Category Archives: Reasons for

Race Day!

  By Crystal Clarke | May 5, 2012 - 9:59 pm | , , , , ,
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At tonight’s Team in Training “Inspiration Dinner” we were brought in to the dining hall by cheering staff and coaches in costumes with noise-makers, pom-poms, tu-tus, and so much purple it was hard to look. I had no idea it would be like that and if I wasn’t so confused, I would have been emotional. That came later. There are 232 participants from all over North America with Team in Training. Collectively, we raised $769,000! There was a woman (who I can’t remember her job title or her name or even where she is from) who led the program, which … Keep reading →

In Memory

  By Crystal Clarke | May 2, 2012 - 11:01 am | , , ,
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LittleMissGiraffe & Naveen

Last week I was asked to send a photo in of the person I was running in honour or memory of. Of course, I am running in honour of all the people that have suffered from Leukemia and Lymphoma, especially MellowJohnny. However, I am also running in memory of a man that I never met in person. He came into my life through one of my best friend’s and he left the world and our lives before I could journey out to Vancouver to give my final approval. Before he passed away, I briefly got to talk to him on … Keep reading →

Why this? Why now?

  By Crystal Clarke | January 26, 2012 - 7:58 am | , , ,
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MellowJohnny really hates it when I talk to people about him having cancer. I can understand that. He’s kind of a private person and he’s shy about this awful disease that took away a big chunk of his childhood. However, the reason why I’m putting so much time and effort into this cause is not to run a marathon, but to raise money. My reasons for doing this are as follows: When Darcy’s mom was told that her 8-year-old son had a potentially fatal disease, I can’t even imagine how she felt. Leukemia. In the 1980s, it was one of … Keep reading →

“Vegan Fundraising for Cancer? Uhhh… why?”

  By Crystal Clarke | January 22, 2012 - 12:48 pm | , , , ,
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This upcoming Friday, MellowJohnny and I are holding a fundraiser for our endeavour to run a marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We have had lukewarm reception about it being completely vegan. One co-worker said that her husband would not go “unless there is going to be steak.” Of course, since I am playing a huge part in making the food obviously I’m going to make it vegan. However, this is so much more than just my own personal choice. In the documentary “Forks over Knives” the scientists and film-makers show compelling evidence around animal protein being linked with … Keep reading →

Team in Training – Introduction

  By Crystal Clarke | November 14, 2011 - 9:28 pm | , , ,
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When I first did Ironman Canada in 2007, I saw the purple Team in Training jersies everywhere on the course. I had no idea what it was about, but a few conversations on the bike and run caught me up and I learned that the money they raise is for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. An internet friend of mine also trains and races with Team in Training (shoutout to Jen!). A couple of years ago, one of my best friends went through a horrible time when her boyfriend was re-diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma. Over the distance between here … Keep reading →