Participants Feedback (Run)
Can Too Runners' comments
what a great experience, Cantoo is a well structured, organised and fun programme, appropriate for participants of all standards, the emphasis remains on the fundraising and the guest speakers are informative and varied. I would encourage anyone interested in the programme to register, I thought I would be out of my depth, but I
was encouraged to improve and given realistic goals along the way.
now for the half marathon . . .
- Kathy
I just wanted to send you a MASSIVE personal thank you...
As you know this year the half marathon was probably more of a mental journey for me than a physical one (although today I'm definitely discovering muscles I never knew I had!). There were a couple of times when I wondered whether I could do it - especially after last year. But every week you were so supportive - not just to me but the whole team through your talks, emails and one-on-ones... you helped me over a hurdle that I was really nervous about!
I'm still in disbelief that I've made it...
I saw this photo on the sydney marathon website and look at all the orange!! How fabulous! Even the police on the roadside were yelling out - wow 2 more orange singlets! And seeing can too-ers with loved ones written on their arm really hit home as to why I did it in the first place. In fact on more than one occasion I was a blubbering mess :s
So thank you again for helping me achieve my goal. Yesterday was such a buzz.. and I'll have to start thinking about what to do next - run or swim?!
- Kirsten
Thanks Annie for all of your encouragement throughout the training i can not stop telling people how fantastic the preparation was it such an amzing thing you have going and you should be so proud of creating Cantoo you have changed my life and many others
thanks
- Suzanne
Yesterday was an amazing day and I managed to achieve something I never thought I could do and that was to run the whole 9k without stopping! I am so happy that I joined the Can Too program it has been great meeting such a fantastic group of people and you have done an amazing job, thank you so much.
It was great to have the tent to go to after the run, my partner was there to meet me at the end and he got caught up in all the excitement and atmosphere and he said the Can Too runners really stood out amongst the the crowd in their orange singlets, he now wants to join the program for next year.
Congratulations on reaching the $300,000 mark.
- Jane.
I just wanted to say 'Thankyou' to you! Your unbridled enthusiasm and genuine passion for the cause are inspiring and I am absolutely positive that you helped me reach the goal!
My father died of cancer and I think 'Can-too' is an excellent way for people to help the cancer cause because when you are in the midst of the cancer illness you feel so utterly helpless. I now feel that I have
contributed in a positive manner. A meaningful experience for me.
I am now on the 'Can-Too' bandwagon, recruiting for next year!
I think that this experience has been one of highlights of my life!
Thanks so much,
- Kelli
Thanks so much for all of your encouragement and enthusiasm. The Can Too program is really amazing and I'll definately be back next year for the marathon! I loved everyone cheering as we passed each other on the course - that's what got me home. It was fantastic being part of such a huge team! Congratulations on such a great success.
- Narelle
Thank you so much for all your fantastic work organising and coaching us in the half marathon. I have said all along that if I was ever going to start running it would be with CanToo, and I certainly wouldn't have had the motivation to do it on my own without your support and encouragement. I found it a lot more challenging than the swim, but as a result the sense of achievement at the end has been so much greater. The sea of bright orange shirts was a great sight and really helped boost my energy coming around the final stretch!
It has also been a great experience to have played a small part in helping raise such a huge amount of money for a fantastic cause. I'm definitely going to sign up for the swim again, so see you on the beach in a couple of months!
- Tom
Thank you for all of your inspiration during the Can Too training and also throughout the event today. I have had a great time and have really felt a part of something. Its been a great way to channel my energy for my Mum and Dad who have both been diagnosed with cancer in the last few years. I am definately going to be involved again next year as I think its a fantastic cause and I think that you and the coaches are amazing! Next year i will try and conquer the 21km!!
- Penny
BIG THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks so much for a
fantastic experience. As I've said anyone who'll listen , cantoo is the best thing I've done for myself in ages. My goals were to finish the 9k and to run all the way and I did both - I would not have done it without the support of fellow cantoo-ers. A special thanks to Fiona, Sally and Michelle who are the best motivators and coaches around.
Can't wait to do it all again :-)
- Marianna
I just wanted to let you know how FABULOUS the last 10 weeks have been, with today being the icing on the cake. I am so glad I have discovered "can too", what an amazing organisation. I have never been a runner and was one of those girls growing up that hated sport and dreaded P.E at school. I think you may have turned me around !!!
It was lovely to train each week with a great group of people who made you feel inspired and UNSTOPPABLE.
I, like many of us, have lost people very close to me through cancer and my sister battled through it earlier this year and is now fighting fit.
Today would have been my fathers birthday, sadly we lost him to cancer. What a great way to honour his memory and help such a wonderful cause.
- Brooke
Yes, the endorphins are still RUSHING through my body! I can't tell you what a wonderful day it has been. Every part of our 9km race was great - I think I ran the whole thing with a smile on my face. It was such a joy to be part of a great team (again) and to be doing something worthwhile. Having my family at the finish line was also very, very special.
Annie, I think what you have achieved in starting this program is amazing. You bring out the best in people and I think that is an amazing quality to have as a person.
I will send through a couple of photo's once I have downloaded them. My 3 girls are all taking turns to take my bib and medal in for news at school this week. I think they must be proud of their mum!
Annie, thank you again for another amazing Can Too journey! I will be back for the half-marathon early next year!
- DANIELLE
Thanks for all your hard work throughout the program. Everything has run so smoothyly, which makes it easier for us to concentrate on running !! Yesterday was a great day - and you guys really made it really special. it was fantastic to be able to meet after the race, have a massage, meet the families/partners of some of our group, and catch up with everyone over a champagne!!!
it's been a privilege to be part of Can Too again. See you at your BBQ!!
-Michelle
Thanks Fi, and thanks so much for all your encouragement and for making the sessions fun. I seriously still cannot believe that I made the 75 min cut-off OR that I finished the half! I think in the back of my mind, I only ever thought that I would get through the first 11km. You will be pleased to know that Gemma and I are both committed to signing up for the next half... :) We have already - started planning our fundraising.
- Kylie
I also just wanted to share with you (I’m sure you are already aware of this) what a great long lasting impact the can too program has on so many peoples lives that goes beyond the time in the program. I was talking about it just yesterday. I loved the run program so much that as you know it inspired my boyfriend ( now fiancé), Luke to do the swim, and he convinced a girl in his team at work, Claire to also do the swim program (northside). I caught up with Claire yesterday and she is still swimming x3 a week with a group of people she met on the program. It was also life changing for my cousin, Paul (himself a leukemia survivor) who is also still swimming. And I am still running! If you had told me a year ago that I would love running, I would have said NO WAY! I just love hearing people’s can too stories.
- Jen
The Can Too program inspires, enlivens, enthralls, and breathes new life into anyone game enough to participate!
Through Can Too I have made fabulous new friends, learnt soooo much about my body, gotten fit and most importantly become so much more aware that I TOO can make a difference in the world! It's a fabulous program!!
Long may it live and inspire others!!
Thank you so much.
Emma (Marathoner)
Killing 2 birds with one stone! CanToo gave me an excuse to help myself to get fit again whilst raising money to help others.
Angie
The best thing about CANTOO is NOT:
• Having a FUN, regular training environment which is NOT intimidating.
• The easy going coaches (Kristie & Rachel).
• The hot chicks & cool guys to train with.
• The fun social get-togethers. The coaches even let you drink wine….
• The inspirational speakers that talk to us including Olympians, cancer survivors & researchers.
• The great training programs (written by some mad, spotted, swimming/ running researcher).
The absolute best thing is how good it feels to make a difference to people’s lives by raising funds for such an inspirational cause.
Like the event itself that we are training for: some are fast & some are slow, some get big numbers & some get small numbers.
But, at the end of the day, we are all one – STRIVING & ACHIEVING!!!!
Getting a phone call from Lynn & Annie (our GURUS), up-dating us of our funds tally, makes you so proud that little me could be helping somebody else live!
This is a really exciting program; I look forward to training every week.”
Dawn P, (First time Marathoner)
My favourite part is the pub after Thursday night training
Rob H, (First time Marathoner)
I absolutely love this program!! At first I was worried about my fundraising, but then I sent my email and the money came pouring in.
Gabrielle
It has been great fun, and I have met a great group of people. Believe me, I never thought I would EVER have been able to do this but I realise that anything is possible….If we can do this, we can even help find a cure for cancer
Pip
Can Too gives you the opportunity to contribute to a great cause, get fit and have fun and is professionally run!! (No pun intended)
Ulrike
(Lyn, Ulrike & Bronwyn)
As my father used to say... there is no substitute for hard work and that is definitely one of the many things that it has taken for me to transition from a person who has never run before to somebody who will complete the Sydney Marathon. However, the experience of the last 20 weeks has taught me that there's nothing greater in the world than when somebody on the team does something good, and everybody gathers around to pat them on the back. Thank you Team Can Too, I couldn't have done it without you!
Dawn
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was lucky to be involved in a groundbreaking clinical trial funded made possible by funds from the community. To thank the researchers and the community, I wanted to give something back.
Andy
It's so much easier to get fit when training as part of a group, and the formal training sessions gradually built up my endurance and avoided injuries.
Brownyn
CanToo combines moments that can be publicly humbling, with moments that are personally heart-rending - it is a true epiphany.
DS
I never really liked running and never imagined I could be one of those people who run for more than 20 minutes without looking like a red monster!
After five weeks of training I can now run for over 40 minutes whilst having a chat and a laugh with my fellow runners. We all encourage each other and are inspired by each others abilities, and whilst I'm doing all this positive stuff for myself I'm actually going to help talented researchers and help the fight against cancer. Who could ask for more? After this race, I will be one of those people who can get up and just run... and run.....I'm honestly going to miss it.
Claire
I have run several marathons; I found a level of caring, camaraderie and skills that I rarely have seen before. Not only it has been a lot of fun, but also we have had the opportunity to help an important cause. I will encourage runners and novice runners to join Can Too for the opportunity enjoy will running for a big cause.
Juan
Great achievement - well done everyone.
Its always inspiring being in big events and seeing so many people taking on a physical challenge that is well outside an 'old' comfort zone! So much is achievable when approached with the right advice and encouragement. So my thanks to Annie, Fi, Lynn and Mark who manage our transformation - everyone’s run on Sunday is a credit to how well you run the Can Too program.
So I just want to say a big thank you to Annie for her warmth and 'lets get on with it' attitude (your kids have the best Mum).
Fi you are wise beyond your years and I loved Wednesday nights (when I got there) for your humour and knack for a good stir.
Mark you have all the attributes of a great coach and I hope you are part of the Can Too group for long time to come. I know I was one of your worst participants (twice) but you have always been accommodating, patient and extremely encouraging.
Finally I don't know who picked it but I just want to say great choice of colour for Can Too - being so visual is a key ingredient to being spurred on when your on the course and spotting others to encourage. I have enjoyed both runs for this reason - and despite being terrible with names, I loved being able to yell out "Go Can Too!"
The money raised is amazing - I'm so impressed with all of you and hoping to catch up with your efforts myself.
See you all next Wednesday.
Cheers,
Helen
A little belated but I did want to put into writing what a fantastic thing I think the CanToo programme is.
The support, encouragement and enthusiasm of everyone involved was amazing and I would particularly like to mention Annie and Lynne for their efforts - they never failed to be friendly and have genuine warmth about them. Both lovely people
I have recommended CanToo to every one I can if they are even the slightest bit interested in running or swimming (and even if they are not!) and I wish you every success in the future.
I haven't quite decided if I will do it again - I am moving from eastside to northside (suburbia) over the coming weeks - but if you'd had a sign up board at the Commodore last week after the speeches and the thought that I might not be part of it again I would have signed up in a second! I miss it already. I met a lovely bunch of people and got fitter at the same time and all for a good cause!
Thanks again
Blackmores Sydney Running Festival Training Program 2006
Fiona Britten
Firstly, thank you for your efforts and putting up with me!
Thank you for making the training consistent, challenging and enjoyable!
As you can see, I was still smiling across the line with my son doing the last 200 meters with me. The only problem is I am happy, healthy and not sore today – where was that pain box? I will have to improve my time next year! I wore a black arm band for my husband’s mom and nicknamed the run “Bette’s Memorial Run” so I will let all my sponsors know that next year is just around the corner.
Thank you for everything and I look forward to future events!
Lee-Anne Carson
Thanks so much for a great running such a great program and I am very happy for you both that it was so successful.
I thought it was very professionally run and most importantly with heaps of enthusiasm from yourselves and the coaches.
I improved enormously, reducing my City 2 Surf time by 7 mins to 70 mins 21 sec and completing my first half marathon in 1 hr 57 mins (and that included a toilet stop), after 3 wks off training to get married.
I found training sessions and the program thoroughly enjoyable thanks to you both, the coaches and the other participants in the program.
I have been telling lots of people about the program so hopefully you will have heaps of new participants next time. And I am sure I will be back again when I next feel like getting fit.
Best regards
Jacqueline Clayton
Hi there!
I hope you had a great day Sunday - I loved it...really I did - you know I'm not mad on the running - but it was just a brilliant day. I really loved seeing all the orange singlets and all the team members encouraging each other, it’s such a wonderful positive community you have created. You are so inspiring Annie. Being part of Can Too has really added another dimension to my life, I am so thankful to you for that. If you ever need a hand with any Can Too stuff in the future please get in touch, I would really love to help. I think Hamish plans to sign up for the swim so that will keep me in the Can too loop.
Julie F
Thanks for your fantastic effort and for all your hard work and organisation.
I have been procrastinating for a while and Can Too certainly gave me the initiative to enter and run my first race. Half marathon this year....maybe the marathon next year. The coaches have all made a wonderful effort in getting us all to the finish line.
It has also been a great experience learning about Cure Cancer Foundation and letting others know about the organisation. I feel privileged that I have been able to play my small part in helping to raise an enormous amount of money for cancer research.
I will certainly let others know that Can Too is a fantastic way of helping an important cause and at the same time achieving personal goals and having lots of fun!
Chee
Wow!
Well, firstly, we achieved what we set out to do! The whole CanToo Team finished all of their respective events (marathons, half m's, and shorter events...) SO THANKYOU ALL for your support in helping us to do this!!
Gorgeous weather for the big day, cool clear early morning, a very surreal feeling for all to have been physically and mentally preparing for so long, and now to be finally there living it..
The Half marathoners got away at 6.30am with smiles and gusto, and a little nerves no doubt... and then that left the next start up to us... After queuing for half an hour to use a toilet cubicle (not ideal race prep!) I was ready and joined the team... an amazing feeling to be there, surrounded by all of our team runners, decked out in our ultra loud, fluro orange CanToo race singlets.
The gun goes off and so do we... I left the group early, heading for the from to find the 3.oo hour pace setter (To my pleasant surprise, they had professional pace setters who were clearly labeled with the time that they were pacing for e.g. they had a 3 hour guy, 3.15 guy, 3.30 runner... you get the picture.. ). I found the 3 hour runner by the south side of the bridge (around 2K's into the race) and happily sidled in next to him and got into a rhythm.
Man, it was beautiful... to run through the city, ALL traffic diverted, so that we could relax, breath unpolluted air, not worry about watching out for traffic...
Lady Macquarie's Chair was great; Oxford Street was hysterical with all the Saturday night troupers still out in force... Centennial peaceful, Anzac Pde long, though flat and shady...
The half way mark came and went and the rest was down hill (at least mentally!) Till now I had set (for me) a very ambitious pace of 3 hours, and was actually feeling tip top with it. Up to the 27 K mark I was thinking that it was not only achievable, but I was actually a few minutes ahead of that pace and that I might even go under 3. Then my legs started to cramp.
I have never actually experienced this before running, though over the course of a K or two both my legs progressively in every muscle I've ever known. I slowed down my pace to try to prevent the onset, though before long I was debilitated to the point of walking, then further on I went through several periods where walking wasn't even possible. I can't describe either the disappointment or pain.
With 15K's to go, I was set on finishing, and went about asking from my legs every thing they could offer. Having to resign to walking most the way, I've gotta say it was shattering to continually passed by those still maintaining a jogging pace - and the Harbour Bridge looked like it was a state away!
The support from many runners passing, and from Mark our coach as he passed, combined with the great numbers of CanToo supporters along the way and especially at the finish was overwhelming.
Coming in on 3hrs 38mins, I was wheelchaired from the finish line to the First Aid Tent. 2 IV drips, 2 rectal thermometers(seriously - the things one does for charity!), 2 blood sugar test needles and some ice packs later I was good to go again, and joined the rest of the team at the finishing straight to cheer in the others, champagne in hand..
The celebrations (and remedial massages) continued into lunch time and everybody was on a high.
So thanks once again for your support, and please, anybody considering doing ANY form of sporting event/fundraiser, contact Annie at www.cantoo.com. I can't say enough about the team spirit, professional coaching and sense of achievement CanToo offers for so many different events - all for such a great cause.
And for those wondering, when I master walking again, I may just consider entering again next year!
Haydn Miller
We just wanted to say THANK YOU - you are an inspirational, motivational, supportive and fun group - you cannot know how much your words of encouragement meant these last few months. The race was amazing - there were tears of relief and joy at the end!
Mark- you will be pleased - Katharine vomited - your e-mail will stay with us forever about vomiting and lactic acid from eyeballs. Don't change.
Annie - your energy is infectious and your belief in people unwavering. You are truly inspirational.
Clare- you are a wonderful mentor - constant tips and hints and calming ways – thanks.
Katharine and Carole
Hi everyone
Thank you so very much, from the bottom of my heart for supporting me on the 9km run yesterday. With all your help, I raised over $3000 and our group (Can Too - with 110 registered runners) raised over $150,000 – a fantastic achievement! This money will help researchers with their on-going studies to find a cure for cancer. Thank you for being a part of that.
Well. I finished the run in 55 minutes and I am feeling on top of the world. 6 weeks ago, the thought of doing 2km made me nervous and I nearly backed out but through my training at Can Too, I had the courage to complete it.
Unfortunately after consulting the physio today, I have managed to dislocate my knee cap. I felt a niggling pain after hitting the 2km mark but I was determined to run the whole way. It wasn’t until I stopped at the finishing line that the full extent of the pain hit – its amazing what you can achieve with mind over matter! Now, I’m hobbling around unable to walk properly but with a huge grin on my face!
So thank you, thank you for all your support!
Pls pass on my sincere gratitude to YOUR friends and family who also sponsored me through you.
Myra
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was lucky to be involved in a groundbreaking clinical trial funded made possible by funds from the community. To thank the researchers and the community, I wanted to give something back”.
Andy 2005
Why Chris joined Can Too in 2005
I joined the program as it provided me the opportunity to work towards two of my life goals. The first was something I have been wanting to do for some time which is to get involved in 'giving back'. Raising money for cancer research is a great way to contribute. The second is about running the marathon. It's simply one of those things I have always wanted to do, particularly as it encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Can Too provides an environment where I can get professional advice about running, get ideas in relation to fundraising, meet other motivated people and have some fun. It really makes participating very simple.
I have found I really look forward to the training sessions. The group has a great sense of humour and fun and are very supportive of each other so I have never felt intimidated or uncomfortable. There is some competitiveness as well however, which definitely is a good motivator and provides a benchmark to see how I am going. Again, all this makes it something to look forward to. Makes me believe if others can, I "Can Too"
Chris Woods 2005
Ryan's Story 2005
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Ryan's Story - 1,056 KB
Sometimes you just have to wonder why you get yourself into some situations. Why when I’ve never been able to run, would I contemplate doing a ½ marathon. Why when I’ve never been a swimmer, would I consider that I could swim 2.7 kilometres in an ocean swim race? Is it age? Is it a misguided attempt to hang onto some pathetic notion of being young and adventurous? Perhaps these answers are ½ right but when you have the support and encouragement from friends and family and the opportunity to fund vital cancer research, the physical challenge becomes (almost) insignificant. The sense of accomplishment of finishing a ½ marathon in May 2006 and swimming from Palm Beach to Whale Beach in January 2007 is however phenomenal!
While the glory of crossing the finishing line is my own, it wouldn’t have been possible without the coaching and camaraderie of being a ‘Can-tooer’. I signed up with Can Too (www.cantoo.org.au), along with about 100 other runners and swimmers of varying ability, made a commitment to fundraise for the Cure Cancer Foundation Australia and embarked on a 12 week training program under the watchful eye and direction of some extraordinary coaches.
I had set a fairly low benchmark from which to gauge my sporting ability. Being able to run one lap of a 400 metre oval on the first night of training had me attempting a victory lap Maurice Greene-style (Olympics 2000). Swimming one 50 metre lap of the pool at the first swim session had me playing air guitar like Thorpie. Each lap – and there were plenty over the 12 week training program – provided plenty more opportunities for recognising a significant improvement in my ability which would enable me to cross the finish line and as importantly perhaps, enjoy the whole experience.
The fundraising was also the other half of the deal and after these two events I managed to raise over $5,500 which all goes directly to fund vital work of the Can Too cancer researchers working in the areas of breast cancer, skin cancer, neuroblastoma in children, new drug design and understanding cell division in cancer.
It doesn’t of course stop there…. I’ve signed up again for the ½ marathon this May with training well underway and I’m sure I’ll be there for the next ½ marathon in September and back at Palmie next January. If this sounds like something you’d like to do, be it a ½ marathon, full marathon or ocean swimming, and I’d highly recommend it, just let me know and/or check out the Can Too website at www.cantoo.org.au.
- Di Masen