I haven't written in AGES! But - behold! Now I have a genuine, altruistic reason to start blogging again!
Those who know me well (enough) will know that I am slightly insane - this has now been more than confirmed by the fact that I have signed up to do a half marathon in September, namely the Great North Run 2012 - way up North in Newcastle (can't get much further North than that here in Englandia!):
//CLICK here to visit my MS society fundraising page for the Great North Run//
I initially agreed to this to help a friend in need (long story!) - however I realised that if I was to embark on such a strenuous task demanding all my concentration and dedication, I would need a worthy cause. For motivation - and sanity.
I don't think I could have chosen a better cause than the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. The disease has afflicted several of my close family members, rendering them unable to leave their homes on their own accord due to walking and other difficulties. I will bear this in mind when running - reminding myself that not only do I have the gift of free movement, but I am also able to be running around like a mad woman, say for distances up to 13.1 miles (21 kilometres).
There are two things I have signed up to in light of this charity half marathon.
One: I will raise £300 pounds Sterling for the MS Society
Two: To help me raise this, every weekend I will bake for my colleagues, selling yummy cakes every Monday morning to boost the team morale. My first efforts turned into some lush cranberry and white chocolate muffins - with handpicked, wild cranberries picked in the untouched wilderness of North Finland last year. (PICTURED)
There is a further reason beyond combating the horrible neurological, progressive condition that is MS, that I agreed to do this half marathon: The impending, scary move to London. I have dreaded this day for years, yet I knew it was on its way. And honestly, it arrived way too soon! We have now secured a flat, which takes a lot of the pressure off the logistics. Lots still needs sorting out - watch this space!
Apologies - I digress. Now you must be wondering how moving to London and running a half marathon are linked. The reasoning behind me training (physically and mentally) for the half marathon is to distract me from the move, and focus my energies (and anxieties) to something more concrete and worthwhile. I hope that this rationale will prove itself to be true! Furthermore, the aptly named Great North Run is perfectly timed to coinicide more or less with my moving to London - symbolising me 'giving up the North' in favour of the Southern Fairies.
Lastly: If you have actually made it this far in this rambling piece of text - WELL DONE!! And more importantly - please sponsor me :) Roosa x
