of this awesome group who inspired me throughout the program, and some had never ran before this program! PIIMP team members are now going on to bigger challenges of their own and have found a new love, running!

My goal as you may know is to raise $50,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital which is something I am continually focusing on to achieve in 2014.

My next RDR challenge and fundraising activity is called ‘Falling for a Cause’ http://www.rundonnarun.com.au/#!falling-for-a-cause/cydj involving a team of 20 adventurous people to skydive with me in October 2014, for the kids at the RCH.

As you can tell I have been busy so hence I have been away from writing in ‘blogger world.’ I hope you will forgive me for the break and welcome me back.

Writing has been something I have dabbled in from a young age as far back as primary school, I loved creative writing. My mother even kept a story I wrote about a hippopotamus in my backyard, written on ancient paper with blue lines 5 cm apart. Always keeping a journal when I was younger and in my over analytical teenage faze and writing letters to my cousins and aunties who lived afar, back when we hand wrote letters and sent them in an envelope with a stamp. I even secretly considered myself a poet in my latter years of high school, although I would dread to read them now and come to realise why it were a secret (silently giggling to myself).

My next personal challenge is one without a team, a challenge that is solely my own that reveals my truth, my vulnerability and my soul. It’s a truly scary but exciting challenge that I have held inside and now revealing this to you means that I need to follow through, just as I did with my original RDR marathon challenge.

Doctors regretfully told my parents when I was 8 years of age; I would never walk or talk again after surviving a stroke and other serious complication. Many people who hear my story of determination, are amazed and quite frequently tell me; “Donna, you should write a book!”  So, by popular demand, this is my new challenge that I am sharing with you. I am writing a book! Aauugghh!!

There’s no such thing as can’t…

Donna

So, what’s next, Donna?

“So what’s next Donna?” This is a question that is being thrown at me repeatedly, from many of you who have been following my Run Donna Run journey. So I thought I’d write this for you all, here goes!

RDR Supporters

I have been so blessed to meet so many beautiful, encouraging, supportive people on this journey that I feel like I have a huge extended family now. My own family and friends have always been there for me, that to me I will always treasure. Now however, I have more special people that are from all over the world that I may never meet in person, but have made connections with through the RDR journey that I will cherish.

Let me start from the beginning of the RDR journey. The idea began on the evening of November 16, 2012. I was walking along Elwood beach on a gorgeous evening when I was passing people on a path that were walking as well as running. I thought to myself, I have been always happy to walk; especially since this was something I was unable to do at the age of 8 years when I had the stroke. So I have since never taken that for granted. But this particular evening I noticed the people running by and I wondered if it were possible that I could do that again. This is something I have clumsily attempted on the odd occasion when I have crossed a road and thought I was going to get run over by a crazy driver…haha…but not very well, thank god they slowed down as I don’t think I could save my life through my ability to only shuffle a few steps, nearly tripping myself over…haha.

So this particular evening I thought; I am going to give this a go! I wasn’t with anybody, so the thought did come to mind ‘What if I fall? Who’s going to catch me?’ but then realising, ‘Don’t be stupid Donna, you’ve fallen plenty of times before and survived! Give this a go!’ So I did!  First I started with 20 steps, next was 24, then 25…the last was 30 steps… I didn’t fall but had to stop. I knew I needed help.

So I went home all excited with the idea that I would learn how to run. Well if I managed 30 steps, surely I could increase this. I went home to Deb my housemate and announced as I do, when I think I have a great idea “I just ran 30 steps! I am going to get somebody to train me!…maybe I’ll do a fun run!…maybe I can raise money for a cause!…maybe!…maybe!…”

I don’t know if Deb thought I was crazy at the time, but she smiled graciously anyway, as any good housemate would.

Deb has been a personal trainer in the past, so I put the offer to her first, knowing that she was over the whole personal trainer gig, I asked if she would be willing to help. However, she was busy with other commitments, she declined but suggested to look online for self help training programs …I raced to my PC looking online, feeling overwhelmed at the idea of following some main stream program that did not necessarily suit my needs and knowing that I needed people interaction, not a written program that I found boring and difficult to follow. A thought came to me! Who was that guy that I met at the business seminar I went to in October? He said something about him and his business partner coaching and teaching people to run…

I scurried through my notes from the seminar, as I knew he wrote his name and website down for me and found the gold ticket, so to speak, it was Chris from brewstersrunning.com! I looked at the site and as always went straight to the ‘About Us’ tab to find Shaun Brewster and Chris O’Driscoll. These guys were clearly knowledgeable, qualified and even experienced ultra-runners. So here it began, me writing a carefully written email to see if these guys would help me out.

Less than a half hour after sending this to them, I receive an email back from Shaun:

Hi Donna,

Let’s do it!

I’ll call you tomorrow to discuss it further.

It would be our pleasure to help you and the thousands of people that you will help.

Looking forward to working with you.

Shaun Brewster

Wow! That was quick!

The idea of running a marathon was not even close to my plans for a fun run to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital. This idea came from Shaun in the first phone conversation that I had with him, before he even met me in person and saw how I even walked, let alone run. I thought this guy was crazy, but at the same time I could sense his enthusiasm and willingness to help me and I was appreciative of that.

The words that have always stuck in my mind from that phone conversation with Shaun are “Donna, anyone can run a marathon, it’s all to do with your mindset.” These words have stuck like glue in my mind for the last 11 months.

So as crazy as it may have sounded to my family and friends at first, when announcing that I was going to run a marathon in October, 2012. This was a belief that I held in my mind that I could and would be doing. Bring it on!

So I shared my plans with my good friend Steph who is a super creative woman and more knowledgeable at social media ‘stuff’ than I am. We had worked together on a fundraising project in the past that she had created so I knew she had experience to help. Steph was very excited and even emotional when I told her and gladly hopped on board the RDR team journey, being the chief photographer, social media queen and incredible support and friend. Thanks HEAPS Steph!

So began the roller-coaster journey of the Run Donna Run campaign.

Brewster’s Running has been incredible with their support, coaching, advice and friendship. I will be forever grateful for their belief in me, especially to Shaun for helping me through even some tough personal challenges along the way.

Many of you know the reasons of my challenge. Yes, it is a HUGE personal challenge. It was also to raise funds for the RCH that I will be forever grateful for (saving me from the serious life threatening condition I was in from the stroke and diabetes type 1). My parents were told by doctors that I would never walk again.

The goal was to also use my story to encourage and inspire others. I of course had You as another reason to keep going, the wonderful support from all that followed my journey and encouraged me along the way, I just couldn’t let you down.

Brian and Eli

Another special reason to do this challenge was for my brother Brian, my brother who was always so encouraging of everything I did including my marathon challenge, sadly passed away in March this year from cancer, he was so brave and fought to the end. You may have noticed I wore a black arm band on marathon day and had BRIAN written on my arm, this made me strong and helped get me across the line. I was crossing the finish line for Brian. I miss him every day.

As any marathon runner would know and I hear this a lot, running a marathon is a mental game. There ups and downs, but I was so lucky to have a wonderful team with me Shaun, Chris and John, who I will be forever grateful to have in my life. We also picked up an amazing woman along the way in Albert Park, Athena who stuck with us, thank you also. There are too many words that I cannot even put together in this blog, to acknowledge my appreciation for their efforts on the day. I am saving it for them personally.

The amazing support along the way on the day of the marathon, I need to make special mention to. These are the people who ran alongside me through some tough times, both for me and the crazy weather 🙂 or those who waited to see me pass on the track: Neil Sjostrom, Annitta Macauley, Thomas Macauley, Neetha Nambiar, Will Woods, Laura Scott, Rebecca and Scarlett Hughes, Carla Campisi, Matt Morrison, Peter Iorlano, Carolyn, Matt, Flynn, Oliver and Isla Tiley, Enisa and Trevor Kasar, Kate Jayne and Abbey O’Driscoll. It was wonderful to have your smiles with me even through all of that crazy weather.

The end result was amazing for me. Running on the MCG has always been the image in my mind on the day and even when training for those 11 months to keep me motivated. I JUST made it before the cut off time in 6:53:15 (cut off time being 7 hours) but I did it!

The Power is in Me

There were an awesome bunch of people who waited there for me including family, friends and even my new extended family of RDR supporters, it was amazing and I will be forever grateful for everyone’s support both on the day and all who have followed me online. Thank you! Thank you!

So, getting back to the original question? “What next?” I am still pumped and on a high from my achievement. I will still keep running, as I always say “there’s always room for improvement” and I want to better myself.

I haven’t set another huge challenge yet; I think I still would like the time to enjoy this moment before rushing into something else. I hope you can appreciate that.

I still have media interest even after the event and am being asked to speak at different events, which I love to do, as I want to encourage others to ‘Do!’

The fundraising hasn’t ended; I have a goal to raise $50,000 for the RCH ‘Wish List’ and this I will continue to do. You can help by going to http://rchfoundation.com.au/donna_campisi No matter how small or big your donation, it all is greatly appreciated.

The RDR website and facebook page will still continue to give you updates on what we are up to as well as let you know of any events that come up.

The message through all of this just in case you haven’t heard me say “There’s no such thing as can’t…” and “The Power is in YOU.”

Forever grateful,

Donna