Why run 50 miles?

Overcoming pain and complacency: The key to empowerment.

Running long distances involves self-confrontation. Inevitably you face both pain and boredom. There are many points that you break down mentally and emotionally. There are points when you feel that you are not going to make it. But with determination and perseverance the goal can be accomplished. That feeling of accomplishment is what the runner strives for. Here are my personal goals:

• To accomplish what is thought by most to be impossible
• To make a positive change in my life and to make a positive impact on others
• To raise funds and awareness for the displaced women and children of Congo
• To become healthier and more active so that my life will be more fulfilling

I am setting out to “do the impossible”. I still don’t know if I can do it. This is exciting to me. I think this will change my life for the better – I will be much healthier for one. I am already reaping the emotional benefits of the training – more energy, confidence etc. I want to devote all of this training and hard work to a cause that is greater than myself. That is why all funds raised will go to Congo. I feel I’ve spent too much of my life in a self-absorbed bubble. I know I’m not unique. There are many of us like this. We complain about things that we have to “deal with” like our jobs and families. We rarely stop to think how good we have it.

Become empowered!

In a fundamental way, all we ever face in any situation breaks down to our own emotions. Emotions make you act and react. Engaging yourself in a tough activity like long distance running soon brings on all kinds of difficult emotions to deal with. Am I good enough? Am I going to make it? Do I have what it takes? Am I worth this? These can be painful questions. Sometimes if its too much to deal with we can just turn off and become complacent. The same goes with helping others. Extending your hand to help can be overwhelming or even scary. There is a decision to be made here. Do I act or do I fold?

The answer is simple and always the same. Everyone knows the answer to the question, “Do I help a suffering child?” You must Act.