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Connected to Purpose

Martin’s bicycle trip through 10 African countries was the initiation point for a project that would transform his life. After regularly stopping in various small villages to kick rag-tied soccer balls with youth who owned little or nothing else, he discovered that healthy, collaborative, physical activity, “playing” in other words, had a powerful and profound impact on how children were experiencing their lives. The simple act of playing transformed a child’s potential misery into joy. Martin discovered his purpose.

Inspired by Possibility

Eight years ago, Martin ran his first five-kilometer race and it transformed his life. His adult children had left home and he had lost his wife to cancer two years before. In running, he found an outlet that fulfilled him athletically and spiritually. The possibility of connecting his passion for running to his purpose emerged. The idea of raising money for “Right to Play” by running 365 marathons in a single year was born.

Supported by Community

Martin knew that taking on an extreme challenge like he had in mind was not a solitary effort. He would need the support of others in the community if he was going to be successful. The first step was to model responsibility by examining the physical implications of his Marathon Quest. To get the green light, he turned to Dr. Bill Hanlon, a family doctor in Cochrane who has climbed Mount Everest and skied across Antartica, but Hanlon says he thought Parnell’s plan sounded “a little crazy and not really achievable”.

As a compromise, Hanlon suggested Parnell try 250 marathons, allowing him two days rest a week. “There’s a strength and resolve which I think was important not to squash”, Hanlon said. Additional support for Martin includes weekly visits to a chiropractor and a physiotherapist, who donate their time.

Committed to Action

Ideas and inspiration alone are never enough. Martin knew that it would require enormous commitment to push through the barriers in his path. He’s still stiff all the time, Parnell says, but the physical challenge has begun to pale in comparison to the mental taxation. The people who joined him for portions of his first marathons have disappeared. To combat boredom, he photographs scenery. He often stops for ice cream.

The high points are always on Thursdays when he gives a talk at a local school, then runs the marathon in loops around the building. Kids jog alongside him at recess. Many have emptied their piggybanks. Having Canadian kids donate their money to buy soccer balls for African kids means a lot to Martin. Marathon Quest 250 is inspiring a new generation of people who believe in the “Right to Play”.

Location:

Bow Valley Club, 3^rd Floor, Bow Valley Square

205 – 5^th Avenue SW, Calgary

5:00 pm Reception

6:00 pm Speaker

7:00 pm Close

Cash Bar and Light Buffet

Cost:

Category I Members - $25.00 + GST

Category II Members & Nonmembers - $40.00 + GST

To Register

Please note: Because food and beverages are pre-ordered, registration and payment are required in advance.

If we have your credit card information on file, the cost of the meeting will be processed automatically when you register unless you advise otherwise. If you wish to attend and we do not have your credit card information, please telephone your card # and expiry date to Evelyn at 403-850-0072 (confidential voicemail) or fax it to 403-938-1037 (confidential fax). If you prefer to pay by cheque, payment must be received one week prior to the meeting. Cheques can be made payable to the Calgary Association of Professional Coaches and mailed to:

Calgary Association of Professional Coaches

PO Box 899

Okotoks, AB  T1S 1A9

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