Here’s how it started… in college I was given an assignment to write a “Life List” of things I wanted to accomplish. That was the easy part… but now where do I start?!!? OK I have to start somewhere, close my eyes and point… ah, yes. FINISH A MARATHON.
I still to this day cannot explain WHY ON EARTH completing a marathon was on my Life List, because anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I absolutely hate to run. But I suppose I like a challenge, and a marathon seemed to fit the bill.
As I started to research how to train for such an enormous event as a NON runner, I came across the Team in Training site. I was a bit oblivious to what I was getting myself into, and I also knew my limitations – so of course I had no other option. I signed up immediately and told everyone I knew what I was doing. That way there was NO backing out. Team in Training is the largest endurance sports training program in the world… I would be raising money for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma while accomplishing an item on my Life List. BONUS. I raised over $3700 while training for this event!
The next 6 months was a bit of a blur, but I did indeed finish – The Chicago Marathon in October 1997.
Finishing the marathon was empowering and exciting, although the intense pain I was in reminded of me all the reasons that I hated to run in the first place. Clearly I was delirious from the pain and lack of food at the end, because within hours (as I was soaking in my ice and Epson salt bath) I knew that I wanted to complete another marathon. However, I knew that if I was going to do this again (and keep my body in tact), I had to learn how to train properly and take care of myself the right way. Did I? Well not quite. Yet here I find myself again, 2 kids and nearly 11 years later, committing myself to another grueling event.
I want to do something really meaningful in life, to feel like I am giving back in some way. So…
Today, August 3rd, I have committed myself to another Team in Training event (well, two actually). On December 21st, 2008 I will be running the Jacksonville Bank 1/2 Marathon, then on January 11th, 2009 I will be running the Walt Disney World Marathon. Both events are within driving distance, so I can have my 2 kids there as I cross the finish line. Perhaps the very thought of going to Disney will get the kids on board to train with me too. Heaven knows we can all use it, I’d be surprised if I could run 1 complete mile right now. Just as I did on that momentous day in 1997, I am telling everyone I know about my intention so there is no backing out!! This should be a fun and rather interesting journey!
This is where I will chronicle my efforts in both arenas, training and fundraising (as well as my very first attempt at Blogging)!
Check back often and please tell others about my fundraising goal…
Sincerely,
Michelle Starrett
