18/10/2018
So you may know that I am running the New York marathon in two weeks! But you may not know how or why I had this dream that’s about to become reality! I made a decision when I had Noah to become a runner. I was overweight, unhealthy, really unhappy and wanted to do something for myself. I taught myself how to run when he was a baby, mainly on a treadmill at a gym near home. I promised myself I would always be a good example for him of hard work, persistence, setting goals and making them a reality. Soon after I started running, I set a massive goal to run the New York marathon before I turned 40. I had no idea how I would get there at the time, but I knew I wanted to do it. This photo when I ran my first marathon 4 1/2 years ago is still one of my favourite moments. Noah waited for me at the sidelines and was encouraged by my friends to take my hand and run with me. This was after 5 hours and 8 mins of a really tough run. I will never forget the pride in his eyes and how happy he was. I knew I had made an impact on him. So in the year of my 40th, I have managed to make it a reality. It will be my third marathon distance post baby no 2 (Elijah who is 2 1/2) and I have worked really hard to get here, through many setbacks, including glandular fever this year which meant no running for 3 months. This photo is my constant reminder when I am having a bad run - I run to set an example for my kids that anything is possible, if you have a goal, plan to reach it and do the work. I cannot wait to run New York and show him that huge dreams can become reality.
As part of this journey, I have been fundraising for Miracle Babies Foundation. For me, it was important to make my dream about something bigger than me, for a cause that makes a massive difference to the lives of others. I feel privileged every day to have had two healthy, full term babies when many others do not. The Miracle Babies Foundation makes a huge difference supporting premature babies, their families and the hospitals that care for them. The more people that know about Miracle Babies Foundation, the greater their impact to help miracle babies.
If you would like to support me on this journey, please join us next Saturday 27 October for a fun trivia night at Panania Diggers. It is going to be a great night.
https://www.facebook.com/events/983543485158403/?ti=icl
If you would like to support the Miracle Babies Foundation, you can donate on the page below:
https://marathonformiracles2018.everydayhero.com/au/diala-and-nader-run-new-york