Karen competes in endurance event for lung cancer

(View the event video story at www.ridehardtobreatheeasy.com.au)

Karen Munro’s feet had hardly touched the ground following her “Ride hard to breathe easy” challenge before she had signed up for a 24-hour endurance competition to raise vital lung cancer funds for The Australian Lung Foundation.

North Fitzroy’s new fitness workshop, The SpinRoom attached lcoal cyclists to team up with Karen Munro for a 24-hour endurance competition to raise funds for lung cancer research.

The SpinRoom created this event to support Melbourne track cyclist Karen Munro, a lung cancer sufferer who recently rode from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise awareness and money for lung cancer.

Karen, a never smoker, was diagnosed in February 2010 with Stage IV (inoperable) lung cancer. She is making it her mission to educate Australians that you don’t have to smoke to get lung cancer.

SpinRoom owner Sam Stapleton said all money raised will be donated to Karen’s Ride Hard to Breath Easy Campaign for the Australian Lung Foundation.

There were a range of prizes during the 24 hours including; the most distance travelled, individual female and male to cover the most distance in their four-hour period, random sprint competitions, random six-second maximum watt efforts, most inventive team name, and raffles  drawn every four hours.

"Winning team members received their own custom designed cycling kit valued at over $1500 thanks to Nemisis Athletic Apparel," Karen said.

Many other prizes were awarded during the event thanks to Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Crino Cycles, MyMountain, McCoppins Food and Wine, Impact Massage, First Place Osteo, Wattbike, Banyule CC, Mb Building, Sukkie, Bont, Northern Vets CC.

“The aim of this enduro event was to have teams working together to ensure they keep the pedals moving for a solid 24 hours, all team members must complete an equal amount of time on the bike – 4 hours each,” Mr Stapleton said.

“At least 2 team members must be here at all times in case a rider needs a break or to cater for a rider changeover. Food and drinks will be supplied for the weekend and we’ll have waiters and waitresses there to ensure teams are fuelled-up”, he said.

Cyclist Rides to Rid Lung Cancer of Stigma

Lung Cancer is no longer just a smokers disease, but the smoking stigma stands in the way of cancer research funding.  Bottom line ANYONE can get lung cancer.  ANYONE!!!

My name is Karen Munro and I have Stage IV inoperable lung cancer and I have never smoked.

Read Karen's story http://www.ridehardtobreatheeasy.com.au/ Courtesy of The Courier, Adelaide Hills, 26 January 2011.

Karen Does the Hard Yards for Lung Cancer

Karen Munro, a passionate cyclist and lung cancer patient from Warragul ,Victoria is not going to let major flooding in Victoria stop her from completing her marathon ride from Adelaide to Melbourne this month. 

She has simply  changed her itinerary!  Karen and her team have keep up an  heroic cycling schedule since they left Adelaide on Monday 31 January  following the finish of the Tour Down Under.

When Karen’s not cycling she’s juggling media interviews or updating her blog at http://www.ridehardtobreatheeasy.com.au/.  Track Karen’s progress and send Karen some words of encouragement and support via her website or facebook.  To support Karen’s fundraising efforts go to   http://www.everydayhero.com.au/RH2BE_2012

If you live near Melbourne, you might like to welcome Karen at the ride finish at Darebin International Sports Centre, 28 Darebin Road Thornbury this Sunday 6 February 2011.

Funds raised through this event will go directly to lung cancer awareness initiatives.