My Biggest Commitment of 2013

No, I'm not getting married or going to school.... It's something I've already alluded to in my 2013 Goals post, but have been given the go ahead to announce!

One and a half years ago, I laughed at the thought of myself running 1 mile without stopping and didn't really understand why people wanted to. Sure I could run from the house to the end of the driveway at full speed, but endurance was a mythical idea to me. That was until I attended my boyfriend's first marathon... it was an experience (as a spectator!) that immediately made me feel guilty about the giant Denny's breakfast I just ate, but changed my entire approach to the world of running. Watching the finishers that came from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, crossing that 26.2 miles mark is something that will be forever emblazoned in my mind. Truly inspirational!

As I watched my boyfriend complete his first marathon, it was then that I decided to set a goal for myself and get to work.

After a nutritional rehaul and a new exercise program that I set for myself, I discovered just how much I absolutely LOVED TO RUN! Less than a month later, I (somewhat painfully) completed my first 5k in under 30 minutes! Three months later, my first half marathon in 2 hours 17 minutes.  Fast foward to now, I've completed three half marathons in my first year of running.

So what is this big commitment?
A FULL MARATHON. - Marine Corps Marathon on October 27, 2013 

Why MCM?(In addition to all my blends/bloggers that I follow having said it's amazing) It's the "People's Marathon". Taking a queue from the first marathon I witnessed, being motivated by others, MCM has runners/walkers from the elite athletes, military heros and disabled veterans, to celebrities and the everyday "Joe's" looking to push their limits right along side of each other. It's one of the largest marathon's in the United States and takes place in one of the most beautiful cities - our capital, Washington DC. This marathon is the quintassential race to be emotionally uplifted from start to finish. The kicker?

This pretigious race sells out in just a couple of hours... 30,000 people are ready to hit that click button the second registration is available. Snagging one of those bibs is not easy.

See?


Image from Google



I am ecstatic to have been given the unique opportunity to raise funds for an amazing charity - The Little Things For Cancer - while training to run MCM. 

The Little Things For Cancer is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. All the things that become a burden for a family when going through such a tough time is covered and taken care of by the volunteers at LTFC. Some of these things include prescriptions/therapies, co-payments, transportation, even maid(home cleaning) services and childcare! To ensure the health of the family and to bring an uplifting spirit - meals and entertainments can even be arranged. Support is offerred to each family based upon their particular needs. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life by reducing stress and anxiety for the person affected by cancer and those closest to them.

Please read more about this wonderful non-profit charity here at their website: http://tlt4c.org/

Edit update: I just learned once our team collectively hits a $5,000 goal, TLTFC team will also be partnering with the Moffit Cancer Center to fund services for patients and caregivers being treated there.


I am commiting myself to training HARD throughout the hot summer temperatures and humidity in Florida to be prepared for those 26.2 difficult hilly (to this Floridian - anything above sea level is hilly!) miles in Washington, DC. I know that I will struggle, but my struggle is nothing compared to what the families that Little Things For Cancer gives back to. The energy and time that I will spend on my feet to be able to finish MCM in honor of these families (who maybe even have members that would love to be in my shoes training for a marathon, but are unable to due to time or stress) is nothing compared to what they go through physically or emotionally.

I am running in honor of families that The Little Things For Cancer assists and in memoir of my very own family members that have succumbed to cancer and in thanks that organizations like LTFC exist to make our lives more comfortable in times of need.
Also, I will be dedicating this race to a dear friend who proudly served his country during the War Against Terror.  During a tour in Afghanistan with the Marine Corps he suffered the loss of a leg and normal function of his right arm. Countless surgeries and hours of physical therapy later, he has made incredible leaps and bounds past what any Dr. predicted he would be able to carry out. He is quite the inspiration besides being one of the coolest guys I have had the pleasure of meeting this year.
As you can see this race has numerous reasons to keep me going all 26.2 miles!

My goal is to raise $750, but of course the more I can raise for The Little Things for Cancer, the more this charity will be able to open it's support to the many families who need them!

You can re-read this story and donate by clicking the Make Donation button in the top right hand corner:

HERE!

Thank you so much for taking the time to not skip past my post in your Google Reader and helping me accomplish one of my bucket list items and yearly goals!  <3

I also want to thank IR4C for hosting our team and athelete pages!

Of course, if you have any questions/ideas/comments leave them below. I read and respond to them all!