A new Runeller project – #5kRMJchallenge

We are three ex-colleagues, friends and hobby runners, who decided to face a challenge, work hard and succeed! We are Rafael, Matej and Jan and this is our challenge for autumn 2022.

WHAT is “5kRMJ-Challenge22”

It’s a challenge about running a distance of 5K and improvement. The challenge starts on 1^st September and closes on 6^th November.

During the first two weeks of September each of us will run a 5K distance at a specific location in Prague 4, cycling path “Branik” (we all run at the exact same location!). Our goal within the next few weeks of training will be simple – improve! We will adjust our training, habits, and life and at the beginning of November we will repeat the 5K, with the ultimate goal to finish better!

WHY?
We all 3 like facing challenges and even more we love succeeding in them. We are ambitious and committed, on the other side we are just like any other normal human being who loves running & sport and who wants to improve the quality of their life. Constant improvement is what motivates us!

In addition, we love helping others and we love to see that our actions have a higher meaningful purpose.

WHO are we?

Rafael Montesinos – a world citizen. Born in Panama to Scottish-Spanish parents, holder of three passports, married to an Italian, raising two international kids, who used to live all over the places (Dubai, Prague etc.). Used to train in the most difficult conditions (heat, humidity, cold, frost). Full of positivism, great vibes, energy! Likes to improve, get better, loves challenges!

Motto: “Dare to change!”

Current 5K PB (31 Aug 22): 23mins, 30 secs (pace 4:41 min/k)

Goal November: 22min, 22 secs

Matej Šemšej – Runeller. Used to travel and run the world for charity. Wrote a book about his travels. Loves different cultures, places, Mother Earth. An #ASICSFrontRunner for Czech Republic, a triathlete, a writer and a “Human Resourcer”. Loves running for the peace in mind running gives him, also for the great inspiring ideas which pop into his mind while running.

Motto: “You don’t have to be dying to start living.”

Current 5K PB (03 Sept 22): 20mins, 17 secs

Goal November: 19mins, 19 secs

Jan Polívka – a superb machine. Does everything with 200%. Strong in commitment and execution. Even stronger in leadership – a leader with L. His mind tends to sprint like Usain Bolt – lots of innovation! Lost almost 20 kilos in 3 months thanks to strong will and intermittent fasting. A reborn triathlete who is faster than ever before!

Motto: “Every day brings new opportunities.”

Current 5K PB (15 Sept 22): 21 mins, 10 secs

Goal November: 19 mins, 59 secs

WHOM WE SUPPORT?

This challenge is not about running and improving our 5Ks only. This challenge is also about supporting others, in the following way:
1.) the difference (improvement) between our September and November run will be weighted – for every second of our improvement between the two results we will donate 55 CZK to the selected charity project.

2.) the total sum of our running kilometers in training from the initial September run (including) to the November run will be weighted with additional fundings too, concretely 1 EUR per kilometer. 

We will run fast, and we will run a lot!

OUR PARTNER

We are partnering with Jedlička Institute Foundation (“Nadace Jedličkova ústavu“).

Fundamental mission of the Jedlička Institute Foundation involves gathering funds and other means designated to improve comprehensive rehabilitation care which is provided to children and youth with physical disabilities in all its aspects – educational, instructional, rehabilitative and therapeutic ones – as well as providing comprehensive assistance aimed at preventing their social isolation.

The Jedlička Institute Foundation was established as one of the first foundations after the historic events of November 1989,more precisely on 22 October 1990. The Jedlička Institute Foundation was founded by the Jedlicka Institute and the Primary and Secondary Schools, the public-benefit corporation established by the Capital City of Prague, which provides education and comprehensive rehabilitation to pupils and students with physical and combined disabilities. The Jedlička Institute Foundation follows up on the humanitarian legacy of Professor Rudolf Jedlička, MD., founder of the Jedlička Institute, who throughout his life promoted the idea of a full-fledged life of people with disabilities.

As part of the #5KRMJchallenge we are raising funds for Daniel and his personal assistance:

Daniel was born prematurely at the 28th week. He had problems with lack of oxygen and later with bleeding in the brain. Because of this, he has a lot of mobility limitations and needs help with almost everything – eating, playing, hygiene, dressing and communication. But Daniel has one great gift – an amazing smile that wins everyone over. He is bright, perceives everything around him and wants to be involved in what is going on around him. After the holidays, he will be entering the 3rd grade at The Jedlička Institute and needs a personal assistant to become his mouth, eyes, hands and feet. A personal assistant will also make things easier for the whole family, as Daniel always needs one full-time person by his side.

More here: https://nadaceju.cz/sbirka/osobni-asistence-pro-daniela/

HOW can you participate?

Finally, this challenge is about everyone who loves running, who wants to improve their quality of life and who wants to contribute to helping those, who are in needs. You can participate in the following ways:

1.) You decide to follow our structure. You run 5K at the beginning of September, train afterwards, run again at the beginning of November with the aim to improve. You can then donate for your improvement or even symbolically!

2.) You decide to start running more! Might be you’ve never run, might be you’ve never run 5K – whatever it is, you are very welcomed to join our community and contribute with few crowns.  

3.) You decide to not run but still want to contribute to the charity donation. Feel free to do so. We are thankful for any suggestions!

Either way, let us connect – let us know and share your story. We want to build a community of amazing people! Let us be more!

Follow @runeller on Instagram or @Runeller – i Run the World on Facebook. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #5KRMJchallenge

We’d love to hear from you!

Rafael, Matej, Jan 

PS: the challenge is happening under the wings of #ASICS and #ASICSFrontRunner who were so great to sponsor our runners with running clothes. We thank a lot!