I consider myself something of a paradox in my approach and attitude towards life…
I am very logical in my planning and organisation of all things around me, yet I am often highly spontaneous in my decision-making and in embracing my adventurous nature. It is something that puzzles yet pivots me perfectly between order and disorder on a weekly basis.
This coiled contradiction within me sprung to life again this week.
Whilst watching the mens’ Olympic Triathlon, within which Team GB’s Brownlee brothers podiumed (yes, ‘podium’ is now a verb) with gold & bronze on Tuesday morning, I felt compelled to get back into my fitness game and possibly tackle a triathlon myself in the near future. Just a fleeting thought that I shared with a friend before grabbing another handful of nachos and flicking over to watch another event during the London 2012 gold rush…
However, later that day whilst floating around Facebook I spotted an Amnesty International advert for last-minute discounted entries for the London Triathlon… Taking place next month! Needless to say my interest was aroused, and I threw an email straight through to Amnesty’s fundraising rep to find out more. It turns out they were happy to pay my full entry fee as long as I was able to meet a lofty target of £400 in fundraising!
Ah. This is where that familiar reality of logic clashed with the spontaneity of desire, with the realisation that I had only 6 weeks to train for a triathlon and to raise £400 in funds! And all to be fitted in between working two jobs and, of course, a highly distracting social life…
So this demanded some consideration, however I knew that once the seed had been planted there was little chance of turning down the opportunity lest I feel a huge sense of regret come the day of the event on September 22nd…
So the race against time has commenced. My registration has since been submitted, training buddies have been recruited, and OperationChase has begun.
I hope to and intend upon reaching the £400 fundraising target, of which I shall split 30/70 between the local Sheffield Amnesty Group that I work with and the Amnesty International UK Charitable Trust respectively…
I’m sure you’re aware of the admirable work that Amnesty do in fighting for human rights worldwide, and they continue to protect people wherever justice, fairness, freedom, and truth are denied. We would love and much appreciate any donation you can contribute to the cause.
Here’s my justgiving page…
www.justgiving.com/DanielJB
Thank you.
Daniel Bowen
