Remember Me ?

I'm sure that nobody is reading this, but that's not the point of me writing today, but if you are, I hope you stay for the journey, at least to the end of this post. 

 Today, November 1st 2023, marks the 1st Anniversary of my Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy commencing as I fought against Cancer for the 2nd time in the last 6 years, and a time to reflect, and strike out, going forward. The first "issue" being bowel cancer back in 2017/18, already well documented, but when I was diagnosed with the Tongue/Throat Cancer in September 2022, it was a different kettle of fish. I could understand an operation, cutting the tumour out, along with 15cm of the bowel, and while it wasn't easy, the effects on my lifestyle were relatively minimal. The Chemo and Radiotherapy (35 sessions) were a totally different situation, and took a heck of a lot out of my body, and even my spirit. The sickness, the inability to eat solid food for three months, ending up in hospital on more than one occassion, were tough, on me and my family. In the end, I came through it, and after 5 long months, in March I was given the All Clear - No cancer was showing on the scans - I had come through it again. 

 This time, while I was clear, there were side effects, which are still lingering twelve months later. My taste buds have not fully recovered, although improving. I still suffer from an inability to create adequate saliva, resulting in dry mouth, which is extremely unpleasant, but I'm hoping that will clear up in the next twelve months or so. On the plus side, if you can have such a thing, I lost 25kgs in weight during my treatment, although I don't recommend the diet - Tiredness has been an issue too, although those effects are fading. 

 The most important thing is I want, I might even say NEED, to get back running again. It should be easy, given I'm so much lighter than a few years ago. And this is why I am posting this, and aiming to get back in the saddle - I was always one to set ambitious goals - Aiming for the stars - And why not - It's better to try and fail, rather than wonder what if? So, here we are, a few days after once again spectating at the Dublin Marathon, feeling the buzz of the crowd, the agony and ecstasy of the runners, the joy of seeing old friends out on the road, not to mention even the joy of getting soaked cheering strangers on. 

So what are the goals. 

  Short Term: Back out running with my Wednesday Night "Run & Beers" Group - That starts TONIGHT 

  Medium Term: Parkrun, to get back to taking part on Saturday mornings in the 5Km Parkruns - Slightly more complicated as I now work on Saturday's, but I will overcome that, no excuses. I'm also giving myself a Target of running 25 minutes by next summer, if not before, we shall see. I also have the little matter of the Run In The Dark on Nov 14th which I entered a few weeks back, but that will be treated more as a fun evening, as I will not be 10K ready by then. 

  2024 Goals: Well, I have my entry already in for the Dingle Half Marathon on September 7th next year, and come Thursday I will be putting my name in the "hat" for the Dublin City Marathon 2024 - And those Stars I am aiming for, well, my goal is to run this in under 4 hours - I said I was ambitious. My first aim for 2024 will be the Raheny 5 in the New Year, and I'm sure there will be a few other stepping stones on the way. 

The journey back starts here. 

No better day to set off than that 1st anniversary - A year I can write off as a blip, and move forward, with new strength, new life, and a new purpose - Hope you come along for the ride if you are reading this - Otherwise, this will simply be my personal chronicle of the journey, that's OK - It has always helped me to write about life, the good and the bad - let's hope that in the next twelve months it's more of the former.