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Arwen Anderson

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Help me reach my goal of $1,600

My Challenge is to Run 13 kilometres EVERY DAY FOR 10 DAYS IN 2024

bg my challenge

My challenge is uncomfortable for me because...

This target is more and more often than I usually run - I will need to push against my boundaries to make it so. It will remind me to be grateful for what I have, and be generous to those who aren't so lucky (all of my problems are first world ones!)

It also creates an opportunity to raise awareness of how homelessness impacts people. For me to be uncomfortable for a little bit of time over 10 days is nothing compared to homelessness that often has no clear end date in sight.


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$1,600

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My Updates

Day 10: To the Moooooon!!!!

Tuesday 29th Oct
The
Last
Day

All up I've done 146.66 km in the last 10 days. That's including my runs, and a few extra with little E to get his challenge done. 7 of 10 days I ran on my own, 5 of those along the same route. All but the first run started around 5.30ish am.Overall I'm just so happy with how the challenge turned out. It was suitably uncomfortable (sometimes downright shitty), but rewarding on so many levels.

I feel like each day was a practice in gratitude. Good days I got to dwell in just being, being able to run, being able to see the gorgeous sunrise, being able to get hard shit done. Bad days I got to find strength I didn't realise I had, look for the good so I could turn my frown upside down, troubleshoot challenges to come out on top.

I feel like this experience has shifted my outlook ever so slightly. The reframe and new perspective is delightful. It has shoved me toward positivity and good things. My dad often says 'do good things' and it's a thought that has come up often in my musings. I feel like somehow this ticks the list.

And don't get me started on little E. As a non-runner, I've been really proud of him getting through 20ks. He hasn't complained once, despite not really wanting to do the last few days (he got pretty tired!). This has been a magical opportunity to talk about what is possible when you set your mind to it, how to overcome challenges, how strong we can be, and how valuable support is to get through tough times. He is an absolute champion!

Finally, I am so grateful for all the support I've received. My family and chosen family for soooo much encouragement, the Rebels for starting waaaay earlier than usual and keeping me company for a few runs, and all the other friends and colleagues who showed support through kind words and donations. At the end of the day it was all started by Nedd as being a way to raise awareness and funds for those experiencing homelessness, so I'm grateful that we have been able to contribute to that cause.

Thank You!!!!!!!!

Day 9: The penultimate lap

Monday 28th Oct
Everything about today was hard, but isn't that what this is all about? I felt every single one of the 97km I've gone this week in my feet every step of the way today.

I usually have 2 pairs of shoes on the go at the same time - they are generally the same make and model, sometimes even the same colour (if they fit, I don't worry about the colour). As usual, I've got two that are supposedly exactly the same. I've done 405km in one and 430km in the other. I can assure you that despite their similarities, one pair is a far sight better than the other as far as blisters are concerned. I had the better shoes on today and still felt every step. Going around turns was the worst.

It made me reflect on the challenges of running around and around and around an oval. I get that Nedd had professionals around him to help manage the damage to his feet, but you must get to a point where a win is just stopping it from getting any worse or simply shredding. He was there.

His team have been sharing some information in this last week about his injuries. My relatively minor challenges pale in comparison. Getting over this kind of stuff is a mindset, mind over matter, stubbornness, a will to follow through despite things getting tough... These skills he is encouraging people to hone are ones that transfer well to the rest of life.

It's been magical to see my son going on this journey too, and picking up some of these skills. Whilst his reflections aren't as fully formed or mature, they are perfect for his age. He is learning the value of doing something hard, stepping outside his comfort zone, giving to and caring for others, sticking to it, how to find his way through the tough times, being proud of his achievements... and the list goes on.

Day 8: 2 more...

Monday 28th Oct
The world must sleep in on Sundays! Normally I see a few people out and about and get the pleasure of wishing them a good morning. This morning I was at least 5k in before I passed anyone.

I chose a different route today with more elevation. It was lovely to have the variation and find different things to be grateful for. Some way in I arrived at a railway crossing just in time for the longest and slowest freight train... ever. I reckon I could have walked faster than it was going! At the end of the day it was a great opportunity for catching my breath and doing more than a few takes of a video about the merits of this journey.

Once home, I was able to sit in the backyard and take it all in with a jug of Nedds Choccy Milk. Ah, the serenity :)

Oh, and LOL... my watch also said I have now earned the Rise & Grind badge for doing an activity between 4 and 7am for 7 consecutive days.

Day 7: late night, early morning

Monday 28th Oct
I got out and did the do, but they don't call this a challenge for nothin! V had his end of season gala last night so I had a much later night than planned (thank goodness I showed restraint with the bevvy's). Had to hit the road early so we could make it to my niece's birthday party. On top of that, I paused my watch at a drink stop and forgot to start it again... so I had to add a half a km to make sure my watch showed at least 13k at the end, ugh!

That being said, the music was good, the weather was good, pace held steady and found some rhythm. By lunchtime I was feeling good about all that I accomplished so far (and very happy that I am not doing 128km every day!). E had a great run with his cousin, and that definitely lifted spirits as well.

Day 6: Rebel Run

Friday 25th Oct
Today was great!!! The gang got up early to join me on my run, the support was just amazing. We even got to see Delilah x. They put up with getting lost a few times on the brand new route, and helped jiggle with the end to get us back without doing too much extra (thanks Jim!)
On the run we passed Hutt Street Centre and said hello to a few people who might get supported by We Are Mobilise down the track. It was a timely reminder!

One of the Rebels suggested I put a pic up of my feet (sorry!) because it would certainly tick the box for uncomfortable. I usually carry a few blisters, but during this daily challenge they just aren't getting any rest. It's likely I'll need to drain a few tomorrow!

And lastly, shout out to my beautiful husband. Thanks for supporting both me and our son on our challenges, and being the most amazing dad and husband we could ever want.

Day 5: Half Way!!!!!

Thursday 24th Oct
I went to be early, had a better sleep, and a much more positive run. I took a page out of Enoch's book and use the distraction of headphones. A little bit of rhythm and beat to get things moving. I am surprised at how well the recovery between runs has been, and how 'up for it' my body is.

As I was running I reflected on the days so far, the ups and downs. It all seems to follow what I saw of Nedds challenge. He did more than 10 times what I'm doing each day. When I think about multiplying my body feels and thoughts by a factor of 10 I can only say it's amazing what he did. It's made even more amazing as I'm sure it was more likely exponential than multipliers.

Yesterday I could hear the song 'Imagine' in my mind as I was trying to turn my thoughts to positive. Today I came across a beautiful little park dedicated to peace on earth and gratitude. Seems like there is a resonance... I'm really looking forward to the rest of this challenge.

Day 4: 13k run

Wednesday 23rd Oct
Today was tough. Tough to get out of bed, to get started, to keep going, to get my head in the right place... I was focusing on yesterday and why it made today hard. The extra distance and the running support for Enoch during his own challenge that added km to my day causing a tough morning.
A few km in I asked myself why I don't focus on what is good and what can happen rather than what's not going well, and was able to turn 'tough' into something more positive. I get to run, I get to do something I've never done, I get to be sore (in a good way), I get to support my son on such a challenge, I get to spread the word about helping those in need...

I get to!

(p.s. Sarah, the flowers are for you, they were the turning point for me this morning... Sorry Michael, it wasn't Rocky)

Day 3: Rebel run

Tuesday 22nd Oct
Was planning to take it a bit easy, but Simon came out to give me some company this morning. Running with others often results in a bit of pace creep, so we went faster than expected this morning - nothing like a bit of discomfort to get us through the uncomfortable challenge 🤣.

Day 2: 13k Run

Monday 21st Oct
For the first time EVER I've backed up a long race with a decent run. It was hard, but not as hard as I expected it would be. Along the way I stopped off to use the loo. Unfortunately it was pretty grimy, and stall by stall I couldn't find any TP... I was getting worried when the very last stall had some TP behind the door (whew!). This got me thinking about how lucky I am to have a home and all the creature comforts that provides (clean toilet, plenty of TP, shower that I don't need to share with others, warmth, etc).
Finished the run feeling extremely grateful!

Oh, and finished up by smashing a Nedds :)

Day 1: McLaren Vale Half Marathon

Monday 21st Oct
This run has been scheduled for over a year, and just happened to coincide with the start of the Uncomfortable Challenge. I managed to get the announcer to mention the challenge as I crossed the finish line (thanks to the NUC shirt). It was great to see some familiar faces on the course, and grab lunch with a great group!

I'm also very excited to say that little E has decided to join me (he will be doing 2k each day). I've registered a team so we can do it together.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$125

Ledell Zellers And Simon Anderson

This is for Arwen and Enoch! You both rock!!

$116.05

Inspired

Inspiring stuff - Keep up your great work! :)

$105.50

T & B

To an amazing woman - who brings light to our life but also to others. You are an inspiration. You've got this

$100

Kanga

$52.75

Arwen Anderson

$52.75

James Corbett

Go for it legend!!! 💪🏴‍☠️

$52.75

Marie

Be uncomfortable and change the world.

$52.75

Michael Roberts

$52.75

Dougal Currie

Well done Arwen. Great perseverance for a worthy cause.

$44.31

Annette & Craig

Champion

$26.38

Minette Emery

Inspiring Arwen 🙌

$21.10

Simon

Great cause mate. Often think about people who are homeless, see so many these days

$21.10

Lo

You both are Champions!

$15

Caleb Addison

Woohoo! Good luck!

Our Team

ALL DONATIONS GO TO MOBILISE TO HELP PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

Mobilise is committed to doing impact differently, channeling funds directly to those who need it most. Their vision is bold: to transform the lives of 10,000 people experiencing homelessness by 2030 through their innovative programs. With five groundbreaking initiatives launched since 2023, they're just getting started. Every dollar you give brings Mobilise closer to this vision, helping to build a future where no one has to sleep on the streets.

Join us in making this vision a reality. Lesssgo!

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