The countdown is on in the final week before the 21st of April. As I write this blog post I am still thinking of the very sad news of fellow runners from the Boston Marathon.
People take part in Marathon’s to honour and celebrate life and the amazing work done by their chosen causes, whilst proving to themselves that they are taking action, being present and most importantly making a difference.
The symbol of community harmony through running is greater than the physical act on the body, many runners training for this event will feel an additional reason to succeed for their just causes rather than being deterred by Boston’s events, such is the positive nature of this endurance event.
In the last couple of weeks I have managed 2 more 18 mile runs and a couple of 10 milers and the training does test your resolve, jar your knees and challenge your dedication, particularly in cold weather. Up until today’s news however there was still a nervousness that I secretly harboured, akin to the patient in the waiting room displaying the anxiety prior to meeting the dentist; somehow through the events in Boston this anxiety has become insignificant.
The focus and determination to complete this race and to do the right thing gives the body an extra strength and far from disheartening runners, such acts only solidify their resolve and determination, or at least that is how I have perceived it.
This will be a historic first marathon entry for Mosaic and as I indulge in a week long homage to brown pasta as I ‘carb load’ I know I will be thinking about the background of the Boston runners.
For anyone that mentors I think it is fair to say that what mentoring represents is the good aspects of the human spirit, running perhaps has given me the rare privilege over the last few months of private contemplation time, to think about this and as a fellow mentor has said ‘ as we water so we get watered.’
Do consider contributing in the spirit of this endeavour we can all make a difference.
Remember that you can sponsor me and Mosaic by making a donation on this BT Donate page.
Mosaic will we tweeting about me via @Mosaicnetwork and you can also follow me via @delhossain.
I am honoured to have been involved with Mosaic since its launch in 2007. It is a vital organisation: providing a positive platform for young people to explore the issues and opportunities facing them today. As a member of Mosaic’s speaker bureau, I spoke at its ‘Connecting Cultures’ event in...