Inspiration comes in many different ages, sizes and not always after the race...

Last month at Run Melbourne I had the pleasure of doing the event with 7 special team mates.  I’d like to introduce you to them and share their tremendously inspiring stories …

 

Their journeys are about overcoming obstacles to meet their goals. This is a common theme for runners, indeed for life, but one that we sometimes don’t celebrate enough.   

We were part of Team World Vision, who had over 120 inspiring runners each doing something other than running just for themselves. Running for helping others takes your running to a whole different level.

 

Running with friends and helping each other achieve their goals also takes your running to a  new level. I had the delightful role of being “chief encourager” of those in the team to help make their commitment come true.  (Some might say I was “chief annoyer” but that’s for them to tell their story!!)

 

This is Tysha Baldwin.  (far left)

Only at age 5 can you look so happy at the finish line! 

Tysha's 5. She ran in the kids 3km race and did her first ever fun run.  She raised $380 in the process.

Wow. What an example she is setting to the rest of us. 

 

Her ‘before’ and ‘after’ videos are priceless. Well worth a watch.

(Click the link to watch – and if you can’t resist that cute face  you can still support her World Vision fundraising till August 231^st ….    http://runmelbourne.everydayhero.com.au/Tysha

 

 

This is Tysha’s dad, Carey. 

I love this guy like a brother. He ran his first half marathon having only taking up becoming a runner not that long ago. He also experienced the ups and downs of getting injured in the last couple of crucial training weeks and going into the race with that unknown feeling.  He smashed it.

 

This is Mel. 

Mother of two youngies and running superstar. (Only Mel could look so healthy at the end of her first 10km race!)

I took this photo but I didn't say "now all line up in height order!"

  
Mel went through the stress of being mum and having a training schedule interrupted by kids illnesses, sleeps (or lack of) and a visit to Japan mid training season where she only snuck in 2 runs.

She powered home. 

Mel’s blog gives a wonderful account of what she experienced. Fantastic . Read it.  (She even refers to us as “her friends”!!!  J)

http://aheartfilledlife.wordpress.com/2013/07/25/run-melbourne-10k/

 

 

This is Doug. (And his delightful wife Jenny and daughter Fiona)

 

 

Doug sent us all an email at one stage saying:

“I’m very disappointed but I’m going to have to face the almost fact that I will not be running with you in July. I injured my Achilles tendon late March and not been able to run until just over a week ago. I had two attempts at running after treatment; both of which ended up with me hobbling back to the car.

Just cant see it healing by July. Not a happy Doug L

 
So getting to the start line was a victory – let alone the finish line. (Which Doug did in the normal wonderful style we love him for!)

 

 

This is Chrystal

 The rose surrounded by us thorns!!

 

Chrystal had that wonderful experience of surprising herself with her time!  Also a super mum, she  trained hard but was really unsure about what it means to actually run 21km.  Well now she knows – in a very convincing way!

And these two spunky guys are my sons – Benny and Aaron.

 Aaagh ... that water tastes good .....

 Some weird kind of pre-race warm up of your hands!

 

Aaron had been training in humidity in the weeks before hand and experienced massive doubts. His times got slower and he learnt a lot about how this running thing is a about 90% mental – and the last 10% is also mental! He rocketed home in 19^th overall for the 5km event.

Benny had “training shock”. That feeling when you realize you have just 2 weeks to get ready!  But, true to Benny’s great spirit, he got out there and had a red hot go.  I love watching him just love the joy of being sporty.

 

 

 

Each one of these runners – and that’s what they are – achieved great things. They delighted me with what they achieved, what they learnt, and what they shared. They all have big hearts and gave much of themselves – and they are better for it!  And so are those they helped through fundraising for Team World Vision.

Here’s a great 'before’ shot. This selfie is about 6.30am before the start. We loved the nervous energy and praying together.   

So what’s next?

Melbourne Marathon Running Festival is October 13^th.  Carey is running his first full marathon. Aaron and Benny are signed up for the shorter distances. Join us?

 

Who would have thought I would conclude this blog with a quote from Michael Jordan. He sent it to me during my training:  

It WILL hurt. It WILL take time. It WILL require dedication and sacrifice. But it WILL be worth it.

(Well actually he tweeted it so maybe it was for more than just me . Maybe for you too!)

 

 

Such great fun. Go enjoy the powerful benefits of physical activity with your friends.