Raquel's 40 Race Challenge

This 40 Race Challenge experience is already helping me make connections with others who believe in the importance of talking openly about suicide. Grassroots put me touch with Julia Thompson who is creating a 20 minute documentary exploring the impact of losing a loved one in this way and how we cope with grief in our different ways. Here's a pic of me filming her filming me! I've spent a few sessions already with Julia filming whilst I train for these upcoming challenges in my local area. Yes, some of you have spotted us on Telscombe Tye and at the Saltdean Lido!  The documentary is called "Sharing Hope" and I would love to share it with you on this blog once its finished. 

So why 40 events? Well it all just seemed to fit.  Everyone has these milestones in life where bucket lists come to the fore and they always seem to happen when we start nearing the decades.....30, 40, 50 etc! And I am no different. I had such an unbelievable bucket list when I was young. By the time I was 30 I wanted to learn how to fly a helicopter, learn to scuba dive and learn to play polo, to name just a few. The latter two I did actually achieve of which I am rather proud. As time has passed my bucket lists have become a little more down to earth such as to "be happy and content" and to "go on holiday abroad with all of my four children, on a plane" yes, on a plane, which I did this year, hooray! Now I'm nearing 40, the race to achieve things outside of ordinary life is on again.  But this milestone is different. My sister passed away when she was 40 and I am dreading heading closer to this age, not because I'm getting older but because once I turn...

Before anyone thinks getting involved in this challenge isn't for them - think again. I want anyone who has the inclination to try something new and fun or even just a mild interest in this challenge or the cause I am raising money for, to join me on one of the challenges or as many challenges as you like. That's why I've picked such a variety of events. Some you can just walk and even bring your dog (Angel's Walk), others are family affairs such as the Santa Inflatable Run and the Brighton Music 5km where kids are welcome (yep even the big kids out there!). Before anyone thinks I'm some sort of race fanatic, think again. I have four children, run a small business full time, I have cellulite and I'm clearly a little bit nuts to even contemplate some of these events! Therein comes the Dorking Nuts Challenge, how could I not take part in that one with a name like that?! I've never done a triathlon, I've never run a half marathon let alone a marathon and ...

So one crash course on blogs, editing, creating facebook events, justgiving and video production from the lovely Tiffany at Grassroots and I've taken flight...... Before this challenge I had no idea about any of the above but its amazing what you can learn (even at my age) when you have no choice other than to JUST GET ON WITH IT! So I hope the media I've started to create begins to inspire and eventually does the job I intend for it to do - raise loads of dosh and raise awareness! I've had two totally separate approaches now from those wanting to know more about the challenge which could lead to some exciting developments on the horizon. So the news is spreading without me having really got started yet!....long may this continue. 

Trying to squeeze 40 events into 20 months I have realised is quite a challenge in itself. Taking part in the challenges might just be the easy bit!  Not too many events run in the middle of winter which puts the pressure on adding events in the spring, summer and autumn months so I will be doing 3 events in some months. Working full time and having a brood of children - this is no easy task. Add to that I am currently seeing a physio for my hip injury and I have been out of action for months awaiting the treatment plan.... but these are all excuses and the 40 race challenge idea has been brewing for too long to NOT get on with it! Inspiration from my lovely friend Claire who was a guide for Blind Veterans UK at the London Marathon 2018 is the boost I needed to launch the idea into reality and the planning has begun in earnest. I am currently entered in four races and my friends Ash and Rachel have entered alongside me for the Wolf Run. I have a meeting planned with the CEO of Gras...