Positivity can move mountains

For Jane Delahunty, 2022 is an important milestone year – 21 years since she became a wheelchair user. While it is something she doesn’t linger on, it brought many challenges over the past two decades. The biggest was for Jane to return to running. Reflecting on the last 20 years, she says: “I have learned to be patient and not rush things, especially when training. Good things take time and you will eventually reach your goal, even if you fail time and time again. With a positive mindset you can move mountains.”

It is this same determination that kept Jane going after a spinal cord injury, which was followed by 10 major surgeries. It took over five years for her to recover and rekindle her passion for running – something she had been doing since she was a child.

“Running has helped me overcome the impossible in my recovery,” Jane says. “Anything is possible with hard work. A runner like myself never hangs up their running shoes easily. The human body is stronger than we think, as any athlete will tell you. Running is tough from the being to the end. Your mindset has to be positive and a high level of fitness to support you every mile you go. The mountain and basically all terrain is your teacher. Conquer  and most importantly know how to get over any obstacles.”

These lessons reflects back into Jane’s life as she remains determined to achieve her goals. She highlights the importance of celebrating every victory, not matter how big or small: “I feel proud of my achievements, no matter how small and for not giving up.”

Jane specifically enjoys marathon or long-distance running covering distances of over 30 km. It is not uncommon for her to be stopped by strangers who have seen her training and felt something spark within themselves.

“I find it absolutely humbling when people, who I don’t know, come up to me and say: ‘I have seen you often doing your training and long runs. You are absolutely inspirational. It’s because of you that I started running and cycling’,” Jane says.

While a strong, independent woman, Jane’s family – specifically her parents – played an important role in support her over the past two decades. She reflects: My parents have helped me and our family in every way. They believed in me and got me through the worst days of my life. It was harder for them seeing our lives turned upside down overnight.”

“Their love, guidance and support made me stronger. They were strict during my recovery. I was pushed above and beyond in every way possible. Life is easier not thinking about what tomorrow may bring,” she adds.

While Jane has many nuggets of wisdom to help encourage others to keep pursuing her dream, her advice for others who are faced with life-altering challenges is: “Life goes on, never give up. Be kind always.”