“We cannot waste our precious children.
Not another one, not another day.” – Nelson Mandela
***************
The beauty about this blogosphere of ours is that we are constantly inspired by strong, passionate, intelligent women.
All with experiences to share, often instilling a profound message.
While wanting to do it for some time now, admittedly it was Eden and Trish’s stories that motivated me to finally become a World Vision sponsor.
While dealing with the unexpected emotions, “meeting” my sponsored child in Indonesia taught me some important life lessons.
The main one being I know I can do more.
Give more.
In less than 5 weeks, I’m running the City2Surf for the third consecutive year (Yeah, I’m nuts like that).
Having done half a dozen fun runs now, there’s an amazing feeling with this particular one. The community spirit soars right through the 14 kilometre trail.
Even during the gruelling moments, it’s like being a tiny leaf, swept along the currents of a fast flowing river. The feeling of being part of something very special is palpable.
This might sound even crazier, but running with a purpose helps ignore the blisters and the aching limbs.
You think about how the race can be important for others; your achievements are no longer celebrated solely by you; you realise efforts are far more worthwhile when others can benefit.
The first year, I ran for the twinlets who were 6 months old at the time. And while I was so overwhelmed with the physical challenges, (Yup, I was still breastfeeding at the time…) there was something intangible, yet incredible that kept me running right through to the finish line.
It’s true when they say love can conquer all.
This year, I’m putting into action the notion that I can do more.
Leading up to the race in mid-August, I’ve opened up a City2Surf fundraising page for WorldVision Australia.
Feel free to donate.
The goal is to raise $1,000 over the next month or so. Even if I only raise half, that’s enough to sponsor 10 families for a month.
Nothing left to say except…I’m pumped!
There’s so much passion and love for this race. With such a worthy cause to steer me through, I know I’m going to blitz it.
Last year, I smashed my PBT by 5 minutes.
Another 5 this year, perhaps?
Bring. It. On !!!
Joining the lovely Jess for IBOT
Rhianna says
Go you! What a wonderful idea. Wishing you all the best
Rhianna recently posted..The Blank Screen
Rhianna says
Yay!!!!! Your blog no longer hates my comments I was sent to spam 🙂
Rhianna recently posted..The Blank Screen
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Rhianna! Yes, I’ve been meaning to tell you, I went to my spam folder and found 7 of your comments!!!
Thanks so much for sponsoring me too! x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style says
Excellent!! You are doing something wonderful. I hope you well and truly exceed your goals. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style recently posted..Seven things your shoes say about you
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Rachel. Fingers crossed! x
Lyndal says
WOW!!! you go girl – honestly so awesome and inspiring!!!
xx
#teamIBOT
Lyndal recently posted..waiting, waiting on the world to change
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Lyndal! It’s going to be tough, but I’m all ready to give it a red hot go! x
Chrissie at Me and My Munchkin says
Good on you! Go for it I say! It really is a beautiful thing you’re doing, and you should be proud of yourself!
Chrissie xx
Chrissie at Me and My Munchkin recently posted..Our First Aid Kit
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Chrissie! I think it’ll be an awesome day 🙂 x
Ai Sakura says
Good luck Grace! Oh u are inspiring me too. Maybe next yr I will join some marathon races 🙂 I like what u said abt running with a purpose other than yourself…
Ai Sakura recently posted..Blog Makeover 2012 | What I Did and Why
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Ai! You could totally do it! There’s probably some great fun runs where you are 🙂
Penny says
‘Even during the gruelling moments, it’s like being a tiny leaf, swept along the currents of a fast flowing river.’ I loved this line Gracie. Beautiful.
Your pretty inspirational yourself honey! Proud of you. xx
Penny recently posted..Children’s and Young Adult Writers and Illustrators Conference 2012
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Penny! Always nice to hear your words of encouragement x
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts says
Ooo Good luck!!! Very inspirational!! Love the cause hope you do well and beat your PBT again!!! 🙂
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..DTLS turns one {Blogoversary Giveaway}
Debbie says
Awesome! There is something truly exhilarating about finishing a race. All the best, and a great cause you’re running for.
Debbie recently posted..Hands and Wings
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Debbie! It’ll be tough but I’m so up for it! 🙂
Becky from BeckyandJames.com says
Wow, this is awesome!
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Me and PND: The Little Pill
mamagrace71 says
Thank you, Becky!!! x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB says
You’re amazing. I will absolutely sponsor you x
Catherine Rodie Blagg @CoTaaB recently posted..The "C" word
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Catherine! So sweet of you to sponsor me…thank you! x
Misha says
This is so wonderful Grace! And I love how you are so bouyed by your purpose that you forget the blisters and pain! You’ve inspired me to start training for the Bridge to Brisbane, which I’ve run the last few years but haven’t registered for (yet!). Keep up the training!
Misha recently posted..Average
mamagrace71 says
Oh, I’ve heard about the Bridge to Brisbane. I think the community spirit there would be just as awesome! Go for it, Misha! x
B says
You legend! Love this! How great that you have done this race and will now do it for a great cause as well!
We have two Compassion children and it is a family dream to go and visit them. How awesome!
Great post! Love!
B recently posted..Life: 10 Ways To B Cool @ A Conference
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, B!
What a great family dream you have there! Hope you meet your Compassion children soon x
BossyMummy says
Awesome goal Grace! Such a great charity to run your heart out for xx
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right says
So impressed – the C2S is something I’ve often thought about, vaguely, but it seems like a mammoth task. You are our very own JLo (who ran the NY Marathon just after she had her twins – FOR her twins, just like you!) And you’re keeping it real… still our Gracie from the Block.
Rachel @ The Kids Are All Right recently posted..OMG: It’s another stupid diet
mamagrace71 says
LOL! Rachel, you crack me up! “Gracie from the Block” – love it! Can I use it ? 🙂
Denyse Whelan Education Specialist says
Good Grief Grace…are you competitive? I never realised..:-)
ok ok….I am in awe of your physicality and the way you use your mental and physical strength for good.
Go, Grace, Go.
Those twinlets will be out with flags for Mummy …wont they Daddy?!
Love D xx
Denyse Whelan Education Specialist recently posted..Back To School Survival Tips.
mamagrace71 says
You can’t have an extensive sales career without being competitive, D 🙂
The trail goes right by our place so yes, the boys will be out there cheering for me. x
Tat says
Go for it, Grace! Sorry I can’t join you this year…
Tat recently posted..A surprise art lesson
mamagrace71 says
I’m going to miss you, Tat! But you know what that means? It’s going to be our one year anniversary 🙂
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
Go you good thing, what a wonderful and inspring thing to do. and an awesome charity to get behind. I wish you all the best with it hun xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted..Sorry Am I Overreacting Again? $%#$^&%#%!
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Son! Love doing the C2S and doing some fundraising just makes it that much more worthwhile 🙂
Rita says
Good luck with your run. It’s very inspiring.
Rita recently posted..How far would you go for love?
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Rita. It’s going to be a fun day.
Tracey @ Bliss Amongst Chaos says
Good on you Grace!
You are certainly an inspiration, my dear!
xx
Tracey @ Bliss Amongst Chaos recently posted..Surrendering To Grief
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Tracey! It’s going to be a tough slog but I’m completely up for it!
ava says
Good luck Grace-ie! I have yet to make possible one bucket list for this year, run at least one run.
ava recently posted..The Groove
mamagrace71 says
Thanks, Ava! You’ll get there…I know you will x
Bridget says
I’ll be cheering you on from across the pond! You’re right, running with a purpose makes it easier & better!
Bridget recently posted..WTF Wednesday
mamagrace71 says
You know what it’s about 🙂
Nami says
So that’s the secret ingredient, “running with a purpose.” Although fitness and longevity seem to be a just cause, they do nothing for my knees. You go, woman! Good luck.
Nami recently posted..Lewis And Clark And What’s-Her-Name
Lee says
14 kms is so awesome Grace, as is 3 years in a row. Good luck with raising lots of funds and smashing your PB. xx
Lee recently posted..Marriage equality and being anti-marriage all at once
Kate @ Our Little Sins says
If the roller blades weren’t enough, you run too!? Good on you. Especially the year the boys were only 6 months. I’m not sure I could even get to my sneakers at that point, let alone put them on and run somewhere! So inspirational Grace, I might even be tempted to find some running shoes… 🙂 x
Kate @ Our Little Sins recently posted..day 50 + day 51 | 100 Pantone postcards project … and a giveaway
Alicia O'Brien says
What a great achievement, good for you. Have fun, I will go and sponsor something soon xx
Alicia O’Brien recently posted..Who plants roses?!
workingwomenuas says
That’s amazing Grace, I’ll share your fundraising page on my FB one. Hope you reach and surpass your goal x
workingwomenuas recently posted..What do children know about the carbon tax?
Trish says
I am still hoping to run the City to Surf or walk if not. I think I will only have had one dose chemo prior and be at the tail end of side effects . We have to met up at the end, you will get there before me :). So hang around .
Trish recently posted..Today – the wall !
mamagrace71 says
Will definitely be hanging around to catch up with you, Trish! I’ll email you before the race to arrange a roundabouts place to meet 🙂 x
Karen says
I love your heart! I know what you are doing is making a massive difference to those in need, as a former World Vision employee I know that the money does amazing things. My sponsor child’s name is ‘Innocent Mandela’ and we share the same birthday, as soon as I picked up his card there was no way I was going to be able to put it down again. Hope you smash your PBT!
Karen recently posted..How to make Ethical Shopping Choices Everyday
mamagrace71 says
Oh, what a precious name! And to share the same birthday! It was meant to be!!! 🙂
Happylan says
What a great cause to run for – best of luck with it all.
Happylan recently posted..Five
mamagrace71 says
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to it ! 🙂
Deb @ Bright & Precious says
I can’t believe it’s coming up that time of year again. You are so amazing! Good on you for doing it for World Vision this time. Fabulous idea. I admire your determination and your ability to just DO it. x
Deb @ Bright & Precious recently posted..Angels and Demons
mamagrace71 says
Wow! Hasn’t the year just flown by! 🙂
It just felt right – to run for World Vision this year. x
Rose Levien says
Grace – so inspiring to read your blog and also know you’re on the team!! Nice to meet you! I head up the Team World Vision program and will be cheering you along at the City2Surf. I wish you the very best with your fundraising – let us know if we can help you in any way! 🙂
mamagrace71 says
Hi Rose, thanks for dropping by my blog!
I am thrilled to be running for World Vision this year. It’s a charity that I’ve always had an interest in and to now finally be a part is a truly amazing feeling.
Thanks for the support!