Have you ever run, biked or walked in a race? Have you ever run, biked or walked for a cause? The past few years, I have dabbled in races, a few marathons, 5k's, obstacle courses and trail runs. But this October, I ran a half marathon for a cause. I decided in March to run this half marathon because it had a very worthy cause. It was to raise awareness for Lung Cancer Research.
I choose this race because in February, my mother passed away from lung cancer it swooped in and took her very quickly. I decided I would run this particular half marathon in her honor because, the money it cost to run this half marathon went to Lung Cancer Research. I decided to take it a step further. Here is how it went, I started with a poem I wrote about my mom, and my goal:
She was everything to me….
Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What makes a woman special; I suppose it’s a matter of opinion.
A woman with a heart larger than the universe who will do anything for anyone,
Find out what's happening in Mahwahwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A woman who will give a stranger money for the bus… she did that….
A woman who worked cooked and cleaned and never complained … she did that
A woman who took care of us when we were sick… she did that
A woman who with one smile could brighten your day… she did that
A woman who when she hears the words “you have terminal lung cancer” she turns with a smile and says there will be no tears. Just happiness until that time comes… she said that
My mom came into this world a beautiful child full of grace and she left this world a strong, loving independent woman full of grace….
I sent out my letters to all my family and friends and was overwhelmed with the out pouring of love and support and the donations! They just kept coming!
October 23rd was the day I was to run 13.1 miles thru the beautiful Penny Pack Park in Philadelphia, PA. I awoke to a beautiful sunrise and on a crisp clear morning. (I was convinced mom sent it). It was a tough run - very hilly; very, very hilly (did i mention hilly?). At every mile marker I looked up to heaven and said this one's for you mom and remembered something special about her.
I have run a few marathons, half marathons and sprinkling of races here and there but this one - well, this one was something different. It was like no other, I was running it in honor of my mom Nina for up until her last breath she had the most amazing grace I have ever seen.
I set a few goals one was to raise over $3,000.00 the other was a personal goal to run it under 2 hours. As i grew closer to the finish line my eyes welling up with tears. Remebering all the things I loved about her. I crossed the finish line in 1:58:16 happy to have met my time goal. Proud to say surpassing my $3,000 goal to have raised $5,850.00 all to be sent to the American Lung Cancer Association!
Every race is different for different reasons this one was just a little extra special for me. Have you run, biked or walked for a cause? Which one? And what did it mean to you?
You are stronger than you think!!
