
I will never run a marathon.
This is mainly because I’m not much of a runner — I think I’ve run more in my stilettos trying to catch a bus than I’ve been sporting my trainers on a treadmill. I like the idea of running — the quiet, misty park in the morning, the sound of my shoes hitting the ground while I effortlessly cover mile after mile. Sadly, I haven't actually experienced this moment — I think its something I’ve picked up from that running ad they made in What Women Want with Mel Gibson.
That being said, I’m not sure I would be much of a marathon runner even if I was physically able to. People tend to do marathons to prove something to themselves or perhaps to others. Already knowing I’m not much of a sportswomen; this does not motivate me. Not that anyone would admit that they’re running a marathon for such reason — no, its always for charity. Because, why wouldn't it make sense to year after year elicit money from your friends, family and colleagues to fund your exercise, errr sorry, the worthy cause you’ve selected.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m all in for collecting money for charity. Most are incredibly cash strapped and marathons and the likes provide an important revenue stream. My point is; if the purpose is an altruistic one — why not just do something that is actually helpful rather than closing down roads while people cheer you on. If you collect money to run for cancer — why not just volunteer at a cancer-related event and fund raise for it?
So here it goes; I will collect money for a charity, WasteAid, an amazing charity that helps developing nations manage their waste and prevent it from ending up in landfill or the ocean. However, I will not be doing any form of sport. Instead I will try to arrange a day out collecting rubbish somewhere in the UK. I’ll also attempt to con fiends and family to join me and I’ll try to come up with clever ways to maximise the usefulness of our efforts as well as the money we collect for the cause.
