The Go-Faster Pastor
I wonder how many of you have seen me running around the local villages over
the last few months - I'm the tall bearded chap, often wearing a blue
running top and a black hat! For the last few years I've been applying for
the London Marathon, and this year I was eventually allocated a place in the
ballot. I'm not quite sure why I wanted to run 26.2 miles - some sort of
personal goal, I guess... Before I got a place, however, the marathon distance
was a bit of an abstract idea - now, after many weeks of training, I am all too
aware of the reality of the challenge.
I ran a half marathon back in 2002 - and it nearly killed me. On reflection, I think that might have had something to do with the fact that I didn't do any training! This time I'm not going to make the same mistake twice, and ever since October, when I was told I had a place, I've been building up the mileage. My longest run so far is 18 miles - it took me three hours, left me completely exhausted, and its only two-thirds of the actual distance! But I'm getting there, and hopefully, on the day, I'll at least manage to complete the marathon, one way or another.
When I'm on my training runs, one of the motivators that I use to keep me going is the fact that I'm raising money for a good cause. Zambesi Mission is a Christian charity which Lode Chapel has been supporting for a number of years. It is working with local partners in Malawi and Northern Mozambique, one of the poorest parts of Africa, to offer practical support to those in need. Amongst the areas it is involved in are education, health care, adult literacy, income generation projects, orphan care, community development and emergency food relief. The knowledge of the difference a few pounds of sponsorship makes (for example, £8 means one month's day care for an orphan) really does keep me going when my legs are telling me to stop.
I'm aware that times are tough, and so I really am grateful to those who have sponsored me. If you haven't already, and would like to, do give me a call (01223 812881) so that I can write your name on my form, or go to www.everyclick.com/simonleighgoddard where you can pledge your support online. Even if you're not able to give financially, if you see me running as you drive past in your car, why not give me a toot on your horn. If I'm on a long run that sort of encouragement really does give me a spring in my step.
You may be aware that I don't often wear a clerical collar, but www.clergycollar.co.uk has supplied me with a special one that I can wear with my black running vest. So if you happen to be watching the television on marathon day, Sunday 26th April, look out for the 'Go-Faster Pastor'and give me (and the rest of the 30,000 runners) a cheer from your armchair!