Hongkonger takes on seven marathons in seven days on seven continents
- Janine Canham is told she cannot continue in Antarctica, but quickly draws a line under the issue and focuses on the task at hand
Hong Kong-based Janine Canham has a new, forgiving mindset after being forced to withdraw halfway around a unique marathon.
Canham, 55, was in Antarctica on her second of seven marathons in seven days on seven continents (777), known as the World Marathon Challenge, as her feet became waterlogged. The part of the continent is usually mild at that time of year, but the weather was ferocious and the wind howling. Her wet feet began to crystallise. The race director ordered her to have the doctor take a look. By the time she had gone into the Russian base, waited for the doctor and returned, she was told she was out of time.
“That was really disappointing but I immediately made a decision to put it at the back of my mind because it was only day two and I didn't want it to ruin everything for me. If I immediately took a negative view, it would effect the rest of the experience,” she said. “I’m usually very hard on myself, but because it wasn't my decision – it wasn't because I found it too cold or miserable – I thought I'd draw a line under it and move on.”
The bad weather delayed the group’s initial flight to Antarctica, so they ran the Cape Town marathon first instead. The additional flight to Antarctica after the clock had started compressed their time frame. So there was no wiggle room for her to run on and still make Perth in Australia, Dubai in the UAE, Madrid in Spain, Fortaleza in Brazil and Miami in the US.
“I've never felt like this before, I'd usually be upset for days or weeks if I didn't finish something I started, but I was pragmatic.”