JennyWenny's Blog

My Weekend to End Breast Cancer

JennyWenny — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:05:01 -0800

Each year I like to participate in an event that will change my life, or shape me in a different way. A shape I have not been before.

Last year I raised money for BC Childrens Hospital and participated in the Shave for the Brave Balding for Dollars event. Going in my hair was hitting the waist mark, long, vibrant locks of love. Gone. In the blink of an eye I went from Harry and the Henderson's to Britney Spears wannabe. It was the most memorable event of my life, well the most positive one at that.

This year I have decided to partake in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer, which is the 60km two day walk around Vancouver. I first wanted to do this because I've heard its a wondeful weekend, positive energy, great experience yadda yadda. But two months ago I met my bestest pal, who's mum had died from breast cancer in October. To see the devistation in her eyes as she struggles to make it through the days without her mum - the woman who loved her no matter what, the woman she called when she needed to talk; or the woman she called when she needed something as simple as a recipe or help grocery shopping - saddens me beyond belief. No one should have to lose that woman, especially at such a young age. I am doing this for her. I am doing this for my aunt. I am doing this to make my mark... to contribute. I am doing this for me.

I begun thinking to myself that such a task would be no problem. I'm young, I'm in good condition. As I've just starting my training in the past weeks I've come to realize that this is no easy FEET. Pun intended. I only walked 6 km's and already I was in pain and slowing down. I can't imagine what 10 times that will feel like. I have to raise $2000 in order to participate in the walk but my personal goal is $3200.00. So along with a rigorous training regim I need to somehow raise $2000.

I want to change the way we view breast cancer.

To make a donation please go to:

This is harder than I thought.

JennyWenny — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 10:24:15 -0700

So last week I finally received my Vancity bike and was excited as ever to begin my trek.

OK, I said to myself, this will be a synch! I have my trusty bike route map, I have my helmet, yup - the bell is in good working condition... so there I went... but not very far. I began my ride from Hastings and Howe attempting to get to the Cambie street bridge. Made a few wrong turns, but thought "hey this isn't bad, at least I"m enjoying myself." Finally got to the bridge and I was just heading up the ramp and *SNAP* - The chain fell off.

Not only did the chain fall off, but it became lodged in the chain guard somehow. Needless to say I didn't panic, I mean, this wasn't the first time I'd be putting a chain back on a bike. I've done this millions of times. It wasn't nearly as simple as I had been hoping. It was stuck, and the only way I could fix it was to take the guard off (with tools) and remove the chain.

My 25 minute bike ride home turned into an hour and a half long walk... I had to take a stop by VGH to try my luck again, and the nice thing about this time was some lovely ladies tried to help me by holding up the bike while I attempting the re-chaining. Problem was they didn't speak english - but I appreciated the help all the same.

Giving up on the chain situation I decide just to finish the walk. I mean I got that far, why stop now? Only seven more blocks to go.

Got home, fixed the bike - and sat around. Boy was I exhausted!

All in all, my first bike experience wasn't really a good one. With chain problems, and the option of having only one gear I think I've been discouraged from commuting on the bike for work. For putting around the neighbourhood or perhaps a small grocery run a the farmers market this bike would be perfect.

Still looking for a bike

JennyWenny — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 22:37:51 -0700

hey everyone, i'm still looking for a vancity bike to begin my trek. if anyone is ready to pass it along, please contact me.

thanks!

To Bike or not to Bike? That is the question..

JennyWenny — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:31:41 -0700

The million dollar question.

Well I figure it may be smarter to borrow and "test drive" a bike rather than to spend mucho cashola and shamefully discover that I'm lazy and out of shape. Who knows? Perhaps I'll fall in love with the sweat dripping down my back whilst feeling the wind gently caress my face. There's only one way to find out!

So if anyone is finished with their vancity bike, and would like to share it, please share it with me!

Happy Cycling!