Kimberly Bitz and Carrie Hembroff-Murphy were in Rome for the weekend of March 16 and 17, but they weren't checking out the new Pope.
Kimberly Bitz and Carrie Hembroff-Murphy were in Rome for the weekend of March 16 and 17, but they weren't checking out the new Pope.
Bitz and Hembroff-Murphy ran a marathon with Joints in Motion on March 17, a fundraiser organized by the Arthritis Society.
Douglas Emerson, the national manager of communications for the Arthritis Society, said it "makes sense" to have fundraisers that promote fitness because it helps promote their vision of living well with arthritis.
Running a marathon wasn't initially the goal for either woman. They both wanted to go to Rome and they both wanted to run, but the only two races offered in Rome were a 5k and a marathon.
"Going to Italy had always been on my bucket list," said Bitz, who had run a half marathon previously and didn't want to run a shorter distance.
Bitz decided to run because arthritis runs in her family and she herself was diagnosed with the disease 12 years ago.
Hembroff-Murphy was inspired by her 10 year-old son, Bransen Murphy, who was diagnosed with arthritis when he was four years old. At first, she was unsure what to do, but said her son has managed very well and that it doesn't affect him much.
Bitz said living with arthritis definitely has it's challenges and helped her realize that living well and embracing every moment is important.
Hembroff-Murphy designated her son as her arthritis hero who she was running for, while Bitz ran for her father.
Bitz and Hembroff-Murphy were in good shape before training for the marathon from participating in other athletic activities. Still, a marathon was a challenge.
"I was shaking (standing at the starting line)," said Bitz of her nerves.
"We're actually, finally doing this. We're finally here," said Hembroff-Murphy of what she was thinking with her toe on the starting line.
About halfway through, Bitz said she realized what she had accomplished.
"I wanted to go faster," she said, but didn't have the strength left to push harder.
"Twenty-seven kilometres was the hardest point," said Hembroff-Murphy of her experience.
"It's mentally harder than a lot of people realize," she said.
Both women said they were "elated" to cross the finish line and that they felt physically and mentally stronger after finishing.
Hembroff-Murphy's favourite part of the whole trip was during the marathon. She said she and Bitz ran through a beautiful piazza during their run and it was filled with tourists. Some of the tourists were Canadian and noticed the small Canadian flags worn by Bitz and Hembroff-Murphy and cheered for them.
"It was amazing," said Hembroff-Murphy.
"I still get choked up," said Bitz of the encouragement the Canadian tourists gave her and Bitz.
Bitz said her favourite part of the trip to Rome was a 7 a.m. group run, the day before the marathon.
"It was beautiful," said Bitz of the early morning run through streets relatively empty of tourists; being able to run on the old cobble-stone streets, past ancient buildings, was thrilling.
"If you want to do it, set your goals and go for it," said Hembroff-Murphy when asked what advice she would give.
"It was tough, but we did it," said Hembroff-Murphy, her sentiments mirroring Bitz's.
"It gives you a sense of accomplishment. We did something not a lot of people can do but we also made a difference," said Bitz.
Bitz raised about $7,000 and Hembroff-Murphy raised $6,500 for the Arthritis Society. Altogether, the 26 members of team Canada raised over $105,000.
The Arthritis Society organizes multiple Joints in Motion runs, treks, and cycle excursions every year to different destinations. Entrants pay a fee of $150 to $250 and then the majority of their costs, including travel and accommodation, are paid for through Joints in Motion.
Participants also receive personalized training programs, support, and training gear.
"It's a reminder to all of us to remain fit and keep moving," said Emerson of the Joints in Motion fitness events organized by the Arthritis Society. Remaining physically active is not only a good way to prevent arthritis, but also a good method for managing the disease. Bitz echoes that idea.
"Being active in life and in your community is the most important thing," said Bitz, and said she tries to model those things for her children.
