What a start!!! Virginia finished her first day as strong and driven as ever!
Hello everyone. My name is Vicki, Virginia’s oldest sister. Over the next two weeks, I will have the privilege of chronicling for you, Virginia’s extraordinary journey.
At 0530 this morning, with headlamp firmly in place, Virginia made her first strides into a running challenge most of us couldn’t comprehend. Trainer, Cathy Gallagher, ran by her side for every step of this big 85km day. Sister, Velma Vos, joined her for 25km and her husband, Ray Gingras, pinch hitted for 10km. The icing on the cake was when fellow ultramarathoner, Tim Grant, drove 3hours to offer his experienced support for the last 17km.As you can see, there was no lack of support…..
Support, this is a word you will hear Virginia say often when she talks about her recovery through her struggles with depression. Support, this is why she is running…to raise the funds so that youth can have better access to mental health services. Support.
With great support & great weather, the day was going as smoothly as it could possibly go …until they met a rattle snake. Around the 50km mark, Gin & Cathy came across this unexpected cheerleader rattling away in the middle of the trail. They eventually spooked it and it slithered away. However, they were left paranoid and the pace slowed down as they continued with sticks in hand. Vel & Ray worried as they waited at the next refueling point. The girls were an unusual 45min late. With tracking & cell phones now out of service, they were left wondering what had happened after passing the rattler. When the runners finally emerged through the trees, nerves were calmed and they regrouped. It’s no wonder they welcomed Tim with extra open arms 10km later — he willingly ignored the “ladies first” rule and ran in the lead, insuring a snake free path.
See the videos below for details on her finish.
Wow, what a wonderful write-up Vicki!!! I’m so glad you’re keeping us all in the ‘know’!! I will keep supporting Gin by sharing her story on Facebook and encouraging people to donate to her extremely worth cause!!
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The Cann girls together, talk about strength! God Bless
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Amazing!! Simply amazing!! You are doing it! So proud of you!!!
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Great kick-off to your amazing adventure!
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Best of luck old friend
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what an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing with us all and we hope to support your efforts even after the run is complete!
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Fantastic day 1 Virginia. Please post the Garmin Tracking link if possible … tons of fun to follow along real time!
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What a fantastic start! I am looking forward to following this amazing journey. Good Luck. 🙂
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Following you via Vicki ‘s chronicle. Wishing you only the best in this great
Lisette
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“venture”
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Way to go Virginia!! GDHS students and staff are cheering you on!!
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Say Hi to Tim Grant for me…he’s a high school buddy of mine and GDHS Grad!!
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Where are the proposed stopping points for Virginia tonight ant tomorrow night? Would be great to be at these finish spots to congratulate her and cheer her on.
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Your looking great. Never would have known you ran all day. Keep it up. You can do this.
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Awesome first day effort gang! Keep up the good, strong work!!! 🙂
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Best of luck Virginia! Have a safe journey what a great cause, may you reach all of your goals!! All the best, From: Georgia and Mike Lianos…Ottawa,Ontario…
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You won’t see any more rattlers. Been up in the Bruce my whole life – rarely see them. Consider yourself lucky! 😛
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a great first day! congratulations and sleep well.
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great job and GREAT TEAM…. just 820 km or so to go!
BE MIGHTY!
🙂
Marie Glinski
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So glad you’re keeping us updated Vickie!! Love being a part of this family! Go get em Gin!!
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Amazing Gin…thank God for your superhero spirit! Kick Bruce’s butt for mental health!!! GO Gin and the Cann Clan!!
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