There's a strange phenomenon that seems to surround every charity challenge which usually I don't worry too much about but recently its begun to bother me. Greatly. And I need to vent a bit. So here goes:
Most people sign up to a challenge to raise a few quid for a chosen charity, maybe to try something different or do something outside of their normal day-to-day lifestyle or even undertake something completely bonkers. I've certainly done all of the above and probably will repeat the pattern in the future too!
As you may know I'm doing a "100 Miles in October" challenge for Cancer Research UK and a week or so in I'm fairly happy with the distance covered and very pleased with the funds raised so far. I'm a member of the Facebook group who are all doing the challenge and update relatively regularly on there as well as my personal page(s) and this Blog too of course.
But - and here is why my irk is ired (is that even a thing? It is now! OED take note and add.....) The Group seems to have its usual collection of d!ck heads, bel1 ends and willy-wagglers.
You know the types - those who cannot wait to flash some bigger stats in everyone's collective faces.
For example: Person A updates "I've managed to do 3 miles today!"
and Mr D!ck Head responds "Pfftttt.. I did 143.67 before breakfast"
Or: Person B updates "I'm finding it tough to get sponsors"
and Ms Bel1 End responds "I raised a billion in my sleep"
Or the worst of the lot: Person C "Is it OK to count steps/start early/extend the time/take my dog and or child/use a treadmill"
to which Mx Willy-Waggler replies "How dare you break the rules! It is explicitly a challenge for October! You must walk! On your own! You must do it outside! You must do it as specific and measurable activities!"
News Flash - there is no such thing as the Challenge Police. Almost all of these charity fundraisers are designed to be inclusive, set up to be self regulating and most of all, are to raise a few dollars towards a worthy cause. It really does not matter how you do it or when you do it. No ones coming round your house to check. Or demand copies of your Strava or FitBit (other devices and trackers are available) Or make you go back out, with a stop watch and whistle and do "extras"
If you are one of those people who genuinely can knock off a marathon during your lunch break then a "100 miles in a month" event is probably not for you - go sign up for an Ultra event or an Iron Man or summat else entirely. But do not dare to criticise, belittle or in any other way denigrate others who may not be as athletic as you. That's just rude. In fact, worse than rude, its a narcissistic bully-boy behaviour.
Wow - that got a bit heated didn't it but reading peoples posts as to their reasons for undertaking the challenge, their own struggles and stories of bereavement and loss, and exceptional courage, gives me a huge sense of pride to be in their (virtual) company and just makes these idiots comments all the more fatuous and irritating.
So - in summary, be kind, be supportive, do what you can, don't be a dick, and generally have some fun with whatever your event may be.
Here's a few pictures from my last week or so wanderings.
And remember, always, You do You, hun x
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