From running novice, to desert marathoner: A journey of resilience, adventure, and giving back
2 min read
For the last four years, Iona Theobald has been part of Cisco, now working as an Account Manager. Her journey with the company began with two weeks work experience as a student, followed by her joining the Cisco Sales Associate Programme (CSAP) as a graduate and now working in the Commercial Sales team. Originally, she had plans to travel the world after university, but the pandemic altered her course. Instead of globe-trotting, she secured a place on the CSAP graduate programme and has never looked back, still seizing every opportunity to travel.
Recently, Iona embarked on a six-day race in Jordan known as ‘Racing the Planet.’ This gruelling event involved running 250km across the Jordanian Desert, with each day presenting its own set of challenges. The first four days consisted of running a marathon each day, followed by a 90km run on the fifth day, and concluding with a 6km final run into the iconic Treasury in Petra.
Using Cisco’s Time2Give, which provides employees with ten volunteering days per year, she took on this formidable challenge. She wasn’t alone in this endeavour; participating alongside her partner and his parents. The race was self-sufficient, requiring participants to carry all their food and equipment on their backs. The first four days were particularly tough, with relentless soft sand, extreme heat reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, and limited shade. It was a mental and physical test of endurance.
Despite the harsh conditions, Iona crossed the finish line as the first in her age category and the 11th overall female finisher. This achievement was even more remarkable considering she wasn’t a runner before she started training for the challenge. By her own admission, she couldn’t even run a 5k when she began her training journey!
Her preparation for the race was rigorous. She completed the Amsterdam marathon and a 50k run across Snowdonia as part of her training. She also practiced carrying the weights on her back at every opportunity, whether it was during Webex calls, trips to the shops, or simply walking around the house. This dedication paid off, enabling her to tackle the race with confidence.
The race was not just a personal challenge; it was also a charitable endeavour. Iona raised £6,000 for two charities close to her heart: Mind and Endometriosis UK. Her determination to support these causes was a driving force throughout her journey. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “Work out what causes are important to you and then how you can support them. I really wanted to do this challenge, and I wanted to raise money for both charities, so I combined the two together. There is so much flexibility in how you can spend your Time2Give.”
The highlights of the race were numerous. Crossing the finish line was a moment of triumph, made even more special by the surprise presence of her family. Meeting other incredible participants and hearing their stories added to the richness of the experience. The race was a testament to her mental strength and resilience, pushing her to keep going even when times were tough.
Initially, she thought she would never undertake such a challenge again. However, upon reflection, she is already contemplating her next adventure. She now embraces the mindset of “never say never” and is open to the possibility of taking on similar challenges in the future.
Iona’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, the joy of adventure, and the impact of giving back. Through her story, she inspires others to explore their limits, support meaningful causes, and make the most of opportunities.
If you would like to donate, you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iona-theobald-2?utm_term=4v96MvWzJ
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