Duncan’s Story
On any worthwhile journey there are always moments of doubt. I am not immune to these. From time to time, especially on days when the burden of organising the Challenge seems unbearably heavy, I will wonder “is it all worth it?” Then I get a moving or inspiring email from someone I’ve never met and [...]
Kristian’s Story
Just a few days ago a young fella contacted me via the 7in7 Facebook Group. At an age when I was only interested in drinking beer and trying in vain to attract women, this guy, Kristian Day, had entered the Kepler Challenge and was looking for more 7in7 runs to join in. I was massively [...]
Alan’s Story
Aucklander Alan Tappin is in his 50′s and discovered off-road running 6 years ago. He is joining the 7in7 Challenge on Day 6 to run the beautiful 55 kms of the Greenstone-Mavora Walkway. He sees it as an opportunity to meet people and see more of NZ and says “the chance to not only challenge myself in [...]
Elaisa’s Story
Elaisa Chapman is another person whose participation in this year’s Challenge so truly represents what it’s all about. This Alexandra-based runner lost her father to Multiple Myeloma (a form of leukaemia) in 2000 and his good friend died of Lymphoma (another form of leukaemia) two years ago. Elaisa says “it is still saddening to remember what they [...]
One smart runner
To reach this year’s ambitious fundraising target the 7in7 Challenge is dependant upon the smart and hard work of all support runners. One of the first to sign up for this year’s Challenge was Cromwell mother-of-three and gutsy mountain goat, Rachael Buttar. She epitomises the spirit of the Challenge in every way imaginable and is really showing [...]
Sarah’s story
Sarah Obbeek is a 29-year old New Zealander currently working as a paramedic in Australia. She has never run more than a few kilometres in her life – but she is participating in Day 1 of this year’s 7in7 Challenge and aims to raise $1,000 for the cause. I’ve yet to meet Sarah but found [...]
Addressing top young athletes
I have just received a great honour …. I have been asked by OPC to give a talk about the inaugral 7in7 Challenge on the eve of their 10th annual Genesis Energy Hillary Challenge. This is the toughest sporting/adventure/outdoor competition that secondary school students can do in NZ. It is taking place 17-21 May and on [...]
Tip for the day: ignore Homer
Don’t get me wrong about Homer Simpson – he is a comic genius – but when it comes to life guidance I tend to seek inspiration elsewhere. I was reminded of this last night when 7in7 delivered another unexpected benefit in the form of an email from a friend who I had lost touch with [...]
