Scott Blanchard runs for Global H2O
My name is Scott Blanchard. I will be turning 40 years old this year. I am married and a father of two. I am running the Twin Cities Marathon on October 3rd, 2010 to help raise funds for people without access to clean water. I am working with Global H2O, as I grew up with the founder and admire the work they are doing so far.
Running this marathon in October has been about a year in the making. Last summer a friend of mine ran a marathon, the same one I’m going to run, and I did some of the training with him. I’ve always remained in an active lifestyle but this was the first time since college that I had gotten back into any kind of training. I had always said there was no way I would ever run a marathon. I had so much fun that I decided after last summer it was something I should try also.
Support Scott, click here: https://thewildefoundation.sagefundraisingonline.com/scottblanchard
It was good timing, this year I turn 40. For a long time I struggled with that number, seeing my youth slip away. I guess this marathon is taking on the meaning that, I’m not trying to hold onto youth or to hold off old age, but more so that I can show myself I can still accomplish great things no matter how old I am.
Random Acts of Kindness
One of the reason’s for including the fundraising aspect into the marathon is that I am a believer in random acts of kindness. Small things that make other peoples lives a little bit brighter is important to me; holding open a door, saying have a nice day. This is one small way for me to continue this, even though its a bit bigger than holding open a door. I have known James Wilde for most of my life, this is a great thing he’s doing. If I can help even in a small way maybe someone else will see this act of kindness and decide also to be a part of something much more important than themselves. To hold open a door for a better life for someone else.
The Swim Coach
I am a swim coach by profession, I have been around water my entire life. I have seen more water in the past 6 months than I am sure most of these people have seen in their lives. That proportion is a little out of whack. The connection between GlobalH2O and me seems obvious, common denominator = water.
Setting Goals
As someone who works with athletes, I know the importance of setting goals and how vital that is to success. My goals for the marathon are still a bit murky. I’m fairly certain I can finish it so making that as a goal doesn’t really seem high enough. What’s that saying, if you shoot for the stars at least you’ll land in heaven. That being said qualifying for the Boston marathon seems a bit much, I’m hoping in the next few weeks to have a better idea of what a realistic but challenging goal will be for me. As far as for the fundraiser, this being my first opportunity to do something like this I’m hoping to have to redefine my goals because of the overwhelming support I receive.
On Training
Training has already begun for the October 3rd race and I’m hoping that for some; all the miles of running I do, all the hours I put into the training over the next few months will somehow lessen the distance they need to travel to get a drink of water.
The First Test
My first test will be on May 30th at the Stillwater, Minnesota half marathon. We did our first “long Run” on Sunday and it wasn’t to painful. I’m hoping to track most of my runs on facebook through LogYourRun.com. One of the great things about having been an athlete in college, you still have that competative drive. I’m hoping to utilize that during my training. Like I said, this is to show me that accomplishments can come at any age.
Putting Coaching Skills Into Practice
I’m a coach not because the pay is great, but because I get to work with kids. I get to help them discover things about themselves they didnt think neccesarilywere there. Most of the athletes I work withare between 13 and 16, both guys and girls. As you may be able to remember navigating through those waters (notice the annalogy) can be difficult. Teaching them skills such as discipline, goal setting, focus while helping them learn how to make good choices is incredibly rewarding. Getting an athlete to start believing in themselves is one of the hardest things to do, and one of the most important things in my mind. Getting them to believe that if they take that step out on that limb; A) you’ll be there withthem, B) they’ll surprise themselves withthe results. Watching them take that step makes everything worth while.
As I take my first steps down this path. On a journey I’m sure will be more eye opening and educational than I imagine; I hope that those lesson’s I’ve been teaching now for the past 16 years come back to help me. That drive and dedication to ones beliefs allow you to be brave enough to step out on that limb, take a chance to be successful and find your limits.
Again here is the link to my personal fundraising campaign:
https://thewildefoundation.sagefundraisingonline.com/scottblanchard
