I Go 100

I've been blogging for a few months now about a lot of things, like my training and what is going through my mind as I prepare for rowing 100 km on June 19. However, the ultimate goal of my journey is to raise enough money to build a primary school in Mozambique through Plan Canada. Why did I choose this particular social issue? Why not something else?

Because I believe that education can save a nation. Education gives people the power to help themselves, to elevate their standard of living and improve their future. In my opinion, we in the economically developed world have won the lottery – we have access to a good education and the ability to change our situation, no matter what our background. Many people in the world do not have this privilege, with a complete lack of resources such as schools or even clean water.

How can we help them? Not just by giving money (please note that short-term aid is of course very important for survival). However, long term change happens by working with people, giving them tools and a helping hand so they can get on their feet. Then they can stand on their own, with their own strength.

Joseph Lekuton was born and raised in a nomadic tribe in Kenya. He had a fortunate opportunity to attend school, and he went as far as you can imagine with his education. With this, he become a member of Kenya's parliament and he is now helping his people in many ways, and he is initiating change for his country. Here is a 7 minute talk he gave about a very inspiring parable.

Today I had a good look at my training log, and I noticed a pattern that I've been rowing only 3 times per week. In a way I'm disappointed that I'm not doing more sessions, but in another way I'm thinking "Whoo-Hoo! I'm getting away with only 3 days per week!" Of course, now that I'm aware of this situation, I will make a stronger effort to add another day. I think 3 days isn't quite enough – 4 would be better and still manageable. Of course my recovery takes priority – I have a history of overtraining in any athletic activity I've pursued in the past, be it weight lifting or running. My body has always needed more rest days, and I've paid dearly for not listening to it.

I used to be really hard on myself. It was all or nothing. Black or white. 100% on a diet or pigging out. If I was working on a fitness goal I would be continually cranky and exhausted because I ruled that the plan was more important than listening to my body. I hated myself for not meeting my expectations. I couldn't understand when people said to "do it in moderation". I thought that was a sign of weakness. 6 days per week in the gym, week after week, month after month. And I was never satisfied.

Something has changed.

Maybe becoming a mother to a girl has made me focus on being an example to her, so she will accept herself without feeling a need to be perfect.

Maybe it's because I see the wrinkles on my face getting deeper and I realize that there is no perfection in the mirror, and never will be.

Maybe it's because I see how strong and how fast the best athletes are, and I know that I'm not willing to pay the price to get even close to that.

Maybe it's a maturity thing..? Nah – maybe wisdom but never maturity for me

About 13 years ago (when I was still a runner), I ran a marathon in San Diego on only 3 days per week training. I had a goal time in my mind which wasn't too difficult but gave me something to aim for as a first-timer. I had just come off a recent ankle sprain (one of several that year) so I was a bit nervous about re-injuring it. Well to make a long story short, during the run my hubby became injured and he couldn't maintain his pace. So we did a lot of walking and concentrated on keeping him going. So my goal time was thrown out the window and I ended up just having fun. YES you CAN have fun running a marathon.

We took a lot of photos, and danced at different places along the route where bands were playing. I even drank beer from a couple of fabulous "refreshment" stations. And we finished nowhere near what we planned, but we made it smiling across the finish line.

I plan on making the 100 km as fun as I can, even without the beer

o