This challenge I took upon myself started out as a novel idea to raise funds for Foodbank South Africa but on this journey I found more than the satisfaction of being able to help and I’ve come to the realisation that one person, performing a simple act, can indeed initiate the ripples of change.
As I’m writing this blog, there are so many things that I’d like to share with everyone but time does not afford me that luxury to expand on the details. So, I’ll start with what this race meant to me. It taught me about courage, endurance and hope.
I was quite nervous on the morning of the race, particularly because this was the one race where I felt that I must achieve my goals so as not to disappoint my generous donors. On this race, I was joined by Faizel and my sister, Sharmilla. My goal for this challenge has always been to beat the 1H30 mark and as we jogged along, the first 5km gave me hope that I could actually accomplish that. We completed our first 5km in about 44 minutes and then we hit a long uphill which slowed me down. I found the next 5km extremely difficult as I struggled with stomach pains, the pains were sharper as I tried to jog faster.
We approached the 8km mark and I started going even slower and Sharmilla would have none of that. This was not her goal or her journey but she urged me on to finish the race in the best time possible regardless of the fact that she suffered some back pain during the race. She offered a "helping hand" and made me run towards the entrance of the MTN Expo Centre. Through all our races we’ve been on, we’ve built a stronger bond between us and I guess the sibling rivalry has also resulted in us trying to achieve more. At the finish line, I broke away from her “death grip” and ran ahead of her, just so I can claim to have gone faster than her. I was drained and ready to fall down but happy to see the finish line.
I accomplished my personal best on this race and our time was 1:34:34, at first I was disappointed that I didn’t make my time, but the more I thought of where I was and where I am at now, the more pride I felt. I pulled out all my medals and donned some “medal bling” when I came back home, this was the culmination of all my efforts and all the obstacles I’ve gone through.
As I’m writing this blog, there are so many things that I’d like to share with everyone but time does not afford me that luxury to expand on the details. So, I’ll start with what this race meant to me. It taught me about courage, endurance and hope.
I was quite nervous on the morning of the race, particularly because this was the one race where I felt that I must achieve my goals so as not to disappoint my generous donors. On this race, I was joined by Faizel and my sister, Sharmilla. My goal for this challenge has always been to beat the 1H30 mark and as we jogged along, the first 5km gave me hope that I could actually accomplish that. We completed our first 5km in about 44 minutes and then we hit a long uphill which slowed me down. I found the next 5km extremely difficult as I struggled with stomach pains, the pains were sharper as I tried to jog faster.
We approached the 8km mark and I started going even slower and Sharmilla would have none of that. This was not her goal or her journey but she urged me on to finish the race in the best time possible regardless of the fact that she suffered some back pain during the race. She offered a "helping hand" and made me run towards the entrance of the MTN Expo Centre. Through all our races we’ve been on, we’ve built a stronger bond between us and I guess the sibling rivalry has also resulted in us trying to achieve more. At the finish line, I broke away from her “death grip” and ran ahead of her, just so I can claim to have gone faster than her. I was drained and ready to fall down but happy to see the finish line.
I accomplished my personal best on this race and our time was 1:34:34, at first I was disappointed that I didn’t make my time, but the more I thought of where I was and where I am at now, the more pride I felt. I pulled out all my medals and donned some “medal bling” when I came back home, this was the culmination of all my efforts and all the obstacles I’ve gone through.
For this year, I’ve completed 6 races, and improved my time overall by approximately 15 minutes. My weight has decreased by 10% of my overall weight and I am healthier. Who knows what the next challenge will be? Thank you to everyone who made a difference to my life and who so generously donated. Thank you also to Sheila from "Do it 4 Charity" Organisation and to Foodbank South Africa for allowing me to provide a helping hand in a very small way.
Regards
W
