Enter Hamilton Half, support Family Centre

I never knew it was possible to exercise, talk and put plans in motion whilst exercising. I can multi-task with the best of them, but had you told me last year that I could do more than just exercise at once (without forgetting to breathe and thus keel over) I'd have laughed at you.

Last week, while I wobbled about on the Bosu ball in a half squat with thighs a-burning, I talked with my Advance trainer Lynsey Graham about recruiting other people to be part of the teams entering events in the Hamilton Half Marathon in October.

Not only had I successfully managed to get on the Bosu ball (those things are sent to try even the most mildly uncoordinated people), but I was staying on the board while talking. Granted, I couldn't take my eyes off the spot on the floor I had trained my eyes on to help with my balance but I was engaged in conversation nonetheless. Never mind sitting around a boardroom table; give me a planning session in a gym any day!

Given Advance Wellness and Hamilton News are both sponsors of the Hamilton Half Marathon -- and the fact that Lynsey and I are being coached to improved our running technique by Advance podiatrist and running coach Kate Caetano - we'd already committed to taking part and we've managed to convince several of our colleagues to take part too.

But Lynsey had a bright idea: why not see who else wants to join us and help raise money for a local charity at the same time?

"Can you think of a worthy charity?" Lynsey asked.

"Hmmm ... there are a few that spring to mind," I replied, trying to get off the Bosu ball (possibly harder than getting on!).

As Lynsey directed me to my next exercise station -- ball slams -- I mulled over local charities that I'd reported on.

Amid ball slams and with my arms starting to burn, the Waikato Family Centre came to mind and told Lynsey about the work they do.

I had met their nurse manager Maureen Speedy earlier this year when I spoke to her for a story that would promote a family fun day fundraiser for the centre.

I'd heard about the work the centre does for new parents from other people, but it was humbling to hear first hand just how much they help families in our community with a kaleidoscope of issues from a lack of milk supply, breastfeeding difficulties, sleeping trouble and settling, anxiety and post-natal distress or depression. Regardless of the situation, the centre offers practical and non-judgmental advice and support.

Waikato Family Centre helped 942 families last year and of those families many visited multiple times, adding up to thousands of visits. This year that figure will reach more than 1000 families.

The work the centre does is invaluable but the financial burden it carries is heavy. Every year for the past five years or so, the centre has run at a loss of about $38,000. Fundraising is constant to ensure the centre's doors remain open.

The centre relies on funding from corporate donations, the ministries of Health and Social Development, ad hoc donations from visitors and their extended families and various grants they apply for regularly.

Despite the centre's grim financial situation, no one is ever turned away. And while Maureen draws a wage, she regularly puts in time in her own time in the evenings, taking classes for teen parents and for mothers working through post-natal distress.

Incredibly humble and modest, Maureen plays down her contribution to the centre, saying it's never felt like work to her in the 20-odd years she's worked at the centre.

So, it was decided. The combined Advance Wellness and Hamilton News team will be running for the Waikato Family Centre on October 2. We'll be raising money for them, seeking sponsors and donations. And, of course, if you want to join the team you're more than welcome to do so.

We've set up a Facebook page so you can track our fundraising, join the team and meet up with other team members for training runs.

Meanwhile, back on the Bosu ball, Lynsey says "maybe we should dress in theme". It was then I remembered the adult nappies and giant dummies I'd seen in one of those dollar stores in town. I might be able to balance on the Bosu ball while I'm talking but it's bloody hard when I'm laughing.

Adult nappies may be a tad uncomfortable to run in but we're not above running with dummies around our necks, wearing bibs or putting cute widdle bows in our hair.

If you want to join the team, head over to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/600789846755271/or search for 'Running for Waikato Family Centre'. BYO dummies and bibs!