Every year, the folks at
LoadingReadyRun (where I’m assured comedy is taken seriously) embark on a journey of selfless goofery called “
Desert Bus“. In return for donations to the
Child’s Play charity, they sequester themselves and “play” what can barely be classified as a game, non-stop, for almost an entire week.
In over five years, they’ve raised over $700,000 $800,000 to lift the spirits of those undergoing treatment in children hospitals worldwide. It’s a laudable effort, but it is one that takes a toll on those who have to drive a virtual bus across a virtual highway between a virtual Las Vegas and a virtual Tucson. For hours, those brave drivers can only dream of what their legs can do if only they weren’t confined to a sitting position in front of a virtual steering wheel.
I’ve donated to Desert Bus in the past, but this time I seek to do more.
On May 27, 2012, I will be running the
Ottawa Race Weekend Half Marathon. It is a 21km/13m race around scenic Ottawa (that’s the capital of Canada for those who aren’t from where I’m from). This year, I am running for the guys and girls of Desert Bus, because what better way to contribute to a group of well-intended nerds than to do the absolute opposite of what they are doing? At the very least, I’ll be trying to balance out all the sitting they will be doing for Desert Bus 6.
Here’s some further information:
- Yes, I have run a half-marathon before. Exactly one. I ran the Toronto Scotiabank Marathon (also in Canada) in 2011 and finished in 2:28:34
- I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not built as a long distance runner. My sport of choice is Taekwondo, which consists of short bursts of very intense activity. Running a half-marathon is… very different
- I’m aiming to improve on my time this year by finishing around 2:15
If I get $100 in donations, I’ll buy a Runkeeper Elite account (out of my own pocket) so I can broadcast my feeble attempt at exercise for your amusement! [Update: I WILL get a Runkeeper Elite account for live tracking! Thanks to all those who have donated thus far!]- I’ll keep blogging my preparations leading up to the run
For those wishing to donate, I have set up a ChipIn account so you can donate directly to Child’s Play, and I will be submitting the “Running for Desert Bus” proceeds to Desert Bus 6. Every penny donated through ChipIn will be sent directly to Child’s Play, so give away. You’ll be supporting a great cause!
tl;dr: Love the Desert Bus event. I’m running in support of their efforts and contributing to Desert Bus at the same time. I’m running so they can sit and play games.
