Ready, set, Fundraise!
On the 31st of December 2019 I was contemplating what 2020 might bring … the Olympics … the Euros. I made the decision a while ago to run at least one marathon per year to provide the incentive to keep running regularly so I thought this time I would challenge myself to run 1,000 miles in 2020. It seemed to have a nice ring to it.
On the 31st of December 2019 I was contemplating what 2020 might bring … the Olympics … the Euros. I made the decision a while ago to run at least one marathon per year to provide the incentive to keep running regularly so I thought this time I would challenge myself to run 1,000 miles in 2020. It seemed to have a nice ring to it.
Little did I know what the year would bring, but during the following months, I often thought back to that moment and how I had been inspired to set myself that challenge which kept me going throughout the year when so much else had to be cancelled or put on hold.
I live and work in Reading, England so it was great to be able to get back home to Bangor in July 2020 to celebrate Dad’s birthday. We gave him a Garmin watch (other brands are available) so he could keep track of all the miles he walks. It was at this point that he chose to reveal his ‘big idea’ for the Bangor Worldwide Triathlon (although the name came later courtesy of Mum). The aim was to raise both publicity for the upcoming 85th Convention in 2021 and funds for the persecuted church.
The idea was that three generations of our family would together complete 850 miles/laps – in my case running, Dad walking and Jed, my two year old nephew, toddling. I immediately said yes (if Dad thought it was a good idea, who was I to argue) while Jed remained blissfully unaware, and so the Worldwide Triathlon was born and began on 1st January 2021.
Jed has generally been the frontrunner throughout the eight months. Transferring anything to hand from one end of his garden to the other. I on the other hand have very much been bringing up the rear! It turns out running just over 26 miles a week is harder than I may at first have thought. Even missing a day or two leaves you with rather a lot of miles to make up but I can’t deny it has been good for me to build on what I started last year and maintain the discipline of running regularly…even when it is pouring with rain!
It has also been nice to share in a common goal, albeit on opposite sides of the Irish Sea, at a time when much of life has been so isolating. The easing of lockdown saw the return of organised races so I was able to clock up some miles with some company which helped too.
It has been a privilege to be able to play a part in promoting world mission and supporting the persecuted church. Although the last eight months have certainly been a challenge, I really do love to run and I am continually grateful for the gift of being able to do so.
We have all very much appreciated the support we have received – thank you to everyone who has encouraged us and donated to the campaign. Dad and I are looking forward to slowing down the miles in the coming months … I suspect Jed is just getting started!
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To date, the Clarkes have raised over £6600. You can still donate to them online www.give.net/worldwide85
