kendallforbes

Every Run is a Personal Best When it’s Your First

5 July 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Blog Post, Fun Stuff

Last weekend I ran the Mizuno 10km run as part of the Gazley Voltswagen Wellington Marathon. Well, when I say run, I jogged and walked the majority of it.

It was a terrible day, weather wise. Freezing temperatures, rain, and that strong southerly wind Wellington is known for.

Almost 500 people that signed up to do either the full marathon, the half, the 10km, or the Kids Magic Mile didn’t show up on the day. Most likely due to the poor conditions. Continue reading “Every Run is a Personal Best When it’s Your First” →

Raising Money for Blind Foundation Guide Dogs

18 June 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Blog Post

I’ve set up a new online shop to raise money for the Blind Foundation Guide Dogs! Each product sold will have 50% of the price donated to help train Guide Dogs in New Zealand.

Guide dogs are incredibly important, giving people who are blind or have low vision, freedom and independence.

The name of the shop is ‘Spirit Animal‘. The name was chosen due to the belief in many cultures of spirit animals helping to protect and guide a person on their life’s journey. A trained guide dog protects, guides, warns, encourages and helps their Handler in a multitude of ways. A real-life spirit animal!

For sale are products sourced or created by my sister Emma and I. Products for dogs and dog-lovers. Many items also make great gifts, so that you too can help spread the word of the good work that the Blind Foundation does. The more people that know about the Blind Foundation, and Blind Foundation Guide Dogs, the greater their impact.

There’s also a fundraising page as we plan to Run for Guide Dogs as part of the ASB Auckland Marathon in October. Emma will again be running the Half Marathon. I will be doing the 12km Traverse, which will be my first time on the course, and only my third run in an event like this as an adult. My first being the Cigna Wellington Round the Bays in February, and my second in the upcoming Wellington Marathon, of which I’ll be doing the 10km run.

Check out Spirit Animal here, and if you have any suggestions for products let me know if the comments either here on this blog or via the online shop’s contact page.

Attempting Round the Bays with Fibromyalgia

7 March 20187 March 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Blog Post

On Sunday 18 February I did the 6.5km Wellington Round the Bays. Easy for some, not so much for me. Let me explain…

“You should only run if you’re being chased or on fire”. That was how I viewed running for a long time, yet when I was a kid, my family belonged to a running club.

We’d go every Wednesday night and some weekends. No fire involved. Occasional chasing.

I was active in dance (ballet, jazz, character), hockey, and drama around this time too, but as I got older, I stopped running. It became a chore. Something you did when you had to. I remember being made to do a 5km “fun run” with school when I was about 12. I hated it.

I’ve done very little running since. Then I stopped playing hockey. Stopped dancing. Eventually stopped acting. And in my twenties I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Continue reading “Attempting Round the Bays with Fibromyalgia” →

The Waikanae Walk of Hell, Yes!

10 February 201822 February 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Uncategorized

Every Sunday, I give myself a little challenge and go on a walk or trek. In 2018, so far this has included the Southern Walkway in Wellington, Manawatu Gorge, Turakirae Head, and Waikanae Riverbank (all quite different walks, and all recommended. Also suggest Central Park in Brooklyn/Te Aro and Otari-Wilton’s Bush, both in Wellington).

Last Sunday, I discovered the Parata Walking Track at Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve in Waikanae.

The Reserve ticks so many boxes, with three walks to choose from depending on your time available and fitness level. Plus, it gets bonus points for being dog friendly to pups on leads! Continue reading “The Waikanae Walk of Hell, Yes!” →

Notable Marketing Dates in 2018 (including downloadable calendar)

16 January 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Uncategorized

I wrote this for Storbie customers, but this is helpful for any business wanting to plan out their marketing for the year and try a few different ideas.

From “International Day of Women and Girls in Science” to “World Smile Day”, there are so many opportunities to promote your business with holidays and observances apart from the usual “Summer Sales” and “Back to School Sales”.

Storbie Blog

When planning your sales and promotions for the year, there are some regular key dates to keep in mind, such as seasonal changes, public holidays, and school terms.

It also pays to think outside the box and look at some alternate dates that could complement your business, brand or products.

For example, if you sell books or items with quotes, why not focus on prose for World Poetry Day on March 21?

Share a photo of your staff dressed up for Pink Shirt Day on May 18 to show you take a stand against bullying.

Add some Te Reo to your products during Maori Language Week from 10-16 o Mahuru (September).

We’ve created this handy calendar with a mix of notable dates and special events to keep track of.

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Let’s all go to the zoo!

11 January 201812 January 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Blog Post

One of the most undervalued experiences one can have is a visit to the zoo.

There’s nothing quite like an up-close encounter, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few over the years. Most recently with red pandas at Wellington Zoo. Continue reading “Let’s all go to the zoo!” →

Trust No One. Not even the Department of Conservation

1 January 20181 February 2018 by kendallforbes, posted in Blog Post

They say don’t trust everything you read online.

But what if that information belongs to the Department of Conservation? Surely that’s a site you should be able to trust when it comes to say, going for a walk, right? As I discovered on Saturday, that’s not the case. Continue reading “Trust No One. Not even the Department of Conservation” →