NOTL Terry Fox Run

#OnThisDay May 18, 1980 27 miles Halifax, NS, Day 37 It’s one thing to have to mentally prepare yourself to run 26+ miles every day. Now factor in the anxiety about cars and trucks brushing up against you as you run through major cities like Halifax. Terry’s parents must be terrified watching him run, completely vulnerable but resolute in his purpose. "Today I got up at 4:30am. I ran through Dartmouth very early on the #7 and then went on the #118. The #118 later join...ed the #102. I got my first 15 in alright. We rested right beside the highway so my parents could see me. But I couldn't sleep because the traffic was so bad. I went out to run on the divided highway against traffic and it was terrible, nobody would give me any room. It was very frustrating and upsetting. I managed to do the 12 miles anyways. We had a very relaxing meal with my parents and I showed them my souvenirs. I am very happy they came. (1/6th of the way)" Photo Credit (Terry in Dartmouth): Tim Chestnutt Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation

#OnThisDay May 17, 1980 27 miles Porters Lake, NS, Day 36 Terry’s mom and dad, Betty and Rolly, arrive from Port Coquitlam, BC. In today’s age of FaceTime and Zoom, it is incredible to think that they have not seen Terry and Doug for 41 days. The best friends have been experiencing some challenges on the road, no surprise considering the gruelling schedule they are keeping. Betty and Rolly get to work, managing laundry, mending clothes and helping Terry and Doug work ou...t their issues. The boys also learn that their team of two is soon to become three, as brother Darrell, who has both great energy and sense of humour, will soon join them. "Today I got up at 4:30am. The first 15 miles actually went quite nicely. There were some beautiful towns that we went through. We collected around $400 today on the road. During my break I ate and slept. The (afternoon) miles went well but I had to stop after 4 miles for a reception in a small town where I was filmed by CTV. My Mom and Dad came out on the last two miles. It was great to see them. We talked things over with Doug. Darrell is coming out in 2 weeks." terryfox.org/honour-terrys-try/ Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation

#OnThisDay May 16, 1980 27 miles Ship Harbour, NS, Day 35 Today is a momentous one in Terry’s fundraising journey. We know he appreciates every dollar raised but it is hard reading that on some days, like today, he runs 27 miles to raise $200. So we rejoice with Terry when he learns that the BC government has made the biggest donation to the Marathon of Hope so far. He also, of course, gratefully acknowledges the free meal he and Doug receive because every dollar saved ...means more money for cancer research. "Today I woke up with a headache. I didn't get up until 6am. I had to make a phone call to CBC after 9 miles. A good interview. The last 6 miles were very tough. We collected over $200 today on the road. I ate and slept after 15 miles. Then went out and did 12 more. I had to phone the Honorable Evan Wolfe of Health and Welfare BC and I learned that the BC government had sponsored me for $30,000. A great lift! I had a million calls and then ate, everything free. We were at the Webber Inn in Lake Charlotte." Photo from Duncan MacMillan High School, Sheet Harbour NS Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation

#OnThisDay May 15, 1980 27 miles Sheet Harbour, NS, Day 34 It will come as no surprise to readers that Terry is a tremendously competitive person, as we read (with a smile) in today’s journal excerpt. Best friend Doug remembers watching Terry working for three years to make it off the bench of his high school basketball team. Doug remembers when it finally happened and why: From grades 8 to 10 I could beat Terry any time we played ball one on one. But by grade 11 and 2... he could take me 21-0. His wasn’t a natural talent. It came from plain hard work. "Today I got up at 4:30am. I felt better than yesterday. The ups and downs didn't hurt so much. After my break I ran until a lady from Sheet Harbour came to see me. They had a reception set up with the schools for 5pm and they wanted me to run with the school kids. I found out that Darrell would be coming out at the end of the month. I went out and ran 2 1/2 miles with the kids. I really burned it just to show them how fast I could go. They were tired and puffing. All right!" Photo from Duncan MacMillan High School, Sheet Harbour NS Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation

#OnThisDay May 14, 1980 26 miles Ecum Secum, NS, Day 33 Terry has his Friday call with Toronto Star reporter Leslie Scrivener. Today he explains how he keeps up this extraordinary pace of 26 miles a day he sees himself arriving home. I think positively all the time. I really think of Vancouver, of running down Hastings St., of finishing at Stanley Park. I just imagine that last mile, of making it and saying, ‘I did it.’ "Today I slept in and didn't take off until ...6:45am. I was very tired all day. My first 15 miles brought me to Marie Joseph. Here I had to phone the Halifax Cancer Society where they had all sorts of messages for me. I took off again. I was very tired and also had sores on my stump but was determined to make my 26 miles which I did. I got to just inside Moser River. 1/7th of the Way!" terryfox.org/honour-terrys-try/ Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation

#OnThisDay May 13, 1980 27 miles Melrose, NS, Day 32 As Terry continues to travel across Nova Scotia his appreciation grows for the support building for his Marathon of Hope. True to his humble nature, he is always surprised to see people cheering him on along the road. Today, he sweetly reflects on how he is so excited by the support that he actually overshoots his turn off! Terry’s journal offers amazing insight the nature and character of this remarkable young man. ... "Today we got up at 4:30am. The first 12 miles went quite nicely. I saw another dead porcupine and skunk. We followed the St. Mary's river. The town of Sherbrooke was a very cute place. There were all sorts of people watching me and clapping. Unfortunately, I was going so fast and was so psyched up that I went by the turn off on the #7 highway and did an extra 1/4 mile. I will never make it across if I continue doing that!" terryfox.org/honour-terrys-try/ Posted @ The Terry Fox Foundation