Just writing that title made me think that I am out of my mind. So if you think that too, I sincerely understand.
Running a marathon is one of those things that I've always thought I could never do. In fact, it's one of those things I've said I would never want to do.
So how did we get here? Well, five years ago I ran a half marathon, something I thought I could NEVER do either, but did! And then somehow I found myself signed up for the same (insanely hilly) race again two years later. Doing something I thought I could NEVER do TWICE was such an accomplishment for me and I started to wonder if a full marathon wasn't out of the question. I sat on this idea for three years, keeping the idea from coming to fruition because I had some doubts. During this time I watched many of my runner friends complete marathons and talk about how amazing it was, but I still wondered if it was in the cards for me. When we moved back to Chicago I got the final push I needed. One of the new friends I made when we moved back was training for a marathon. She inspired me and almost a week after she shared her race day experience with me, I signed up for the Chicago Marathon without looking back. I'm equal parts excited and equal parts terrified, but ready or not, October 8th is on the horizon and I've gotta keep putting the work in to prepare!
Where do you fit into all of this? Well let me tell you! Although my initial reason for signing up for the marathon was personal, I am partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities to raise money to support their programs so that they can continue to do more good and keep families close. I chose RMHC because when my nephew, Hudson, was born, he had to be in the NICU and my sister and her husband were able to stay close to him without the financial burden that a hotel would have added. My goal is to raise $1500 to help ease the financial burden of families put in similar situations. If you're interested in partnering with me, you can donate here.
Ronald McDonald House Charities' mission to keep families close during some of the most difficult times is filling a need that would otherwise go unmet. Yesterday I got a tour of the Chicago Ronald McDonald Home and it was inspiring to see how the foundation works to not only keep families together, but to help build community within the houses and encourage those staying there to share their stories with each other.
Whether you can financially donate or not, I am so thankful that you took the time to read this post and I hope that you will help cheer me on during this challenging, rewarding, and growing experience.
Also, if you're interested in volunteering on race day, let me know and I can get you in touch with the right people.
Have a wonderful day!
