Welcome! I hope that this writing finds you well and if you, like me, have decided to undertake training for and participating in a 26.2 mile marathon, that you find tiny bits of inspiration, little sparks of motivation and, just maybe, some words of wisdom within the walls of this blog!
How did I get here? I seem to be asking myself that a little bit more, each and every day. Before I can answer that, though, I should tell you a bit about who I am before I can answer how I got here...
First, I guess I should tell you who or what I am NOT. I am not a "serious" (or what I like to call "real") runner. I have had a love for fitness for all of my adult life and for most of the past 25 years have been a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. I began this career in the late 80's, jumping head-first onto the group fitness (then known as the "aerobics") bandwagon. Working in this field made me realize how much I loved working with others, helping people set and reach goals and helping so many people improve the quality of their health and wellness. Over the years, I've come to love cycling, yoga, weight training, swimming, ...but, at best, I am a casual runner. I've participated in many small-scale races and running events, sometimes for charity but also not, and have since the mid-1980's had a growing interest in participating in the New York City Marathon. I don't run fast. Or far. Or for very long periods of time.
So - how did I get here? Like many people, there exists in my mind's eye an evolving, always-changing assortment of things I'd like to try/experience/accomplish. I've done a lot of them. I've learned a lot of new things over the years and have had a lot of thrilling, crazy, fun experiences. I have a happy and full life - an amazing husband who supports all of my ideas, hopes and whims, three great kids, a full-time job, awesome friends and family - I feel truly lucky and blessed all of the time.
But last November, I knew of several people who would be running in the marathon so I went to watch it. In addition to the excitment of the event itself, I was blown away by the number of runners who were attached to charitable oranizations- so many that I wouldn't be able to name all of them.
One of the organizations is Achilles International - whose website states in part:
"While our programs focus on athletics, the truth is, sports are simply the tool for accomplishing our main objective: to bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities... able-bodied and disabled athletes participate side-by-side and, with several disabled award categories, it puts a first place win within the grasp of all runners." http://www.achillesinternational.org.
Wow!
But there were so many others! Team in Training. Fred's Team. Hope for Kids. Project Purple. The list goes on.
You get the idea....plus having so, so many people that I know and love having been affected by cancer, or having loved ones who have been affected by cancer, I decided to give Fred's Team a try. Unfortunately, I know I am not unique; we all know someone or know someone who knows someone whose life was forever changed by cancer.
The fundraising commitment is daunting - $3,500.00. I'm actually more concerned about raising funds than running 26 miles 385 yards!!
So I have my work cut out for me! But as someone who both loves a challenge and also loves taking on projects that I know absolutely nothing about, I think I can do it!
To visit my personal page or to learn more about Fred's Team - MSKCC - please visit http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/FredsTeamEvents/Freds_Team?px=2654113&pg=personal&fr_id=2150 or www.fredsteam.org
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