The Return of the Mud Bag Runner

I'm Back!!

Well I actually haven't been away just havent updated the blog for a few weeks. I started to think about why. I have had such a positive response to many of the posts over the last few months.

Life has been hectic, the festive period, work has been hectic, god its been stressful!

The usual distractions aside Im not sure why but in December my resolve was tested. This resulted in a bit of an emotional low. something I havent experienced for quite a while. I had dusted off my armour and once again shields were up. I think this was compunded by a call from the hospital confirming my annual Endoscopy was due. This is basically a procedure to check my remaining intestines to make sure no signs of anything nasty returning.

This is always a challenging time as it brings back all the memories of my first every Endocopy when I was first diagnosed. Until recently it was in the same room, in the same theatre and even the same waiting room! Its weird what you recall but I even remember the actual seat in the waiting room form all those years ago! Once the waiting room was so busy this an another chair were the only seat available. I dont consider myself to be superstitious, but I sat in the other chair ;)

Perhaps it was a combination of things? Luckily time with Carley, Jack, good friends combined with my Birthday (where one of my gifts was a Go Pro camera which I can use to record and share all my races!!) and New Year was all that was needed to get me back on track.

My hospital check up is approaching fast but this really is a routine procedure. I'm really not so sure why it bothers me?

Before Xmas I had begun to prepare a blog summarising 2013 (although rather late Ill probably still share it)its not until now that the significance and impact this year has had really hit me. I am fitter and healthier now at 35, after surviving cancer, adapting to having a stoma, starting a family and dealing with all of lifes 'normal' issues than I was at 21! Not something that I guess many people can say.

2014 is already looking like it will put 2013 to shame. By the end of March I would've competed in 2 OC races. I am also returning to 'The Trenches' with 2 friends in their first OC race.

The biggest change already in 2014 is my involvement with charities. I'm featured in Beating Bowel Cancers patient magazine and in a few short weeks I have been asked to join them at an event at the House of commons as a patient 'voice'..what an honour! Plus in July as part of the 'Super Stoma' team I am competing in the Thunder run for Ostomy Athletes a 24hour endurance race with 7 other ostomists.

I guess no journey is smooth we all encounter bumps along the way. The only way to manage them effectively is to adapt and overcome and ride the positives. 2013 was full of these milestones and I am going to do everything I can in 2014 to continue the momentum :)

Happy New year, and bring it 2014!!!!!