Marathon: Training and details
On May 15th I will be running my first ever Marathon. As a result of my novice status in endurance running, the 18-week training plan I have been following has been an unremittingly demanding one. It comprises 918.2 miles (1477km) of running that will maximise my chances of achieving my target time. I have set myself both an ambitious but healthy target of 3.30hrs to ensure my capabilities and limits are stretched throughout the course of my training.
Choosing a charity
Fortunately, I am lucky enough to even have the opportunity to undertake such a task, and in light of this would like to raise money to help those infinitely less fortunate than I. In addition, I wanted to ensure that any money I raised would go towards a trustworthy charity pursuing a great cause. After considerable research, it seemed that many of the largest charities are, to some degree, inefficient; they are either too large to operate efficiently or otherwise, only a proportion of your donation is put directly towards the cause. Because of this, I have decided to partner up with Rescue2000 - a charity I concretely trust. I know from first-hand experience that your donations will go DIRECTLY to those in need - as directly as I will be heading to my bed after my Marathon - and I did not want to ask for donations if I were to suspect otherwise.
Rescue2000
I was also fortunate enough to travel and live in Bali, Indonesia for a few months, where I experienced first-hand the sheer kind-heartedness of the Balinese people. This is where I met Cris (Co-founder) who at the time set up and began work with Rescue2000. Indonesian communities have been heavily hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated drop in tourism that they so heavily rely upon. For example, in 2019 foreign tourists contributed USD 7.8 billion to the Balinese economy. As a result of the immediate decline in tourism caused by the closure of borders and lockdowns, families and communities already situated close to the poverty line have been thrown far under it. Rescue2000 does incredible work for these people, this includes, but is not limited to:
- Delivering food packages
- Re-building destroyed homes
- Providing clean water
The charity is very effective in that they actively visit, listen, and speak to the affected local communities to determine their precise needs, and gauge how they, as a charity, can best serve those needs. Having seen Cris’ work first-hand, you have my assurance that your generous donations will be used to their utmost, highest effect.
My motivation
Basic food, clean water, and a home to live in are all the most fundamental of basic human needs – needs we so often take for granted and as given. Yet, from my time in Bali, I learned that despite their lack of money and material goods, the Balinese people are some of the happiest in the world, inspirationally grateful for the little they have. However, as large as their gratitude may be, they, like all of us, still require basic human needs, needs that for many families in Indonesia are unfortunately no longer being met. Through racing this marathon as a novice runner, pushing myself to my limits, my aim is to give back and support these families. I aim to raise at least £500 in the space of a month, and with all of your support I believe I can achieve this. Any donation amount will be greatly appreciated and will provide me with great motivation to finish my training strongly and cross the finish line under my target time.
Thank you all for taking the time to read,
Declan.