I am once again nearing a marathon, and as I taper (runner slang for running fewer miles the 2-3 weeks before a big race) I have come to realize two things will be pulling me through my upcoming race...
On April 27, I will be running my seventh marathon; the Derby Festival Marathon in Louisville, KY. It is a hillier and smaller marathon than most that I've run. There are about 2,000 people running the full marathon (a much larger half is run the same day), and two very large hills at miles 8 and 21 (not to mention many rolling hills between). That coupled with this being my first marathon in 18 months, winter training in Chicago, a very tough final long run with 22 mph winds, etc... has left me realizing that I will certainly need help succeed in this race.
Luckily I have two great sources to help me through: motivation in that Deb and I are raising money by running this summer for one of our favorite charities, and inspiration in the memory of my cousin Terry who passed away recently after a LONG fight with a rare disease.
MOTIVATION
Deb and I are logging miles this summer as part of Team Bernie, a fitness group associated with Bernie's Book Bank. As part of that group, we are raising money to support Bernie's, our favorite Chicago bases charity - they take books from homes and publishers that no longer need them, and distribute those books to at risk children. We volunteer with our kids to help in their warehouse regularly, and hope to help them grow through this fund raising! The thank you notes from the kids that Bernie's receives are motivation to keep me moving.
You can learn more here: http://www.crowdrise.com/50For50in2013/fundraiser/marcyarbrough
INSPIRATION
A few weeks ago, my cousin Terry passed away. While his passing is fresh in my mind, the life he lived is truly inspirational!
As a boy, Terry was diagnosed with Fredricks Ataxia, a rare and debilitating disease. He was confined to a wheel chair most of his life. His health gradually worsened and he was dependent upon those around him to get through each day. Despite this, he had a smile and joke every time I saw him. His love of life kept him strong!
He was not supposed to live to see 20, but we were lucky enough to have him in our lives to see his 57th birthday. One thing is sure, he made the best of the situation he was handed and lived life to the fullest...something that I can only hope to mimic and is an inspiration to me!
Get out there and run!
