Cape to Cape for Prostate Cancer

By Jason Phillips

My Activity Tracking

157
kms

My target 125 kms

I'm saving lives.

Every day, 70 Aussie men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. That’s whyΒ I’ve decided to become an agent of change by joining the PCFA-Team.

I’ll be taking on a new challenge, to support men and their families impacted by a prostate cancer diagnosis. From game-changing research to specialised mental and physical care, there is so much more we can, and must, do to save the lives of the men we love.

I was 50 when personallyΒ diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on the 29th March 2023, a day I will never forget. Initially everything was just a blur and you question why me, but you know there is nothing you can do to change that diagnosis.Β 

After having time to process this and considering the options that where available to me I decided to elect for a Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP) procedure. I had the surgery on the 30th May 2023.Β 

The recovery process takes time and you have to be patient as it can be quite frustrating. Trust the process as the professionals know what they are doing. I wasn't able to do anything strenuous for 3 months.

When I was cleared by my surgeon to start running again I decided to wait a couple of extra weeks before getting out there. Trust me it wasn't easy and it’s definitely been a long road back, but I'm determined to get back to where I was pre-surgery no matter how long it takes.

This journey has definitely given me a different perspective on life and what’s important as you just don't know what lies around the corner. So I have decided to do what I can to help raise the awareness and much needed funds by running the Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia in April 2024. This is not only a personal challenge for myself but hopefully it will gain the traction required to get the message out there and help all past, present and future Prostate Cancer diagnosed patients.Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β Β Β 

Please support the team that can save lives by making a tax-deductible donation to my campaign in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

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My Updates

Cape to Cape for Prostate Cancer Re-Cap

Saturday 11th May

It has now been just over two weeks since I completed the Cape to Cape for Prostate Cancer challenge and I have had plenty of time to reflect on this and it has been quite difficult.

This challenge was completely different to anything that I have experienced or felt in the past. It was quite surreal and I’m finding it very difficult to put into words the feelings and emotions that I experienced throughout the journey.

In my past races something has always either gone wrong to a degree whether it be with nutrition, the body not holding up exactly how I would like or mentally just not being strong enough. So when you experience these issues and you managed to push through them and make it to the finishing line that feeling of excitement you get from achieving that goal is next level.

When I finished this challenge it is very hard to explain the feeling I had as it definitely wasn’t the high you normally get when you complete a race but in saying that I have never experienced an event or race in the past going exactly how it was planned. This is the first time since starting my Ultra journey that everything went according to plan and I had no major issues whatsoever. Don’t get me wrong there were a couple of little and I mean very little minor issues which we work through and sort out very quickly.

The past 12 months health-wise has been challenging so I knew I definitely had to put in the time and effort to get my body in the best position possible to be able to complete and succeed at this challenge. So after eight months of sticking to a base and then race running plan as well as six months gym work I knew I had given myself the best opportunity to be able to succeed.

It also helps having a great team of people behind you to help you prepare and get ready for such an epic adventure. Without the help of this team the challenge wouldn’t have been possible or could have ended very differently.

Overall I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome after completing the 129.9 km track in 28 hours 15 minutes and still feeling really good and if I had to, I could’ve kept continuing on. This is exactly why it doesn’t feel real because everything went so well. It just goes to show that preparation is definitely key and having an awesome team of people behind you is absolutely priceless.

I would like to thank everyone for your support, encouragement and generosity throughout this journey as it definitely means a lot to me. I’m sure this will eventually sink in overtime and I’m definitely aware of the achievement albeit it doesn’t feel real. Once again, thank you and I wish you all safe travels, good health and happy days.

Let the Taper Begin

Sunday 14th Apr

With only 10 days to go, today was the last long run before the challenge begins. The training block has gone well and the body is feeling really good. With the reduced load over the next nine days this should put me in a great position to be as ready as I can be to tackle the Cape to Cape Track.Β 

One Month to Go

Monday 25th Mar
With only one month to go today, things are starting to get real.Β 

I spent this weekend in Margaret River doing the final preparations and recons to lock everything in for the challenge.Β 

It was a great weekend of training with two long runs in the bank. Everything is pretty much finalised now with four Β more weeks of training to go, and then it will be the big dance.

Saturday last week was 2 Months to go

Friday 1st Mar

Last Saturday I competed in the Sandman 50 as part of a Team running 25km from Dunsborough to Busselton Jetty along the Beach.

This run wasn't without its challenges after around the 7km mark I had severe stomach cramps and was also throwing up. Obviously these things are meant to test us and you have to evaluate the situation and adjust accordingly.

So I reset my expectations and managed the situation as best as I could to get to the hand over point. These things generally happen for a reason and are very valuable as long as you learn from them.

I may not have ran the time I was hoping for but I took away valuable information and incite which is going to assist me to concur the Cape to Cape Track.

Always look at the positive of a bad situation.Β  Β Β 

10 Weeks to Go

Thursday 15th Feb

This week is all about the awareness and looking after yourself.

When was the last time that you had a PSA test?

If you haven't had it tested at all or it's been longer than 12 months it's definitely time to go and see your local GP and get tested.

You are in control of your own destiny so don't be another statistic.Β Β 

Less Than 11 Weeks

Friday 9th Feb
With just under 11 weeks to go now things are ramping up nicely and the body is responding very well. I'm definitely excited about this challenge and enjoying the journey to get me ready for the big day.

The Stats Don't Lie

Thursday 1st Feb

Digest the information in the image and make sure you go and get tested.Β 

13 Weeks Today

Thursday 25th Jan
All going well by this time in 13 weeks I should have crossed the finish line of the Cape to Cape and enjoying some much earned rest and recuperation.

Things are starting to ramp up with the training and the Sunday long runs are getting longer and longer. These runs will top out at around 45km which is absolutely perfect for practising your nutrition strategy and seeing how the body is coping and responding.

Everything is progressing along just nicely.Β Β 

14 Weeks Today

Wednesday 17th Jan
This week is all about awareness and the chance to get your free PSA Pledge Kit.Β 

Please one and all register to receive your free PSA Pledge Kit by clicking on the link below:

https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/event/valentines-day/pledge/?utm_source=Masterbrand&utm_medium=HomePage&utm_campaign=Pledge24?https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/event/valentines-day/pledge/?utm_source=Masterbrand&utm_medium=HomePage&utm_campaign=Pledge24

15 Weeks Today

Wednesday 10th Jan
Last Sunday marked the end of my 12 week Base Training Plan. I’ve now commenced a 16 week Plan which will take me right up until the challenge starts. The weekly kilometers will gradually increase now as is the excitement.

16 Weeks Today

Wednesday 3rd Jan

Its 16 weeks today when I will be starting the Cape to Cape Walk Track.Β 

The Cape to Cape Walk Track runs for 125 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, between the lighthouses of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south west of Western Australia.Β  It features spectacular coastal and forest scenery, a fascinating geology of cliffs, caves, headlands and rock formations and an ever-changing display of vegetation and wildflowers.

Exciting times ahead.


Thank you to my Sponsors

$100

Jacqui Gooderham

$116.05

Emma Huggins

$305

Isabelle Rowley

CONGRATULATIONS JASON YOU DID IT!!!! Though I’d help push it to 11k - such a fighter and an inspiration. Well done!!

$31.65

Bron Larner

$58

Frances McCowan

Hi Jason, Mark and I met you on the track a little way south of Canal Rocks. Thank you for your service. And thank you for using your personal fight into a warning for others. Best wishes.

$52.75

Trish I

Thank you, Jason, for this massive effort you are currently doing to raise awareness and much-needed funds for men's health. Blessings to you Jas β€οΈπŸ™πŸΌ

$21.10

Nina Salib

Good luck

$61.19

Philip Hendrickse

Get in there big fella. You're a legend to us all and most of all to your family. I hope all is well my brother. Wishing you all the best for your next challenge.. Cheers mate Jimmy..

$116.05

Matt Phillips

Hey Jas! Great to hear about your story and experience. It is very courageous of you to pick yourself back up again for this challenge. You can teach me a thing or two about motivation and running. All the best for your journey. We will be cheering you on from the sidelines and looking forward to seeing your success! Take care Cous!

$52.75

Derya Bartli Phillips

Go Jason goooo! We will be thinking of you on ANZAC day! ❀️

$115.50

Luke Sedgman

$116.05

Cass Ryan

Absolutely Awe-inspiring Jason - wishing you all the very best on your challenge - breathe in the beauty of the ocean and enjoy the journey.

$105.50

Yazmin Phillips

$52.75

Marian

Good luck Jason.

$61.19

Ian Moon

$31.65

Anonymous

$101

Ray Goddard

All the best for your run mate.

$105.50

Chris Nordern

Hey mate you’ve come a long way since ladder diving on the Purple Pony. Knowing your will and strength you’re gonna nail it. Congratulations πŸ™Œ

$116.05

Donna Theuerkauf

$31.65

Llze Roux

Love what you are doing!! Great work Jason!

$52.75

Kate & Roy Cramer

Doing a great job Jason, good luck with everything.

$31.65

Cheryle Bland

All the best Jason πŸ™‚

$52.75

Mark & Laurice

Fantastic fundraising effort Jason, hope the run goes just as well.

$50

Ryan White

$61.19

Sarah

Good luck Jason

$20

Rita & Bob Connelly

Just keep the ocean on your right, and watch out for motorcyclists

$2.51k

Saab Australia

$115.50

Trevor Rivers

Jason, what can I say? only you! I know with your determination and this great cause you will do it easily. Best of luck.

$105.50

Pauline Phillips

So proud of you for all you are doing to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer xx

$20

Jacqueline ORFORD

A joy to meet you Jason as we hiked to Deepdene and you were on your way back! All the very best for 24-25 April. Run well πŸƒπŸ½πŸ˜Š

$30

Jodie Phillips

Great cause Jason, wish you all the best xx

$30

Shane & Vicki Muir

All the best Jason!

$105.50

Dan N

Have a enjoyable and successful run Jason!

$158.25

Chris Cooper-Janes

$105.50

Derek Reynolds

Looking forward to crewing on this mate.

$31.65

Steve Edwards

Good luck Jason

$52

Bart Gierasimiuk

Go Jason!

$116.05

Haimonti Fouzder

$52.75

Regina Findeis

Having personally been affected by the Cancer "journey" I commend you in everything you do Jason and wish you all the very best for your up and coming challenges.

$21.10

Anonymous

$450

Team ANZAC

Well done on the speech today Jason, thanks for sharing details of your journey. Good luck on the run and the fundraising.

$21.10

Kirsty

WAMA

$63.30

Debbie Briant

So in ore of your determination and your amazing strength of self πŸ’™ Well done XX

$52.75

Jen

You’re one tough guy Jason!! Run, enjoy & reap the good views… let me know if you fancy company at any point!!! 😊πŸ’ͺ😊

$105.50

William Raymond

$52.75

Rob & Sue Chambers

Good luck with the run Jason & we will see you soon πŸ˜€πŸ‘

$252

Stewart Manson

All the best mate what a great cause.

$105.50

Kevin Clifton

$21.10

Andrew Pierce

$21.10

Nichala Dannielle Phillips

$105.50

Janine Phillips

Such a worthy cause Jason. Sending you our love and support for your participation in the Cape to Cape Track run. You’ll smash it cuz xox

$110

Lea & James

I know you will conquer this challenge, just as you have conquered the invasion of PC.

$158.25

Perth Urology Clinic Pty Ltd

$105.50

Tim Vowles

Go smash it Jase! Fabulous cause!

$211

Jenay & Daniel

wishing you all the best for this journey! You’ve already conquered the hardest part so you’ve got this πŸ’ͺπŸΌπŸƒπŸ»‍β™‚οΈπŸ©΅

$1k

Anzac Charity Canteen

Jason, great cause...good luck, enjoy.

$520

Perthworks Perthworks

Best of luck Jason it's for a great cause

$50

Carol Preston

$110

Sandra Did This For Men

Go get it Jas

$61.19

The Stones

Good luck!

$31.65

Stu Chandler

Well done, mate! All the best with it.

$105.50

Brent Donovan

$36.93

Allarna Donaldson

Love to see people turn a bad situation into something so positive. So inspiring. Good luck πŸ˜€πŸƒπŸ»‍♂️

$26.38

John Kricker

Incredibly impressive Jason, good luck and good health to you.

$211

Dave Symonds

$105.50

Phillips Racing P/L

$61.19

Mark Cobley

Fantastic resilience Jason, you got this!!

$100

David Pohlenz

$118.80

Dylan

$21.10

Yvette Roskell

Sorry I couldn't give more πŸ˜”

$52.75

Rob O’Connell

Amazing dedication and inspiring journey mate.

$104

Wobbly Bob

Good luck mate, I look forward to following your journey.

$101

Intenseatfit

Come one, Jason! You've got this. Thank you for raising awareness and encouraging others to do regular checkups.

$116.05

Adam Sharpe

Kick arse man very proud of your resilience

$61.19

Danielle Davies

$25

Nadine Hughes

So pleased you were vigilant with your health checks to catch this Jase, and so proud of the work you are doing to raise awareness and to help others fight the good fight. You are the epitome of a MACHINE! So good to see you back on your feet, doing what you love and helping kick cancer's arse. Sending love and best wishes from the East Coast. Run happy. Be safe. ♥οΈπŸ™Œ♥️

$100

Jason Phillips

$61.19

Adam McLachlan

Bloody inspiring mate…you really do deserve to meet and exceed your target here.

$116.05

Bryan And Doreen

Doing a great thing, I hope the message gets across to most males

$52.75

Janine Field

Worthy cause, enjoy the trail good on you Jason

$26.38

Anonymous

$26.38

Sharon Chetwynd

Jason I had no idea, I knew you had concerns when we chatted after Tarrawerra. Im so sorry you had to face this challenge. What an amazing guy you are, raising dollars and awareness while challenging yourself. All the best incredible guy xxx

$500

The McKenzie's

Jason, you're not just running an ultra, you're running with purpose and heart. Your efforts to raise awareness for Prostate Cancer are inspiring. Wishing you strength, speed, and success—both on the track and in making a difference. Go, go, go!