Stupidly Tough for Autism NZ

Andrew

Rob

Dave and Miranda

Grace and Andy

I am probably one of the most anti-exercise and pro-junk food people you will ever meet throughout your life. My idea of exercise is dancing the macarena at Electric Avenue and walking to and from the bus stop literally twenty metres from my flat. I hate running, my upper body strength is next to nil, and cycling scares the bejeeses out of me.

However the “middle-age spread” is encroaching on my (slightly less than) bikini-fab body and I need some motivation to get in tip-top shape as my six-pack is melting into a keg.
What better motivation than organising a bunch of people to under a completely silly event, and raise some money for a very worthy organisation close to my heart (Autism New Zealand).

So I though, what about a fancy-dress 5km event? Well some people say “if you can run, then a half marathon is easy”. So I could have signed up for a half-marathon. However, that’s approx 2.5 hours of pain and sweat. And if I’m going to commit to this pain, shouldn’t the stakes be amped up just a tad? Let’s make things really difficult ...

Well okay then. How about a 6km circuit of climbs, barbed wires, runs and pain to the degree of Army-intensity. A lot of pain. And did I mention the mud? In Palmerston North – where farmers live and (I assume) frolic in mudpits and where running 6kms is no big deal.

The Tough Guy and Girl Challenge happens on 16th July at the Linton Army Camp. Yes, that is the middle of winter where water levels are likely to be close to freezing. And, if I needed another reason to do this, it’s sponsored by Waikato Draft. All class. Echoes my bogan motif I’m going for this year.

So together with my team mates, we are going to be undertaking this Stupidly Tough Challenge on behalf Autism NZ. Our team is:
- Miranda Grange (me!)
- David Zander
- Andrew Zander
- Rob Wheatley
- Andy Barnett
- Grace Currie
- Clementine Benjamin

This is a good way to raise some money for a very worthwhile charity: Autism New Zealand. I believe everyone associated with autism, including teachers, families and friends, deserve a pat on the back. While I can’t personally pat everyone on the back, I can pledge to raise as much money as I can for a fantastic organisation who supports these people.

The Occidental in Wellington have come onboard and have donated matchy matchy t-shirts for our team to wear. Awesome. There will be photos.

So, now we need some $$ to make all this worthwhile. Please donate - if you live in NZ it's even tax deductible.