I am having to get into serious training now for this bloody half marathon in October. The girlfriend I stupidly encouraged (the one who is taking it all very seriously) is here with me so I have no escape. We were on the running machines by 8.30am this morning. NOT GOOD. In fact, even worse is that it appears one of my toenails is about to fall off. HOW CAN THIS BE WHEN I HAVE HARDLY EVEN STARTED MY TRAINING? What will happen to me when I actually get into proper training? MY TOES ARE GOING TO FALL OFF.
As I ran this morning, waiting for my pure thoughts to arrive, in style of Murakami, I began to consider what I was doing and why. I mean, I’m not going to just do it for my own personal benefit. What on earth would be the point of that. I don’t care if I do it or not. I have zero will-power and although I may feel a sense of achievement on the day, I can certainly live without it – bloody over-rated if you ask me.
I am not sure if the organisers encourage you to raise money for a particular charity, but I don’t think so, I think you can choose. I could raise money for bowel cancer because my father seems to be in remission and therefore it’s personal, or more for the breast cancer charity I walk for every year OR I could do something else…..
I’ve been thinking about how maybe I should raise some money for a fellow blogger who I came across when we were both nominated in “The Best Mommy” Blog competition a few months ago. “Punk Rock Mommy” became a bit of a hero for a lot of people. She wrote about her battle with breast cancer and her love of her children and her husband with humour and strength. She died very recently and as a fellow mother who blogs I was thinking that perhaps her family would be a good “cause” and would certainly help my legs get over that finish line.
But I would like your thoughts, you fellow bloggers out there on the matter. I don’t know if it will work or if it is appropriate….let me know what you think x
August 18th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Wow listen to me! I’m serious for once, something that doesn’t happen often! Choosing a charity is a very personal thing. I was deeply saddened when PRM lost her battle as were many. We are all fighting battles in one way or another and I have come through most of my “family history” with hopefully only breast cancer left to fear.
You should run for something that touches your heart and hopefully something that can make a difference to yours and your childrens health and well being in the future.
Make a difference and run like the wind. Debs x
August 19th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Maybe go for one of the lesser supported cancer charities. Like prostrate cancer. Has to be something you believe in though or it will make the challenge even harder. Good Luck! Flick x
August 19th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I think it’s a lovely idea. And, I’d be delighted to make a donation.
What a kind and thoughtful person you are!
August 19th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I think it’s best to raise money for causes that really mean something to you – and this seems to have touched you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Go for it.
August 20th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
You should do something other than breast cancer. While it is indeed a worth cause, there are very very many other types that are just as severe and under publicised.
August 21st, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I think Punk Rock Mommy, it’s close to my heart too so I’ll sponsor you, and what a lovely idea it is!! Clever you. x
August 25th, 2008 at 4:38 am
In Africa, I like giving to organisations that also spend on advocacy/lobbying- particularly those that train local and village community groups to demand their rights with local leadership etc. That way if the money runs dry from the organisation, the local communities can at least try and keep the succesful school/hospital/eco project going by knowing where and how to ask for the investment.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Just a thought. It seems like a great scheme. Debs x http://theeppfamily.blogspot.com/2008/08/loans-that-change-lives.html
August 29th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Hi again Lulu, it sounds like a really good plan – I’m sure the Bloggers will unite behind you, and egg you on. There’s nothing like doing it for a cause that touches your heart. Good Luck. M xx