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Let’s get exercising – 100 days challenge for RAF anniversary
02 May 2018
by Rebecca Dutton

The chat in our household at the moment is all about how many lengths we have swum, how far we’ve run or how far we’ve cycled.

My husband and I and our six-year-old son are taking part in a sporting challenge as part of the RAF 100 celebrations for 2018.

We are taking on the 100 in a 100 challenge. We have 100 days to do 100 press ups, 100 sits ups, 100 lengths of a 25 metre pool, 100 miles on the bike and 100km running or walking.

Our son is doing 20 of each activity.

It’s a great way to encourage us to exercise as a family. We have been on family bike rides, which is a lovely way to include our three-year-old son too, as well as heading to the pool to get some lengths in. At school, our son takes part in the Daily Mile, an initiative which sees children run or jog for 15 minutes every day, and that counts towards his 20km of running.

He has completed his press-ups and sit-ups already and enjoyed learning something new – and it was rather amusing to teach him how to do it!

But we still have a way to go.

So far I’ve managed 60 miles on the bike, 15 press-ups, 40 sit-ups and 45km running. I’ve completed the swim. I’ve only been doing the challenge for two-and-a-half weeks so far so I’m pleased with that.

My husband has got a lot further and is nearly finished as he started before my son and I, who were on Easter holidays. In fact, as an exercise fanatic, he’ll probably be done in the next couple of days.

The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of the RAF 100 celebrations and also funds for the four RAF charities, the RAF Association, RAF Benevolent Fund, RAF Charitable Trust and the RAF Museum.

My husband was a member of the RAF for 16 years so the Armed Forces are close very close to our hearts. My grandfather was also in the RAF during the Second World War.

Our challenge is due to finish on July 9, the day before the centrepiece of RAF100 celebrations, with a centenary service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall and spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace.

But I’m sure we will continue with the exercise after feeling a huge sense of achievement and setting the healthiest example we can set for our children as they grow up.

Please sponsor us at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tabukraf100ina100