Your Guide to Running for a Cause

When many people consider what they could do to raise money for charity, one of the first options they think of is running. However, not everyone is a natural athlete, and that is okay. To make sure that you are prepared for the toils of running a marathon or a race of a similar length, and to check what you are letting yourself in for, read on.

·      Find the Right Run for You

Firstly, it is important that you find the correct run for you. Otherwise, you might not have an enjoyable experience. For instance, you should think about whether you want to take part in a group run or go it alone, and whether you would like to participate in a competitive run or not. By doing this, you will not end up regretting your decision and slowing down to a walk halfway through the event. You might also want to find an event near you so that you do not have to travel far, or an event that supports a charity that is close to your heart. For instance, if you live in Scotland, you might look into details for an Edinburgh Marathon charity run. These larger runs can help to boost your morale and make you feel as if you are taking part in something bigger than yourself. However, you usually have to register for the event so they know you are coming.

·      Train Regularly

You will not get very far without the proper training, though. You do not want to amp yourself up for the event only to find that you flag at the first hurdle and realise that you are not as fit as you thought that you were. This means that you- and any family members who are also running by your side, such as your kids- need to go for runs regularly, gradually building up to marathon-length runs. This will help you to obtain the stamina that is required, and, in some cases, avoid a medical emergency. Not only this, but training can also make your cause look more serious to potential sponsors and can allow you to improve your health. In some cases, you might want to enlist the services of a personal trainer to help you to achieve your goals.

·      Get Sponsors

However, just because you sign up for a run, this does not mean that you will automatically raise money for the charity in question. In most cases, you will have to go out of your way to find potential sponsors yourself. You might start off with your family and friends, and then expand your reach. You could ask colleagues and get your children to ask at their school. You might also post on social media about the run that you will be going on and request that people support you. If you are going to do so online, though, you should make sure that it is easy for people to donate, and that their bank details are secure.

·      Get the Right Equipment

You or your kids could sustain an injury if you are not wearing the right equipment, though. You might also find that a lack of proper equipment could cause you to be uncomfortable throughout your run and could even leave you feeling ill. This means that you should look around for the best running shoes for you and your children and look at breathable clothing choices.

Georgina Monk

Since leaving university with an English and Creative Writing degree, Georgina has worked as a freelance copywriter, writing articles on everything from business technology to charitable giving. As well as running her own blog and performing in and writing plays, some of which have been staged in local theatres, she also volunteers at historical houses and enjoys getting out into nature.