Over the last two months I’ve participated in a number of events including the Edmonton half marathon, Dino Dash 10 km, Terry Fox 10 km Heart Beat 10 km and Gorilla Run 16 km, in each case, dressed as my alter ego, Captain Clot Buster. This character is a by-product of the “Long Walk to Recovery” I undertook to help me deal with having Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, an extensive blood clot in my brain.
In 2015, as my condition improved, it was suggested I run the Calgary Marathon’s 10 km Dash of Doom. It was a fancy dress event and it was that which inspired me to come up with the Captain persona.
It turns out, that the Captain has become quite popular and I have recently been invited to speak about my medical condition and relate the experience to my other challenges, when completing my Quests for Kids initiative.
In addition, it has enabled me to engage with different audiences, people who can relate to another aspect of my life. I was often referred to as the Marathon Man due to my running 250 marathons in one year and I know that there were people who could not relate to that, or to someone who has five Guinness World Records in endurance events. But, there are untold numbers of people who can relate to overcoming adversity or dealing with life-threatening medical issues.
I usually work with groups and corporations on the topic of setting goals and overcoming obstacles, in order to reach your full potential with references to my work for the humanitarian organization Right To Play and my fundraising efforts, over five years, which culminated in me raising $1,360,000 for the organization.
It was a revelation that people would be interested in another side to my personal story and has certainly given a new dimension to my speaking topic of having a “Finish the Race Attitude.” It’s surprising how coping with my medical condition has offered further insight on ways we deal with adversity and the actions we take in dealing with it, in order to have the best chance of a positive outcome.
It has certainly made me reflect on ways in which I can inspire more people to reach their goals in life, just simply by rethinking and adapting my approach. It has been a valuable lesson in recognizing that opportunities can manifest themselves in various ways and we should be open and adaptable.
© 2016 Martin Parnell
www.martinparnell.com
