By Nadia Killeen, Inspired Adventures team member and two-time marathon runner
This time last year I agreed to run in the ING New York City Marathon for Kids Helpline. I had never yearned to run a marathon, and it certainly wasn’t on my bucket list. But since joining the team at Inspired Adventures I have witnessed how taking on a challenge, pushing your boundaries and just saying ‘yes’ initiates change in people, communities and the world.
For the most part, the individuals that took up the challenge of the New York, Paris or London marathons with Inspired Adventures did so for others. They wanted to make a difference to others, to fund change overseas, to support cancer research in Australia, or to feed those that are starving. What they may not have anticipated is how the challenge has affected them personally, creating an indelible change within.
The initial changes are small and physical. Perhaps you’ll notice the weight loss, a new penchant for buying sporting goods or a renewed energy. In my case, I noticed the hunger. Alas the flatter stomach for me was replaced with a ravenous appetite. My colleague and fellow charity marathon runner summed my experience up perfectly when he purchased for me a headband that says – “I run therefore I EAT!” and eat you can when you’re clocking up 70km a week in training!
Nadia at the finish line in Paris
Who ever thought I would have the time to train for a marathon and fundraise $10,000? Who does?
Kate Offer, working mother of three most definitely didn’t have any spare time up her sleeve, but nonetheless took on the challenge of the ING New York Marathon in 2011. Kate not only pledged to run 42 km – a long way for someone who could previously not even run to the bus stop – but also took on the challenge of raising $10,000 for World Vision’s SEE Solutions program.
Kate raised a whopping $18,568.70. Her journey across the finish line is documented in her blog of the adventure – The New Walker
I’ve enjoyed so much about this year; writing this blog, making new friends, seeing New York, fundraising for SEE Solutions and taking on and completing something I honestly NEVER thought I would do – I’m going to miss 2011 but I’m looking forward to the next adventure, whatever that reveals itself to be.
Time was never really an issue for this legend who partied across the finish line in a most respectable and admirable 06:44:53.
Since Inspired Adventures began its marathon program in 2009, over 100 passionate and dedicated fundraisers have raised over $1,000,000 for various charities across Australia.
The funds we raised have saved lives, changed lives and for us runners we too are changed. Not just thinner, fitter or hungrier, we are ultimately changed forever. Crossing the finish line is emotional. It’s the end of a long, long journey, but it’s also the start of a new one, with the knowledge you can achieve the unachievable, anything at all!
Feeling inspired? You too can participate in a world-class marathon. Take on the 2012 ING New York City Marathon in support of one of our incredible charities and join a team of like-minded people across the country making big change. Are you prepared for the change that may follow? You just have to say YES.
The ING New York City Marathon 2011
Read more Marathon Trip Stories or visit the Inspired Adventures Calendar and find a Charity Challenge perfect for you.