So today was the day marked for the ANTARCTICA MARATHON....I would be running right now!

Thursday 7th March

Well the long awaited day of 7th March 2013 arrived...and I would have been 30 minutes into the marathon by now! But I guess God had other plans!

So this morning, I did a gentle run along the Ballito Boardwalk..it was such a beautiful morning!

Beautiful Boardwalk run & the ship in the background!

THANK YOU OneSight for you sponsorship of sunglasses for my 7x7 Journey!

I have been so abundantly blessed by product sponsors, to date I have received a Garmin Watch, Fuji Camera and 12 months supply of 3 supplement form Foodstate SA!

And today I received another hugely generous sponsorship form OneSight South Africa! Thank you Onesight for being apart of my 7x7 journey where my aim is to drive positive change in SA and raise funds for 2 incredible charities!

Here are my new running glasses, perfect for all the marathons I will be enduring and the gliders are perfect for Antarctica Marathon in March 2014! And the Oakleys perfect for running too!

About my journey...

5 weeks to my 1st marathon of 7x7 in 1 year!

In just 5 weeks I will be leaving for Vienna Marathon! And a month after that will be conquering The Great Wall of China Marathon!

So today I began the step training! Great Wall marathon has 5164 steps! And I did a mere 470 today! We have to start somewhere! And did a tough but awesome Kettlebells class!

Antartica Marathon was due to be my first run and was meant to be tomorrow but the ship crashed into an ICE BERG and is damaged - so the trip has been cancelled!

How an ICEBERG has significantly changed my life plans and taught me so much!

So with 1 day to go until I was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime...the news came in that the trip was cancelled as an ICEBERG had damaged the boat!!!

HEre are a few of my thoughts and reflections and Facebook posts though out the day!


At a farewell lunch yesterday Ang and I were talking about how circumstances can change in an instant and if we base our hope in them we are volatile but we we put our hope and faith in God who is a constant regardless of our circumstances we are not moved!!! Thankfully my hope is is God and my world was not too rocked with this news..as I knew God was in control!

A relief in a funny kinda way....crazy but true..today I went to fetch my passport its been at the Czech Embassy getting my visa for Vienna...and it hasn't arrived back yet...it is still at the embassy in JHB and was expected to be released form the embassy today and couriers to Ballito tmr and I was scheduled to leave on the 6am flight on Thurs...oh never a dull moment..thats what makes these journeys exciting and full of suspense :)

Interesting....I was relieved I had taken out travel insurance for my flight etc...our flights to South America are only valid for 2 months so have to be cancelled and the insurance doesn't cover "Acts of God" as a reason for cancellation :) let see how this pans out! I must say...I really feel totally at peace about this whole thing...there are soooooo many positives to the change! God is in total control!!


Ps. A lot of people are asking why I'm not going on the rescheduled trip later in March....its one of my best friends weddings and Im her maid of honour and would not miss celebrating her special day with her...I would regret that for the rest of my life! Life is all about relationships and the loved ones in our lives...yes we do have to disappoint people at times to follow the will of God for our lives......but I don't feel I need to do that this time when I have an option of 2014 and the are sooooo many pros to this change in my 7 x7 schedule!

CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONTANT - EMBRACE IT!!!

Ahhh my sister was planning to surprise me at the airport tomorrow morning with a send off banner and the whole family they would have had to leave PMB at 3:30am….and she's just got back ofmr GHT and moving their in 3 weeks!!!

Yesterday I wanted to buy more time…I got a whole year!!!

Crazy how an ICEBERG can change sooo much!!!!

ANTARCTICA TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO SHIP DAMAGED BY AN ICEBERG....

SO I was due to leave for Antarctica in just 1 days time and this evening I received the following email!
Huge disappointment - but I now God has it all in control!! SO I wait expectantly to see what He has in stall! And unfortunately I can't made the March dates!

We just received a report this morning from the owner of One Ocean Expeditions that the Akademik Ioffe was damged by an iceberg. The ship will return to port in Ushuaia on March 3 to assess the damage. It is unlikely that the necessary equipment is available to safely decide if the ship is seaworthy for the Antarctica Marathon expedition. The Russian owners of the ship want to bring it back to Europe for a more complete inspection and repair.

 

We do not want to have everyone depart on this trip only to find that the voyage must be canceled which is likely. Thus, we must cancel this trip due to the ship being unsuitable for mechanical reasons.

 

We have an alternative offer. The sister ship, the Akademik Vavilov which we have chartered in the past is available for March 26- April 6. We would offer a complete itinerary as follows:

 

March 23 - Arrive Buenos Aires at the Marriott for 3 nights.

March 26 - April 6 - Antarctica voyage - (you get an extra night on the ship)

April 6 - Arrive back in Ushuaia and depart on flights home or extended stays

 

Please respond as follows:

1. Can you accept the new schedule? Yes or No? - Please respond immediately.

2. If you cannot reschedule, check with your travel insurance company about refunds.

3. If you can reschedule - we will give you further details by the end of the day.

 

We project that about 80%-90% of the group will be able to reschedule.

 

We look forward to hearing from you today.

 

Sincerely,

 

Thom Gilligan

Marathon Tours & Travel

Im off to Antarctica in just 2 days!

So in Just 2 days this is what ill be up to.....

In just 3 days I leave for Antarctica...then plan...
28/02 - 6am DBN - JHB
28/02 - 10:40 JHB - SAO (South America)
28/02 - SOA - BA (South America)
02/03 - BA - Ushuaia
02/03 - Ushuaia - the worlds Southern most city!
03/03 - Board the ship!!
04 & 05 - Cross the beagle Channel & Drake passage
06/03 - ARRIVE IN ANTARCTICA!!
07/03 - RACE DAY!!!
08- 10/03 - Travel to PARADISE BAY & Exploring Islands
11-12/03 - Boat trip back to Ushuaia
13/03 - Ushuaia - BA
14/03 - BA - SAO - JHB
15/03 - Arrive Back in JHB & back to Durbs!!!!!!

Last week I was totally spoilt by 3 product sponsors for my journey! Garmin, Foodstate and Fujifilm! A huge thank you to all 3 sponsors!!

If you would like to contribute to making a difference in South Africa and be apart of seeing SA RESTORED, please see the attached!

10 days to go....and Im off to run a marathon in Antarctica!

I leave for Antarctica Marathon unjust 10 days!

Have a look at the article posted on Runners world!

http://www.runnersworld.co.za/motivation/inspiring-people/a-journey-of-passion-and-purpose-the-starting-line/

Lara's Run....by Mike Irwin

Lara plowed on through the snow
on and on not far to go
she cheered herself with that thought
as on and on she fought
to make it home
and get her place
the first step in her race,
inspired from Heaven
to do her magnificent seven.
On and on she plowed
each step through the white cloud
and sky of green
with not a penguin to be seen
When she felt the touch of grace
and felt a soaring soul
and lift of pace
To the end she rallied
and still with her carried
her hopes, and for others too
Lara's inspiration
dripping in perspiration
But noble and True
Lara smiled her put her head down
She still has work to do

My dream is becoming a reality!

Thursday 31st January 2013 - Jan 2013 Mileage 257km!

What an incredible start to the day! I was up at 4:45 and off at 5:15 to meet Harry at the running club for our weekly Zimbali beach run! It was the most exquisite morning!

Stunning morning 

Exquisite morning...the view just before sunrise!

Me....

Harry my running partner!

I have the best running partner in the whole wide world! Harry you are such an inspiration to so many of us! Harry is 71 years old, he started running just 6 years ago when he retired, he has completed the big 5 global marathons, New York, Boston, Chicago, London & Berlin! As well as Great wall of China, Venice and in November he was the oldest person to run the Antarctic Ice Marathon! And is now on a mission to complete a marathon on all 7 continents with just 3 left Africa, South America & Australia! Harry thank you for all your support, wisdom, guidance and encouragement these last 2 years, and for helping me make my dream of 7x7 become a reality - it is an absolute privileged to train with you!!

On our beach run we saw a yellow billed kite scouting around for some food and then to took off in front of us!!

Once again it was a magical morning beach run!!

 Also very exciting today I booked my flight to Europe for my Vienna marathon!!!

Hope you having a great week
Lara

Yikes...just 29 days to go..

Wednesday 30th Jan 2013 - Wonderful 10km hills workout with Harry!

We powered up the hills and jogged leisurely on the downs and flats! It was a great workout!
Then I hopped into the Thompsons pool for a quick 4 lengths to loosen up the muscles!
It was a lovely cool, overcast morning!

Thompsons Bay, Shakas Rock

30 days to go and I'm off to Antarctica to run a marathon!

Tuesday 29th January 2013 - 30 days to go til I leave for Antarctica!

Training:
A rushed start to the day...I turned my alarm off at 4:30am when I was meant to get up and turned over and went back to sleep and woke up at 4:50am (I meet the runners up the hill at 5am)! So I pulled on my kit, grabbed a quick coffee and a banana and flew up to the "speed track" (our local shopping centre car park!!) and hit the track with Harry and Tammy!

We did  couple of warm up laps and then did 6 x 800m and I really enjoyed it as always! We did each 800m in about 3m45 seconds.

Thought for the day from my daily reading: (1 Samuel 1:7;10-11)
Hold onto your dreams which God has put on your heart - be determined and do not give up in the face of difficulties - God is faithful! God will answer the cries of a pure, desperate heart. God looks at our hearts. Our actions are important, but He looks beyond them to the motives and intentions of our hearts!

I had a really productive day today - I contacted quite a few potential corporate sponsors! Booked Vienna accommodation & started my Life Purpose Coaching course! And in the evening I joined a new cell group which I really enjoyed!

Have an awesome day
Lara

47 days to go and I will be running a marathon on Icy Antarctica!

Saturday 19th January - 25km coastal training run 5am - 8:10am!

Just 40 days to go until I leave for Antarctica! Please sponsor my Icy Run for a great cause - all funds go to Oceanites to protect pristine Antarctica! http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

I was up at 4:30am and on the road at 5am! We ran to Christmas Bay in Sheffield and then along the boardwalk to Zimbali and back home!

ALways nice to meet fellow Dolphin Coast Striders on the road!

Storks crossing!

Beautiful Sheffield coast line

It was wet wet wet - we were drenched but very happy!

Happily running in the rain!

Beautiful boardwalk

Creative Beach art by the local guys!

Wet wet wet!

Cheeky monkey popping in for a beer!

7 weeks today I am running the Antarctica Marathon!

Thursday 17th January 2013

Awesome 16km sunrise run this morning! In just 6 weeks I leave for Antarctica and in exactly 7 weeks today I will be running a marathon on Antarctica to raise finds for Oceanites to protect the beautiful pristine continent & its wildlife! To sponsor click here: http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

We ran along the boardwalk at sunrise, then 5km on the Zimbali beach then up the huge Ballito drive hill & down Simbithi drive! What a stunning run! Thanks Harry & Sarah!

Fun in the sun on our run

Mmm how to cross without getting our takkies wet!

Beautiful sunrise in Ballito

On the way back we just walked right through we were so hot and full of sand!

50 days today I will be running a marathon on Antarctica

Wednesday 16th January!


NEWS
What a day! Just 50 days to go and I will be running a marathon on Antarctica!

I am running this icy 42.2km to raise funds for Oceanites and to enable me to have a 2013 Antarctica marathon entry so that I can compete a marathon on each continent this year. I am taking up this challenge of 7x7 to inspire and motivate people to live their dreams, take up a challenge and change a life! All other marathons will be done to raise funds for 2 charities in South Africa which are close to my heart and take are of the widows and orphans! The charities are LIV Village and Vision 153.

SUPPORT & SPONSORSHIP
I have received R1200 of sponsorships today from Ang & Sharon!

What wonderful note from a friend who I studied with at Gibs which read:

"My favourite quote from a poem by Langston Hughes, written in my autograph book by one of my teachers when I left primary school is: 'hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams should die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly' ... You are certainly not a broken winged bird, but a true inspiration.... An example of holding fast..... Good luck and keep us posted..."

Thank you Sharon for your sponsorship and encouraging message!

Other highlights from today:
My AFRICA marathon has been entered - Vic Falls in Zimbabwe on 14th July 2013!

ANTARCTICA NEWS:

http://www.travelpulse.com/silver-explorer-damaged-in-antarctica-cancels-jan-21-cruise.html

44 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

Tuesday 15th January 2013

44 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

I am taking up the challenge of running a marathon on all 7 continents this year to inspire people to live their dreams & passions, take up a challenge and change a life to see South Africa Restored!  

And first up is the Antarctica marathon on 7th March 2013! Yikes!

On Tuesdays a bunch of crazy Dolphin Coast Striders runners turn our local shopping mall "LifeStyle" parking lot into a track for some speed work!

Today Harry and I did 6 x 1200m! 

Harry and I at our "track" Lifestyle shopping centre

And I received a R500 sponsorship today for Debs birthday campaign - thank you so much to Debs, John & Cheryl!

Whoo hoo and another R300 sponsorship from Jakes with classic message "You are crazy and inspiring!" 

Oh and another R500 today, thank you so much Jen and her message "You are an inspiring & and amazing woman La! Well done" which took us to the R50 000 mark!

So far we have raised R50 137 for Oceanites and need to raise a further R56 113!

If you would like to support this great cause please click here:

http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

Have a great Tuesday

Lara

45 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

Monday 14th January 2013

45 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

I am taking up the challenge of running a marathon on all 7 continents this year to inspire people to live their dreams & passions, take up a challenge and change a life to see South Africa Restored!  

And first up is the Antarctica marathon on 7th March 2013! Yikes!

Its the beginning of a new week of training! Last week I completed 58km and 8 hours of exercise!

Mondays are my cross training days! So I have just been down to the Thompsons tidal pool which is 90M long and I did 900m (10 x 90m lengths) It is the most beautiful day on the north coast today! And still quite a few holiday makers around! The water was warm and I really enjoyed my swim!

Beautiful day on the North Coast, still quite a few holiday makers!

Thompsons 90m Tidal pool - I did 10 lengths today in 30 mins!

The view from the far end of the tidal pool!

Me enjoying my swim

Phew - what an awesome kettle bells session today! Killer session - I haven't been for a month cause of all my travelling and it was brilliant to be back!! 

And exciting I had another R100 and message " Go for it!! Awesome goal :)" come in for for Oceanites (www.oceanites.org) charity as sponsorship for my run! Thank you to the the McWilliams family for contributing to Debs birthday!

And another amazing generous donation of R1500 and awesome message "Absolutely humbled by your passion and awesome adventure!" from Riedwaan - huge thank you! So now total raised R48 837 and still to go R57 413....almost there!

Debs has kindly donated her birthday to Oceanites to help me raise funds to get to the Antarctica Marathon..please send debs a birthday wish! http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

Anyways I'm off to bed I have at 4:20 start to be at the Lifestyle "track" at 5am!

Your in running!
Lara

46 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

Sunday 13th January 2013

46 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

I am taking up the challenge of running a marathon on all 7 continents this year to inspire people to live their dreams & passions, take up a challenge and change a life to see South Africa Restored!  

And first up is the Antarctica marathon on 7th March 2013! I leave in 48 days! Yikes!

Since I had completed my weekly mileage on Saturday this week, I had a much needed rest day today!

And exciting I had another R3350 come in for for Oceanites (www.oceanites.org) charity as sponsorship for my run! Thank you to the Bailey family and Sanel from Transforming Hearts Coaching! So total raised to date is R47 237 and still needed is R59 013!

I am running this marathon to raise funds to save our world oceans and wildlife, if you would like to sponsor my 42.2km on icy Antarctica please click here: 

http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

Have a wonderful week

Lara

47 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

Saturday 12th January 2013

47 days to go til I leave for an epic world adventure of a marathon on each continent!

I am taking up the challenge of running a marathon on all 7 continents this year to inspire people to live their dreams & passions, take up a challenge and change a life to see South Africa Restored!  

And first up is the Antarctica marathon on 7th March 2013! I leave in 48 days! Yikes!

I am running this marathon to raise funds to save our world oceans and wildlife, if you would like to sponsor my 42.2km on icy Antarctica please click here: 

http://www.givengain.com/activist/74673/projects/4110/

Saturdays are long slow run (LSR) training days! So today was no different even though it was raining! I was up at 4:30am to have my cup of coffee and peanut butter toast to be at the entrance of Santorini at 5am to meet Harry! We ran along the coast to Christmas Bay in Sheffield and back again and then past Santorini along the boardwalk to Salmon Bay and back along Compensation road and Ocean road!

Our run along the Dolphin Coast to Christmas Bay and then to Salmon Bay!

Harry with Christmas Bay in the background

"Refuelling at Caltex"

Me in Sheffield!

Harry and I loving our run in the rain!

The blue team!

Curious little monkeys en route!

Harry and I on the boardwalk!

Even Mr Wooly Necked Stork was out and about this rainy morning!

Salmon Bay...the fishermen weren't happy with the seas this morning!

Ahhh nothing better than getting home to the best running recovery drink a  chocolate Super M!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Your in running!

Lara