Run Sam Run

This is a photo of my sister and I before a fun run last year around June. Mel had just started her fitness kick and challenged herself to 4km and as I had been running a little bit, I ran the 8km. This was our first ever fun run. You are probably wondering how could running be fun? I thought so too, as this fun run, you had to run up a very step hill! I suppose it is the buzz from the people, some are more serious than others and some do it more for the social and charity aspect of it. Most fun runs have a charity edge. Anyway, before the race I challenged myself to run the entire way, it didn't matter how fast but as long as I ran. I managed to succeed in my challenge which was great and I had heaps of fun after as I got together with my new friends and chatted about the course. Next month Mel and I have set ourselves the challenge of a 14.6km run. It is going to be tough as it is you run over a big bridge in the city. I have set myself the challenge to run it in about 1hour and 20 minutes and run the entire way!

5:30am

For the past two Wednesdays I have gotten up at 5:30am to be ready for running at 6am with my group. I started it because I exercised on Mondays and Saturdays and thought I should really do something in the middle. Wow, it is amazing how great you feel when you finished. Can't say that during it I am having the best time as it is really tough, however, I am blessed that I live near the ocean and so I can look out and refresh the brain. It has also been really hot so the temp has been a mild 25deg the last two Wednesdays. I was thinking why can't I get up 5:30am every morning? The early bird catches the worm:) I could relax and eat breakfast instead of my car. Get to work early so then I can leave a little bit earlier. Ok I have set myself a challenge for the next two weeks on weekdays, I will get up at 5:30. Wish me luck.

PS The photo is not what I saw this am (very close though) but rather from a beautiful Island called Amami Oshima where I had the most relaxing time and gorged myself with the food on offer. Oh and was nearly killed by a snake.

Strength

I am a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) and at the moment I am teaching at a language centre for international and refugee students. The students are just beautiful and they are really inspiring. Especially those who come from a refugee background. Did you know that some are born in camps and can spend up to 10 years or more there? What I love about these children is their strength and courage. What these children have been through is something I can never imagine. Despite this they come to school and do their best. I have one student, who when I first met her, could not speak any English but after 6 months she can now have a conversation, she gives me so much strength and inspiration, she never complains. Thank you.