Marathon Chronicles: C is for Cookie, That's Good Enough for Me

Time and again I have told every single person I know that my sister makes the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies in the world. In fact, when I retire early at 40 and open up a café, her cookies will definitely be behind the counter for people to order. I don't care where she is in terms of her career when that happens; she needs to drop everything and come work for me and get paid a nominal amount because we're family. I jest. But seriously, her cookies are incredible: moist, chewy (just the way I like it) and chockfull of chocolate chips. In fact, I reckon there would be more chips on those cookies now that my brother and I aren't there to help ourselves to the bag prior to baking.

So why am I talking about my sister's cookies? Recently, she and my brother's girlfriend baked a massive batch of the cookies to sell at their weekly market stall in Singapore. Not surprisingly, they sold heaps. And, being the fantastic people they are, they donated their earnings to my fundraiser for CREATE Foundation!

The fundraising cookies

I am so humbled by the support that people have shown towards the fundraiser for my first marathon. Efforts such as these truly inspire me to make sure I reach the finish in September, and they definitely provide me with the push I need to get going. Many thanks to my sister and Denvie, and to everyone who has contributed to the fundraiser so far. I really appreciate all your support.

As for training, I'm planning an LSD run tomorrow, and augmenting my self-made, experimental program with much needed cross training and strength. Yesterday, I became a member at my local gym (open 24 hours!) and went for my first session this morning. It was a great break from the running, which to be honest, was starting to feel very much like a chore. Don't get me wrong; I love to run, but what was missing was all the cross training I used to get from mountain biking while I was in the Philippines. The gym allows me to recharge my running batteries, and gives me a chance to strengthen my body holistically, which I'm very happy about. It was interesting being on a spin bike this morning--pedalling while watching the news--two activities I've never done simultaneously before. Until this morning. First time for everything.

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser for my first marathon, please visit my fundraiser site by clicking here. There you can see more information about the organisation I'm running for, CREATE Foundation. All your donations go directly to them. Thank you!