Week 8: Send updates, updates, and more updates
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Training for a big race takes up a lot of time and can take you away from many loved ones who aren’t putting in the miles with you.
Joni’s Iron tale
As a way to connect with her family and friends who are not training for Ironman Wisconsin, my friend Joni sends a weekly email called Iron tale. The updates describe her accomplishments, funny stories, obstacles, and photos, while training for her big race. She also calls out key people who she dedicates her workouts to or who affect her training (eg a friend battling an illness or a training buddy who puts a smile on her face after a tough bike ride).
Fundraisers - this is a great way to help your family and friends connect with and invest in your training, and gently remind them that you are collecting funds for your favorite charity, without being too aggressive.
How to write an update
1. Answer these basic questions:
- What did I accomplish this week?
- What did I learn?
- Who helped me reach my goals?
2. “Gently remind” folks about your fundraising efforts (see suggestions below)
- Add a footer, for example, “I’m raising money for [insert charity name]. Please support me” and link to your fundraising page.
- Work your fundraising efforts or status into your training updates, for example, “In addition to hitting the half-way mark in my training, I’ve also reached 70% of my fundraising goal…” or “Digging deep on my 18-mile training run can’t compare to people enduring weeks without food. A $25 donation helps feed a family of four for one month…”
- If you are dedicating your race or a training week to someone associated with your charity, tell people about it in your updates, for example, “This week, I dedicated my long run to Grandma, as she underwent treatment on Thursday…”
When to send updates
If once-a-week email updates seem too much for you, try every 2 weeks or even once a month.
You don’t have to send email updates, but it’s one of the most direct and cost-efficient ways to get your family and friend’s attention. Also, as Joni can attest to – they LOVE to hear from you, especially since you are so busy training.
In addition to sending emails, try:
* Blogging – post updates as often as you like; add movies, photos, and links.
* Facebook – create a group, invite your supporters, and post updates there.
Good luck with your fundraising and feel free to drop us a line – we love to hear from you.
