Have you always wanted to run a half-marathon or marathon or complete a triathlon, but just can't ever seem to find enough motivation to get you on board completely?
Might I suggest doing it for a cause? There are a lot of great causes out there that do endurance training events and can even get you into a lot of sold out events! (See the bottom of this post for some ideas.)
I started out my journey (er, obsession) with endurance events years ago with the Midnight Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. I did this race with Team in Training. The camaraderie and dedication I found through this organization was amazing! I stayed with TNT off and on for about 10 years, then started just doing the endurance thing for the sake of it.
That was okay for a while, but was lacking something.
I've become a sponsored athlete with Rev3 Tri and a group of us are hitting the road in March to RUN ACROSS AMERICA to raise funds for the Ulman Cancer Fund [UCF] for Young Adults. And the magic begins again.
I have already met so many wonderful people through this experience and we haven't even left yet. I've met survivors, other runners, family members of people fighting, people in the throws of their fight and the supporters of those people... the wonderful folks at UCF!
I can tell you that lacing up my shoes and getting out the door regardless of the weather and the hour is much easier when I am carrying all of these people with me! Cancer is a buggar! It makes us work hard, it makes us think, it makes us hope!
I run every single day and I do it for them. I do it to raise awareness. I do it to prepare for this epic adventure. I do it because I am healthy and I can. I do it to raise funds for a cause that makes a difference in people's lives. Today I ran for - a young man fighting brain cancer.
I challenge you to take the charge. Get out there and do what you wanted to do, but thought you couldn't... because I'm here to tell you you can.
Please check out my blog Wife.Mother.ATHLETE. to read about my adventures, read about the Rev3 Run Across America and donate to the cause!
And check out the Ulman Cancer Fund. If you know a young adults, ages 18 to 40, who is dealing with a cancer diagnoses and is in need of support, point them in the right direction.
And if you are looking to train for a cause, here are some of the top rated organizations that can help you get from that start line to the finish line!
Team Fight - Ulman Cancer Fund
Team in Training - Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Joints in Motion - Arthritis Foundation
