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Archer Resistance! June 2023

By James Kavanagh Join Me

Help me make it meaningful

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.

That’s why I’m giving up two of my favourite guilty pleasures to support the Black Dog Institute. Every dollar raised will support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide.

Help me create a meaningful moment for mental health as I test my resolve, all for a great cause.

Please donate now. Thank you.

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$3,679

My Goal

$1,500

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My Achievements

My Updates

Mission Completed?

Monday 3rd Jul
Dear All,

Its now July, the bunting has come down, the party hats have been packed away and the cake crumbs swept up. The campaign is over!

Firstly, my sincere thanks to everyone who donated to the campaign. Collectively we have raised over $3,500, a significant amount.

What did I gain and what did I lose? Well, actually I lost about 4 KG, and kept to my promise, how could I not after so many had pledged their support. Through this I gained a sense of achievement. To my fellow team members, Dereck with his push-ups and Jon my fellow abstainer from alcohol a fantastic effort.

We may never know individually the people who ultimately benefit. Those that but, for the want of someone to listen to them or provide advice or words of comfort may be struggling to continue. 

For those and their families and loved ones I say thank you.

Day 30 The Final Day!!

Friday 30th Jun
Well, here we are, 9am and just 15 hours left until the end of the race Feeling happy about how this is going and despite my creaking knee I feel I have managed a good effort...
Oh sorry, its not a run, its abstinence....still going well, but will be going well-er at 12:01am :) 

Day 29 - 31 Hours to go!

Thursday 29th Jun
Am now running around the last corner towards the home straight, 689 hours down and just 31 to go. Tonight is movie night, normally a smorgasbord of chocolate, lollies and ice-cream just waiting to cling on to my insides and rot my teeth. But not this time......I wonder do they sell fruit at Dendy? 

Day 27 - This is getting close....

Tuesday 27th Jun
Well, that's the last Saturday and Sunday without something sweet. Thank god for bloody scones! Today I had a sensation I could smell Cadbury's chocolate, I think my stomach is grieving and my imagination is coming out in sympathy.

Just 4 days left to go. The scales are telling me we are going in the right direction - nearly passing a milestone but unlikely to do so before the weekend. Will see how I go.

Day 22

Thursday 22nd Jun
If this was a Marathon I would be at the 30km mark, the worst of the run behind me but the last grueling 12 kms to go. Despite spending time with people drinking this week I have been able to abstain with little effort. The hotel leaving me a small box of chocolates on the desk was rather challenging but I managed to avoid the temptation, I've come this far, it would have to be some very good chocolate to beat me!

Day 16...Just hit halfway....

Friday 16th Jun
Day 16 and things are going well. I am rather bored of some of the sweet alternatives (apples and mandarins with no flavour are a huge disappointment).
I have found that my appetite has reduced over the last week and with a little bit of walking thrown in I have managed to make another drop in weight. So far, I've shed 3.2kgs.
Missing alcohol? well, weekends are traditionally where I let the guard down but I have been managing. The loss of sugar is definitely the more sorely missed vice of the 2....thank god I didnt give up fats too or I'd be crying on a daily basis. 
So, 14.5 days to go, donations have been amazing and I feel this has been the biggest driver for me so far, originally I was hoping for $500, now there have been 3 times this much given....to you all who have donated - thanks. To those thinking about donating, its Friday, enjoy a glass of wine and think of me, better still, donate to a great cause.....then enjoy the wine.

Day 11.....Today I stood on the scales and....

Sunday 11th Jun
I haven't posted for a while, the last few days have seen some real highlights, my football team winning their first trophy in over 40 years (I celebrated with a flat white) and then heading out for a big Friday evening for a concert to see the fabulous 10CC. Enjoyed with a couple of Coke Zeroes!

Whilst the body has been given something of a cleanse (I suspect my liver thinks I may have somehow bypassed it and started taking alcohol and sugar intravenously). I have looked at how this may have affected my positivity. Most would say I am a little over-cautious in life - even my blood type is Be Negative. This week has also seen some work stresses and deadlines and late nights. To cope with these, I have been using techniques such as breathing exercises, trying to get out for a walk and let my mind wander. 
I am fortunate to have a loving and supporting wife who is always backing me up and providing positive encouragement. I also have a fabulous team that I work with and do look out for each other.

I also reached my donation target thanks to some very, very generous friends who have dug deep. To all of you, my heartfelt thanks.

Oh, and the weight? Well, in my defence I have not been able to run due to the ongoing issues with my knee. But no sugar or alcohol seems to have helped lose 2.1 kg so far this month.
19 days to go!

Day Five

Monday 5th Jun
Well, as weekends without Alcohol go, that one was okay.  When you combine the abstention with the removal of sugar its interesting to see where your body priorities are! 
The thing I found interesting was trying to find foods that have little or no sugar. If no sugar, then often this is made up for in fat or salt so am having to pay attention. 
I have given myself 1 out though - honey. Not much (about 10g) but found that it sated craving and has meant I haven't even been pining for chocolate or biscuits.
A traditional roast dinner without red wine felt a little out of place but am taking it in small steps.
Just a shame that I havent been able to capitalise on the reduced calories with more exercise however my recalcitrant knee injury has curtailed any great walk and I havent managed a run since we packed away the Christmas decorations.

Day Two

Friday 2nd Jun
Today I started my sugar replacement plan. First one is to eat sultanas. On their own these nutritious little dried grapes have the visual appeal of dead bugs and a taste to match. This is not what my highly tuned and sophisticated taste buds are used to. However take sultanas and.....bake them into scones and they create the answer to the fructose rush that my brain is craving. Nothing else sugary or sweet (no jam or cream of course). A couple of those little baked bad boys and my stomach feels it has been given its just desserts.....

Day One

Thursday 1st Jun
Well, this has been easy. Just 24 hours in to this run and so far so good. 

Thank you to my Sponsors

$101

Anonymous

$46

Red Lion Pub

$21.10

Mark Long

Well done James. Amazing effort so far and I am confident now that you will smash it. TBH I thought you would be reaching for the chocolate liquors by day 3. I was wrong.

$20

Erling Haaland

Great job mate!

$101

Sonya King

Go Team Archer! Those pecs should be growing as we speak...

$1,000

A

Happy to support your suffering Kavs. Good on you.

$31.65

Mike

Worthy cause, stay strong - sure it won’t be easy!

$21.10

Leisa Smithson

Great cause James.

$77

Ek

You inspire me every day ❤️

$125

Anonymous

Great work mate.

$100

Rory K Brennan

Great initiative James, but please don't ask to meet me any time in June - I'll be sucking sweets and sipping beer, while I outsource my guilty conscience to you.

$105.50

Huzefa Goawala

Great initiative James.

$100

Geoff Walshaw

Well done for taking this challenge. Hopefully, we can celebrate your's and West Ham's success in July.

$52.75

James Kavanagh

Go You Good Thing!

My Team Members