A large part of my motivation in running again is that my time last year was four hours and twelve minutes. All along I had been aiming for a sub-four hour time, which is not that impressive when you consider that a decent club runner will knock off 26 miles in around three hours, and the race winner will finish in a little over two, but a real challenge for me. This year, determined to break the four hour mark, I have trained much harder, running five or six days a week since mid-December, and am on course to have covered more than 600 miles by race day – which represents an additional 30 miles training compared to last year for every minute I am trying to shave off my time.
As I have been preaching through Ecclesiastes the past few weeks I recognize the wisdom of the Teacher in my running being both work to rejoice in (Eccl. 3:22) and “vanity of vanities.” However, my efforts are not purely about personal pleasure or achievement, but are also in aid of a good cause – the charity Friends First. Friends First is a connected group of projects, combining both urban and rural locations, that support homeless and long-term unemployed people. Friends First comprises a homeless drop-in, two residential community projects, a social enterprise initiative and resettlement support service.
I ran in support of Friends First last year, and received a lot of generous donations. I know that second time around it is harder to raise support, but I promise (and this time I really mean it!), that I won’t be asking again next year – I don’t think my knees and ankles could take it!
If you would like to sponsor me, please visit my Just Giving page.
Thank you!
1 comment:
Every blessing on your efforts
As a 'veteran' of four SLOW marathons I rejoice in every runner who steps off the line more than once
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