Traditionally we’ve challenged men to grow moustaches during Movember to spark conversation and raise vital funds for our men’s health programs. Now we’re throwing down an additional challenge – MOVE. And moving is what Aydan is all about.
You too can join the Movember Foundation at Run Melbourne as either a general fundraiser or a Champion Runner.
Champion Runners like Aydan commit to raising $1,000 and receive:
• Free event registration.
• A position in a start wave dedicated to Champion Runners.
• Detailed training support, including training guides.
• A personalised running bib.
• A Movember kit including sweatband, cap, t-shirt and razor.
We sat down with Aydan to chat balls, running and shaving your legs.
Movember: Have you done much running in the past?
Aydan: I have. I kind of stopped for a bit so it will be interesting to see if I can still do it. I did running at school, I’ve done one 10km but no further than that.
Movember: What made you want to raise funds for the Movember Foundation as a Champion Runner?
Aydan: I’m running for the Movember Foundation because I’d like to raise more awareness for testicular cancer. In my naivety I only thought Movember was a charity during November but I now know it’s an organisation that relates exactly to what I went through with testicular cancer. In hindsight I wish I’d known it was a Foundation working year-round.
Movember: When were you diagnosed with testicular cancer?
Aydan: I got diagnosed last December. I just got a pain in my testicle and went to the doctor. He examined me and said everything was fine but I should get an ultrasound if I wanted. I’m glad I got that ultrasound.
Movember: Your sonographer told you that not many guys get themselves checked. Why do you think that is?
Aydan: I guess it’s either a mix of fear or maybe pride. I think it goes back to the fact that it’s your penis and testicles and it’s weird to get it all out and have people look at it.
Movember: I read on your Run Melbourne page that one of your mates wants you to shave your legs. What are the odds?
Aydan: It would take a good couple of razors to do it haha. I’m very hairy.
Movember: You’ve already raised over $2,000, are the pins getting a shave?
Aydan: Yup, painful for me but funny for my mates.
Movember: Have you got a time that you’re looking to do the run in?
Aydan: I’d love to do it under an hour.
Movember: What’s next?
Aydan: I’m enjoying the training a lot. My friends have all signed up and are running with me. I’d also like to do some more charitable work around testicular cancer as I don’t feel like there’s enough information out there about it.
I’m growing a Mo now for the race and I’ll definitely be growing again this Movember.
Movember: Can’t wait to see you and your Mo at Run Melbourne. We’ll be cheering for you.
Click here to find out how you can run for the Movember Foundation.