Back to page

Lost Boy running: my pain for your pennies

  • Last words

      5 June 2009

    Dear Supporters. It's been a blast. We?ran our tootsies off,?punching above our weight, and pulling in some dollars for someone that needs them. Thank you for the support, and for following the campaign. The legs have healed. The photos are printed. The minds have turned to what next. I won't bother you with that, but it is with great heart that I wrap up Lost Boy Running and step out into my new post-marathon existence. Keep up with what next on the?http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-The Lost Boys blog?if you like. It?is too complicated to put a picture up here... so I'll desist before I break something. We made over $1000 and that makes a good effort. Again, thanks. You gave me?more reason to run, and some kids out there more opportunity. Nick.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • We made it

      1 June 2009

    Well ... that was an experience. I have to say, it was hard, but not as hard as I had imagined. Must have done somethiing right in the lead up.? But ... it was a buzz. Firstly I'd like thank all you folk who have given so generously, as you, and the unknown youngsters who will get a little from this Give a Little campaign were my driving force in the last few kilometres of the race. Christchurch turned on some heinous weather for us, and we got several hail showers during the race. The souwester was about 4 degrees, and wind always seems to be going the wrong direction when you're running. That said, I felt good for the first 30km of the race, not too bad for the next six, and pretty rough for the last six. It was good to have a cause to think of when that little voice in your head says ""Wouldn't it be nice to slow down and have a little walk right now?"" ... so, I didn't cave. Wicked. A sense of achievement? Yes. Nothing special in the grander scheme, I came in at 4hrs2mins, about 356th or something out of just over 600 runners. But it was fun to finish. Legs aching like buggery, but a sense of utter exhilaration to have pushed yourself beyond the levels you ever have. Knowing you can, knowing you are using your body properly, and knowing that so much is within your grasp if you try, that is the best feeling. Thanks to all those you gave cash, thanks for the support and the advice and thanks for just reading these updates and coming along for the trip. It was a lot longer than 42km, and I think it has only just begun. Nick

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • The final days

      28 May 2009

    Well, here we go. it's on Sunday. Running the gauntlet, gonna be a good time. Ha!?I have to keep saying that. It's actually going to be a bit rainy and chilly, but we have finally arrived at the fateful weekend. The training has all been aimed at this goal, loads of miles on the road, new shoes, new running gear, books, technical muesli bars, reams of internet advice printed out. You name it, I've done it. But the best part, the most humbling has been watching people?I don't know supporting me through it.?I blogged about it today, check it out http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/entertainment/blogs/the-lost-boys/2449178/The-marathon-is-nigh"". The comments are great, and?the support?on Give A?Little has been splendid.?I didn't make my goal of a thousand, but its winter, there's a recession, and all that. We've?done well together. Thanks for the coin. It will go to the good people at Barnardos and?UNICEF, and will go a?long way to helping me over the line in Christchurch on Sunday.? Inspiration from?some random generosity, it comes easily. I'll update again before Sunday. Probably about how nervous?I am. No I'm not. (I have to keep telling myself that too) Nick

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • And now the countdown

      19 May 2009

    Well, we are on the downhill side of the training now. I have to keep reminding myself it is not over yet. Quite a big hump to come, like how about 42km next weekend? Phew. Still, I'm feeling good. The last big training run happened last Sunday, and having a few sponsors and a cause to get in behind helps you focus on what matters, who gets the opportunities in life, and our responsibilities to live the life in support and celebration of those less lucky amongst us. So when it all gets harder than hard, you suck it up and push out a smile, take a long slow deep breathe and think about keeping on. And then do it. Thanks for the extra support you have all given, I am constantly impressed by those that find a little goodness in supporting others. From here, there's a few more short runs to keep the legs limber, and then a (hopefully) relaxed wind up to the race day on May 31 in Chch. The advice is coming thick and fast now, do this, eat that, make sure of this, etc etc. It all helps, but I fear?I may be on my own path to whatever awaits me at the end of the marathon. Glory? Pain? Grief? Elation? Piety? Most likely a colourful blend of all that. Ha!?It'll be a surprise.? But the?best part is that?a couple of charities will get the reward and that's thanks to you. Cheers.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • One more big run to go... (well two really)

      12 May 2009

    Okay! Three weeks, even less now. Only one more big training run to go. Have just been away on holiday.?A holiday that included loads of running. Oh bliss. But still, we are getting there. I?no longer balk at running 30km+.? I can?do it. Now just to stretch that a little further before REALLY stretching it on the big day.? Thanks for all the support. A couple of?fellow runners have cottoned on and have started their own fundraising gigs, for?causes close to their hearts. When I am flagging towards the end of a long tour of duty in running shoes,?it is good to think about the reason why. And keeping on with keeping on.?What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger right??(Tell me that the day after a 34km run.... phew) I have not pushed this fundraiser too hard just yet, but with such unprecedented support from you all, I feel we are on a roll. let's hope we can spin out a few more dollars and at least double what we have made now. Awesome :) Nick.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Just over four weeks to go.

      29 April 2009

    Thanks to all who have given a?donation to my run.$340 is a good whack and?I have more folk who are keen to boost the total. I've decided to?personally donate?an extra 2.6% of the total raised by race day, May 31, to offset the charge levied by credit card companies on Givealittle. I spoke to the?website and they assure me this is not their charge, but unfortunately foisted upon them by the great powers behind the plastic we use. ?So I'll offset that, as a thankyou for giving through Givealittle and supporting my run.? The training is getting harder as the mornings get darker. At the moment I am running three times during the week, at least 10km, with one over 15km, and doing a longer run on Saturdays. Last weekend it was 30km which almost killed me. Check out ""http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/entertainment/blogs/the-lost-boys/2371381/Crying-time""the blog on it.?But there's plenty more to come. I've been loving the clear and crisp sunrises over Wellington's southern bays, but when it's raining and blowing it's tough to hit the road for an hour and a?half.? But that is the name of the game. Keep checking in for updates and follow? http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/entertainment/blogs/the-lost-boys/""The Lost Boys?where there's more thoughts on life as we inch closer to race day. Cheers, Nick.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • You gotta love people at their best

      23 April 2009

    It's been only a couple of hours since I posted on http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/entertainment/blogs/the-lost-boys/2357597/Its-not-all-about-me""The Lost Boys that I am now running with reason. Well, more reason than previously. But what's encouraging is that there's already $25 extra dollars on my total. When people reach out, with a helping hand or a helping wallet, it does give you a buzz. Cheers donators. Awesome. I'll be thumping out some miles this weekend to make this marathon come easier, and I know there'll be more people willing me to get out of bed and into my trainers now. Check in for updates.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 29/05/2009 by Givealittle Admin

      It's been only a couple of hours since I posted on http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/entertainment/blogs/the-lost-boys/2357597/Its-not-all-about-me""The Lost Boys that I am now running with reason. Well, more reason than previously. But what's encouraging is that there's already $25 extra dollars on my total. When people reach out, with a helping hand or a helping wallet, it does give you a buzz. Cheers donators. Awesome. I'll be thumping out some miles this weekend to make this marathon come easier, and I know there'll be more people willing me to get out of bed and into my trainers now. Check in for updates.