Runners’ Reflections
The 7in7 Challenge 2010 was a memorable experience for all 120 runners who took part over the course of the week.
Some have taken the time to record their reflections on their run(s). Read & enjoy; Be inspired & dream…..
Darren Frazer, Winton (running his first ever half marathon)
“Something about 7in7 inspired me and captured my heart, a couple of weeks after the event I think I can put a label on it, “sacrifice”. A concept we don’t see enough of these days. Mal put it all on the line for a cause that was dear to his heart, in honour of his brother, it wasn’t easy, and there was a cost in time, dollars and pain along the way. In 7in7 I saw people prepared to sacrifice for the benefit of others. Tragic situations where being turned into positive actions, focused on others providing relief and solutions rather than withdrawing and playing the blame game.
Mal is now on my list of heroes, not because he ran a long way (that makes him mad and proves he’s been in the sun way too long!) He’s on the list, because of his attitude and his ability to inspire hundreds of people to do something positive about a problem facing people all over our country.
I wonder what would happen if we saw the same sacrificial attitude in business, government, school and other areas of our lives? I have a suspicion that our country would be better for it. So for me the challenge from it all, is to sacrifice more. It’s easy to get behind the Mal’s of this world, but I left wondering what would happen if as a community we made similar sacrifices for those who may not deserve them? It could be just the sort of revolutionary action needed to bring down the crime rate, reduce family violence, and tackle child abuse, heck we might even be able to make a start on world poverty.
I better make some reference and reflection on the actual run. I did the ½ on day one (my first ½), I was hurting about the 14km mark, but managed to get to the end without having to crawl and enjoy a very refreshing dip in the lake. Did anyone else think it was too hot to be running? That last few hundred meters around the cones was pure evil, but the feeling of getting to the end was amazing. Feel I was undertrained and have some unfinished business, so will be back to do it again next year (hmmm maybe I’ve been out in the sun too much as well!).
I’ve never been a runner, I was the kid who always walked the cross country at school and came in last. I won’t say I love running yet, but I can say I have come to enjoy it and looking forward to the next challenge. So thanks Mal and everyone else involved in the 7in7 challenge for inspiring me to be a part of this amazing event. Look forward to the next one! I’m a better person for the experience!
The other real highlight for me was hanging out with the support crew at the end of day 4, setting up my little coffee cart and making the runners and a few very surprised tourists lattes at the end of a long hard day. Was just great to be able to give a little back (and avoid the office for an afternoon)
Will end with my favorite post run quote:
“Sorry no photo crossing the finish, I was so fast I got to the end before the photographer”, amazing how the truth can be manipulated to make a good story”
Gerald Taylor, Auckland
The 7in7 (Day 1 Twin Lakes Marathon) was to me not only a fantastic way to raise money for the LBF, personally I loved the incredible scenery of Wanaka which is a little jewel of New Zealand I’d never had the opportunity to see before. In fact, this was my first foray into running in the South Island at all. And what a place. One of the other runners summed it up nicely saying “it’s like Queenstown, but without the cars and people”. Magic. I also loved group aspect of the day. It’s always amazed me how such a solitary pursuit as running can be so social.
I met with some really nice people from all over the place, including Singapore and Califonia. Some great stories traded out there on the track, and then over a couple of beverages (out of the sun!!) at the Trout bar.
My most inspiring moments were two-fold – the sheer determination of one of the runners to complete the last 6kms after having a helluva hurling session (she then supported me as I faded big time with 3k to go), and the second was the owner of the local Mitre 10, finishing the entire marathon pusking a pram, and flanked the whole way by his 2 youngsters on bikes…amazing.
I asked myself if I’d be back to run the Twin Lakes Marathon, should it be organised as an annual event. What a question. Of course I will!! What will I do differently? I think I’ll wear a hat in the sun next time…!! Of course, there is a whole other island of New Zealand with tracks to look at doing as well.
Epic, epic journey of yours Mal. I was proud to be involved, if only for 1 day. l’ll be working on my fitness to try for more next time round – bring on 2012!!
Sarah Obbeek, Auckland (also running her first ever half marathon)
“Well I still can not believe that it has been two weeks since the Twin Lakes event. I am still buzzing from the experience. Not only did I manage to run a half marathon ( my first ever) but I experienced something that will remain with me for the rest of my life. The motivating factor behind me participating in the event was that I lost my sister Kelly to cancer 13 years ago. As I stood on the lakeside at Beacon Point I reflected on those people that ,although they have left us physically ,were with us every step of the way in mind and spirit. I found the last 6 kms of the half a real challenge. I am not going to lie. I was hurting and it was hot. But what got me through was that whatever I was going through people with these diseases go through much worse on a daily basis. I knew that my pain was temporary and for a good cause. And in those times when I felt sore and tired I thought of my sister and of Mal’s brother and all those others battling these diseases.
The amazing generosity shown by so many people was awe inspiring. It was a privilege to be part of the 7 in 7 community. I am so grateful to all the amazing people who donated to me.
I intend to come back next year to do the Twin Lakes again. Mal, you are an inspiring human being. Your dedication and committment to this cause is unfaltering. To all the others involved thank you for making this an experience I will never forget. ”
Steve Wilson, Mosgiel (another first-time half marathoner!)
What an amazing experience!
Completing my first half marathon ever… Running stride for stride with my partner Kat and seeing her complete her first half marathon too… Reaching the last 600 metres to see Mal coming in on the other side of the cones to complete day one of his epic seven day quest… The heat, oh the heat! But there was something else that eclipsed even these once in a lifetime experiences – the spirit of the whole cause.
To all the other runners, to all my generous donators, to those who donated others, to the support crews, to everyone else behind the scenes that played their part – all of them wonderful people, and all of them brought together by the inspirational Mal Law on his quest to raise money for the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation of New Zealand in memory of his brother. Wow, what an overwhelming pleasure it was to play a part in Mal’s vision. So, to Mal, my hero for 2010, thank YOU!
