Run with Andreas

We have a new page on the LUPUS EUROPE blog, in honour of an inspiring young man who has decided to run with and for LUPUS EUROPE. To follow his story each week simply click on the tab ‘Run with Andreas’.

Week 0/24

Greatest life Challenge, till the next one!

 

A few months ago I ran my first half marathon – I had been in the sport for 5 months before I felt ready to do so. Lots of people may argue that it can be achieved sooner. I decided to take it slow and listen to my body before taking the challenge. Also, I forced myself to run for a cause – to keep me motivated – and dedicated it to my sisters who have been winning against unexpected events in their lives. I have to admit thinking of them during the race worked pretty well, especially in the last kilometers when my gastrocnemius muscles got so tight I could barely run.  But running a half marathon, I believe means you only get half the fun. So I decided to run a full one – 42,2km. Oh and also, why not do it at one of the most popular ones – the New York Marathon!

 

This coming November, 2016, I will be one of the 50,000 lucky ones who will be running through all five boroughs of New York City. I am also a Lupus patient – I was diagnosed in 2007 with symptoms of thrombosis and Raynaud’s syndrome.  Because of that, I would like to run for Lupus and I have joined forces with LUPUS EUROPE (NGO) which will be providing me with a space on its blog to communicate my training news up until I complete the marathon on 6^th of November. You have probably guessed right, this will be my motivation in the last kilometres, when I may be experiencing paranoia and I won’t be able to feel my knees or muscles. It’s a win-win, right? Raise awareness and promote an active lifestyle for Lupus as well as get the motivation I need to complete the race 🙂

 

The idea is to share my weekly training plan and dedicate each week to one of the 24 member countries  of LUPUS EUROPE.  It will be a great opportunity to share my experience with each member country, if possible through a Video Call.

This week is dedicated to Denmark. 

“Remember that guy who gave up?  …Neither does anyone else.”

Andreas Panteli

Lupus Warrior

Disclaimer: The above awareness campaign is part of my volunteer work and has nothing to do with my professional activities.