During the month of February JR Veterinary set out to raise funds and awareness for BVCIS (British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support). As a team we are so passionate about the Veterinary Industry and wanted to give something back.
But how? Well, we spoke to Claire over at BVCIS and after some deliberation we collectively decided on a virtual bike ride. This way, even with Covid still amongst us, we would be able to get the miles done even if one of us had to isolate or new restrictions came in – nothing was going to stop us!
Here is what the team had to say: You can meet the team here:
Jane said: “I was very dubious about the 847 miles that we set ourselves, as it seemed like a mammoth task, but once on the bike it did get easier each day. However, the first couple of days (due to lack of not using an exercise bike in years) I thought that I would definitely be letting the team down. I’m sure you have all seen the advert about ‘who says life gets better with age….my knees hurt my back aches…well that was me on the first few days.
But I persevered and every day was a challenge to try and do more miles than the day before and just keep going. Eventually I loved it so much that my early rises (normally 4am) were much more pleasing and an hour or so on the bike every morning set my mood for the rest of the day.
Was so glad that we achieved our goal and raised some money for BVCI (although not as much as we would have liked) ….and yes, I am on the bike every morning keeping my same routine”. Jane ended up completing 446.8 miles.
Janko said: “If I am honest, I thought the challenge would be pretty easy. If you take the 847 miles and divide it by 3 it worked out to 10 miles per day, surely that is doable? Well, we hit a hurdle on day one with a team member heading to A&E with a sprained ankle. When you start the challenge and you are already on the backfoot and then you try to get these miles in while still having to run a business, your personal training still happening 3-5 times a week and making time for your family. It really did hit home that sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to do the things you need to do let alone the things you want to do. It also opened our eyes into having a little understanding on how people who struggle with chronic illness must feel every day. A massive thank you to all the people who supported us along the way and of course Jane AKA Lance Armstrong for taking on majority of the mile”. Janks completed 190.35 miles.
Vicki said: “Never again ………………….
The bike challenge was a different challenge for me, being quite fit I’ll admit I thought it would be easier than it was, and although it took its toll most days, it wasn’t necessarily the miles, but more the time element and the repetitiveness. Working 6 days a week, training, and starting with an injury to top it all off, it became increasingly harder.
Sitting static on a bike, staying focused and finding the time and energy for 1-2 hours a day was a lot harder than I thought. I found myself using the “Spoons theory” and trading certain parts of my day to allow for this, this really opened my eyes to realising what I take for granted each day and how it must feel to do this permanently.
I’m really pleased we have joined forces with BVCIS and am looking forward to working together in the future to do what we can to raise awareness and make a difference”. Vicki completed 210.1 miles.
If you would like more information on BVCIS here is a link to their website: https://www.bvcis.com/
We are still taking any donations so if you would like to donate here is the link: https://gofund.me/9beb63a2
