 In my 39th year I found myself—believe it or not—looking forward to my “40's”. I know so many inspiring ladies in their forties, fifties, and beyond always striving to do more. I wanted to mark this milestone with something special. But what? It had to have special meaning for me.
Coincidentally, I came across a magazine article about Team Diabetes, a group of Canadians who raise funds for diabetes by participating in marathons in different locations around the world. It caught my eye right away.
Diabetes, which affects over 2 million Canadians, is one of Canada’s leading killers. About $13.2 billion is spent annually in Canada to treating people with diabetes. Closer to home, my great grandmother and grandmother both lived with diabetes. Twelve years ago, at the age of 45, my mother was diagnosed with diabetes. She now relies on four needles a day to help her control this terrible disease. What I would give to eliminate the need for those needles.
That night, I imagined a future in which diabetics attained an optimal quality of life, and one in which diabetes was ultimately eliminated. I was awake all night.
The next morning, I decided that this great opportunity that had been thrown on my lap for a reason. It was just what I was looking for, a chance to usher in my forties by helping my mom and the many others that suffer from this disease.
I could also show my kids, Farris lee and Brandon, that anything is possible. And, I told myself, it was just the kick in the butt I needed to get into shape! Why not start with a marathon?
The next day, I called for more information. By the end of the week, I had signed up for a marathon in Rome in March, 2005.
What had I gotten myself into?
Then the doubts began. Was I losing my mind? Was I really capable of doing something like this? Could I raise the funds Team Diabetes expected of me? Was I way over my head? I was about to find out.
Training began. Given that I had only four months, and the fact that I’m not a runner, the most realistic way to conquer this goal was to work within my limits, so I trained to walk/run the marathon. So that’s what I worked toward. Since it was up to me to carry out the training, I needed determination. But I was committed.
I took weekly online instruction from the local Running Room. Owen, my ever-so-friendly trainer, sent lovely lists of instruction for the week. Sometimes I liked him, sometimes I didn’t.
I was also lucky to have my husband Tom as my trainer and companion. Did I mention he is ex military? On the long, slow distances, 15 to 30 km, we always started and ended best friends. It was those hours in between that got dicey. I did mention that he’s ex military, right? But I have to say I could not have successfully completed these training sessions over the long cold winter without my husband.
If the training was tough, the fundraising was even tougher. It seems everywhere you go someone is fundraising.
My mom was my best salesperson. She knew that she could not do the actual marathon, so she did the marathon of tickets. Sometimes diabetes is just so overwhelming for my mom, she feels like there is no hope. In a weird way, this project gave her hope. My mom glowed as she spoke about what WE were doing. My family, along with some amazing friends, raised over $9,700 for diabetes research and awareness.
Marathon Day was drawing near. I joined my team of fellow Canadians in Rome, each of whom had their own story about why they were there. Our team consisted of 131 souls from the East coast to the West, from 18 to 78 years of age. We even had 14 diabetics. I cannot even try to imagine trying to overcome the challenges of a full marathon along with the challenges of diabetes at the same time.
My feet started to ache at the 38 km mark
Finally, we lined up at the gates. Glancing over at the coliseum, it all seemed unreal. But the crowds that lined the roadways, and their cheers, constant clapping and smiles were all real. There is nothing like passing the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Novona and the Vatican all in one day. I decided to savor every moment. I took everything in—the aromas in the air, the scenery, the people, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. (Well, I sort of enjoyed it. After all, it was 42 km on cobblestones, and my feet started to ache around the 38 km mark.)
Tears poured down my cheek as I ran toward the finish line. My heart soared, I felt empowered. I had done it. Although my mom could not be with me in Rome, she was with me in my heart. I was doing something to help diabetics everywhere. I am proud to say our team raised over $750,000 for diabetes. We also made friendships to last a lifetime.
Darlene Christianson designs and sells log and timber frame homes. She also travels frequently to Italy and France, assisting her husband with military history, wine and culture tours, and co-hosts a television program called "daytime" on Rogers Television. She lives in the town of Blue Mountains, Ontario with her husband Tom and two children kids, Farris lee and Brandon.
If you are looking for something to get you out of a rut, get you moving, a chance to reach for the stars, Team Diabetes is a great cause. For more information, visit www.teamdiabetes.ca.
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