Last year, Rakesh Sinha ran his first ever marathon and raised NT$265,000 for the Community Services Center. But it didn't stop there. He inadvertently inspired an entire team of people to run alongside him, some of whom had not really run long distance before. Amanda Metti is one of these people. Below is an interview with Amanda who is training to run the half-marathon (21km) at the end of the year for the Fubon Taipei Marathon Event.

So, Amanda - what was it that inspired you to start running?

I used to be very active, but over the last few years found juggling work and my Open University degree hard work and unfortunately I started to let the exercise slip a bit. Then last year Rakesh Sinha ran in the Fubon marathon rising funds for the community services centre and I joked with him that I ought to start running. What started as a bit of a joke got me thinking that it really was time that I picked up my trainers again and do some serious exercise. At the same time my husband who has always been an avid cyclist also began training hard again so I thought that’s it no excuses and I began running. So I have to thank my husband and Rakesh for getting me out running.

Did you find it challenging to start running? If so, what was the hardest thing about starting to run?

The hardest thing about starting running was to do the first run. The feeling of dread that you are going to have to put on your trainers and run for at least 40 minutes. The first 10 minutes are always the most difficult and it really is at this point you just want to stop. Once you pass the 30 minute mark and get into a rhythm you stop thinking about your feet and start enjoying yourself.

Where do you like to do your training?

I live downtown so do most of my training in the gym on the treadmill. This means I can easily set myself distance and speed goals. It also means that I can fit my running in between work and study. I have no excuse now not to run as the treadmill is right there.

Do you listen to music while you run? If so, what are your favourite tunes to run to?

I don’t listen to music when I run. I just like to get lost in my own thoughts and sing along to old 80’s songs that pop into my head. I have to say though I do remember some terrible songs from the 80’s so I am not sure whether they are a help or a hindrance when I am running. On race day I just like to soak up the atmosphere of the race and the noise of the people around me. This year though I may plug myself into the ipod as 21km will be the furthest I have ever run so I think I will need all the help I can get.

What do you think the best thing about running is for you personally?

The best thing about running is being part of a team. I have met some great people through the Community Services Running team. They are always very supportive and we have lots of fun on race days especially the cooked breakfast at the end of the run. Running also gives me a great sense of achievement!

Thanks, Amanda for sharing these thoughts with us. Amanda will be training for the half-marathon event over the coming months along with other members of the Center Running Team. This year the team's fundraising focus is to raise money for The Center to replace its phone system. This is a major expense that could not be planned for as the damage to our geriatric system was caused by a recent power outage during routine maintenance. This outage caused our geriatric phone system to explode - meaning that whilst it seems that we are (for the moment) still receiving incoming calls, we are unable to reliably make outgoing calls; including something as simple as “dial one” when contacting an emergency ward of a hospital – something that we do frequently need to be able to do.  We have been advised that we need to replace the whole switchboard and phone sets.   Since our phone system is a lifeline for the whole international community we feel it is extremely important to make sure our phone system is working properly and reliably, all of the time. Of course, this will cost a significant amount of money which is why this is our main fundraising goal for this year's Fubon marathon.

This year there are 14 brave Center supporters running various distances for the Center from 9km all the way through to the full Marathon. These amazing folks are:
Peter Crowhurst (9km)
Jennie-Annabel Crowhurst (9km)
Dorothea Hanke (9km)
Andreas Kuehner (9km)
Sunita Sue Leng (9km)
Anja Serfonein (9km)
Christine Wu (9km)
Hal Falls (21km)
Amanda Metti (21km)
Ekkehard Metz (21km)
Steve Parker (21km)
Albert Kitzer (21km)
Michael Boyden (42km)
Mike DeNoma (42km)
Yao-Nan Tao (42km)
William Ferrell (42km)

Please help to ensure that their pain and effort is not in vain.  This one is urgent…please help. If you would like to show your support for them, please come into the Center and join the Fubon Marathon Pool. Buy a time slot that you think the runner(s) you have nominated to support will finish within and be in to win wine, Center porcelain mugs and lots of other fantastic things.

You can also donate online securely through PayPal (PayPal account not needed) here: www.gofundme.com/TheCenterTaipei

We appreciate your ongoing support!