Realisations ...

You can call me slow (and not just for my "running" speed) but a few things began to dawn on me this week!

I got my "Team World Vision" training shirt at the end of last week. I love wearing that shirt when I train - it reminds me why I'm out running at 6:00 in the morning! It reminds me that this isn't about me, it isn't about losing weight, it isn't about a mid-life crisis or proving I can run a marathon. It is about making a difference in the lives of the world's poor, about giving people a  hand up not a hand out!  About a purpose greater than myself that calls me into action NOW.  Thinking of that purpose is what led to this post ...


I was thinking this week about the devastation of the QLD Floods and the call for donations to help rebuild the towns and cities and support those who have been affected so tragically.  I have been feeling guilty about asking for donations for SEE Solutions, thinking the need appears not to be so immediate.  When I realised this was what was going on in the back of my mind, I realised just how ABSURD it is to be thinking that way! 
The effect of the floods in QLD has been horrific, the damage extensive, many have lost everything and some have lost people they love! Supporting the people and rebuilding of QLD is important. It is also important that we don't lose sight of the fact that QLD is rebuilding after a major disaster and not just surviving each day.

The people and communities SEE Solutions supports live in poverty everyday. They are trying to earn enough to simply survive. They lack the quality of education, health, transport and other public infrastructure (if they have it at all) that we enjoy here in Australia.  Every day is a struggle for survival, their need is as immediate as those who have suffered in the floods in QLD.  Your generosity makes a significant difference to their survival and provides a means for self sufficiency - a solution rather than a band aid!

Give to the appeals for QLD, they need it and I'm doing the same.  Also give to the people and their need addressed by SEE Solutions - it is not one or the other!

There are still 5 spots left for Team World Vision, and registrations close on Tuesday 8th February. To register your interest, visit: www.everydayhero.com.au/event/worldvisionnym2011

Milestones and Donations

It has been a week in which two significant milestones have been reached. Not least was raising the first $1,000 for SEE solutions in just over a week! Strictly speaking it took me until Sat 15th Jan against a target date of Friday 14th Jan, but we got there in the end and it is thanks to the wonderful generosity of so many people in my life - they know who they are!

I set a challenge of 100 people, $100 each to reach $10,000 and so far 10 people have taken up that challenge in a one off payment, several have let me know they will donate $100 in installments over time, and others have donated what they can afford.  I am truly grateful for each of these and it never ceases to amaze me how blessed I am by the support of my friends and colleagues.

The other milestone has been running for over 10mins at a time, although there was a minor set back on Friday when a bad nights sleep resulted in being rather stiff and it was like my legs were lumps of wood, I had no knees and my hips were rusty hinges - Blah!! Tomorrow is a new day, the first of this weeks runs lies ahead and I look forward to that being by the beach in cool coastal air, with the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves as company.

... and so it begins!

I finally took the plunge and moved from doing more walking into actually going for a run.  Well, more of a mix of really slow jogging with a little walking -  and by really slow I mean R.E.A.L.L.Y. slow!!  Total distance was about 2km and it took 15 mins including stopping to stretch - so about average walking pace. Fastest pace was 5mins/km (great having an iPhone App to log your run!)

How do I feel? Well it is a start but it is obvious I have a lot of training to do to be able to run for 42km (21 times the distance) and do that in about 4 hours (16 times as long).  There are times of being overwhelmed by the time, training and fundraising commitment I have taken on, but I have made that commitment and now have to deliver.

I have been looking at who else is on the World Vision Team and have appreciated reading Kate Offer's blog 'The New Walker', and have to admit that a coach who can adapt an 18week training plan to the almost 40 weeks I have available to train is a great idea! (Kate's post - Jan 4th)

I'm also inspired by how Kate's fundraising efforts are going (just over $3,000 to date) and a little concerned by the fact that the first fundraising milestone of $1,000 is due next Friday - January 14th.  It has taken me longer than planned to get my fundraising page set up and available so now there is an urgency to getting into action and asking for donations.

If you want to show your support you can click here to donate directly to World Vision and help me reach my target at the same time. All money donated through the site goes to World Vision's SEE Solutions Campaign which is specifically designed to provide Social and Economic Empowerment to the working poor around the world.

Making this kind of a difference in the world is what I am passionate about and supporting SEE Solutions was the main reason for taking on the challenge of running a marathon and going through the physical and mental transformation that goes with that training.

Thanks to everyone who has offered and given support so far!

Ready, set...

I have now put in place almost everything I need to begin training.

• I've had my medical checkup: all good, but slightly overweight - an excellent marathon candidate!
• I've lined up some training partners, people to help with fundraising, and a special deal with the physio.
• I've researched all kinds of training plans, and haven't fainted.
• I also received six pairs of running socks for Christmas, and three books all about training for marathons.

And I have not yet run an inch.