Running and a new perspective

I have already mentioned that I'll be running a half-marathon in December.  I registered for the race because I wanted to do something for my little brother, Sebastian.  I got a flier in the mail the week he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis that gave information about a non-profit organization called Team Challenge, an organization affiliated with the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.  The program advertised a half-marathon dedicated to raising money for researching a cure for the disease.  All you have to do is raise a few thousand dollars and run 13.1 miles.  Without thinking twice about it, I signed up.

Then I realized what I had just signed up for. I had just committed myself to the next 4 months of training and fund-raising.  I promised to raise $3,000 so I could run 13.1 miles, and I have never even enjoyed running!  I made a commitment to my brother, though, and I was going to follow through.  I started to embrace the idea of running and soon found this race to be more than just 13.1 miles and months of begging for money. I began to see how it could shape who I am and what I want to be.

I honestly didn't know how popular marathons were.  It turns out that quite a few of my friends are training for them and it has opened doors to many new bonding experiences.  I have started running with my friend Maria and although we have known each other for years, this experience has given us a chance to truly get to know each other (we are even planning our weddings together!).  She is a wonderful girl and we have been able to share our engagement stories, faith discussions, and work experiences during our runs.  Much of the discussions I have had with her have left me reflecting on where I am in my life and what is truly important to me. Who knew that running could impact so many different parts of your life??

One of the major changes I've seen in myself lately is my desire to give back.  I've always enjoyed giving back, in fact one of my favorite parts of Christmas time is donating to the Red Cross Santas outside of malls and buying gifts for the children on the Angel Tree.  Recently, though, I have discovered a new way to give back. Most races have a charity aspect to them and I've really become driven by idea that my running can help others.  Of course, I began running to give back to my brother and the 1.4 million that suffer from the same disease as he does, but along the way, I've met others that could use my help.

A couple Saturdays ago, Maria and I went to Starbucks after we ran a few miles.  We brought my dog, Daisy, with us and sat outside to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather.  While I was sitting there, two children wanted to stop by and pet Daisy.  Their names were Claire, 5, and Grant, 4, and they began to tell me all about their lives. I could tell that Grant had cancer and asked his dad about his treatment.  He has been battling Leukemia for a while now, but seems to be recovering fairly well.  At one point, he couldn't even speak or walk, but this Saturday, he was running around and sharing all sorts of stories!  His dad mentioned a 5K run to raise money for children's cancer and I immediately volunteered myself to enter it.  I went home to look up the closest run and began to recruit friends of mine to enter it as well.  That run is the first weekend of November and I plan to dedicate it to Grant.  I'm hoping this will be the first of many runs I can enter to help others.  Although it isn't always easy to talk myself into running a few miles, I realize that the people I'm running for may not even be able to run.  God gave me a gift and I feel like it's my duty to use that gift to help others who may not have the same opportunities as me.

Grant and Claire.... that smile is enough motivation for me