See Christian Run

This summer, I made the commitment to run the 2013 St. Jude Marathon. I’m honestly not sure what was going through my mind when I made this decision; training for this race is one of the hardest trials I have ever embarked on. Over the course of my training, I’ve run more than 400 miles (thanks Nike + app!). Some of those runs were awesome and some of those runs sucked. I ran in the rain, cold, dusk, dawn and dark of night. There were a few moments when I thought I might actually stroke-out because it was so hot.

The past six months have been really exciting, but also extremely tiresome. There were so many moments when I wanted to drop down to the half-marathon (13.1 miles) or just completely quit. I can honestly say I underestimated how hard it would be to train for a marathon, and I applaud those who regularly run marathons. There were moments on my long runs when I would curse myself for choosing to run a marathon, only to curse myself again for second-guessing myself. I keep reminding myself “it’s for the kids!”

Right now, I find myself with less than a month before the big day (December 7). Of course I’m nervous, but I’m also anxious to cross the starting line. While the overall goal is to finish my first marathon, MY objective is to hit the finish line in under 4 hours and 30 minutes (we’ll see how this works out for me). With only three weeks of training left, I’m continuing to push my body and overcome all mental hurdles - “it’s for the kids!”

Now that you’re caught up on the past few months of training, I will introduce you to the purpose of this letter. As a part of my commitment to run in the St. Jude Marathon, I committed to be “Hero” for the children and families at St. Jude Hospital. Part of that commitment includes a fundraising for St. Jude. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.8 million, which is primarily covered by donations to the hospital. Nearly every dollar received by the hospital contributes directly to the treatment of someone’s son or daughter. As a parent, I’m literally compelled to help children in need, and it is that very reason that I chose to be a Hero for St. Jude.  I’m asking you to make a donation to the children of St. Jude, and help me reach my goals. I’m not asking you to break the bank, but every dollar – literally – does matter.

Do it for the kids!