Petra hadn’t been a runner, but in 2009 she had a goal to do a fun run before she turned 40. She found a running buddy to help keep motivated and not only did she do the 5kms Mothers’ Day Run but also ticked off the 10kms Carman’s Run in December, just before her 40th birthday.
Early 2010 Petra and her family moved to Echuca. She was introduced to several women who run and they have become special running friends.
By 2016 Petra, 47 year old Deputy Principal of St Mary’s Echuca was regularly running up to 12 kms, when she experienced a sudden decline in health. In a matter of months she was struggling to walk. Life became work and sleep, with no energy for anything else.
There was no explanation for Petra’s diminishing energy levels. She even bought new runners to see if this would help. She stopped going to gym and soon had to stop running.
Eventually the answer came with a call from the hospital. A blood test identified she had Leukaemia and that night she was admitted to hospital. The situation serious, but the good news was that Petra was told she would recover. Her specialist gave her hope and told her the treatment would be intense, but in six months she would be back running.
Petra spent 6 weeks in hospital in Geelong, followed by treatment one month on and one month off for six months in Bendigo. She drove herself there and back daily.
With side effects of extreme muscle pain and fatigue, she was so glad of family, a supportive workplace and her beautiful running friends. She recalls friend Andrea asking “was she right for a walk” when she returned home. Her running friends also slowed their running to keep her company. They helped her through 2½ years of recovery, where it was 2 steps forward and 1 step back.
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In December 2018 Petra did the Carman’s 10 km run again. Her aim was to “just do it”, but at the 9km point she checked her time and then it was “giddy up”. She finished in 1 hour and 22 seconds. This was a turning point for Petra, life was back to normal!
Petra has now completed Carman’s Women’s Fun Run 10km again, and achieved a new PB of 57.15!
With an “all clear” Petra says she is so grateful and feels incredibly lucky. Running keeps Petra fit, helps to keep her head clear and provides wonderful connection with others.
Thanks for sharing your very personal story Petra. Your strength, courage and determination is an inspiration. #runsisterrun
