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.

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

Maryke's Melbourne Marathon Countdown!

This year the Melbourne Marathon that our gorgeous friend Maryke will be taking on AGAIN for Felicity falls on Felicity's birthday - Good omen?? We think so!!
On Sunday October 9th Felicity will be celebrating her 11th birthday while fearless Maryke will be taking on the 42KM race through Melbourne's streets!!


Maryke would love all the support she can get in the form of sponsorship donations for Felicity's Son-Rose Program. Click HERE for all the donation options and details.

Only 27 sleeps away - the count down is on! Run Maryke Run!!

Getting ready to race for 2011!

Another year, another bunch of races & keen runners for our Running The Marathon Of Autism campaign!


We congratulate Sammy on the Half Marathon she ran on May 15th. This was a HUGE effort for Sammy and what a gorgeous thing for her to do it in Felicity's name! We are yet to work out the final tally from the donations and sponsorships made to Sammy's race but believe it stands around the $700 mark - Thank you Sammy!


The next race we are counting down to is the Gold Coast Half Marathon on July 3rd. Maryke will be taking this race on and also using it as part of her training for when she runs the Melbourne full Marathon in October this year.




Between those two races is the Sydney City2Surf. With less than 10 weeks to go until the August 14th race we have (so far) 4 registered runners ready to take on the 14kms for Felicity! Sarah, Paityn, Greame and me (Amy) are squeezing in morning runs and training sessions to build up our fitness in the hope we don't all drop dead on race day!!

Bring it on!!

Training Update from Maryke

My training is going well. My long run on the weekend was 16km and I felt fit and strong. I visualised Felicity and her family and put them in a silver bubble with lots of light around them. I then rode for 45 minutes on the stationery bike last night to rest the legs but keep the cardio work going.This morning at 6am it was cold and I got the old familiar Melbourne winter training reminder! I met my running buddy and we did a sprint session - 1.2km, 1km, 800m, 600m, 400m, 200m with a little rest in between each one. It was a tough session with a good head wind coming off the Bay. Today is a well earned rest day - my legs are very fatigued. Yours in running, M xo

MARYKE