People often ask how I got to be a runner.
Back in 2007 I wanted to do a fun run. I was very overweight, but it was one of those things I knew I needed to do, just once. I'd never run at all before and thought 9km would be quite a challenge - the coach that took my call at Can Too talked me into the half marathon - even after I explained I couldn't even run to the letterbox... about 30 metres.
There were some incredible runners out on the track for the 2007 Blackmores program at the North Pod location in Sydney. Whilst I'm sure there were a few concerns about whether or not I could do it, no one let on and 14 weeks later, I did it... 21.1kms in 3 hours 26 minutes. What a feeling! I notice the cut off times have since been reduced to 3 hours! :(
Sally with her family after finishing the 9km Bridge Run in 2012
It would be a couple of years till I could do another Can Too program, but I knew I wanted to, so worked hard on getting back there in 2011. It certainly was a different Can Tooer that arrived on that first night! I could run all the way around the track (still slowly!) and whilst I couldn't keep up, one of my old coaches was there and reassured everyone (and myself!) that I'd be just fine!
Since then I've done a few more programs, had the privilege of Mentoring and being Team Captain at North Pod and I've loved it. I've also directly seen our fundraising in action as my Father-in-law was treated with a cancer program one of our researchers developed. 
Sally triumphant at the half marathon finish line with Helen and coach Fi.
In the last couple of years I've discovered Trail Running and love my time off the tar. Training on my own isn’t as much fun as training with the Can Too team but I have learnt that there are no short cuts. This year I have completed two Ultra Marathons. I could never have imagined I'd say that back in 2007 when one lap of the track without walking was daunting. My Ultras were The North Face 50 in just under 11 hours (yep, I'm still slow!) and the Big Red Run - 250kms in 6 days in the Simpson Desert – these were both incredibly challenging events for me.
Sally at the Big Red Run on Day 5 - "The Long Day!"
I joined Can Too Beyond because I wanted to stay connected with Can Too without actually training with them for an event. I am continuing to raise funds towards a cure for all cancers.
So here we are flying towards the end of another year. There is more running in my legs yet. I'll be running in my orange singlet at the Melbourne Running Festival again this year... nothing beats crossing the finish line inside the 'G'. The plan for 2016 is another exciting year on the trails - that said if you ever fancy a slow cruise, particularly around the harbour foreshore let me know... I'll happily pull on an orange singlet and keep you company!
