Bronwyn Doig Run Melbourne Interview

Bronwyn Doig Run Melbourne Interview

 

With Melbourne's premier winter road race just around the corner, it's time to dust off those running shoes and step up the training ahead of the seventh The Age Run Melbourne, presented by People's Choice on Sunday, July 27, 2014.

 

This year's race promises to be bigger and better than ever, with organisers hoping to raise $2 million for charity. This adds to the $6.7 million Run Melbourne participants have already raised for more than 400 different charities across Australia since 2008.

 

For the first time, participants will be able to become a Run Melbourne Charity Champion by raising funds for one of six partner charities including: Beyond Blue, Heart Foundation, Mission Massimo, Cancer Council Foundation, Make a Wish and Cure for Life Foundation. Champion fundraisers will benefit from many extras including a dedicated wave start on the day and detailed training support. Of course, runners can also opt to support another charity or cause close to their hearts.

 

This year sees the introduction of a new People's Choice PJ Run to the event, expected to be a sight to behold, as participants roll up to the start line in their finest, comfiest PJs to enjoy a relaxed 3.5km run along the Yarra River to raise funds for HeartKids.

 

For those who prefer running gear, the traditional 5km run/walk, 10km run and Brooks half-marathon events will take in some of Melbourne's key CBD landmarks and iconic locations from the start line at the Arts Centre to the finish at Birrarung Marr.

 

Whether raising funds for a charity, running to beat a personal best or taking on the challenge of a half-marathon, participants are urged to see Run Melbourne as an opportunity to give back to their communities.

 

'In seven short years Run Melbourne has become one of the city's most loved and participated in running events," said Fairfax Media's Director of Audience Engagement, Briony Amey.

 

'Having raised more than $1.7 million for a huge variety of charities throughout Australia last year, we hope people will once again rise to the challenge in 2014. We urge people to choose their event, sign up, step up and become a part of Run Melbourne 2014."

 

Start to Finish director Terry O'Halloran said: 'Run Melbourne is our city's most picturesque race taking participants past some of our best sights including Federation Square, the MCG and the Shrine of Remembrance. It also captures the attention of Australia with many interstate runners already keen to participate this year."

 

Returning on Saturday, July 26, the highly popular Marvel Kids Run will offer children aged four to 14 years old the chance to run with their favourite Marvel heroes, including The Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America and Iron Man. This untimed run along the banks of the Yarra allows children to enjoy running in a relaxed environment, separate to the hustle and bustle of the main race day.

 

For those daunted by the prospect of taking on a running event for the very first time, Run Melbourne Training Club sessions take off from Federation Square every Tuesday night until the big day. Catering to all ages and abilities, the sessions incorporate several pace groups for beginners, as well as for the 5km, 10km and half-marathon distances. For details on times and venues as well as training guides, log on to www.runmelbourne.com.au

Standard entry registrations for The Age Run Melbourne, presented by People's Choice, close on Friday, June 27, with last minute entries closing on Wednesday, July 23. To register and be part of Run Melbourne, visit www.runmelbourne.com.au

Interview with Bronwyn Doig

Melbourne woman Bronwyn Doig contracted the extremely rare disease Transverse Myelitis while cycling the Tour de France with her husband to celebrate his 30th birthday last year and was told she may never walk again. A neurological disorder caused by inflammation in the spinal cord, TM is so rare that only about 1,400 new cases are diagnosed annually in the US with most patients only making a partial recovery. Bronwyn faced a terrifying battle to survive, recover and live with the disease, which had meant she had to learn to walk again from scratch. As a source of motivation, Bronwyn signed up to take on Run Melbourne 2014 and a mere 10 months into her recovery she will participate in her first ever half marathon on 27 July. Question: Which event are you participating in at Run Melbourne?

Bronwyn Doig: I am competing in my first half marathon at this years Run Melbourne event and can't wait!


Question: What inspired you to participate in Run Melbourne?

Bronwyn Doig: After being diagnosed with a rare condition called Transverse Myelitis in July last year and being told by doctors that I may never walk unassisted again, I became determined to put my legs to good use. I am lucky and have had what I would consider a full recovery so figured why not. I've always admired people for participating in events like this and I guess after going through what I did, I felt like I wanted to achieve something – so a half marathon is what I decided to sign up for! I remember clicking the sign up button and having a moment of 'oh goodness what have I just gotten myself in for"


Question: What do you hope to overcome to run in your first ever half marathon at Run Melbourne?

Bronwyn Doig: I really just want to finish it. I haven't been too worried about times because I don't know what I should run it in. I think just finishing it at this stage is an achievement in it's own right for anyone. Perhaps next year I'll challenge myself further and attempt to beat my time or maybe even sign up for a full marathon! Who knows!!

Question: When did you sign up for Run Melbourne and can you talk us through how you were feeling around that time?

Bronwyn Doig: I think I signed up for Run Melbourne back in February. Like I mentioned before, I have always admired people for participating. My best friend ran her first half marathon a few years ago and I can remember telling her she was crazy!

I had just been to see my neurologist for a check up and he had said to me he couldn't believe how well I was doing because he hadn't expected to see me walking on my own, let alone in a pair of high heels! It was at that moment that it really hit home (and hard) at how sick I really was. Of course I knew I was ill but to be told that, was mind blowing. I'd never even consider the fact that I may not walk unassisted again. I got in the car and called my mum and then my partner Dave to tell them the good news, but instead burst into tears. I think they were happy tears mixed with a bit of shock. The drive back to the office was one I'll never forget. I can recall sitting in traffic repeating the doctors' words over and over again in my head. I then locked myself in my office, logged onto the Internet and started googling 'fun runs in Melbourne". I wasn't really sure what event I was looking for or wanted to participate in, I thought of just running a 10km fun run again but then the Run Melbourne link came up and I thought well I've come this far so why not try and attempt to run the half marathon.


Question: Can you tell us about Transverse Myelitis?

Bronwyn Doig: TM is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. The term myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord. I also had swelling on the brain, which was referred to as Encephalitis.

The symptoms of TM for me were:
Lower back pain – originally I was treated for a kidney infection
Paralysis of the legs and lower abdomen
Muscle spasms (which included a constant shaking of the hands and arms)
Loss of eyesight
Pins and needles/tingling
Numbness in hands and feet/calves
Sensitivity to the skin (a feeling of being sunburnt)
There still isn't a lot of information about TM as it's a relatively 'new/rare" disease.


Question: How does Transverse Myelitis affect you on a daily basis?

Bronwyn Doig: I consider myself one of the lucky ones, who have basically made a full recovery from the illness. I am thankful for each day that I am able to get out of bed really because whilst I was sick I had lost the movement and feeling of my legs. I've still got a few symptoms left now and some days are better than others but in the scheme of things, I'd consider myself fully recovered compared to where I was at this time last year!! I still have numbness and pins and needles in my feet. I also have leg spasms, which I am now on medication for. Other than that I'm fit and healthy!

Question: Can you talk about your training, leading up to this event?

Bronwyn Doig: When I registered for the half marathon I had only ever run 10kms at the most so knew I had a challenge ahead of myself – but an exciting challenge at that. I try and fit in a run 3 times a week, I also do a boxing class and Bikram yoga once a week each. My partner Dave and I also ran in the Run for the Kids 15km event in April this year. I absolutely loved it and surprised myself at being able to run the 15km distance. After achieving this I certainly felt more confident in being able to run the 21.1km for Run Melbourne.


Question: How have the last ten months changed your life?

Bronwyn Doig: Wow in more ways that I could probably explain. Being sick certainly puts a new perspective on life. It makes you realise even more so of what's important. I've learnt to stop worrying about the little things and embrace the challenges that life gives you. I can remember walking around the hospital ward with the assistance of my dad and a pair of crutches and getting frustrated about not being able to walk properly on my own at that time. I think I said something along the lines of 'I'm so over this.." and as the words came out of my mouth a young man probably a similar age to me, came past in a motorised wheelchair who appeared to have had brain surgery. It was at that very moment that I had a wake up call and thought to myself 'you know what, life is not that bad!" It really opened my eyes and made me more determined to get myself better. Recovery is a long and at times frustrating process, however you just have to keep on keeping on whilst thinking positively because if you don't, you just beat yourself up and focus too much on the negative rather than the positive. I've always been a big believer in positive thinking but I think I now live and breathe it because life is just too short!


Question: How can Australians sponsor your Run Melbourne achievements?

Bronwyn Doig: I am running not only to raise awareness about Transverse Myelitis but have also dedicated my run in memory of my father-in-law, Ray, who lost his battle with Melanoma cancer about 4 years ago. I am raising funds for the Peter Mac Cancer Centre. Should people wish to donate they can do so by visiting my page https://runmelbourne2014.everydayhero.com/au/bron. The Peter Mac Cancer Centre is the only specialist cancer hospital in Australia. It also houses the largest cancer research group in the country. Cancer touches all of us either directly or indirectly during our lives. Today, more than half of those diagnosed with cancer will have a successful response to treatment. This significant progress is due to the dedication of clinicians, nurses, scientists, volunteers and benefactors, who are all creating a better future for people touched by cancer. Sir Peter McCallum believed that nothing but the best is good enough in the treatment of cancer.


Interview by Brooke Hunter