Story
An IRONMAN is a 226.2km (140.6m) triathlon, made up of a 3.9km (2.4m) swim; a 180.2km (112m) cycle; and a 42.2km (26.2m) run. IRONMAN UK in Bolton also consists of 2,362m vertical on the bike ride, and 380m vertical on the run.
I want to complete said IRONMAN. And, while doing so, I want to see money directed to a good cause.
Not only a good cause, but a great cause, and a cause that is – now, more than ever – in need of significant funding.
I'm aiming to raise £1,406 - £10 for every mile covered - for Mercy Corps, an invaluable NGO providing essential support and humanitarian aid to those nations and people who need it most. And this not only covers urgent aid, but also the long-term solutions necessary to make lasting change.
It is also an organisation that will suffer from the c.£4bn shortfall in international aid funding resulting from the UK Government's decision to cut spending on Official Development Assistance from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI (see here).
But don't take my word for it; read about its work here, and its work in Afghanistan specfically here.
See full details of the race here, and follow every painful stroke, pedal, and step from training on Strava here.
"What is the connection between you deciding you want to get fit in this particular way, and me giving money to charity?... Getting fit is basically a good thing I suppose, and giving money to charity certainly is. I just don't see the connection... Why are you asking me to indirectly pay for your new fitness regime?" David Mitchell, 2011. See here.