What does Challenge 7x7 mean to me?

It's not until you take on something like Challenge 7x7 that you fully realise all the positives it brings to your life. For me there is just layer upon layer of magic that comes out of this whole process.
The feeling of helping organisations like SIDS and Kids and the Garvan Institute raise funds to enable them to do the good work they do is just bloody fantastic. I am particularly keen on supporting research into medical problems and right now I think I would just about take on any challenge if it meant finding a cure for Parkinson's disease.
An added bonus in this type of project is that putting myself in a situation where I have to push beyond my limits creates levels of excitement and satisfaction that are difficult to describe. The excitement surrounding the whole lead up to these big events makes me feel like a kid on holidays. As each each event approaches I develop a permanent smile, increasing waves of goose bumps and a feeling full of life. I am never going to win one of these things, for me it is more about being a part of it and having a crack at doing the best I can on the day. Then when it is over I get to enjoy and amazing feeling of satisfaction and pride which continues long after.
If you go down and watch on marathon day you will notice the atmosphere is fantastic. Thousands of people all felling pretty good about themselves. It's great just being amongst it.
Then we come to my bigger vision for these projects which is to inspire people to get out there, participate and get active. Just about every time I enter a marathon or some other event it usually prompts others in my life to enter also. I figure if I can inspire a few people to get out there and be active, and in turn they can inspire a few more, eventually we are going to wind up with a healthier and happier world.
Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, according to the World Health Organisation. The burden of obesity related illness on health care systems worldwide is spiraling out of control. Obesity is associated with a rise in many health problems from respiratory and musculoskeletal problems, to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Not to mention the massive rise in Type 2 diabetes which up until the past few decades was only ever seen in the elderly and is now seen in obese children.
It's no secret that this obesity crisis is simply a function of society's radical and rapid change in lifestyle and nutritional habits. So the solution is equally simple; get out there, exercise more and eat a sensible diet. By doing so, studies also show that you greatly reduce the risk of developing depression. See, a healthier and happier world.
So for anyone who knows they should be getting out and active more, I challenge you to take on a challenge of your own. You will be doing yourself a big favor.