Well That’s One Off the Cancer Bucket List!

Well today’s ‘office’ is me on the sofa under a blankie, exhausted, run down and in pain.  But it’s largely self inflicted and I’m so glad it is!

You see since cancer, I’ve been compiling a kinda bucket list in my mind given my second stab at living.  As a result lots has changed over the past two years; relocation to the beautiful Welsh mountains; I’ve completed a further nutrition diploma; I’ve taken up singing again; I’ve re-found laughter; and I’ve shocked myself into loving running!  Yes you heard right!  Yes, me running!  

Some of you will already know that I live with chronic illness in the form of a rare genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (and many wonderful associated aliments) and Secondary Lymphoedema due to the cancer treatment; both which can affect my ability to walk quite significantly at times.  Despite this, I added a rather challenging and bonkers item to my bucket list recently – to complete a MUD RUN!  Yes, totally bonkers!  You will read from my previous blogs how I’ve struggled with my fitness due to my health – you can read them here and here if you haven’t!

This is what I wrote on Facebook on 9th September:

“So, have kept this quietish in case I wasn’t able to take part for health reasons, BUT apart from just detoxing my body & mind, I’ve been training towards one of my bucket list goals since surviving cancer 2 years ago…..Today I’m VERY pleased to say I SMASHED my first ever mud run, completing a 5K course with muddy obstacles in the heavy rain in just 36 MINUTES!!! Not only did I stay in the lead of my race, I actually outran the majority in the race that set off 15 minutes before me!! I’m soooo emotional & what really made it extra special was having my two babies complete the last 100 yards across the finish line holding my hands – MY WORLD & reason I continue to fight living with chronic illness and beating cancer!! xxx.”

I still can’t believe what I achieved!  All by sensibly stepping up my walking over the past 6 months, sticking to a very strict detox and high-protein diet, and shutting out negativity.  Of course this combined with an EDS burst of adrenaline on the day; the celebration to still be alive and the love of my babies is what truly got me through that race and over those obstacles!

I still have to pinch myself; I could literally burst with pride.  I really could.  The haters couldn’t burst my bubble, and nor could the awful downward spiral in my health since as a result!

I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!

Amy Griffiths, Well Being Freedom Services Ltd ©