I have been blown away and humbled by the outpouring of support I have received the last few days. Before starting this process, it was not the prospect of running for 6 or more hours straight that scared me, but raising enough money to train and run in the marathon. Having a fundraising goal is not something I have ever had before. (And no, selling girl scout cookies does not count - because, please, who could resist my crazy hair cuteness back when???)
This being said, I have until July 22nd to raise $1,000. I will be volunteering at least six weekends, raising $150 toward that goal (we receive credit if we volunteer on our non-training day). But $150 is a hole in the bucket compared to $1,000, no matter how much I say every penny counts.
Next thing I know, I have $30 coming in from complete strangers. I have another $30 between two friends who do not necessarily make a lot of money. And then... there's the family friends and mom's friends. Yes, I have totally been using my mother. Big drops in the bucket coming my way from this group. All together, I have more than half of the monies I need raised to run this marathon.
What does this mean? I can raise the rest of it. Because every single dollar has counted and every single dollar continues to count. What does this really mean? I guess I'm running a marathon!
I'm blown away that so many people have such faith in me that I will complete this process and complete the race. It is truly humbling to get an email on my blackberry telling me that somebody else has donated. I email a thank you to these folks and try not to be too mushy or corny, since raunchy and sailor mouth are more my style ;), but my heart actually swells knowing that there are people who think enough of me and my drive to make this journey.
When the pain starts to hit, when the boredom sets in, when I can't keep myself enough company, or when "The Wall" seems insurmountable, I will have the names of my supporters in my head. When the time comes that I cannot get myself through, and this time WILL come, it will be the people who believed in me that will get me through.
So thank you.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Volunteer Day
Yesterday was a volunteer day with T2. If I volunteer, I get $25 credit toward the $1,000 I have to raise. I.e. I'm not just asking people for money, I'm getting out there and working for it.
I volunteered at the Georgetown site, which is along the C&O Canal. I walked a mile and a half down the trail to be the turn around point for the pace run people. I chilled out there and then realized... I will NEVER be a nature girl. Ants kept climbing up my legs and I about peed my pants every single time. Clearly, I switched sides of the track, which helped matters.
I had fun cheering on the people running and getting reinspired as to why I'm doing this. Training with a team really is just a cool concept.
But... there was... again... wildlife. Which I, of course, took pictures of. I think I need a new small camera to carry with me as I go through this journey, since I'm enjoying every part of it. It's not just about the running and the health aspect, but the getting out there and doing it. I want to do what I can to share that with you.
I think this is an egret???
Baby goose! Oh, so cute!
Lots of baby geese! So fluffy! I had to be careful, because these suckers like to attack :P
These really are interesting looking animals. Standing at attention!
And last, but certainly not least... ME!!!
Ok, yeah, so the water is a little disgusting. I personally think this makes me look even better ;).
Today is a cross-training day! Onward and forward!
I volunteered at the Georgetown site, which is along the C&O Canal. I walked a mile and a half down the trail to be the turn around point for the pace run people. I chilled out there and then realized... I will NEVER be a nature girl. Ants kept climbing up my legs and I about peed my pants every single time. Clearly, I switched sides of the track, which helped matters.
I had fun cheering on the people running and getting reinspired as to why I'm doing this. Training with a team really is just a cool concept.
But... there was... again... wildlife. Which I, of course, took pictures of. I think I need a new small camera to carry with me as I go through this journey, since I'm enjoying every part of it. It's not just about the running and the health aspect, but the getting out there and doing it. I want to do what I can to share that with you.
I think this is an egret???
A family of geese!!!
Another family of geese!
Today is a cross-training day! Onward and forward!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Training Day!
4 miles today!
I opted to get up early today and do the run on my own. Most weekends getting to and from the training site, plus the training time won't be a problem, but today... I have my final paper to write, my final videos to edit, plus a help-out shift at one of my old jobs. Suffice it to say: it's one of those days where the travel time to and from the site is just not going to cut it.
So I got up at 5:30. On a Saturday. I have to think I'm kind of nuts. Or certifiably insane. Whatever noun floats your boat. Either way, I did my run like a good little girl! Plus a walk warm-up and cooldown that was not included in the 4 miles.
I also paused twice... to take pictures... of wildlife... since such things don't exist in California ;). Seriously though, there was a deer RIGHT THERE and then later on, a turtle!!! So cool.
So here's turtle that I totally thought was a tree branch until it moved and I jumped a mile high...
Isn't he cute?! Ok, maybe "cute" isn't the operative term there, but aaawww, turtle! They are SO slow, so I felt this deep connection with him (or maybe it's a her? I didn't exactly check to find out, nor would I even know how to do so).
And...
Chowing down. Which is something I need to do soon. She's a beaut (no antlers, so that makes her a "her" right??? My knowledge of wildlife is clearly vast).
Here she is elongated...
Beautiful isn't she? Look at those muscles and her awareness of what's around her even when eating. Up the road there were a few more, but I'd already stopped for this little honey, so I just bypassed those.
It's amazing what this training has already done for me. A mere couple of weeks ago, I would have been at some restaurant, spending money I don't have, on food I most definitely don't need. I won't even share how much I ate, it's so embarrassing. Today? Oatmeal with flaxseed and a banana. And as a little treat, a touch of honey.
4 miles down and done. I feel great, so that's a blessing. My legs have been sore for a week, so I feel like this will be an on-going thing :P. Muscles are good! I'll keep this up and who knows what will be next.
I opted to get up early today and do the run on my own. Most weekends getting to and from the training site, plus the training time won't be a problem, but today... I have my final paper to write, my final videos to edit, plus a help-out shift at one of my old jobs. Suffice it to say: it's one of those days where the travel time to and from the site is just not going to cut it.
So I got up at 5:30. On a Saturday. I have to think I'm kind of nuts. Or certifiably insane. Whatever noun floats your boat. Either way, I did my run like a good little girl! Plus a walk warm-up and cooldown that was not included in the 4 miles.
I also paused twice... to take pictures... of wildlife... since such things don't exist in California ;). Seriously though, there was a deer RIGHT THERE and then later on, a turtle!!! So cool.
So here's turtle that I totally thought was a tree branch until it moved and I jumped a mile high...
Isn't he cute?! Ok, maybe "cute" isn't the operative term there, but aaawww, turtle! They are SO slow, so I felt this deep connection with him (or maybe it's a her? I didn't exactly check to find out, nor would I even know how to do so).
And...
Chowing down. Which is something I need to do soon. She's a beaut (no antlers, so that makes her a "her" right??? My knowledge of wildlife is clearly vast).
Here she is elongated...
Beautiful isn't she? Look at those muscles and her awareness of what's around her even when eating. Up the road there were a few more, but I'd already stopped for this little honey, so I just bypassed those.
It's amazing what this training has already done for me. A mere couple of weeks ago, I would have been at some restaurant, spending money I don't have, on food I most definitely don't need. I won't even share how much I ate, it's so embarrassing. Today? Oatmeal with flaxseed and a banana. And as a little treat, a touch of honey.
4 miles down and done. I feel great, so that's a blessing. My legs have been sore for a week, so I feel like this will be an on-going thing :P. Muscles are good! I'll keep this up and who knows what will be next.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Training Day - Sprints
Today was a sprint workout! Either Tuesday or Thursday of every week will be a leg/sprint workout, to up my speed overall and my ability to breathe through the faster paces.
10 minute - slow jogging warm-up (my legs are a little sore from strength training yesterday)
4 sets of 20 meters each, split by a 20 meter walk between each one:
High knees walking
High knees running
Skipping
Crossovers
Butt kicks
3 sets of 30, 20, 10 meter sprints, split by a walk around for a minute or so after each one.
5 minute - slow jogging cooldown
5 minute - walk
The mileage is clearly not going to be too high for this one and my jogging warm-up could be a teensy bit faster - I blame the legs still hurting from yesterday :P. Either way, I got out and did it! That's all that matters at this point in time.
Week 1 of training is officially complete! Fridays are Rest Days, so I'll do some light yoga to stretch out the poor muscles and let them enjoy life for a bit.
10 minute - slow jogging warm-up (my legs are a little sore from strength training yesterday)
4 sets of 20 meters each, split by a 20 meter walk between each one:
High knees walking
High knees running
Skipping
Crossovers
Butt kicks
3 sets of 30, 20, 10 meter sprints, split by a walk around for a minute or so after each one.
5 minute - slow jogging cooldown
5 minute - walk
The mileage is clearly not going to be too high for this one and my jogging warm-up could be a teensy bit faster - I blame the legs still hurting from yesterday :P. Either way, I got out and did it! That's all that matters at this point in time.
Week 1 of training is officially complete! Fridays are Rest Days, so I'll do some light yoga to stretch out the poor muscles and let them enjoy life for a bit.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Week 1 Weigh-In
So last week was the starting weigh-in, pre-marathon training.
Upshot is: I lost 0 pounds. I'm not too surprised by this as the eating has gotten better, but it's not all that and a bag of chips... oh wait, chips are part of the problem... ;)
I did, on the other hand, clean out my fridge and cupboards last night. Tonight I'll be reorganizing the entire kitchen, so starting fresh - literally!
I did lose 5" though. Yes!!! In a week!!! Woohoo!!! My waist and abdomen both lost an inch all on their own. Hips lost .5 I think, arms lost .25, thighs lost .5 each... I think. I'm doing this from memory as I left my little booklet at home. Weird part? Gained in the bust. Um, what?! I also gained .25 in both calves, but this doesn't surprise me either. My calf muscles are coming back QUICKLY, I can feel it. So maybe the muscle is coming back before the fat is sliding off.
So overall, I'm actually really quite pleased. I haven't been eating great and only got in two runs and a long walk for exercise. Add in even remotely better eating AND more workouts... then I'll be golden.
I expect next week's results to be AWESOME. It's all about the consistency and fueling your body in the right ways, so those two components will be added in this coming week. I got the runs in, so keep on trucking forward!
Upshot is: I lost 0 pounds. I'm not too surprised by this as the eating has gotten better, but it's not all that and a bag of chips... oh wait, chips are part of the problem... ;)
I did, on the other hand, clean out my fridge and cupboards last night. Tonight I'll be reorganizing the entire kitchen, so starting fresh - literally!
I did lose 5" though. Yes!!! In a week!!! Woohoo!!! My waist and abdomen both lost an inch all on their own. Hips lost .5 I think, arms lost .25, thighs lost .5 each... I think. I'm doing this from memory as I left my little booklet at home. Weird part? Gained in the bust. Um, what?! I also gained .25 in both calves, but this doesn't surprise me either. My calf muscles are coming back QUICKLY, I can feel it. So maybe the muscle is coming back before the fat is sliding off.
So overall, I'm actually really quite pleased. I haven't been eating great and only got in two runs and a long walk for exercise. Add in even remotely better eating AND more workouts... then I'll be golden.
I expect next week's results to be AWESOME. It's all about the consistency and fueling your body in the right ways, so those two components will be added in this coming week. I got the runs in, so keep on trucking forward!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Garmin Forerunner 305
The Garmin Forerunner 305 is my new toy for training! I invested a few bucks and opted to get a solid toy to play with for running.
What is it you ask???
It is a watch. But it is soooooo much more than a watch.
It has:
*GPS
*Heart rate monitor
*Five billion tracking things
I used it today and LOVED it. Everything worked, the timing was awesome, and while the watch itself is kinda big, it's awesome and super easy to see all of your options.
I then put the programming onto my computer and saw my route!!! Granted, it was off the beaten path, through a park (following a road though, so don't worry, I'm not being dangerous and striking out toooo far on my own!), but the gps caught it all! So my mileage was accurate and my best guess of heart race, i.e. calorie burn, was also correct. Can we say COOL?!
I may not have a whole ton of money currently, but this purchase? Totally worth every single penny. If you are a biker or runner or both, then this is the watch for you.
It is a watch. But it is soooooo much more than a watch.
It has:
*GPS
*Heart rate monitor
*Five billion tracking things
I used it today and LOVED it. Everything worked, the timing was awesome, and while the watch itself is kinda big, it's awesome and super easy to see all of your options.
I then put the programming onto my computer and saw my route!!! Granted, it was off the beaten path, through a park (following a road though, so don't worry, I'm not being dangerous and striking out toooo far on my own!), but the gps caught it all! So my mileage was accurate and my best guess of heart race, i.e. calorie burn, was also correct. Can we say COOL?!
I may not have a whole ton of money currently, but this purchase? Totally worth every single penny. If you are a biker or runner or both, then this is the watch for you.
Training Day
To start, a quote from somebody or other: No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.
How's that for being slow, but doing it?!
I came home from school today and took a little nap. Yes, clearly I am still five years old. And I'm proud of it! ;). I woke up and almost went into the thought process I once upon a time had...
"Eeehhh, it's hot out there. I'm tired. My sunburn hurts. I don't feel like it. I just wanna eat. I want to read." So on and so forth.
Today?
"It's hot out there... Ok, so what? You'll burn more calories and become fitter."
"I'm tired... You won't be once you get started!"
"I don't feel like it... Well you made a commitment, so suck it up and deal big girl."
"I just wanna eat... And that's just an excuse as you always eat when you're bored. Do you want to change your life or not?"
"I want to read... You can read, AFTER you run."
"My sunburn hurts..." Ok, I so did not have a rejoinder to this one. Can I just say, when you have a solid and massively red sunburn on your chest, the only sports bra that keeps the girls from going on a roller coaster ride, HURTS?
That being said, I did a training run! I walked down to the path through Rock Creek Park and rocked out 45 minutes. I'm still a slowpoke, but I'm doing it! At this point, that is all that really matters. I felt good, I felt strong, and I felt happy.
I'm not quite sure how I'll ever get through 26.2 miles... I know I can get my body to hold up, but what in the world am I going to think about for more than 5 hours?! I could barely make it through 45 minutes. I'm really going to have to work on keeping myself good company!
How's that for being slow, but doing it?!
I came home from school today and took a little nap. Yes, clearly I am still five years old. And I'm proud of it! ;). I woke up and almost went into the thought process I once upon a time had...
"Eeehhh, it's hot out there. I'm tired. My sunburn hurts. I don't feel like it. I just wanna eat. I want to read." So on and so forth.
Today?
"It's hot out there... Ok, so what? You'll burn more calories and become fitter."
"I'm tired... You won't be once you get started!"
"I don't feel like it... Well you made a commitment, so suck it up and deal big girl."
"I just wanna eat... And that's just an excuse as you always eat when you're bored. Do you want to change your life or not?"
"I want to read... You can read, AFTER you run."
"My sunburn hurts..." Ok, I so did not have a rejoinder to this one. Can I just say, when you have a solid and massively red sunburn on your chest, the only sports bra that keeps the girls from going on a roller coaster ride, HURTS?
That being said, I did a training run! I walked down to the path through Rock Creek Park and rocked out 45 minutes. I'm still a slowpoke, but I'm doing it! At this point, that is all that really matters. I felt good, I felt strong, and I felt happy.
I'm not quite sure how I'll ever get through 26.2 miles... I know I can get my body to hold up, but what in the world am I going to think about for more than 5 hours?! I could barely make it through 45 minutes. I'm really going to have to work on keeping myself good company!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Slow Runner
I've been thinking about the last few days how I am a slow runner. And feeling a wee bit bad about it...
But I saw a lady out running today and she had a knee brace on. She was definitely not going fast.
It was then I truly realized that my speed really does not matter, therefore I have nothing to be embarrassed.
Finishing is winning. End of story.
I WILL FINISH.
But I saw a lady out running today and she had a knee brace on. She was definitely not going fast.
It was then I truly realized that my speed really does not matter, therefore I have nothing to be embarrassed.
Finishing is winning. End of story.
I WILL FINISH.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
First Training Day
Today was the first day of training! I made it... and will have to figure out a better parking situation for the next five billion months. Because that's how long it takes to train. Really...
Today was a three mile run to stick you in pace groups. Something I learned today? A pace group puts you in a group with a minute above your average mile time. Interesting! Another something cool from today? This team very specifically trains with the run/walk method. Love! Yet another awesome something? I really like my pace group. We're not first, we're not last, and we're small. So yay us.
I learned I do not love running on gravel. I learned that muscle memory is awesome. I re-learned that abs/core really do keep you upright. I re-learned why you don't train two days in a row. I re-learned what inner thigh muscles are. Clearly, mucho knowledge is making itself known in my puny brain. Always good times!
I also made an event on facebook in hopes that people will see what I am striving for and support me in this process. I realized that if 100 people gave $10, then I'd be free and clear and can run the marathon (and keep training). Let's start working on that 100, shall we?!
Today was a three mile run to stick you in pace groups. Something I learned today? A pace group puts you in a group with a minute above your average mile time. Interesting! Another something cool from today? This team very specifically trains with the run/walk method. Love! Yet another awesome something? I really like my pace group. We're not first, we're not last, and we're small. So yay us.
I learned I do not love running on gravel. I learned that muscle memory is awesome. I re-learned that abs/core really do keep you upright. I re-learned why you don't train two days in a row. I re-learned what inner thigh muscles are. Clearly, mucho knowledge is making itself known in my puny brain. Always good times!
I also made an event on facebook in hopes that people will see what I am striving for and support me in this process. I realized that if 100 people gave $10, then I'd be free and clear and can run the marathon (and keep training). Let's start working on that 100, shall we?!
Back to Running
Yesterday, I ran for the first time in MONTHS. I ran about a 14 minute mile, which, for my first day back into it, was solid. Let me rephrase: I am a wogger. I walk and jog. I have NO need for speed. I drive with a lead foot, but I am perfectly content and proud to do this race, future races, and past races to finish. This challenge, for me, is not seeing "how well I can do". This is not a "race" to me. This is a challenge on my journey, a path I must take to finding that balance in myself, so that I may live a healthier life.
And I have chosen a path where today my thighs are screaming. Ohhhh yeah. The inner thighs specifically. Cool! Except I have my first training run in a bit, where they ascertain which pace group we'll be in. I want to be like, can you stick me in the 14-min mile pace group??? I chaperoned prom last night and am EXHAUSTED. How I made it awake... I simply do not know. But I'm up. I'm on this. I will succeed in this challenge.
If you have anything to contribute to support this journey and challenge, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/MCM_T2DC2011/MorganHogarth
And I have chosen a path where today my thighs are screaming. Ohhhh yeah. The inner thighs specifically. Cool! Except I have my first training run in a bit, where they ascertain which pace group we'll be in. I want to be like, can you stick me in the 14-min mile pace group??? I chaperoned prom last night and am EXHAUSTED. How I made it awake... I simply do not know. But I'm up. I'm on this. I will succeed in this challenge.
If you have anything to contribute to support this journey and challenge, please visit: http://www.active.com/donate/MCM_T2DC2011/MorganHogarth
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kicks and Gear
I figure no marathon runner is going to be great without a great pair of kicks. So, off to the store I went today with a $50 certificate in hand.
At this particular store, the employees work with you, watch your gait on a camera to ascertain what kind of support and shoes you may need. It turns out that I pronate a tiny bit, but that when I do, it is not problematic. For the most part, I have a straight gait and do not need extra support in the shoe... i.e. less money to spend! Whoo. I am a student and a student teacher, money is not my best friend right now!
Up close and personal! I generally wear a 9.5, but these are a 10. You want your feet to have some space when running and the 9.5's had my toes right up in the box. So 10's it is!
Aren't they just the coolest??? I am SO in love with them already. I am going to rock the fun shoes. These are my Christmas present that I finally cashed in on. I have the bestest mommy!
But I also figure I need darn good socks. I do not mind my cheapies for my short runs throughout the week, the two 30-45 minutes runs, but for the longer runs, excellent wicking socks were necessary. There was a sale on socks, buy three, get one. So what did I do? Why... bought three of course!
Yay for cute socks! And they have little tabs on the back, so your ankle does not rub up on to the shoe. Aweeeesome!
On that very same note, a shirt was needed! It looks super orange in the picture, but it is really more of a coral. I still need capri pants in this wicking material, but I can make it through the first couple of weeks with what I have. These will be my goal next week. Especially since none of this is cheap.
And last, but certainly not least, I got a holding water bottle. I do not like gripping a water bottle and my camelbak pack can be a bit uncomfortable for short runs, although it will be amazing for longer runs. It is a piece of gear I already have, another present, this one from a friend and for my birthday. Aaahhh, a holiday in and of itself! Ok, back to the point... so this little water bottle has a strap, so it attaches itself to your hand. You can even attach it to a belt if you have one of those. I was reluctant to get a belt as I have small hip problems and just do not want to be adding anything to the hips. I felt that the holding water bottle was the best bet for my short runs.
WHEW!!! Is this not amazing loot?! Very, very exciting and I most definitely cannot wait to play with it all. My final purchase that is coming in the mail (fingers crossed: tomorrow) is a Garmin 305! I already have a heart rate monitor, but this particular watch has gps, a timer, and a heart rate monitor all in one. More on that tomorrow!
I will keep you updated on how all of the gear and my new kicks work out.
At this particular store, the employees work with you, watch your gait on a camera to ascertain what kind of support and shoes you may need. It turns out that I pronate a tiny bit, but that when I do, it is not problematic. For the most part, I have a straight gait and do not need extra support in the shoe... i.e. less money to spend! Whoo. I am a student and a student teacher, money is not my best friend right now!
But I also figure I need darn good socks. I do not mind my cheapies for my short runs throughout the week, the two 30-45 minutes runs, but for the longer runs, excellent wicking socks were necessary. There was a sale on socks, buy three, get one. So what did I do? Why... bought three of course!
Yay for cute socks! And they have little tabs on the back, so your ankle does not rub up on to the shoe. Aweeeesome!
On that very same note, a shirt was needed! It looks super orange in the picture, but it is really more of a coral. I still need capri pants in this wicking material, but I can make it through the first couple of weeks with what I have. These will be my goal next week. Especially since none of this is cheap.
And last, but certainly not least, I got a holding water bottle. I do not like gripping a water bottle and my camelbak pack can be a bit uncomfortable for short runs, although it will be amazing for longer runs. It is a piece of gear I already have, another present, this one from a friend and for my birthday. Aaahhh, a holiday in and of itself! Ok, back to the point... so this little water bottle has a strap, so it attaches itself to your hand. You can even attach it to a belt if you have one of those. I was reluctant to get a belt as I have small hip problems and just do not want to be adding anything to the hips. I felt that the holding water bottle was the best bet for my short runs.
WHEW!!! Is this not amazing loot?! Very, very exciting and I most definitely cannot wait to play with it all. My final purchase that is coming in the mail (fingers crossed: tomorrow) is a Garmin 305! I already have a heart rate monitor, but this particular watch has gps, a timer, and a heart rate monitor all in one. More on that tomorrow!
I will keep you updated on how all of the gear and my new kicks work out.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
MARATHON!
I have signed up for a marathon. I kid you not. This could be an adventure of a lifetime. Or the pain of a lifetime. I'm not picky...
Please donate! Morgan's Marathon Fundraising Site
Please read on for the letter I wrote regarding my participation in the Marine Corps Marathon. But please consider donating, I cannot run unless I raise over $1,000. Follow my journey here, from the joys, the pains, the dredges... the whole nine yards. I'll frequently update with my successes and not so much. I've never been a runner by nature, gosh, by the end of this I only anticipate being a jogger. I will do my best to make these updates fun, honest and downright nutty.
Please donate! Morgan's Marathon Fundraising Site
Please read on for the letter I wrote regarding my participation in the Marine Corps Marathon. But please consider donating, I cannot run unless I raise over $1,000. Follow my journey here, from the joys, the pains, the dredges... the whole nine yards. I'll frequently update with my successes and not so much. I've never been a runner by nature, gosh, by the end of this I only anticipate being a jogger. I will do my best to make these updates fun, honest and downright nutty.
On October 30, 2011, I will join TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) to run the Marine Corps Marathon as a part of a team raising money for HIV/AIDS research to eradicate a disease that affects millions worldwide. More, I will run for some of my best friends, people who have HIV. These are people I worry about daily, hoping their lives will be long, but knowing the chances of this may be slim. These are my friends, my supporters and my family. I am a teacher, a student, a daughter and a friend. I want to become of that elite group called “marathoners”. I want to become a part of this group by partnering with an organization that raises money for a cause I believe in.
Every 9 ½ minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV. T2 supports AIDS United and the Washington AIDS Partnership, organizations that work to end the AIDS epidemic nationally, through research, advocacy and outreach ensuring people living with, and affected by, HIV/AIDS have access to the prevention and care services they need and deserve.
T2 will train me and many like me who support the cause of AIDS United and the Washington AIDS Partnership to effectively eradicate the strains in existence and those yet to come. Training begins May 22, 2011 and will progress through the months until race day, October 30, 2011. The Marine Corps Marathon is called “The People’s Marathon” because it is the largest marathon in the world that does not offer prize money. It is the 4th largest Marathon in the United Sates and the 8th largest globally.
This is more than a journey to help save those in a life-threatening situation, but a personal journey. I began my weight loss journey at 220 pounds and made it a goal to run a marathon. I can run now, without hurting my knees, without gasping after two feet and without going cherry red after walking out the door. I now own more pairs of running shoes than high heels and drink more water than pop. This is a personal journey as much as a journey to help a disease in need of eradicating.
Will you help me reach these goals? Will you help me to run a marathon AND reach the goal of $1,500?
Please follow my journey on: mytrainermorgan.blogspot.com
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