... 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!