Running with a purpose

Have I mentioned that I have been running 2 or 3 times a week since January? I have been running in the snow, in the driving rain, the drizzle and occasionally, in the sunshine. Last week I saw the first crocuses and did a  little yipee inside. I am still captivated by the look of bare branches reaching skywards, against that bluey grey backdrop that is the winter sky – that’s me looking for the silver lining of this winter weather that seems (still) never ending.

My running is inspired by a two-fold purpose. Firstly, to get ready for the longest run I have ever done in my life! 10 kilometres to be precise. In two Sunday’s time (Mother’s Day no less) I will be setting off on the the Wimbledon 10K (I am told its quite hilly – agh!). My pace is picking up, the length of time I am running is getting longer (55mins). Thanks goodness for the beauty of Tooting Bec Common to run around.

Secondly, I am raising money for the Kandy Street Children project in Sri Lanka. My dearest friend, Charlotte, has been working with the Kandy project for 3 years, providing counselling, life skills training and organisational development to help sustain and grow this crucial work with children who would otherwise be left on the streets without care, education or ways of meeting their basic needs. They work to defy the local belief that “street children are born bad”. I have seen (on DVD) and heard first hand from my friends about this work and it always hits me that the very basics of practical care and nurture that we need to grow into healthy adults is just not there for so many children. Thank God for beautiful people who work against the odds to fill the huge gaps left by poverty, war, disaster and human broken-ness. Read more about  the Kandy project hereand if you want to sponsor my run on 14th March to raise money for the project, you can do so by clicking below which will take you to the Just Giving website – a totally secure and quick way to donate.The money will go to the Kandy Street Project via the Epiphany Trust, which is a UK partner.