Running for Smiles

So…. it all started when I decided to include Run a 10k in my list of 50 things to do in my 50s...  Going online to register for the Maybank Bali 10k I was dismayed to find all the places were full and there were only slots left for the Half Marathon.  To cries of "Go for it Mum!" from Hannah and Tasia I took the leap and signed up.  So, on Sunday 9 September, at the grand young age of 52 I am embarking on a half marathon. Maybank Madness....

I have been pounding the tarmac and running tracks over the past few months to prepare myself for the 21kms ahead.  Training has had me running some varied routes, including the local government complex near my house, along part of The Pilgrims Way in Kent and even around the sports track of a stadium in central Jakarta.  After nearly 4 months of this, I am now ready to take on the challenge.  One of the IALF Bali teachers, Henny, is joining me on this endeavour, but because she’s half my age, she’s taking on double the challenge – the full Maybank.

I decided there was no point in putting myself through this gruelling training regime and running the race without some good coming from it, so I am aiming to raise much-needed funds for Yayasan Senyum Bali (The Smile Foundation Bali), which, since 2006, has provided funding and logistical support for over 3000 babies, children and adults with cleft lip and palate and other cranio-facial deformities.  The foundation works with 7 hospitals in Bali as well as two in Adelaide and covers the costs of life-changing operations for people in Bali and in Eastern Indonesia.  To find out more about the Yayasan Senyum's remarkable work, visit www.senyumbali.org 
or watch this short video: 


So how can you help?  A donation from you can make all the difference, or please share with anyone you think might like to donate.  Many thanks, and many smiles :-)