Hi fam,

I’m competing in HYROX Cardiff with a couple of lofty goals, one more important than the other.

HYROX is eight 1km runs, each followed by a functional workout station. Sled push. Sled pull. Row. Farmers carry. Burpee broad jumps. Lunges. Wall balls. It is tough stuff for over an hour with very little room to slow down. I am targeting a sub 1 hour 12 minute finish. That would place me in the upper tier of the Open Men field and move me within range of standards for Pro races. This is a serious benchmark for me and a step toward competing at the next level.

But that's not what I want to drive me. What is the point of any goalsetting if the ultimate goal isn't to be useful as a member of community? My philosophy is that when you choose to do something hard out of choice, you do it to honor the collective heart and spirit of those who're are battling unchosen hardship to get back to their best. Then, one day, there'll be others who'll physically carry your spirits when you need it. That is what people do. So, I’ve committed to raising £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support. I'm starting for a great cause here but I pray that this is only the very, very beginning of the good I'm able to help drive.

There are currently over 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK. Macmillan provides practical, emotional and clinical support to people and families navigating cancer. That work relies on fundraising.

To give some perspective:

£10 could pay for 10 copies of the Help with the cost of cancer booklet.£20 could fund one emotional support session through a Macmillan Buddy. £39 could pay for a Macmillan Nurse for one hour. £400 could keep the Macmillan Support Line running for nearly an hour.

If you would like to support the cause, any amount helps. Small contributions add up. If you aren't able to contribute but would like to send a what's up, it'd mean a lot to me too.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and for any support you choose to give.

I love you, my fam.

Yours truly,

Bardan