Crossing the line

Today, I completed the 14km - Sydney City to Surf (with 85,000 others) in very chilly and windy conditions . We also got a light sprinkle of rain and a little sunshine .

I took it easy and found a pace partner in another Team World Vision runner....walker.

We crossed the line in about 2hrs.


Last night before I went to bed I checked my target hero meter and I'd already crossed the line @ $1000. I was so excited.

It was the best feeling ever to go to sleep knowing, thanks to the generous donations of family and friends from everywhere, I had reached my $1000 target for World Vision Australia . Thank you all so much xoxox 1000 times over. So many families will be helped to have a better life and lives saved.

They emailed me already

Together, you have raised almost $40,000 which is truly tremendous!  Through the Multiplying Gift Appeal this is multiplied by up to 10.  That's almost $400,000 worth of food aid and relief essentials that can distributed to children and families in urgent need in countries like Kenya. 

We caught the train in and another friend M met up with us after the race. On the way back to her car I saw some people from National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF - fund research for prevention and cure) ...actually the race Sports Fundraising Manager who manages the team runners.I told her I'd like to run for them next year, in hot pink. She gave me her card : )

My friend had misplaced her car but we found it . How serendipitous was meeting that lady out of the 100,000 plus people at Bondi , as we wandered about looking for M's car !

I also met up with the gorgeous Grace, from With Some Grace (she ran the whole way) and Tat @Mum in Search came down to say hello too.


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How to write a Bucket List

Live every act fully, as if it were your last. - Buddha

Are you familiar with The Bucket List , a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson?  It follows Freeman and Nicholson as they battle cancer and decide that they need to get out and really experience their lives before they die. They begin by writing out bucket lists and start doing whatever they have to do to cross everything off.

It like the theme of 43 things, 30 before 30 etc .A while back I started a 101 in 1001 days , it's really a list of goals. While you might not actively have a bucket list that you maintain or write down - everyone supposedly has at least one thing that they would really love to do before they die. I know there is such an incredible wealth of things I could try ...better to fail than never try.

This list is awesome !

In theory , I know for me , it's Ah, the bucket list ...hey ! I don't want to even think about it .Who knows how long or little time we have here on earth ! I feel fearful and apprehensive now I am facing a life threatening disease. Talking about my mortality and knowing I have a marathon of treatment (with many serious side effects) ahead of me does my head in.

Still a Bucket list is an ingenious way to motivate myself to get the most out of life.
More.
To not to let it all pass me by, to make me feel that I can accomplish and experience something in this wonderful life. I know I don't want to be too lazy or chicken to try things just because I might fail.

So here I am , gazing at the many unchecked items on my own 43 things and 101 list --
I wonder How do you (or I) write a bucket list ?

Start take mental notes , an online or a hard copy about what comes to mind as you answer these questions:

• What if you were to die tomorrow  ...What would you wish you could do before you die?
• What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet ?
• What will you do if you had money and time ?
• What are your biggest dreams ?
• What do you want to see in person ?
• Any countries, landmarks or cities do you want to visit?
• What special moments do you want to witness?
• What experiences do you want to have / feel?
• What activities or skills are keen to learn or try out?
• What are the most important things you can ever do?
• What crazy ? thinking outside the square thing would you like to do ?
• Have you unresolved things or fears to confront ?
• What would you like to say or do together with other people? Family? Friends?
• What spiritual goals do you have ?

 

I am unsure how I am going to act on mine ...that is once I finish or start making or reviewing an existing  list !

On October 3rd 2010 - exactly 22 months ago I wrote How do you eat an Elephant it was about my 101 list - which I haven't re visited for over 12 months

I am excited to tick a few things off today though still need to review and remove a few impossibilities.

I plan to complete the City to Surf even if I walk most of the way. I've been walking (and running some days) on my treadmill nearly every day to help beat the fatigue of chemo and stay fit and active.

It depends how I go over the next seven days because due to chemotherapy my white blood cell counts (WBC) will fall temporarily. They reach the lowest levels in the second after chemotherapy (from today). As my bone marrow cells recover from the effects of chemotherapy in week 3, my WBC counts will start rising again (back to normal range) . 

Apparently I am more at risk of developing infections from myself than other people. I will have a blood test next Tuesday to see how my WBC are. I'll be taking extra care with everything and checking my temperature and I'll see the Oncology Clinic for review next Thursday too.

Anyway all going well I'll be on the start line Sunday Morning.

Now the punch line , you were waiting for this - right - one thing I have right now on my Bucket List is to raise $1000 for charity -World Vision actually and  I am asking you to help me.

Do you know what can $5 buy you - maybe a snack, a cup of coffee or a bucket of Hot chips (yes I'm craving them) , well I know a when you support their Multiplying Gift Appeal the value of your gift is multiplied many times through World Visions’ partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme so your $5 = $50 . That $50 can feed a family for a MONTH

If you think you can fore-go - one snack or a coffee and want to sponsor me for the City 2 Surf {whether I get to start or not} please click on my link. Don't be shy if $5 is all you can spare, every $5 counts towards my $1000 goal and just think of it as $50 in terms of the good it can bring.

What is on your bucket list ?

♥

{Giveaway} Up, up, up and away and Sydney Tower Eye & Skywalk Experience

It's good to be home after being in Sydney for 2 days. I had a lovely time staying with my friend.

Tuesday, the plane bound for Sydney was delayed almost 1.5hrs by in bound flight .Fortunately the event I was attending was on Wednesday.

I love seeing the Sydney Tower Eye on the horizon when I visit. It has been a Sydney icon for many years now. I'm so excited to offer a giveaway for you to experience the exhilaration too. The giveaway is at the bottom of the post.

Just as I arrived at the Airport for departure the school called to say Sam was in sick bay with red eyes.They were worried he was intent rubbing and scratching them out and blinking continuously.

My eyes puddled and I felt a choking silence in my throat.
I took a deep breath and told my DH.
DH and I said a quick goodbye and off he went to collect him . He was on his way to Drs anyway if there was a problem. He was ok in the end , it wasn't anything to worry about.

I don't do leaving my babies well especially if they are unwell.

I was frantically covering all bases before I left that morning . I left dinner, half prepared, for the Boys; the dog's dinner ; paid a few bills and went through the 'drill' ... Swimming is at 4pm, decide about school disco Wednesday 5pm and pick me up Thursday 12pm.

DH was a little concerned I only had a one way ticket ; -) because I'd only printed one boarding pass.

Being in Sydney - also made me think about running the City to Surf . It was on hold last week due to a hacking cough, sinus and cold. I still walked every day instead. Monday night I ran 6km non stop and another 6km Tuesday morning before I had to leave...then I was rushing and stressed.

I missed my treadmill yesterday - it's a love -hate thing. I get through each session by focusing on my fundraising goal for World Vision.I am very grateful for my supporters so far.

Being I am a slow runner and it isn't so much a race I intend on running. I just want to last the distance and I have about 10wks until race day. I know I'm getting fitter and stronger , a little faster each week too.

Making slow gains each week, as I plant my big feet firmly and grasp the rails of my treadmill , is all that matters.


Back to Sydney Tower Eye - See our photos from the day here

{ GIVEAWAY - }

 

1 x Family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children* to Sydney Skywalk Experience -entry via Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Closes 14th June
You need to book your experience with Sydney Tower Eye and be aware of Skywalk FAQ..

IMPORTANT: Please note that Child ages for SKYWALK are 8 - 15. For legal reasons, children under the age of 8 are not permitted on SKYWALK. ALL children participating in SKYWALK must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or over. Children under 8 can go up to the Observation deck and into 4D cinema.


Good luck.


Winner is : Rin

♥

The Hunger Games ~ totally Pinworthy

So it seems totally wrong to post about running and health , after chocolate, but lets run with it anyway.

I find it challenging to run outside, on the road,due to my hearing impairment . I worry about not hearing cars approaching. I mainly stick to the treadmill. I love the treadmill workout programs I found via pinterest.

My right sided peripheral vision is impaired so I have to be careful too - not to run into low tree branches.

As well , the farm has uneven dirt tracks and it's dusty at the moment from a lack of rain .

There is a paved track to the zoo I plan to try in the coming weeks.

Source: eathealthy-getfit-sleep-repeat.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

Last week I ran 8km in secs under an hr and I'm working up to 9-10km this week. It isn't easy but I know can do it. I've been inspired by Naomi @Seven Cherubs all the way.

The 14km City to Surf ,with Team World Vision, run is August 12th .So far I've raised $275 of my $1000 goal.

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Source: feel-that-burn.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

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Source: fitsugar.com via Kirsty on Pinterest

This is my training focus this week - mixing up my treadmill workouts so it feels like I am running outside.

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Because it is really about the food

Source: greatist.com via Trish on Pinterest

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Inspiration for the week

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Living in a material world ~ I can't run from the facts

Today I was very excited to receive my Team World Vision shirt to use throughout my training and for race day !

Initially, when I decided to run for a good cause and *cough* get in shape - I had several charities in mind including `baby and pregnancy loss' ones my friends fund raise for.

Losing a child is one of the worse experiences you go through . I cannot begin to imagine the thousands of mothers' , right now, watching their children (all of them) dying from preventable diseases and starvation.

 Eden made us aware so poignantly with the sheer rawness of her 'voice' of the crisis in West Africa .

Beyond the comfort of my material world western lifestyle , I can't do much to reach out to help them physically.

"I can't do everything for everyone but I can do something for someone"  

Bob Pierce World Vision Founder

So , I thought - can I run for them ?



For 24yrs now I (& my hubby for 22yrs) have been World Vision child sponsors. We are not unique,around 400,000 Australians now contribute to World Vision's work around the world.

Why did I choose to embark on the challenge, to run 14km City To Surf, for World Vision ?

In my heart I knew World Vision was the one because World Vision is all about making a positive difference.

Five reasons why ~ I chose to run with Team World Vision because I can't run from the facts (taken from WV site)

1. The priceless feeling of knowing I can help to change lives - so World Vision can continue to meet the basic needs of a child, their family and community, helping rescue children from exploitation, funding vital development work, helping people in emergency situations or participating in advocacy campaigns, every person who supports their work is making a positive difference in someone's life.
2. As a part of a broader movement against global poverty e.g: Twenty years ago more than 12 million children died every year from preventable causes. Last year, less than 8 million children died from preventable causes. [ It is still 8 million children too MANY !} This is a 36 percent reduction in child deaths and aid has played a vital part .Sending aid to Africa can save many lives estimates are ~ $370 million in aid can prevent more than 160,000 HIV, malaria and TB-related deaths each year.
3. An extra 40 million children have received a basic education each year since 2000. Aid has been a major factor in improving children’s access to education. Education can bring key changes to lives.
4. I am now sporting an awesome Team World Vision running shirt and I have secured entry in to the exclusive Gold Start area (would love to have you join us) !
5. The money I raise will go to the Multiplying Gift appeal - every $1 you give is enables x 10 the value in food aid and relief essentials.

What do you run for ?

My goal is to raise $1000 , I need $10 more this week to reach my first goal of $250
You can support me via my sponsor page here 

 ♥

Thankful for running and Team World Vision

Recently I completed the #C25k - well Ease into 5km using the Bluefin app.
In 8 weeks I was transformed ...no that is a lie !

Source: weheartit.com via Trish on Pinterest

Slowly I have improved.I am still reluctant to call myself a runner ...

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Source: img.earthshots.org via Trish on Pinterest

 What I think I look like

Call me crazy but I signed up to Bridge to 10km as soon as I finished the C25k.

I am thankful I can run albeit with the grace of rhino !

My friends on social media gave me lots of encouragement when I completed each day's run (3 per week).

Walking is still more my style but running gets you there faster ...and I'd still like to lose a little flab fat !

What gets you there faster ?

Myth: Exercise done at a low intensity, such as walking, is better at fat burning than other high-intensity activities, like running or cardio activities where you push yourself very hard.
The Truth: In a strict scientific sense, these claims are true because working at a lower intensity requires less quick energy and a higher percentage of fat is burned. But you'll also burn fewer calories than you would if, for the same amount of time, you work out at a harder intensity (running versus walking). If you're trying to lose weight, even though a higher percentage of fat is being used, a lower total amount of fat is lost. Find out more here it's very helpful info

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Source: google.com via Trish on Pinterest

What I'd like to look like

Making a difference and having a purpose for torturing myself running is my new goal. Have you heard of the Mother's day Classic ?
I'd like to run it but I think I've left my run (no pun intended) a little late this year for fundraising.

The Sydney City2Surf is on Sunday, 12th Aug, 2012 .
I've been wanting to run this event for years  .
I've now got my sights set on it.
Why ?



It doesn't matter if I can't run or jog 14km -I can walk too. The money I raise will make an impact.. ten fold !!

It can make a real difference around the world with 10 x the value of my donation - if I run with team World Vision.

UPDATE - I'm now officially a Team World Vision runner  -  See my hero page here to sponsor me - $5 or $10 every donation will make a difference and have 10 x the impact - you can start sponsoring me now !


The real other reason I run

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