Running the London Marathon 2019

[p]I always said I'd never run a marathon...but here I am...running a marathon. [/p][p]I am part of the Jesuit Missions team including many teachers from Jesuit Schools. [/p][p]The team are running in memory of Fr Victor-Luke Odhiambo SJ, a 62-year-old Jesuit priest who was tragically murdered in South Sudan in November 2018. Money raised will continue his legacy by supporting the teacher training centre where he worked and to continue his plans to educate and inspire as many South Sudanese children to go to school as possible.[/p][p]Improving educational opportunities in South Sudan is key to the social transformation of the country.[/p][p]I get a lot done when I run. [/p][p]Organise my thoughts, plan my week, daydream, sometimes chat with friends, sometimes soak up the solitude. I listen to music, podcasts, audio books. Its my protected time, it does me good. I love the pace of distance running, observing the gradual seasonal changes on my routes over the year and the methodical rhythm that focusses the mind in a special kind of meditation.[/p][p]In a busy, challenging year with less time for myself I felt my running may be threatened, I needed a goal, the answer...run more, get more time! [/p][p]With the support of friends, family and the special school community where I am a teacher and parent; and where both my boys have had the best education imaginable, I know I can rise to the challenge. It's my way of giving thanks for this special and privileged education and help give back to the many who will never have access to the amazing opportunity that we can give our children through supporting Jesuit missions in their work across the globe.[/p]