Why Are They Running?... Renee Gold Coast 10km!

Renee is a wife and a mum of two young boys who has found her love of fitness and running in recent years. When we heard Renee was planning on entering the 10km Gold Coast race we threw around the idea of her doing it for Felicity and she joyously jumped at the chance!
I have asked Renee to 'document' her training, preparation and thoughts along the way and more importantly WHY she is running on July 6th for Felicity and this is what she had to share:

April:
New kicks! Hopefully my new shoes and orthotic inserts will get me running better and faster. Nothing better than a new pair of runners.
As part of my training and my effort to meet my goal of beating my 10km time from last year I attend weekly running training. It is interval based and has grown from a Mum’s and Bubs training group that I’ve been going to since my first son was born five years ago. A group of Mum’s got into running and haven’t looked back, as our babies got bigger we wanted more of a challenge so our trainer created a running group. Our trainer also does triathlons and she has supported and encouraged a lot of Mum’s to get into triathlons as well and she now does weekly tri training for the Mums who want even more of a challenge. So running training went well this week. I set some cracking times. We run 1km four times and try and get a faster time each time. My fastest was 4.35min which is close to my fastest ever. But at this stage I couldn’t hold that pace for 10km I’m still a 5.30min to 6min pace at the moment for a longer run.
May:
Mother’s Day Race – as part of the lead up to the 10km this year I’m ran in the Mother’s Day Classic again. I opted for the 8km race, last year I did the 4km one. Unfortunately I didn’t get the time I was after, it wasn’t my day for running despite setting such great times at training the week before it just wasn’t my day. My time was still pretty good though well under an hour just a slower than expected pace.
I’m starting to get a few extra runs in. Went for a run along the Burleigh Heads foreshore with a friend and we racked up an easy 9km first thing in the morning it was a great confidence booster.
June:
Not long now until the big 10km I’m still aiming for a time faster than last year. I don’t think I’ll get 49min but that was pretty unrealistic as I remembered my time from last year wrong. It wasn’t 51min it was 57min so 54min would be pretty awesome and still really hard to get.
Well training has kicked up another notch this week. Along side my triathlons and running training I've also been doing a fitness challenge for over a year. The challenge (Ashy Bines Bikini Body Challenge) is a great way to meet like minded people who help to inspire and challenge me everyday. I love it. Anyway, one of my friends from the challenge helped me step up this weekend. With her encouragement and support I completed my longest ever run - a massive 14kms and it was just a casual training run. I'm so excited to have achieved this and I'm now starting to think of setting my sites higher next year, maybe aiming for the 21km distance. My leg is trying to tell me I'm 35 years old (had some ongoing issues with my feet/leg this year) but with a bit of physio I'm aiming to be in top form. Only 11 more sleeps!

As I train for this race and continue on my fitness journey I think about Felicity a lot and I think about all the work she puts into her day to day life to achieve what we would view as simple tasks. Last time I spoke with her Dad she was working on making a plan, but not a plan as we might think of it just a simple thing like walking around a wall with a hole it in and making a plan to do that to get to the side she wants to be on.
One of the other things I think about is her Mum’s comments in the video about Felicity’s program, it has made the difference between a child that was retreating into her own world and seemed very unhappy to a child who is much happier and enjoying her world much more. This sums up to me the reasons why her program is so important and raising awareness and funding for this for Felicity is an absolute honour. Running is an apt analogy to Felicity’s progress. To run you need to strive constantly, you need to keep training to keep up your fitness and it becomes part of your everyday life.
You are inspiring Renee! Thanks so much for all your work and we can't wait to support your race and hear how you go!!
To show your support for Renee and what she is doing for Felicity be sure to pop over to our DONATE page HERE for ways to sponsor her awesome effort!!

2013 in full swing.... Where we are up to now!

Ummm excuse me, is it June already?!? My apologies for some serious blog neglect here but life is rather busy and has been swallowing us whole!

Alrighty, so where are we up to in our Running The Marathon Of Autism calendar for 2013 you must be wondering.
We have seen our first event of the year already happen a few weeks ago thanks to Amy and Julia running the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon for Felicity. both of these runners took on the 21.1kms event for the second time and crossed the finish line tired & sore but with smiles on their faces.
RESULTS:
JULIA - 2hrs 5min 50secs
AMY - 2hrs 1min 29secs

So what is next?... in just 3 short weeks is our next event and it's a biggie - The Gold Coast Airport Marathon!! This event has a bunch of differnet length races over the weekend of July 6th-7th and three of our team will be a part of it. Renee will be taking on her favourite event on the Saturday, the 10km, and is aiming for a PB. Word has it Renee is training hard and be sure we will share a few of her thoughts in the lead up with you over the next few weeks.

Also running on the weekend will be Craig and Amy. These two are taking on the full 42.2km marathon for the first time on the Sunday and have decided to do it in Felicity's name - Awesome! Both of these runners are deep in training and have some stories to share about their experiences (how many of you would be willing to get up at the crack on a cold morning and go for a training run that takes 3hours?!? Huge effort!!).
We also have the Sydney City2Surf, the Melbourne Half marathon and the Sydney Blackmores event with runners taking part for Felicity later in the year so 2013 is looking good!!
Again, sorry for the lack of blog posts but strap in now because they are in the works :)


xxx

Maryke's Marathon Number 4 for Felicity!

What are you up to this coming Sunday? A sleep in? A relaxing day out with family? Will you be going for a short run to get in a little exercise? or will you, like one of our awesome runners, Maryke, be taking on a 42.195km Full Marathon for the 4th time??

Maryke will be lining up in the Melbourne Marathon and just like the past 3 times she has run this race, Maryke will be doing it for Felicity!!

Why do I keep coming back for more Amy asked me? I think the marathon has become slightly addictive.
On Sunday I will line up for Marathon #4 – when I started this crazy caper 4 years ago for Felicity I never ever thought I would run more than one.
But here I am, about to do it for the 4th time.
When I started I also did not know that my own son was on the Autism Spectrum – he has Aspergers. This came out in the years since and changed everything. If anything it motivated me more. It led me to the Autism Treatment Centre of America to learn about strategies to help him be the best he can be. It healed a large part of me. Your head space has such a big part to play in marathon running and after going to the US I had my most mentally comfortable run ever.
Every year is different – the lead up, the training and then the actual day. It has become a quest of sorts – to complete 10 marathons – all for Felicity - to see her into early adulthood – she turned 12 yesterday!
I do it simply because I can.

- Maryke

What an inspiration you are Maryke! Thank you for being you and GOOD LUCK on Sunday, we will be behind you in spirit!!
To show your support for Maryke and what she is doing for Felicty (did you know less than 1% of the worlds population have run a full marathon?!?!?!?!) please follow the link HERE to sponsor Maryke's run by donating via Paypal, cheque or direct deposit.

Half Marathon Results 2012

What a spectacular Spring day Sydney put on for the Blackmores Running Festival yesterday.
The Half Marathon event was the first event of the day and started at 6:20am. Amy managed to snap a quick shot as her and Julia headed over the Harbour Bridge at the start of the race.

Both Julia and Amy had a great race for their first ever half marathon and are already making plans for their next running challenge! Congrats ladies on such a great effort and THANK YOU oh so much for doing this for Felicity - our donation counter crossed the $2000 mark thanks to you wonderful women!!

RESULTS:
AMY: 2hrs 3mins and 34secs
JULIA: 2hrs 3mins 45secs

City2Surf Results 2012

A chilly start to the morning had our runners huddled up like emperor penguins in the crowd of 85,000 to stay warm while they waited for the start gun to go off but once it did they were off!

Anton and Amy were in the Blue group which started at 8:30 then Paityn took off with the Yellow group at 9:05. (Sadly Julia had to step out of the race at the last minute due to shin splints as she hopes to recover in time to do the Half Marathon in just a few weeks time).
For Anyone who has run the world famous Sydney City2Surf you'll know there are all kinds of things and people to see on the course and this year had some great sights to see once again on the way to Bondi beach.

RESULTS:
Amy - 1:21:17
Anton - 1:21:30
Paityn - 2:20:19

We are touched and amazed at the donations received in support of these awesome runners for Felicity and have the counters currently standing at $1560! THANK YOU!!!

With a smile on her face!!

Last weekend, while playing outside, Felicity took a bit of a nasty fall and it was immediately obvious she had hurt herself. Without being able to put into words where or how badly it hurt Felicity was able to let us know her leg was very sore and, with lots of help she hobbled inside. A few days passed and her leg didn't seem to be getting better so a trip to the hospital told us she has some ligament damage that will take a good week and a half to heal. Felicity is now sporting a leg brace/boot that is helping her feel confident enough to move around on her own.
Now if this happened to many others there would be a whole lot of complaining and lounging around on the couch, right? not for our young lady - Miss Felicity hasn't changed her bubbly personality one bit. She'll happily tell anyone within her reach all about her leg by pointing, gesturing and grunting and she is doing it with her big beaming smile!
This amazing girl can not be knocked down!!

Felicity is still wanting to be outside in the sunshine where she loves it so much to be able to throw the many items we have collected all around the yard (check out the clip HERE to see Felicity in action a few weeks ago 'throwing'). She will not be convinced to sit still for much longer than it takes to sing a few songs with her before she is up and at it again.

Now if that's not some awesome inspiration for others, I don't know what is! I will be one of the four running in this weekends City2Surf for Felicity - if and when I start getting a little tired or my legs start to get sore and will me to stop or slow down it's Felicity's determination that I will think about to get me to the finish line with a beaming smile!!
I, and the other 3 runners this weekend: Paityn, Julia and Anton, are just 2 sleeps away from race day and would LOVE your support as we run the 14kms for Felicity

Donations can be made by using any of the following methods:

Direct Deposit:
Account Name: T J Costin
BSB Number: 944 300
Account Number: 012 598 461
NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please send your email address, postal address and a copy of the direct deposit transaction to - tanya@intellectualdisability.org

Cheque:
Cheques are to be made out to: T J Costin
Please post them to:
Running the Marathon of Autism
T J Costin
P.O. Box 304
Church Point
NSW, 2105
NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please include a note with your email address & postal address

Paypal:
Donations can be made with your credit card through paypal.
You do not need a paypal account to make a donation.
Just click on the yellow Donate button found on the sidebar of this blog and follow the prompts.
A receipt will be posted out to you.

THANK YOU in advance and wish us luck - Can't wait!!
Happy Friday, Amy

Last run of the year - 7 sleeps to go!!

Next weekend holds the final event for Running The Marathon of Autism for 2011. On Sunday 9th of October Maryke will be running the 42km Melbourne Marathon for Felicity on the very same day Felicity will be celebrating her 11th birthday. We reckon that's a great omen for it being a wonderful day and wish Maryke all the best for each and every step her legs take! Run Maryke Run!



Please help us continue to support Felicity through her Son-Rise Program by sponsoring Maryke in the HUGE final event of the year. All Donation details can be found by clicking HERE

We'll be sure to let you know how the day goes. Both Maryke's marathon run and Felicity's birthday celebrations ;D

"Community Autism"

Every Thursday my email inbox receives a weekly 'newsletter', actually it's more of a personal letter, from Graham Long who is the Pastor of The Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross. In this letter to The Wayside's "Inner Circle", as Graham puts it, are personal stories and updates on everything Wayside & Graham are up to and it is an email I receive regularly that I look forward to. Anyway in this weeks letter Graham said the following:

".... here I am typing on this beautiful laptop that was a gift of the Kings Cross Rotary; on the next table is a man absorbed with his phone; he's clearly not talking to anyone but he has headphones on and must be playing some kind of game. On the other side is a woman who is reading a document on her iPad. Near her is a couple having breakfast, each of them on the phone to someone; a good number of people walking past have earphones on, they look like they know where they are going although they are quite disengaged from their surroundings; at the fountain there are a couple of people taking photos of themselves; right next to one of these is a man whom I know by sight, engaged in an intense discussion with someone who appears to be not present; a woman walked past just now who I've never known to be psychotic but she's having a fight this morning, it's a full blown argument with someone who appears to be invisible (I once saw this lady's bare bone through an ulcer in her arm); poor sausage, I'm sad to see that she is not really with us today. Traffic is at a standstill because of roadworks in Macleay St and horns are blaring non stop. Philosophically, cars are more like waiting rooms than they are a means of transport these days. I can't see a single car with more than one person in it. If I didn't know better I'd think that I'm looking at a kind of community autism."

This paragraph stopped me in my tracks. I read it and then read it again. Graham's observations are oh so true for many of our communities. We all seem to disengage from our surroundings allot of the time. This is exactly what we are trying to help Felicity NOT to do. When we enter the playroom with Felicity we want to be 100% present. We try to create an environment of complete acceptance, energy, enthusiasm, love and want for anything Felicity gives us - wether a quick glance from the corner of her eye, a full blown Felicity style dance and song or even if it's an hour of, what seems like, Felicity is ignoring that we are right there!


Everyday things can catch up with us and put us into a bit of a 'detached routine' but if we took the time every morning and thought: “Be The Change That You Wish To See In The World” - (as said by Gandhi) just imagine the force of nature you could be! And who knows it might even rub off onto others around you... imagine that?!?

Thanks for the reminder Graham xx

Felicity in the media

Last week Miss Fliss once again stole the limelight - our growing celebrity had her photo snapped and Tanya was interviewed for an article that made it into Friday's (24th September) Manly Daily newspaper.
The article titled "Felicity learning to call tune" was helping to promote the Up, Up, Up, Songs For Felicity Vol 1 album that is available on iTunes, with the profits made from sales of the album going directly to Felicity.


"Tanya Costin said her little girl Felicity, 10, was a different girl since she's undergone the Son-Rise Program.
Tanya is in the throes of raising money to support a trip to the US in November, a trip to gain further study into this method for socialising children with severe autism.
"My daughter had no social skills before we started this program," she said. "But now she will look at me and say a few words. She is a different little girl."
The Scotland Island resident said she has brought, and will continue to bring, the knowledge she has gleaned from the US back to carers in Australia.
"My friend Nadia Ackerman has put together a CD which we are selling to raise money for this trip,' she said.
The album is called Songs for Felicity Volume 1.
Nadia is known to locals as a former northern beaches resident, a jazz singer, who has lived and worked amid the music industry in New York for the past decade. Tanya said the CD was a quality collection of artists and songs.
The premise of Son-Rise is based on social interaction.
"The child is the leader of the program," she said. "There is only ever one other adult in the room and we do things on her time."
"If she wants to flap her hands I will sit with her and flap my hands. Not imitating but joining her."
Tanya described her daughter as happy and beautiful. "Now she is able to follow simple instructions."
The album can be found in iTunes be searching Songs for Felicity Volume1. Information on Felicity can be found at www.intellectualdisability.org.

Go, Go, Go Daddy!

Just one sleep to go before Tim, Jocelyn and Nicole are taking on their runs!!!

So in a bit of celebration mixed with some sweet motivation I have been allowed to share with you a gorgeous song that Tim's 7 year old daughter, Ashleigh, wrote for him.

It is set to some music from Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat...but still good even if you don't know the tune.

Go Go Go Dad
Go Go Go Dad
Go Go Go Daddy
You are running a run
Go GO GO Daddy
You will be number One
Go... Daddy
You're beating the rest
Go...Daddy
We all love you the best

When you want to retire
and your feet are on fire
There is only one thing to do
and that is to know that we all love you!

Think of us
Run with a bus
and win that race
at an astonishing pace!

Ashleigh (7yrs)

How can anyone not feel motivated when reading this!?!
Thanks Ashleigh for sharing this with us and we also wish your dad all the best!!

To Support all our runners by donating just click the below button - Thank you!

Go, Go, Go Tim, Nicole and Jocelyn!!

Weekend Plans?

What are you up to this weekend? Catching up with friends? Doing a bit of spring cleaning? Just taking it easy?


If you are happen to be in Victoria, Australia on Sunday why not pop into Sugar and Spice Children's Market. This gorgeous handmade market, located in the heated St Ambrose Hall in Woodend, has something for everyone - even the dads!


Free face painting, cupcakes and coffee, a 'Dad's Corner', and an absolute plethora of stunning handmade goodies for kiddies on sale from a wide variety of talented sellers check out what's on offer HERE.... and with only 106 days until the Jolly guy in the red suit pops by this is the perfect chance to grab some Christmas goodies!

All profits raised from this weekends market will be kindly donated to Felicity so from 10am to 2pm happy shopping!!

Up, Up, Up and for sale on iTunes!!

Woohoo - how very cool is this? Up, Up, Up, Songs for Felicity Vol 1 has officially gone on sale via iTunes WORLDWIDE!


Yup, anyone in the whole world can grab a copy of the compilation album put together by the very awesome and generous Nadia Ackerman with a wonderful selection of artists from all over the globe by heading to iTunes and searching Up, Up, Up, Songs for Felicity. For just a simple AU$16.99 and a few clicks of your mouse you can have a beautiful collection of songs and will also be supporting Felicity's Son-Rise Program as all money raised from the sale of this CD will be donated to Felicity!!


We have grabbed our copy and I bet it's just a few short day before Felicity is humming along to the songs - Yay!!

4 sleeps to go...

The timer is ticking away... at the time of publishing this post there is only 3 days, 20 hours, 21 minutes and 42 seconds until the 2010 City2Surf!
3 of the Running the Marathon of Autism runners: Ian, Carley & Jocelyn, will be taking on the 14kms in Felicity's name - AWESOME!!

This is your chance to sponsor these wonderful people for their marathon efforts and in the same action you will be supporting Felicity through her own marathon journey recovering from autism.



We have been overwhelmed with all the support so far and are thrilled that our donation counters are currently at $4506.
How awesome would it be to crack the $5000 mark before the starting gun trigger is pulled at the City2Surf this weekend??

With 3 ways to donate it's quick and easy to further support Felicity in her Son-Rise Program.

PAYPAL:
Donation via credit card can be made by clicking the below yellow button (you do not need a paypal account to do this)

DIRECT DEPOSIT:
Account Name: T J Costin
BSB Number: 944 300
Account Number: 012 598 461

NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please send your email address, postal address and a copy of the direct deposit transaction to - tanya@intellectualdisability.org

CHEQUE:
Cheques are to be made out to: T J Costin
Please post them to:
Running the Marathon of Autism
T J Costin
P.O. Box 304
Church Point
NSW, 2105

NOTE: If you would like a receipt, for tax purposes, please include a note with your email address & postal address

THANK YOU< THANK YOU< THANK YOU in advance for all your support!!

Why is Carley running for Felicity?

"When watching the news in August 2009 & seeing the participants in the City 2 Surf, I never imagined that it would be me taking part in 2010. In fact, I would have laughed at the suggestion.
I’m an almost-30 wife & mum of 3. I run a small home-based business. I help look after 2 crazy dogs. I go to church. I love hanging out with family & friends. I read a lot. I Tweet. I avoid housework as much as possible.
But… I don’t run. Never have. To sign on for this is a HUGE deal!
So, why? All in support of my 9-year-old niece Felicity. She suffers from a severe form of autism & her treatment is expensive. So I’m doing my part in helping to raise funds.
As inspiration, I’ve got the face of a beautiful girl and some lyrics borrowed from Michael Bolton. - Carley

…And I won't look back,
I can go the distance,
And I'll stay on track.
No I won't accept defeat,
It's an uphill slope,
But I won't lose hope,
Till I go the distance,
And my journey is complete.
But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart…"

To Support Carley and all our runners by donating just click the below button - Thank you!

Media - Sun Herald

Just a quick post to share the article that was in the Sun Herald a few weeks ago. A big thanks to Carley for helping us with this xx

To support Carley, and all our runners please click HERE

Up, Up, Up!!!

Let's play a little game. Image that you had a small book, lets say its a hard cardboard one like a small children's book. Now wherever you are right at this moment, while reading this, take a look around the room/office/space you are in and find a spot for that book to go 'Up'. Be creative & fun. Imagine you were doing it for the entertainment of a child. Would it sit on the light fitting? would it lean against the wall above the window? do you think it would stay balanced on the edge of the bookcase? could you tie it to the curtain?

One of Miss Felicity's most favorite things to do at the moment is to put things 'Up'! She could spend days and days just challenging us to find a spot 'Up' somewhere to put an object of her choice.
Felicity will grab an item like a ball, a toy, a hair brush, a shoe, a cup, a piece of paper, a puzzle piece, a hat, a pillow - absolutely anything! Then with her HUGE beaming cheeky smile she will hand it to you an say "Up" - this is where we come into this awesome interaction that Felicity loves oh so very much. With that random item we find ourselves balancing, hanging, leaning, clipping to and tying it from any spot that we can that is 'Up' above Felicity's eye level.

People effected by autism have a need to do 'repetitive behaviors' or 'Stims'. Most autism intervention programs teach you to try and stop these behaviors. The Son-Rise Program has taught us that by JOINING Felicity in her repetitive behavior we can make a connection with her, on her level and build a real relationship from it - AWESOME!



Recently Felicity's dad, Matt, was so very, very proud of the 'Up' efforts he had made with the items Felicity requested he put 'Up', while they were playing in the playroom, that we actually took some photos to show you.


Yes, that is actually a little wooden toy sitting INSIDE the balancing Mr Potato Head toy!! & check out the blocks balancing on top of each other on the window hinges!!




Not bad hey? This just makes Felicity's day and the interaction we can build on and teach her just from doing this simple task motivates us to put things 'Up' for her more and more!!

Felicity Having Fun!

Hope this post finds everyone enjoying their weekends with a smile! I just wanted to do a quick and happy post to share with you all this great photo of Felicity we snapped just this morning while we were playing at a local park.


Felicity loves to go for walks so we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and went for a wander to the park where Felicity, in her true dare devil style, wanted to be pushed higher & higher on the swings - you can tell by the pic that she was enjoying every second of it!

Sugar and Spice... for all things nice!

Who doesn't love a good market? to casually wander around sipping a latte while taking a peek at the handmade goodies from all the different stall holders with no real intention other than to see what's on offer... and 9 times out of 10 find a whole array of unique items that you just had to buy - Bliss. Now make the market a Children's market and add to that a 'Kids Corner' (where the kids will be entertained) which is right next to a 'Dad's Corner' (where hubby can sit and read the paper while keeping half an eye on the kids) and you have my idea of a weekend morning heaven!
"There is no such place" I hear you say... wrong! For those of you lucky enough to be in the Melbourne area your market prayers have been answered with the Sugar & Spice Children's Market!


A new boutique children's market in beautiful Woodend in Victoria. You will be delighted by the gorgeous and unique products for your children, many of them hand made by the lovely person you are buying them from.
Sugar & Spice market is also designed to help support and promote local small businesses that are producing lovely children products - and I have discovered that there are lots and lots of them!! Other gorgeous businesses from surrounding areas are also being sourced as I wish to provide a diverse range of beautiful stalls to the people shopping at the market - variety is the spice of life :)
Another aspect of the market is that any profits made will be donated to local charities (of course this is once marketing needs have been accounted for). I hope that by the market giving back to the local community, the local community will support the market.

This is where (if you can believe it) the Sugar & Spice markets gets even better! Alison, the gorgeous wizz behind these awesome markets has pledged the profits from both the inaugural markets in June and the September markets to Felicity!!! Wow, wow, wow!!

So by shopping at Sugar & Spice not only will you be purchasing gorgeous products for your children, you will also be supporting local businesses and charities! - That's Fliss!

Here are the details you'll need so be sure to pop it on your calendar, in your phone, in your diary, into your computer reminders... heck even put it on a post it and stick it to your bed head!

Sugar & Spice Children's Market Woodend
Where: St Ambrose Hall, Woodend, Victoria (click HERE for directions)
When: 20th June 2010 (& then again September, December and March - date to be announced)
Time: 10am - 2 pm
Entry: FREE

Once you're there go nuts! And be sure to say hi (and a HUGE thanks from us) to Alison if you spot her.

Welcome to the Felicity Files!

So here we are... a blog!
A place for us, Felicity's family, friends and supporters to share with you what we will now call: The Felicity Files! It could be an update on Felicity's Son-Rise Program, a post from one of Felicity's volunteers, a snippet of info from one of the amazing runners doing the Marathon for Autism, of maybe just a photo we have snapped of Felicity's day, you'll have to stay tuned to see.


Why not click on 'Follow' over there in the sidebar to be sure you're up to date on The Felicity Files.

See you soon xxx