This is us finishing the recent Silverstone half marathon eventWOW! - after 24 weeks of our training programme; aching limbs; plenty of muscle lotions; warm baths; total disbelief; and running over 440 miles it's almost here.
Only 5 more days to the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April.
It has been inspiring as well as plain hard work and now we can't wait for the big day on Sunday.
Thanks once again to all readers of Simplicity Blog for your terrific support both emotionally and in fund raising - you are a fantastic bunch of people!
We have raised around £2000 including offline donations for our charity - Carers UK.
We still aim to reach our £3000 target even if it is after the event before we make up the outstanding amount. To donate - click here
Latest marathon training update at Annie's Running for Carers Blog at this link http://annieslate.blogspot.com/
15 comments:
What a wonderful accomplishment...
I'm sure the journey has offered a great sense of accomplishment prior to reaching your final destination. I applaud you, Dropping Almonds applauds you (try not to on the course), and your many friends are cheering you on (from a couch, with a beer, chips, and a remote control).
Is Annie dragging you in the picture? With the bandaged knee, talk of sore muscles and oil baths, and the aroma of muscle cream, I almost feel like I'm sitting down to watch Rocky Balboa (wasn't that the sixth installment in the series?).
Nice exchange with Judith a few days back!?! Unfortunately, the TP blog has become a huge bore to me (as I mentioned a few blogs back).
Keep it real my friend...money is on it's way!
Scott Anon
Thanks Scott - Rocky Rocky Balboa aye? - I like that comparison - come to think of it Sylvester Stallone could easily afford a few pounds!
My story is that we are dragging each other over the finish line :-)
As far as I'm concerned you are missed on the TP Blog my friend.
Trevor,
What you are doing is wonderful. But I feel a great urge share a few thoughts and impressions regarding the photo you posted with this blog entry.
This is one of those all-too-rare pictures that (assuming you don't already) should be printed very large and hanging in a very conspicuous place at home. As a very visually oriented person, I actually find myself looking at the photo and sensing such a story -- several stories -- all from one simple photo.
My take: here is a couple that has been through good times and bad times, taken a few bruises (literally, judging by the photo), and kept pushing forward, always seeing the goal, whether it was already in sight or not, because it was always in the mind and in the heart.
The two of you smiling, hand-in-hand, accomplishing something that obviously is very meaningful to you.
Maybe somewhere some youngster (perhaps one of your very own) will take a closer, deeper look at this picture and catch the unintended symbolism. This picture is a very good metaphor of what a good marriage, good career, good team, and good life is all about.
Perhaps you didn't intend for it to, but this picture actually brightened my day and stirred my thinking on the meaning and essence of a LOT of things. Not to mention the beauty.
Just a closing thought: when you want some means of introducing yourself at the beginning of a speaking engagement, seminar, whatever, show them this picture as a life-size projection. To me it is the true essence of Maslow's "Self-actualized" person. On further thought, I will correct myself. Before his death, Maslow described a level above that: "transcendence." That is what I see in this photo.
Thank you, my friend. Thank you, indeed.
By the way, will the service you are using to accept donations do a conversion from U.S. currency to British currency? I'd like to send at least a small token as a "thank you" and to help you in your work to support this worthy cause.
Dan - thanks so much for your terrific words of encouragement and how spot on you are with your assessment of Annie and me. You hit the nail on the head in so many ways. You have a wonderful ability as "a very visually oriented person" of making a brilliant assessment. Thank you so much - please look at the photos on Annie's Blog too at this link http://annieslate.blogspot.com/
By the way you can donate from the US - a few others already have done so and we greatly value that - don’t feel obliged Dan but if you wish to make a small donation we will be thrilled. The money is going to Carers UK - a remarkable charity supporting what you in the US call ‘Care Givers’ - i.e. family members caring for others.
This is the website for donations http://www.justgiving.com/runningforcarers
Thanks again my friend - Annie and I were really moved when reading your powerful words.
Dan,
I have donated a couple of times and it's Simple, in keeping with everything Trevor.
The conversions are done automatically and you'll see the conversion posted separate from your contribution.
Way to go Dan...! I've really enjoyed this effort Trevor, Annie, and his team of Carers have put on.
You can also buy Trevor's book, if not in your library already, and he'll donate proceeds to the effort directly...Simplicity is the Key.
Funny thing is, there is a book review (announcement) on Tom Peters' blog about 52 something or others and one of them emphasizes "STORY TELLING" as an important tool in business management for today's mismanaged world.
Funny thing is, Trevor wrote about this years ago and practices the skill in his workshops.
My point: most books being released today are redundant lists of bullshit that have been baked over many times. Trevor's first effort is a good one and genuine (very much lacking in today's book releases).
You can buy the book too!
Scott,
I totally agree with the importance and impact of storytelling. Some people use it quite effectively, some try (and come across as B.S.), and some fail to see the value.
Truth is, the value of storytelling is immeasurable. If you (1) tell the right story, (2) tell it to the right people, and (3) tell it in the right way within (4) the right context, the impact can be amazing. There is one ingredient, however, that trumps all the others, and that is that you have to be (5) genuine in your intent.
I don't care how you try to describe it in "technical" terms, but the bottom line is that if you really care about the people you are talking to and are genuinely interested in THEIR concerns, items 1-4 will almost take care of themselves. But try to break rule #5 and B.S. your way through it and you've wasted everyone's time.
Point is, I'll listen to even a POOR public speaker all day if they show me they are genuine. On the other hand, I'll walk away in a minute without listening to one word a person says if they are merely "blowing smoke" and in it for themselves.
Change a couple of nouns and verbs in my words above and you'll have my description of what I consider a good writer, musician, poet, whatever... including "friends." A bit of an oversimplification, perhaps, but only a tiny bit.
Hi Trevor & Annie,
Greetings from your wellness coach, from across the pond. :)
I will be cheering you on from my VT home. The whole experience must make for some really relaxing times afterward--ah, the reward.
Those carers you mention are true heroes, too. Whatever country they live in, they are doing such important work. Some of them end up being my coaching clients via email--we try to reduce the stress they feel doing this work.
Please post a finish line photo of the two of you.
Dan,
Well said and thanks for summarizing! Your points are awesome...
Thanks Marilyn- we appreciate your kind words as always. We are looking forward to some relaxation for at least a day after and maybe even the odd glass of Red (or two)!
Carers are me heroes p they are an invisible army of workers without whom our country would sink without trace.
There will be plenty of pictures – hopefully of us crossing the finish line!
Cheers Scott- Dan has a brilliant way with words!
Trevor,
Thanks for the kind words, but it's easy when you are inspired by great friends who set good examples in life. I have made a conscious decision to surround myself with good, decent people. And practice what Tom once called "strategic, benign neglect" toward a few duds.
Not out of selfishness, but out of a heartfelt desire to live an inspired life, with lots of good people to learn from.
"And practice what Tom once called "strategic, benign neglect" toward a few duds."
Thanks for that gem Dan - I will now steal it and use it! :-)
Trevor,
I acquired it from Tom. So instead of "stealing" it, let's just consider it being passed along... like grandma's favorite cake recipe. Useful strategy, although sometimes if you "ignore them," they still refuse to "go away." LOL.
Consider it 'borrowed' Dan :-)
BTW - I know some of those people!
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