Comrades? What's that? Why would you want to do that?!

http://www.comrades.com/

In 2007 I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon with my sister Jenn. I needed a slot,
(For a more detailed version of how I got into endurance- check out this post- http://fromflipperstofinishline.blogspot.com/2012/06/ironman-cda-june-24-2012.htmll

Michael Chitwood from Team World Vision had space for me on his team. It was my first experience with Team World Vision. After that marathon I continued to keep in contact, and continued to be inspired by Michael and the team. I remember seeing a facebook post about an ultra marathon in Africa.... "cool" whispered my heart. "An ultra seems so long." "Ugh, why would you want to do an Ultra?" answered my doubt and fear......

September 2015- I get an email in my inbox, inviting me to Michael's 40th birthday party and book release for his awesome book, www.theabilitytoendure.com (order this book!). I'm super glad that Jenn and I went to the party!! There I meet Rusty Funk and we started talking more about that ultra marathon in Africa... Comrades.....He told me about their intention to attempt to have each participant get 56 children sponsored by World Vision (for every mile). "AWESOME" says my heart. "I can't afford it, I can't take that much time off of work, It's during the school year, not vacation time and that's not responsible" answered my logic...

Three weeks later, Eddie Bauer sponsored a run and a talk with Bart Yasso, Runner's World legend. When asked what his favorite race was, without hesitation, he answered "Comrades". I waited for him after the talk to ask him details. After hearing the way he spoke about this event, the impact on the community, the spirit of Comrades, my heart was bursting. "SIGN UP NOW" I flew on my bike home and signed up that evening. Logic, Doubt and Fear would still be nagging but I couldn't hear them over the singing in my heart.

Now with months of training in and 10 weeks to go I get the honor to help Team World Vision with their Child Sponsorship Mission.  My intention is to personally, fully fund this trip, and will not be asking for donations to help support this trip. (However many others ask for financial support with Vision trips, and it's a wonderful cause to help with, this is just not my ask this time). My goal is to hopefully inspire or speak to your hearts in one way or another. If you've ever felt compelled or interested in Child Sponsorship, please take action and join us! The commitment can seem illogical, scary. You may doubt your money can even make an impact. But if your heart is pushing you to sponsor, I hope you listen to it and help us to impact some of our world's most vulnerable children!

http://cause.worldvision.org/campaign-placeholder-465