Team Sage takes on the Sage Reading Half Marathon!

Back in May 2017 I wrote a blog about how I was inspired to take up running; I then took it one step further and set myself the challenge of running 500km in under six months. I managed to achieve this in June 2017 and this was all driven by my desire to help Cramlington Voluntary Youth Trust (CVYP) raise money to build an outward-bound centre in Kielder Forest.

At the time I shared four lessons, which remain very true today as we, very literally, run towards our $1m challenge at Sage:

1. "I am not a runner is a myth." I believe you should define your own running style. You might run for one minute and then walk; you might run very slowly or very fast; you might run up hills (or in my case, not!) but you do it your way.
2. Run for a reason. This is very important in the winter. There are many times when it is cold, dark and wet and at that precise moment in time you don’t feel Ike it. I do run for my own benefit, which is mainly to keep healthy and manage stress, however my biggest motivation is to raise money and awareness for young disadvantaged people. And in particular to raise money for CVYP.
3. Don’t do it alone! Sage Foundation’s $1 Million Challenge remains a big motivator and is engaging Sage colleagues all over the world. We’ve already raised in excess of $275,000 across 10 countries for 40 local non-profit partners and communities. No matter who you are, there’s something you can get involved in and enjoy.
4. Celebrate. I hit my 500km target when I crossed the finish line in Newcastle in June 2017 and was thrilled to achieve this. We have done a number of runs all over the world since, including at the Invictus Games in Toronto, but no matter where you run it’s so important to recognise every mile trod is an achievement.

So, what’s next? We have a lot of events planned this year, including two that I’m taking part in.

The first is the Sage Reading Half Marathon taking place Sunday 18 March. We’re proud to partner with this great race which ends with a 15,000-strong crowd cheering you over the finish line in the Madejski stadium.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up and joining our team to take on the 13.1 miles!  If you didn't get a place - or are happier to watch than participate! - you can still offer your support by donating here.  We really appreciate any contribution to help reach our goal of raising $1 Million for charity.

The second fundraising event will be revealed later in the year and will not disappoint. It will be another fantastic event for all our colleagues, partners and customers to get involved. It’s not just for runners, but those that enjoy walking or a gentle jog. More detail to follow on this later in the year so watch this space.

Looking forward to crossing the finish line with you at the Sage Reading Half Marathon on 18 March and raising money for a great cause.