I planned to train but…

…life got in the way.

For many of us it’s hard to juggle work and personal life as it is without trying to squeeze in another thing like training for the Mini Marathon.

The Mini Marathon is now only 2 weeks away so here a little bit of advice if you haven’t trained yet:

If you haven’t trained and were hoping to run/jog the entire stretch – think about revising your goal (maybe walk sections), start training now and don’t push yourself too hard, you don’t want to sustain any injuries before or even on the big day!

If you were planning to walk, try and add a little walking routine into your daily life starting today. Why not get off the bus a couple of stops early or walk to the shops instead of driving.

Either way, don’t try to force months of training into the last 2 weeks because it may do your body more harm than good and leave you exhausted!

Remember, participation is everything! So whether you walk, run just few miles or sprint the whole thing, know that you are showing your support for women in Sierra Leone and everywhere around the World!

Last chance to enter!

Today is the closing date to register for the Flora Women's Mini Marathon 2009.

Without registering you won't be able to join the race on June Bankholiday Monday and we'd really like to share the experience with you - So get your skates on, or better said your mouse into action and click on https://www.womensminimarathon.ie/registration/enter_step1.asp to register online!

Here just some quick notes on the registration process:

- Age Limit: Participants must be at least 14 on Mini Marathon Day.
- There is no need to mention that you are part of Team World Vision Ireland on you registration page.
- Once you have registered contact us for a fundraising pack, just post a comment here, email ireland@wvi.org or call 01 498 0800.

And don't forget you can fundraise online with Mycharity.ie. Read more about it our website or follow this link to Mycharity.ie.

Evening Herald - Registration forms out on Wednesdays and Saturdays

We spotted in the Herald AM this morning that the registration forms for the Flora Mini Marathon in the Evening Herald are now out on Wednesdays and Saturdays (not Thursdays and Saturdays as before).

So if you haven't registered yet, get your running shoes on and make your way to your nearest newsagent today to get your registration from.

Also, if you get a sec, check out the Evening Herald dedicated mini-marathon section on their website.

So what are we running for?

Many women in Sierra Leone were never sent to school and traditionally don't own any property or animals. Should their husband die or leave them, they are left extremely vulnerable with no way to support their children. Forming women's groups offers support and practical solutions - they are a real life saver.

Let me tell you a little bit more about the Imperi Women's Group:

In 2007 a group of women approached the local primary school teacher. They wanted to learn how to read and write.
At first, they made use of their children's text books and one of the primary school classrooms during the afternoons, but the need for their own texts and facilities grew.

The group approached the World Vision Area Development Manager and explained their wish to support their children with their homework and also to learn numeracy and other income generating skills. With the first round of funding the Imperi Women's Group received their own facilities including a room and storage space as well as equipment such as weaving looms, soap making kits and dying facilities. Besides the vital income generating skills they also learn about hygiene, sanitation and HIV / AIDS. Click here to check out some photos.

Today there are almost 70 women enrolled and there is no stopping the Imperi Women's Group! They want all women living in the area to have the opportunity to join and improve their lives.
But this is difficult for many women as their days are filled with back breaking work to provide for their families. There isn't enough time to walk miles to the learning centre during daylight hours and if they do make it to the centre there is little space for them.

Future funding will firstly go towards an EXTENSION of the existing premises to make room for everyone. Then World Vision and the group will work towards purchasing a VEHICLE to bring women from far & wide to the learning centre and also to take their products to markets where they can be sold to generate income. Also a GENERATOR is needed to bring electricity to the classroom allowing for evening classes that can be attended when the daily work is done.

These are ambitious goals set by inspiring women! With our help they will come closer to reaching their goals; every Euro counts!

Join Team World Vision Ireland today - call 1850 366 283 for your fundraising pack!

Do you need more info about the Mini-Marathon?

Loads of lovely ladies have been calling our office (1850 366 283) to get more information and to put their name down for a fundraising pack....so if you have any initial questions and want to have a chat with us about them, just call - we'd love to hear from you!

Here a link from the Herald.ie regarding the countdown to the Mini-Marathon.

Have a great weekend!

Online Registrations Postponed

Registrations on www.womensminimarathon.ie have been postponed until tomorrow.

We'll keep you updated should there be another change.

Ready....Steady....Register!!!

Welcome to Team World Vision Ireland! We are delighted to have you on board!

Entry forms for the Flora Women's Mini Marathon 2009 are available on-line at www.womensminimarathon.ie from 3.00pm today and in The Evening Herald every Thursday and Saturday.

While you are registering, why not set up your Mycharity.ie fundraising page and let your friends, family and colleagues know how easy it is to sponsor you online! It only takes a few minutes.
To read more follow this link www.worldvision.ie/server.php?show=nav.1361 or make your way directly to Mycharity.ie.


Some quick notes on the registration process:

- Register early to avoid disappointment - the closing date for entries is April 21st or when the maximum number of entries is reached.
- Age Limit:  Participants must be at least 14 on Mini Marathon Day.
- There is no need to mention that you are part of Team World Vision Ireland on you registration page.
- Once you have registered contact us for a fundraising pack, just post a comment here, email ireland@wvi.org or call 01 498 0800.