Why Are They Running?... Craig - Gold Coast Marathon

You would think running 42.2kms is enough of a milestone in itself but adding on all the hours and kilometres of running before race day makes what Craig is doing for Felicity, in a weeks time, an even more mammoth task! Craig has the following to share with us about his race day lead up and why he is willing to pound the pavement in Felicity's name.

Relying on my fitness only from my squash games, I entered into a half marathon about six years ago. Pounding that bitumen in a pair of board shorts, my dad’s shoes, and the mantra “I can run as fast as a leopard” I found it to be bloody hard work, but it did get the endorphins going.
The full marathon always seemed impossible, until something clicked this year. I had been reading about a few interesting people at the start of the year and realised that a huge amount of running is to do with your mental attitude. I began running when there was no surf, but as the year progressed I thought a marathon may now even be possible. I can’t lie, I’m scared, but at least I can tick it off the bucket list when I make it over the line.
My main training component has been running solo on weekends through the Nerang State Forest on rocky steep trails. I usually run 20km.

Felicity does not get the opportunities in life that everybody else takes for granted. Felicity faces constant challenges and misses out on many of the choices and opportunities we can make. But through her development program she can make more opportunities and experience her world in a happy way. Encouraging people to help fund her Son-Rise program and become aware of Felicity’s needs and helping in any small way makes this marathon an awesome experience as it’s not just about me and my achievement it also helps Felicity.

Woohoo Craig - we are right behind you!! Help us show support to Craig for what he is about to take on (did you know only 1% of the worlds population have ever completed a marathon!) by sponsoring him HERE and in turn you are supporting Felicity!!

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

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

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!!

City 2 Surf Results!!

What a day! no amount of rain was going to stop our awesome team on Sunday!!
Sarah, Paityn and Amy took on the 14kms with a smile on their face and were thrilled to finally be crossing the start line when the gun went off at 9:05am. In amongst the record crowd of 85,000 entrants the girls had a fun and challenging day out they enjoyed and report they will be back next year to do it all again!


Results:
AMY - 1:32
SARAH - 1:49
PAITYN - 2:17


"Most importantly we want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who was behind us for this run. So many of you gorgeous people who donated, sent well wishes, spread the word about why we were running and pushed us along the way - you all ROCK!!!!!
We managed to get our fundraising tally to $3708 for Felicity's Son-Rise Program so a HUGE *high 5* to all of you, THANK YOU!!!" - Amy

note: Greame had to step out of the run due to family commitments

Motivation!

Be it motivation to get going in the morning, motivation to bounce around in the playroom with Felicity or motivation to keep running those few last steps to the finish line for our runners....



Just 3 sleeps left till the City 2 Surf for our four runners Amy, Sarah, Paityn and Greame - Go Team Go!!

For the ways to help motivate and support these awesome runners with a donation please click HERE or to donate with your credit card or paypal account simply click on the yellow Donate button below and follow the easy instructions.

We aim to raise $5000 and so far are at $3583. It would be so cool to run on Sunday knowing we hit our target!!

Just 1 month to go... City 2 Surf!

Today is the 14th of July which means in exactly one months time our four City 2 Surf runners will be taking on the 14km race!!


Greame, Paityn, Sarah and Amy are on the serious end of the count down and would love you sponsorship to push them along. Check out the Running The Marathon Of Autism website HERE for all the details on how you can sponsor all of our runners which them goes directly to support Felicity's full time Son-Rise Program.


Oh and thanks again to Billy Mac Clothing for our cool race day shirts!!

Race Day T-Shirts

We are thrilled to have some very snazzy t-shirts for our runners to wear on their race day/s this year!!


Designed, printed and so generously donated by Billy Mac Clothing these shirts match our website and blog PERFECTLY - aren't they awesome?!?


These will be worn by our runners to show all those who see them why they are taking each step of the race they are running - Thank you so so so much Billy Mac Clothing for helping us & Felicity!

Thanks Sammy!

On May 15th a good friend of Felicity's ran her very first 1/2 Marathon! Sammy, we are so very proud of you and forever grateful for the gift you are to Felicity for taking on this massive challenge!! WooHoo!!

We asked Sammy if she would maybe write a few lines about her run and these gorgeous words are what Sammy had to share:
“The thought of doing a half marathon was both exciting and incredibly scary. I am a personal trainer and dancer so was reasonably fit but to run a half was definitely a long stretch. I’m always up for a fun challenge and to be able to raise money for felicity was the driving force. I lived next door to her for almost a year and was lucky enough to be able to spend time with her. The strength and love from felicity’s family and her wonderful nature made me compelled in any way I could to give back. The training was tough and the closer I got the more anxious I got. A week to go I was so freaked out…I thought I wasn’t going to make the cut off times…then several days before I accepted that I was running for the right reasons, and however far I got would be an incredible achievement…and that attitude helped me run the half in 2:36! I have performed on stage and presented in front of thousands of people, and completed events before but running the half marathon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! The thought of felicity laughing and skipping besides me, and calling out my name kept me going…I imagined her living the most incredible life possible and reaching all her hopes and dreams…that for me inspired me that I can do anything. I would recommend anyone to go out there and try…for the experience, and if not that, to help a little girl live the best life possible”

Thanks again & again Sammy - truly AWEsome!!

10 out of 10 results for the 10/10/2010

From the minute we all realised that the last events of Running The Marathon Of Autism campaign would be on the date 10/10/10 as well as the very same weekend that Felicity turned 10 we knew it was 'meant to be'!


Felicity had a wonderful birthday with family celebrating the milestone of being a decade old, with plenty of cake and presents and of course allot of humming the Happy Birthday song to us all!
Saturday was also the last 'rest day' for our runners Jocelyn and Maryke who were up early on Sunday morning ready for the starters gun to go off.
Maryke's Full Marathon race started at 7:00am and Jocelyn's Half Marathon began at 8:00am - Both of these amazing runners did themselves and all of us proud with phenomenal results!
They both have even claimed they "cannot wait to do it all again" - WOW!


RESULTS:

Maryke - Full Marathon: 4hrs 24mins
Jocelyn - Half Marathon: 1hr 58mins

Maryke took 36 minutes off her last marathon time (run in 2007) so is thrilled!
Jocelyn ran 3 weeks ago in Sydney then has backed it up in Melbourne with the same time results - AWESOME!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU both Jocelyn and Maryke for every step of your training, motivation, support and love for Felicity!! I know my regular morning run had a little extra 'umph' in it this morning thanks to you both!


We are just tallying up any and all final donations before we work out the amount reached from all our runners efforts and will be sure to let you know as soon as we have the magic number.... if you would like to make a final donation or pass on the info and links to a family member or friend please do so by heading to: 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!!

Jocelyn's countdown to (her 2nd) race day!

Jocelyn ran in the City2Surf, and will now take on the Sydney Half Marathon on Sunday before she runs the Melbourne Half Marathon in 3 weeks time - AWESOME!

"Not long to go and training was going great till a cold struck over a week ago. Have only done one light jog in over a week and felt very ordinary :( So my aim is to just get to the finish line then get 100% better for the Melbourne Half Marathon in just over 3 weeks time. I'm sure the thought of Felicity will motivate us all - Good Luck to Tim and Nicole, I'll be thinking of you!" - Jocelyn



Jocelyn also says: "I'm running for Felicity to fundraise so we can continue the fantastic improvements in her life due to the Son-Rise Program...." If you would like to read more about why Jocelyn has chosen to run for Felicity please click HERE

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

Why is Tim running for Felicity?

"With only a few days to go until the Sydney Marathon I am running over 65kms a week and doing a bikram yoga session to stretch"...
I have always wanted to run a marathon and as we've known Felicity since she was born I decided to join the Marathon of Autism team. If you are going to commit yourself to train and then run 42kms it is good to do it for a reason." - Tim

This is the 42km course Tim will be running for Felicity on Sunday:



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

Less than a week to go!!!

Where have the past few weeks disappeared to? In just 5 short sleeps the mighty Jocelyn, Tim and Nicole will be taking part in the Sydney Running Festival for Felicity.


Jocelyn and Nicole will be taking on the 21km half marathon and Tim will be running his first ever full 42km marathon! WOW!
These are super AWESOME efforts from these courageous runners and a blessing that they wish to do it in support of Miss Fliss. So here is your chance to show them your support... below are all the details you need to sponsor either Tim, Nicole, Jocelyn or all three by making a donation to Felicity's 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

Thanks so much & GOODLUCK you AMAZING runners!!

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!!

AWESOME effort!! Thank you xx

And just like that the 2010 City2Surf is all over. What an absolutely stunning day Sydney put on for it - sun shining, crisp winter air and 80,000 entrants into one of the worlds biggest fun runs!
Carley, Jocelyn and Ian all took on the mighty 14km race as planned and all walked away from the day with a few blisters & sore muscles but most importantly a HUGE smile on their faces.



RESULTS:
Jocelyn - 1hr 16minutes (beating her last years City2Surf by 13 minutes)
Ian - 1hr 37 minutes
Carley - 2hrs 15 minutes

these inspirational runners should be so very, very proud of their efforts - just absolutely AWESOME!!!!!!! Enjoy a well earned rest.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you all for supporting Joc, Carley and Ian in their run and we are thrilled to share with you that you have helped us raise $5061 so far for our Running the Marathon of Autism campaign.... and that's without seeing our latest Direct Deposit donations (they always take a day or so to 'land' in the account) - WOW!!

Next race we are gearing up for now is the Sydney Half Marathon on Sunday, September 19th. Jocelyn, Sammy and Nicole will be taking this 21km event head on - Go Girls!!

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!!