On the 26th of May the second, and largest, Bali Hope Ultra Marathon will take place on the island. This year fifteen runners are taking part in the event in order to raise money for Classroom of Hope & Bali Children Foundation. UbudHood has teamed up with Lyndsay Lee as one of her sponsors this year so we sat down to have a chat with her about this epic adventure she’s about to partake in…
Hey Lyndsay, for those who haven’t yet been following your journey here in Bali, can you tell us a little about yourself & what you’re up to here…
Of course! I am a health-based entrepreneur and mentor. In 2015-2016 I lived and worked here on the island and have returned to support the mission behind The Bali Hope Ultra; where a team of 15 of us are running an ultra marathon across the island of Bali. An Ultra is two marathons combined into one; so the length of the run is 84kms. We will start at 6pm in Lovina and overnight we will run from the north to the south of the island, finishing in Canggu. This cause big in size and heart!
Myself and the team aim to raise $100,000AUD to fund primary education for 100 disadvantaged children through our partners Classroom of Hope and the Bali Children Foundation. The thought of 100 children receiving education motivates me endlessly as many children in areas around Bali come from families making less than $2/day and don’t have access to any formal education.
There is so much hope and positivity in this project and I am honoured to be on the team.
What inspired you to run the Bali Hope Ultra?
I’m a fan of physical and mental challenges that push humans to new limits. Running is real for me; challenging, fun and equally restorative for the mind and soul.
I’ve had the desire to run an ultra for years, but timing and opportunity hadn’t aligned until now. Making a difference through positive action and supporting a great cause are things that light me up. The Bali Hope Ultra ties these elements together brilliantly and the cause and NGO partners are incredibly admirable.
Why dedicate yourself to this cause specifically?
Education is the cornerstone for change. It helps individuals thrive and transforms communities.
Education makes new and more sustainable ways of living possible.
I’ve been fortunate to complete schooling through to a Master’s Degree and am thrilled to help provide foundational, and imperative, education to 100 children. Proper education is a human right, something we all should have access to.
An ultra marathon is an epic feat, what have you been doing to train and prepare for it?
I’ve had a pretty specific training schedule (thanks to a professional on the team!) that includes; short-distance speed work outs for stamina and running power, long back-to-back runs for mileage and endurance, hill intervals and cross-training that includes hitting the gym a couple times per week. And right now it also includes a lot of early morning rice field runs to beat the heat!
What do you think will be the most challenging part of this experience for you?
Running any long distance eventually becomes much more about the mind and heart rather than the physical body. The toughest part will be to keep the mind quiet when the body is in pain (think: 12 hours of running!). I am incorporating meditation and positive visualization in my trainings to steady my mind and build an unshakable foundation in my heart. When my legs and mind want to give up, my little zen buddha heart will keep us going.
What is the most rewarding part?
I am a much better person when I’m regularly running. I have running to thank for my healthy relationships and business success, so being a part of this team has been hugely rewarding personally. I look forward to connecting more with our partners Classroom of Hope and Bali Children Foundation, and the community we are supporting through our efforts. Everyone has been outstanding in their contribution to this project so far.
Running is literally changing the world. How cool is that?
The buzz and support around the event has been incredibly beautiful and I am extremely grateful for everyone involved in their different ways. If you’d like to donate (and be entered to win SWEET prizes!) follow the link below!
[See more of Lyndsay’s journey on her Instagram Account: @lyndsaylee]
DONATE TO WIN!
We’ve collaborated with some of the kindest hearted and most generous businesses in Bali to create A SERIOUSLY EPIC RAFFLE! There is over $4000AUD worth of prizes to be won! All you gotta do is donate to this awesome cause- it’s a win/win!
