For years Zara Horner ran to keep fit, healthy and the extra pounds at bay. But running gained a new purpose seven years ago when she faced a heart-wrenching diagnosis that her seven-year-old had an aggressive form of throat cancer.
Horner, a personal trainer, found solace in her long runs, as well as the strength to fight back against the illness ravaging her only son’s body. In 2009, she ran the 50 kilometre Greenpower Hike and raised HK$112,000 in the process.
Her son, Hugo, has been cancer-free for five years. To celebrate, Horner raced a total of 131 kilometres last month: a 100 kilometre trail race in Nepal, and a half-marathon and 10k in Hong Kong. She has raised HK$76,000 out of her HK$300,000 goal for Kidscan, a children’s cancer research charity.
For the last three months I’ve logged between 70 and 110 kilometres a week on the road and trails. It has been really hard and really lonely, and honestly I can’t say I have enjoyed it too much as I am not as fit or strong as I have been or would like to be. It has been a real slog with lots of pain and injury. But I kept saying to myself: “Pain is weakness leaving your body.”
I started running when I hit 40; running seemed the easiest way to maintain fitness. I am not a natural runner, but after conquering the treadmill and doing a couple of road races, I hit the trails and my love affair with trail running began. I never run with music; I thoroughly enjoy having to be completely present. It is almost zen-like for me. I still participate in 10 kilometre races and half-marathons on the road, but longer trail runs is where my heart lies.