My 2nd rebirthday 10k race!
 

Yesterday I ran a 10km running race to celebrate my 2nd rebirthday of my bone marrow transplant (well, it's a month early but this race is so much nicer than the July one I ran last year!).

The race went really well, and I truly gave it EVERYTHING I had, running the first 4 kilometers at an astonishingly fast 5min per km pace, and then I tailed back to a bit more realistic 5:30/km pace until the last 200 meters, when I gave an all out sprint for the finish!

My husband was there to take photos and I've posted a few here for you.







Like last year, I ran with the memory of my three departed BMT friends firmly in my mind - this was for Vera, Rob, and David, who fought so so hard, and who even today inspire me to push and fighter even harder on their behalf.

I wasn't quite sure how well I did until I viewed the official chip times on the website last night... 51:21!! That's only 7 seconds off my pre-illness Personal Best! I really was only trying to beat last year's time of 53:38, and I honestly didn't think I'd come anywhere close to that magical 51 minute point for me! :D

This is a HUGE step for me - for the past two years I've been trying to get my physical stamina back to the point it was before I became ill, and this race time was a big mental milestone for me.

If you'd like to donate to the Anthony Nolan Trust (the UK's bone marrow database charity, the ones who found me my donor!), you can donate here.

A fantastic achievement, Melissa! Congratulations on your 2nd birthday race, outstanding finish time, and for letting us share your spirit.

Did people ask you about the message on your back?

No, none this year, but I'm guessing that's more because "2 years!" is a bit more open-ended than the "one year post transplant" I stencilled on my back last year. But Anthony Nolan re-branded and the new design running vests have less room on the upper backs, so I had to adapt!

Oh, but my true life magazine article comes out next week, after a few delays. :)

WOW!
 

You are amazing!
(I have never been able to run, even a block, ever!)
You are a true fighter and are a miracle to boot! Much good will come from your efforts....
Congrats on your wonderful successes and I wish you many many more to come!

Melissa,
I am very happy to see someone with us running 10k in 51 minute.
You always give us courage to fight,thank you.

Melissa,

Congratulations on the fantastic run. You really are an inspiration. The photos are excellent, too!

Karen

Melissa, Congratulations! Lori

Seriously cool, Melissa!

You are an inspiration.

Greg

Congratulations
 

Wonderful photo's clever girly! Well done, I have read all of your posts and you do remind me of me at your age.....keep it up....your positiveness will pull you through anything now, good luck with your future running too.
hugs and kisses
Karen (UK)