Race Day

Just wanted to thank all my supporters and donators.   Pretty nervous at the beginning of the race, probably didn't stretch as much as I wanted to.  There was a lot of people gathered at 6:30am to run 21km.  Still a mystery to me. 

First 10-12 kms felt good.  Started at Nat Bailey stadium down cambie street over the bridge towards Chinatown.  At around 14km, there was some tightening of the hams and quads running through yaletown.  I did not expect as much incline as there was and I clearly wasn't ready for it.

They talk about the "wall" in running.  Where you hit that point of the race where your body begins to shut down.  It didn't help that the app on my phone was off and so it was charting me almost a full km behind so in my ear it told me 10km but actually I was at km 9.

Anyways, I passed km 17 and my body went Oh No.  I didn't stop but every little incline felt like the grouse grind.  At one point I was running and looked to my right and there was a guy walking- at the same pace I was running.  That gave me a little energy boost to speed up. 

When the sign said 500 meters to go and I could see the finish line, all I thought about was how embarrassing it would be to stop right here and lay down.  But I got there and can cross a half marathon off the bucket list. Phew. Having done it with my brother was nice.  He ran it with little training and strep throat- so it was hard to complain to him.  I still did.  Also ran with my Pastor Jade-he was like a celebrity on the course, high fiving everyone and people with cameras running alongside him.  Paparazzi.

So if you see me this week and I am walking funny- you will know why.

Thanks again everyone.

*Funny signs on the route:

"IF Trump can run, so can you"
"Don't walk, people are watching"
" run like you got 1% left on your iphone"

The big day

I guess there have been a few nerve racking "night before's" in my life
 - night before wedding
- night before test results after chemo
- night before Rhys was born (although that one was a few long nights)

The night before my first half marathon seems to be right up there.  nervous and excited.  so many friends have supported me in this cause- can't really quit now.  last min training tips from my brother- like 10 of them.  haha.  culminates into one long run and test of my mental, physical and spiritual will.   one thing my co worker Andrew tells me- trust your training. trust your training

one lesson that this journey has re-taught me is that in all things, you must be intentional. In training, work, friendships, relationships, my marriage- it doesn't work by luck or chance. but it takes effort.  about to hit the big 40 this year- some have asked if this running thing is about midlife crisis and wouldn't it be just easier to get a camero or mustang or I guess a souped up Acura in my case? Well. it's for the kids and running with over 100 people devoted to the same cause at tenth church is inspiring. having my brother beside me brings back nostalgia from our childhood (mock Tour de France on our bikes in the church parking lot )

ok lofty goals- finish the run and don't die.  can't wait for that ice cold coke at the finish line

oh yeah. skipping church tomorrow. inability to walk may be a good excuse.

I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

now I know God doesn't generally work on Sunday's. but... gonna need him to tomorrow.  OT.

see you on the other side...of the finish line

Running

I've decided to resurrect my blog.  I see a lot of cancer survivors run marathons after they beat it.  I always thought that was weird.  I sure as heck wasn't going to do it.  Famous last words haha...

So this journey started a few months ago when the pastor of my church Ken Shigematsu challenged his entire staff and anyone from the congregation to run the BMO marathon or half marathon on behalf of Tenth Church and specifically World Vision in the fight to stop child trafficking. 

My brother Dan said that he would do it with me and that was this beginning.  Those who know me understand how much I hate running- from the days of trying to cheat at DT gym class run days. (think Seinfeld and the taxi).

Anyways, after some high altitude training in whistler this weekend, I'm up to 18 km in my training.  and it hurts...everything hurts.  But for a great cause.  Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers...last 2 weeks before the run. No injuries or setbacks.  If you want to donate. Check it out.

http://bit.ly/1MrZx4Z


Thanks

Gil

May 26th 2013- Final CT scan results

Well- final ct scan clear.  doc says that this is the last one. only blood tests from now on and less than 1% chance of anything reoccuring.  The last 2 years have been quite a journey.  Thank you all who have been there beside me the entire way.  All the prayers, well wishes and support.  It would have been hard to imagine getting through it without all of you.  All the cliches are true.  It is times of trial and darkness that you truly appreciate what you have and puts life into perspective.  I know that religion or faith is different for every person.  My faith in God got me through a pretty tough time and my prayer is that he is there for every one of my friends who read this blog.  Onward to a 90 day fitness challenge to try and change my lifestyle for the better.  It may be grumpy gil for a while.  grumpy because of junk food withdrawal .  Speaking of life perspective, the view from my 4year old daughter is always a good one.  I also wanted to share a conversation I had with my daughter on the plane ride to disneyland a few weeks ago:

Me:  Rhys, look out the window, the plane is taking off

Rhys: wow, how come its getting all white and foggy

Me:  We are flying higher and higher, we are in the clouds

Rhys:  Are we going to see Jesus?

Me:  One day, hopefully not today, ok?

Rhys:  Ok dada, are we at disneyland yet?

May 16, 2013

I mentioned the other day to a friend that I don't blog anymore because I was beginning to feel like facebook and for those of you who know me, know I am not a fan of knowing what everyone is doing all the time. My friend made a point that the blog was mostly to remind myself of what happens so that made a lot of sense. I am sitting at the cancer clinic again for what might be my last ct scan. Its been 2 years since I finished treatment and this last scan will close the book on this chapter of my life. Very exciting. As usual I will have to wait a week for the results . Much has happened since my last post. June and I got a chance to take rhys to disneyland. That was amazing. As a parent there isnt much more joy you can experience than when your child sees cinderalla for the first time and the look on her face is priceless. Anyways. Will update as soon as I get results and then I think a party is in order.

Dec 2012

One more clear cancer checkup in the books.  There was no scan this time.  I haven't had a scan since May.  They don't too much radiation from the CT scans.  Just bloodwork and x-ray.  All clear.  I wonder if cancer survivors get antsy if they don't get a scan.  My doc said they will do a scan in Feb.  Which is the 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis and treatment.  Time flies, can't believe it's almost - Christmas.  This has been a crazy year- not quite as crazy as last year but still.  I am more appreciative of family and friends than ever before.  I am loving being a soccer dad.  I am praying for more and more people every day with loved ones that have cancer- it's scary.  but like i always tell the people at work- let's control the controllables and don't worry about things you do not have any control over.  I gotta look back at last years post and see if i accomplished any of the things i set out do this year. We will have to see.  wishing everyone a safe and merry holidays- hope to see all of you soon- thanks to all who donated to movember- the stache was just as bad if not worse- i will post some pics on my next blog.  peace

November 11, 2012

Today is Remembrance day.  Its early in the morning and I am preparing a small talk for the elderly care home we are visiting this afternoon.  June, Rhys and I, along with some other members of Tenth Church go to an elderly care home every other month and lead a church service there.  In preparing my talk, I am reminded that remembering is something that seems tougher as I grow older.  One of the reasons I kept this blog was so that there would be a record of me long after I am gone.  It's been over a year since the cancer is gone.  I have another checkup at the end of the month.  I realize that no matter how long its been- cancer is one thing that I will not have any trouble remembering.  A lot has happened since my last post.  We have finally moved into our new place.  A small townhouse in Steveston.  Rhys has joined a soccer team.  I am the proudest day watching her run around chasing that ball.  Yes, I realize I am turning into Will Ferrel from Kicking and Screaming- can't wait to be coach.  Rhys has also learned how to ride a bike without training wheels.  Crazy times that pass so fast.

I also had the chance to do a 2 day road trip with my dad and my brother- we drove down to portland a few saturdays ago to surprise my uncle on his 70th birthday.  It was an amazing trip.  It made me realize that life is too short (if i didn't already know that) and its not about what you have- but its about the experiences you had and who you had them with.  My brother always talks about being intentional in things we do.  It's true- the quantity of team sometimes lies in the quality.

I found this poem on the internet as I was preparing my talk.  It made me tear up just reading it.  This girl could be Rhys, could still be- who knows.  But if RHys can understand one day that heaven isn't too far away- just like this girl did, then I believe June and I have done our job as parents.

Remembrance Day Poem called 'Daddy's Poem'

author unknown 

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
and she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
she tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back,
for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
as seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
a man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back,
slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
and taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's al ways with me,
even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
he'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
but its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
but heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Canadian soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
and taught Canadians to fear. 

But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
and saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
they saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
was a fragrant long-stemmed  rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
that heaven is never too far.

Take the time...to live and love.
Until eternity. God bless!

Lest We Forget!