On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!

The motivation for me training to run my second marathon has begun!  Wave 1 of the requests for contributions to the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative has been mailed or will be distributed this week.  If you don't receive one in the next few days, and would like the info, contribution form, and self-addressed stamped return envelope, let me know (jenncotter@hotmail.com).  I am trying to set up something so that people can donate online, but haven't quite figured that out, yet.  There are free sites that will set up your own page, but they take a certain percentage of the donations, so I'm not sure I want to do that.  If you have experience in this, and have some good ideas, let me know.

Today I was reading some other blogs, and a certain post really caught my attention.  The poster was - for a lack of a better word - complaining about using running to raise funds for charities.  I think, overall, it was mainly about marathons and other races "holding" race entries for charities, but it started me analyzing what I'm doing here.

I just want everyone to know that nobody is obligated to donate anything to my cause.  I think, for me, this is a goal to reach for while working through my sadness regarding Anna.  When we lose any loved one, there is a feeling of frustration and helplessness.  I think this feeling increases by ten-fold when it's a child that is lost.  We are supposed to protect them and make sure they are safe and secure.  That ability is ripped from our grasp when a deadly disease strikes.  While at times sporadic about it, I've always enjoyed running and I figured this would be a good way to regain some feeling of control, get in shape, and do my own small part in possibly helping to make sure other families don't have to experience such a tremendous loss.

So, while the post I read definitely made me think, I also remember something I received in the mail a few weeks ago.  I don't think this person would want to be named, but she heard what I was doing and sent me a very encouraging card with a check.  She said she would like to see this disease "knocked out" in her lifetime.  She has a stake in this, as she was very close to Anna, but it reinforced my desire to see this through.  Even if that check is the only one I receive, then it's worth it for me to do this.

So, yes, nobody is obligated to donate.  I would not be hurt or offended in the least if you receive the request in the mail and decide not to contribute.  Times are tough, and it seems like there are worthy causes everywhere that are vying for our attention. (Hmmmm...seems like I'm giving a lot of reasons not to contribute.  I guess that's why I'm not in sales.)  Having said that, even a small amount would be GREATLY appreciated. 

 

My training is still going well.  My mileage since my last post is:
Saturday - 10 miles (10:41 pace)
Monday - 6 miles (10:21 pace)
Today - 8 miles (10:50 pace) I tried to make this run really easy, as my legs felt pretty tired and stiff.
On schedule for tomorrow - 7 miles

The mornings have been absolutely perfect for running with temps in the 50's and low 60's.  Reno is situated in the high desert and has amazing weather.  We get all four seasons, but none are overly extreme (unless, of course, it's this year when it snowed on Memorial Day weekend).  Even though it's been getting close to 90 during the day, it almost always cools down overnight, making it comfortable for those early morning runs.  Great way to start my days!

I LOVE this place!