Paul’s marathon effort to help local people
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Paul decided to become part of Team Caritas and take on a special challenge in aid of our charity, after volunteering at our Lalley centre, community pantry and allotment with his colleagues.
Here, he tells us more about why he got involved with a marathon challenge, and why you should consider being part of the team too…
Why did you decide to be part of Team Caritas?
I have volunteered at the Lalley Centre with my colleagues and saw first hand what a positive impact you have on the local community and the school next door who use your composter.
Every Step is our special campaign which asks people to take on a physical or mental challenge that pushes them out of their comfort zone. How do you feel about taking on an Every Step challenge this year for our charity?
For me I am apprehensive at the task to get a good enough fitness level but I am determined to succeed.
How has the training been going?
Good and bad…I have been to the gym and increased my strength, the weather hasn’t helped with running outdoors but I’ve completed a couple of long runs over two hours.
Has there anything that has surprised you about your preparation – or about yourself as you’ve started embarking on preparation for this challenge?
The transition from hating running to enjoying the physical activity and finding a good mind space to forget about daily stresses.
What are you most looking forward to about the challenge?
I feel completing a marathon is a genuine achievement and something I’ve thought about for a while. I think that sense of accomplishing something is what I look forward to most.
What would you say to other people interested in taking on a challenge of their own?
Go for it, it’s a great way to spur you on in getting fitter as you can’t escape the inevitable day for the challenge.
Why do you think Caritas is such an important charity to support?
As a relatively less well known local charity I think it needs any kind of support and with the positive influence on the community it should be recognised, even on the back of a t-shirt in a race. If one person saw it and realised there was help out there then it has served its purpose.
