Running for Luca….

The list of reasons for why I run is growing. I like to eat, a lot, I also prefer it when my jeans fit. I like looking good in heels. It makes my wine habit a little less guilty. It helps me deal with my ‘ragey’ alter ego #GeminiProblems. It’s nice to share a hobby with ‘The Boyfriend’ even if it’s just vocally, since he’s too fast and I’m too slow. It feeds my writing habit and visa versa.

As I said, the list is growing…

But I have a new reason to run, and that’s to raise awareness, to remove a stigma and to show people there is more to each of us than the labels society lumps us with…

“The hardest thing about having a child with Down Syndrome isn’t the child and it isn’t the Down Syndrome. It’s public perception. It’s a lack of funding, resources and research. It’s having to fight just to get your child an education and therapies. It’s battling ignorance, and it’s a full-time job.” – Suzie Skougard

Enter Katrina and 6yr old Luca…

I first became aware of Katrina when the bun fight for Two Oceans Half Marathon entries had reached its peak. She posted on a local running forum that she had an entry, which she’d gladly part with for free, on one condition. That condition was that whoever took it had to run in a specific shirt, a ‘Running for Luca’ shirt, to raise awareness for a cause close to her heart. The reaction from the running community was incredible! People started printing out Luca’s face and pining it onto their tops for every race. Katrina started printing shirts to meet the demand. Week after week, the ‘Running for Luca’ family grew. It was inspiring to watch so many people rally around this beautiful cause, and this beautiful girl.

I got to meet Katrina briefly, and she received a sweaty hug as she handed me my medal when I crossed the line after my first Two Oceans Half Marathon.

A seed was planted. But I had a dilema. I run in club kit. Then this week I spotted a white running visor in one of her photos. I seized the chance, I reached out, I’d found a way to join the family and still honour my Club.

Then I remembered she also has bibs, would one of these fit on my top under my ASA licence? Why yes it would! Bonus! I could now run with Luca’s smile beaming out from my top. Then Katrina offered me a top, as she now has a sponsor, maybe I could at least do my training runs in it? Well actually Katrina, I have an even better idea… I can run Trail Races in it!

So now I have a little logo’d bib to sew onto my club top for conventional road events, a lovely neon orange running top for trail events (you’ll spot me from the air in that thing, so it’s keeping me safe and raising awareness) and a lovely neutral white visor that I can don for all events.

I’m really excited to fly Luca’s flag on Sunday when I take part in race 1 of the Spur Winter Trail Series. As I previously mentioned, Sunday is a running anniversary of sorts… some of you may recall that July 19th 2014 was the day I started this journey. Well I for one can’t think of a better may to celebrate this milestone!

This one’s for you Luca Darling! I’m honoured to be a part of your ‘Family’

Read Katrina’s Story in her own words here I run for Luca

Or follow her journey, and the rest of the Running for Luca Family here Running for Luca

Happy Running folks!