Chicago Marathon & Fundraising

I spectated the 2010 Chicago Marathon (my cousin ran it) and was so inspired. I knew I wanted to run the marathon; it was just a matter of waiting until I was ready for it. I had been running for about 10 months at that point, but I knew the marathon was a huge commitment, physically, mentally and the time involved, and I didn’t want to commit to it until I felt 100 percent ready. Right before the 2011 Chicago Marathon, I felt like I was finally ready. I watched that marathon on TV, and wanted to be there so bad.

1988 Chicago Marathon
Uncle Tom is #5232

I knew that if I ever ran the marathon, I would do it on behalf of the American Cancer Society. We lost my grandmother to cancer in 1990, and my Uncle Tom in 2003. Both deaths really broke our hearts.

I have volunteered for the American Cancer Society before, through their Relay For Life events, and I know how dedicated the ACS is to finding a cure for this heart-breaking disease. That weighs on my mind, knowing that my mom's brother and both of her parents battled cancer (Grandpa survived it in the 1950s).  

Also, my Uncle Tom was a marathoner. He ran the Chicago Marathon many times in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as a couple other marathons. I would love to “run in his footsteps.” I only wish we could run together, but I often feel like he is there during my races, pushing me along during the last few challenging miles.

Finally, as I dedicate myself to months of marathon training, I will follow the lead of my BFF Ultra Vera. She runs (and runs far) because she wants to see what her body is capable of. I know that I have two healthy legs and two healthy lungs, and I love the idea of pushing them to their limits, and then some, to see what I can achieve.

I love that running makes us discover things about ourselves that we never knew were possible. I never thought I would run 13.1 miles at once. But now I know that I can, and that I actually love doing it. I can’t wait to find out what 26.2 miles feels like! I am already counting down the days to October 7, 2012.

If you'd like to support my fundraising:

Shirts: "I Run With Fast Women" "Boo Cancer" "Runnerd" etc. Proceeds from shirt sales will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Make a direct donation on my ACS Fundraising Page.

If you like purses and purse-like things, I'm doing a virtual party with Thirty-One. 

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society.