Meet Luís Martins, the first runner to complete the individual goal with a whopping 1283 KM in less than 3 months. We really appreciate all the effort and dedication that you put into this challenge, Luís 🙂
- In how many Run4aChild editions/challenges did you participate?
I am currently on my 4th challenge! - Do you enjoy participating in the Run4aChild initiatives?
Yes! I really like it and I think it’s an interesting initiative. It’s a great way to encourage people to be more active or less sedentary and at the same time help in remote areas around the globe that experience more difficulties. I confess that I didn’t even know that there were certain problems in areas that we have some of the challenges! - Tell us about your personal experience in the Run4aChild challenges.
I was invited/challenged by my sister to join her team. In my case, I can’t say that it is complicated to reach individual goals! I am a federated athlete with a high weekly training load. A friend of mine who is also participating in the challenge says “KM is my middle name”. I always complete individual goals quickly. Then there is the commitment to help add up more KM for the global challenge and to also help my team reach the team goal. - How/what did you feel when you completed a challenge?
Above all, a huge satisfaction and a sense of well-being in myself. I am able to contribute to helping someone, and I didn’t have to do anything other than what I love to do and do every single day! - Do you think Run4aChild had/has a positive impact on your life?
Of course, just knowing that I am helping someone makes me feel good about myself and also a better person. Each training session is no longer just another session but I approach it with a different determination. - Were there any changes in your lifestyle thanks to your participation?
I can’t say that there have been any direct changes as far as exercise is concerned. I have training plans that I can’t escape. On some days, when I’m more tired I end up going for a recovery walk that in a “normal” situation I might not be able to do, although even that rarely happens because I get bored standing still. The big change that I have had directly from the challenges is that I end up trying to find out about the reality that is happening in a certain place that we are helping. - What is your biggest motivation to join this cause?
To help as much as I can… and since doing that is by doing something I love, it doesn’t even require a big effort! - Would you recommend taking part in the initiative to anyone?
Of course I would. Those of you who are very active like me, just doing something that is already a daily routine, it fills your heart to know that in some way you are bringing a little happiness to someone in a certain part of the world. For those less active, for the same reasons, it’s a good excuse to get out of your comfort zone, and get a “little push” to put on sneakers and seek a healthier lifestyle. - Do you have any advice for Run4aChild future runners?
Don’t be in a hurry to finish the objectives. In the ones I participated in, there was always plenty of time to finish them. If you have very sedentary habits, you shouldn’t give your body a “shock” by suddenly starting to be very active. Our body is used to “habits” and as such, we need to give it time to get used to the change. If you don’t respect it, an activity that should be pleasurable will most likely turn into torture and, in the worst case scenario, you might end up with an injury! I don’t think that anyone wants that! So, take it easy… but go! - Will you join us in the upcoming challenge?
Yes, I hope so. It’s an excellent initiative, keep it up!
Congrats Luís Martins, you are an inspiration to us all!
May this testimonial be motivating to all of you that are participating in the Xodó Challenge.
Keep going, Runners! Just a little extra push as this challenge finishes on the 26th of April. You can do it!
Your Run4aChild Team.