Can Too Runners' comments
'Can Too has honestly changed my life. I never imagined that my body could run a half marathon within 14weeks. I went from zero running to 21kms and can't thank you enough. Every time we saw the Can Too orange on the course we cheered each other on, this whole experience has been incredible. I will always treasure my new Can Too family and can't wait for my next challenge.
Krystal xx Half Marathon 2010
‘Good morning Annie. Congratulations on your marathon. You truly are the most inspirational, amazing woman. And to wait for Chrissie so you could go through the finishing line together, that was just so special, so very, very special. The Crawfords are a family in a million, the love you all share is a joy to watch. 42.2 kilometres, what a feat, what an endurance test, what a triumph. I wish you joy of the days ahead, and many thanks for what you are doing to make a difference.’
Margaret-Anne - Centurion
‘Wow, what a great day. My group all had a fantastic race and were very happy with themselves. I feel tired today too as I came in with (I think) the second last competitor with Can Too. It was such a buzz to run back through the field and encourage everyone from all the pods. Then to see mum jogging down Macquarie Street, Chris and I were waiting for her, it was very special. Hope you guys had a great time too.
Cheers Jody, Coach
‘Thank you for organising yet another AMAZING can too program! I had so much fun, and can't believe I'm a marathoner! Congratulations Annie on finishing in an incredible time, I couldn't catch up to your speedy legs! And sorry I didn't get to introduce you to my mum, I think you were still at the finish line cheering. She said she had a such a wonderful day yesterday and we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Annie, you truly are something else!’
Corianne- marathon
‘I am indeed on a high, having run 9k in 55.01mins, the furthest I have ever run (and at 54!). I noticed that out of the 13,000 plus people who finished, only 657 were in my age group. So I am proud of that. Can't imagine doing a half marathon but have to admit I'm interested to try. I have loved the journey, and really appreciate the quality of encouragement from wonderful mentors and trainers.
Warm regards, Carolyn 9kms
I was browsing Cool Running this morning and came across this posting, which I thought the Can Too Office and coaches should feel very proud of:
‘I was course marshalling at the 35km point [...] Had a great morning trying to control the flow of pedestrians across the course but mainly just cheering everyone on. Got to say that although CoolRunners really support each other on, it was the 'Can Too' crowds who I'd give the 'most supportive' group award to. Large numbers of fluoro Orange tops but always smiling (mainly!) and always cheering each other on. As I kept saying all morning 'Good work Can Too'ers'.
‘Annie you are a bloody miracle!!!!I can’t believe that I feel even more excited, and more proud of running the 9k with others – for others – than when I ran my last half marathon just to beat a time target. I am SO proud of my group, they ran like champions and they ENJOYED IT!!!!! I really got a buzz from seeing how proud they were of themselves, it was very special to share that, so thank you. I’m just loving the messages coming in from them today – they’re still beaming! You’re onto some magic here - its definitely contagious and I know quite a few of my crew will be back. Congratulations on creating such an inspiring culture of extraordinary compassion and commitment. Can Too really does bring out the best in people.’ Well done Annie to you and all at Can Too.
Cheers, Sandra.
Wanted to say a massive thank you for an AMAZING 20 weeks. Whilst I was unable to run the race, I saw most of you cross the finish line. WOW! What a team. Thanks so much for all the fun, laughs, support and motivation. I’ll be back with a vengeance next year. Hope to see you all then (if not before)’
All the best, Heath (marathon program)
‘Sorry I couldn’t join you at the pub to re-hydrate after your FANTASTIC results yesterday. I just wanted to thank all of you for letting me share in on your efforts over the last ten weeks. The whole CAN TOO experience has been something that I have enjoyed so much from that first night meeting you all at the track to yesterday being able to run/walk the final kilometre with Annie & Jocelyn & seeing what crossing that line meant to them. I really hope you all kick on & continue to lead an active lifestyle & maybe see you next year competing in the 9km run or stepping up to the half marathon distance that would be achievable for most of you.’
Thanks again Chris
‘Just wanted to congratulate you all for completing the 9km run yesterday. Everyone I caught up with during or after the race did an amazing job and you should all be very proud of your achievement. Thank you for making mine and Mel’s coaching job so enjoyable and rewarding. I hope that I get the opportunity to see you all again at some stage – perhaps on the start line of the Run 4 Fun 10km in November! Well done to all
Nicole- Coach 9km
‘I've really, really loved training with CanToo. I'm so proud to be part of such a fabulous organization. Before I joined I couldn't run 5 minutes without stopping now I finished the Half in 2:15, quicker time than I ever hoped for. I can't believe it!! Your program is the best. I also want to add that I loved Lisa and Aaron but the person that stood out to me the most was Amanda. Her positive energy and supportive leadership skills made our CanToo environment thrive. I must be crazy but am thinking of doing the marathon at some point in my life. Maybe I’ve got the running bug? Thanks again
Amanda – half marathon
‘I just wanted to pass on some of the very positive feedback I had for the 2 coaches Sheena and Emma for the marathon- I was injured for about 7 weeks of the programme and at one stage was going to have to pull out. I wasn’t at 100% coming into the race and wanted to thank the coaches for getting me through this! If it wasn’t for them I would not have been able to complete my first marathon and have such a great time. Thanks for all the help and if you’re looking for any assistance on the mentor’s side for the runs next year, let me know as I wouldn’t mind giving some of my time to help others who were in my situation.’
Thanks, Brian
‘Thanks so much for giving me the chance to mentor for the half- marathon. I really enjoyed it- personally it was hard with my mental barrier of getting across the line this time but I DID! And so did all my guys and I was so so happy for them. It really was a great day.’
Mel- mentor half marathon
‘ Could my chest be any puffier?! After all those weeks of blood, sweat, blisters and tears - YOU MADE IT! Congratulations to you all. What an awesome, awesome achievement! I'm so proud to have been a part of your journey and to see you all do so well. The smiles at the end made it all worthwhile. Thank you! You've run 21kms, helped raise nearly a million dollars for a great cause, met some fantastic people who have shared something special with you and learnt you can achieve whatever you set out to achieve - with a bit of courage, commitment and an open mind. LOVE YOUR WORK!
Josan – Team Captain- Half Marathon
‘I'd just like to say thank you for allowing me to be part of the program once again. It has truly superseded my expectations on all levels. Captaining the southwest 9k team has been such a rewarding, challenging and memorable experience. I'll definitely be back for more!
Maya – Team Captain- Half Marathon
‘Guess what, I came 15th for my age group (the old farts!). I am definitely aiming for a marathon next year. Looking forward to training with those who are also stepping up. After that I’ll have to find something else to shoot for!’
Gail
‘I've got to say that was an amazing day on Saturday - very different to my experience last year. I actually remember the whole run this time, but also finishing with Bryony and Tracey was fantastic - very emotional. Thanks so much for all your encouragement this year. I'm looking forward to my first swim program now!
Paul
‘Thank you so much for all your encouragement and effort over the last couple of weeks. This has honestly been the best thing I have EVER done in my life and I just would not have been able to do it without CanToo and your encouragement! Kelli
‘I was honoured to be asked to be a mentor again, but then with the offer of a team captain, wow. To be honest I did not realise how much was involved, but in a way I am glad that I did not. I was so lucky, I had the best group I have ever trained with during my 3 years at CanToo, so many great people, and the best coaches with Cameron and Linda. I not only got the joy of seeing these 37 people grow as people and as runners, but I also got to over come my fears and gain a lot more confidence, and I thank you sooooooooo much for that!’
Lisa - Team Captain
‘I DID IT!!! Sydney Marathon completed in 4hrs 34mins, bang on pace!! A BIG tick in that box!!I can honestly say it was the hardest 4 hours of my life (the first 34 mins were ok I think!) but despite the pain (surprisingly knee was fine but was struck down with a mysterious stomach ache) and the voices in my head telling me to give up I did it and loved the feeling of completing it. Most of the run was a blur but as a Can Too runner I got heaps of support along the way and the home straight to the Opera House was amazing, I felt like I was about to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics!!!! And talking of Can Too, what a truly amazing organisation they are. On the running front I think pretty much everyone achieved their goal thanks to our fantastic coaches and mentors, and on the fundraising front I’ve raised $3147 for Cure Cancer Australia and the Can Too team will raise over $1m from this program alone. Very inspirational. Thank you once again for supporting me, sponsoring me and listening to me obsessing about running for the past 20+ weeks!!! I absolutely encourage everyone to sign up to a run or swim program with Can Too, I’m pretty sure I will be back for more!’
Marathon Beth J
‘I think all of you are inspiring and I enjoyed every minute that I spent with you not only on Sunday but for the whole 20 weeks (or its it 21 now - never sure). I can't believe that we still had the energy to hug each other through out the course.’ Kay Harris- marathon
‘I completed my second Can Too half marathon on Sunday, taking 6 minutes off my previous time with a 1 hr 54 finish. This was my fourth Can Too program and race and I have raised $10,200 to date - $2,600 of which was during this program, thanks to those who sponsored me and attended our fundraising movie night. You are all, TOTALLY awesome for not only supporting me to achieve a personal goal but supporting Can Too to find a cure for cancer. During this program alone, two of my running buds had a parent go into treatment for cancer. How weird is that? During a 14 week program in a group of about 30….I keep thinking this will never happen to anyone in MY family, but the statistics are sobering and frightening.
For anyone wondering WHY one would subject themselves to such pain and suffering – don’t knock it till you try it. There is nothing greater than challenging yourself to something HARD and doing it anyway. I don’t enjoy running – never have, never will. But I do enjoy the feeling of knowing that I am putting my body on the line to get better at something – even though it hurts… and costs me a lot of money at the physio. On this note, I have firmly set my sights on a marathon one day – though no dates set…. Might need a few more years of running under the belt first!
And to anyone that thinks they couldn’t possibly run a half marathon – or even 5km – I could not run A STEP before Can Too. Most people that join have never run before. So if you fancy joining the Can Too crew – check out www.cantoo.org.au – swim season starts in November and running season commences again next year in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I have made SO many friends through Can Too as well – it’s a bit of a social club as well which is rad. TRUST me, nobody wants to do an 18km training run alone.
X Dani - half marathon