We’re really doing it Harry!
Welp, I’m really doing it.
I’m planning to run the B.A.A. Half Marathon this Fall, on October 11, as a team member on the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Team.
I’m excited and nervous and eager and a little scared shitless, but above all, I’m committed.
Way back in the day I had what I thought was this wonderful idea to train for the Boston Marathon. I was in college at the time, and I knew that my school had some sort of training club for the event, and I decided over my Winter break to just go balls to the wall for it, and train full out for the sucker.
Except that I had no idea what I was doing.
Sure, I was following some “training guide” that I had got my paws on at the rec center at school before my Winter break, but I didn’t know the first thing about training for a marathon and saying I was going in blindfolded would be an understatement.
I didn’t know what I was doing.
And as big ideas that aren’t all too thought out are won’t to do, this one can be filled under the Big Fat Fail category for me, because after week two or three, I can’t even remember now, that’s how uninvested I was in the whole thing, I quit training all together.
There is something to be said about being ready to do such a thing. And ready not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and this time around, spiritually too.
Anyreallylongrant, the point is, I’m where I am right now, ready and eager and set to train and compete in this race, after a lot of careful thought and prep, and the biggest thing of it all, the biggest difference this time around compared to last, is that my heart is in it.
I’m not going into this race with any huge and lofty goals like setting some record or finishing in any big ranking (who am I kidding? I just want to finish the thing!), but I am going into it with the goal of challenging myself, working my hardest, and coming away from the experience all the better for it.
I’m running this race in honor of my two beloved grandparents, who lost their battles with cancer just over a year ago. I feel like running this race is one small way that I can honor them. They were two of the bravest, most hard working and determined people I have known. If I can channel even half of these amazing attributes whilst training for this race, I would consider that a huge success.
I hope you’ll follow me in my journey over the next several months as I train for this race! There are some links over to the side there with details about the race itself, scoop on how to donate through my personal fundraising page, and general info about Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
Girl, we’ve already talked about this little endeavor you’ve taken on. But, I gotta say again that it’s amazing you’re doing this. Amazing that you’re physically challenging yourself. Amazing that you’re running in honor of your grandparents. Amazing that you’ve committed to raising money for a good cause. Which must mean only one thing. You yourself are amazing! Can’t wait to share this journey with you and you know I’m good for a little old donation in the next few weeks.
Thank you sooo much Nilsa! You’ve already been such a wonderful support!
I’m so proud of you Megs! I will be cheering you on all the way! xo
Thank you lady! I appreciate it!
Congratulations! I think it’s so great what you’re doing, and I admire that. You’re gonna do great, and I can see how much your heart is really in it. Your grandparents would be very, very proud. I support you all the way!!
Thank you lady! You know you’ll hear all the nitty gritty of it… every.single.day. 🙂
YAAAAY MEG!! You can bet your booty I’ll be cheering you on as you take on this challenge. You have my full force support and love. Good luck with training and I’ll see you from the sidelines!! :):):)
Aww, thank you so much Diana! It means the world to me to know you’re there!
Meg, I am so proud of you! It is a big undertaking, if anything will give you drive and determination to accomplish your goal it is your grandparents memory!
Love ya,
Steph
Woo! Thank you Steph!
All it takes is one race…and you’ll be addicted! You will do wonderful – and you will absolutely be able to finish. In fact, I think you’ll find it easier than you expected. And the joy and overwhelming emotion you will feel as you cross that finish line will stick with you forever. Can’t wait to follow your progress! 🙂
Thank you Melissa! I know how much you loved the races you’ve done recently!
Good approach! Get the heart and head right and the body will have no choice but to follow! You’re gonna do great!
Thanks so much John! You know I’ll be tapping into your expertise!
Ohhhhh my Meggie!!! I am soooo incredibly proud of you for doing this. Nana and Grampy must be beside themselves with joy and pride. They truly thought the “world” of you and I think Grampy would say… “you’re a hot ticket Meghan!!” I will be your personal massage therapist!!!!
[…] 17, 2010 by megabrooke Last year, when I trained for my half marathon, I decided to run for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute team. With the generous donations of friends and family, I ended up raising over $2,000 towards cancer […]