As I mentioned on this log
about a month ago, it's time to see if we can raise some funds for the junior program.
In thinking about it, and what form Marathon Fundraiser 2 might take, I have reminisced a bit about the recent past, and in the process discovered that two of the O' events I enjoyed the most were the Junior Nationals this past April at Mt. Tom and, back in January 2015, one of the many events in Florida that Gord Hunter has made happen. Both had lots of kids there. Both had a really good vibe. Both were just plain fun. And I wasn't orienteering.
Over the same time period our juniors have won the last three Future Champions Cups and turned in increasingly better results at JWOC. In Erin Shirm and Greg Ahlswede they have two outstanding coaches. Things are happening.
So it's easy to make the case for supporting the juniors. The challenge is just to do it.
Here's what I'm proposing for MF2. I'm not running any more. I might still have a little orienteering in me, but not much. At this point my regular exercise comes from riding a bike. There is no plan B. And this time of year it gets pretty hard some days to get out the door. Actually, it gets pretty hard a lot of days.
But, invariably, when I do get out, no matter how miserable the conditions might be, I always come back with a smile on my face.
My log shows that this year so far I've ridden 4,510 miles. That's a pretty good number. 5,000 would be an even better number. Targets are nice, and getting to 5,000 has gotten me out a few times this past month when I might not have otherwise. And as the weather gets worse....
As with MF1, I'll start things off with the first pledge. A dollar for every mile I ride from today, November 17, through the end of the year. And if I make 5,000, I'll double it. So I'm possibly on the hook for $980, or more if I just keep cruising past 5,000. Though it's certainly not going to be easy. And I'm not going out when it clearly isn't safe.
So, who will join me to help raise some money for the kids?
Option 1 -- pledge a certain amount a mile, whatever you want. Maybe add a bonus if I make it to 5K. Or whatever other motivation you might dream up. Everything helps.
Option 2 -- figure out your own challenge, make it public, maybe get others to join in supporting you.
If you're willing to help out, just make a comment on this thread, saying what you have in mind. If you'd rather help but not make it public, send me an e-mail at pg@crocker.com. The main thing is to just do something.
Last time lots of folks pitched in. Let's see if we can do it again.