By I’m so happy to be starting December in good spirits and for a great cause. This weekend, I had the honor of participating in the 16th Annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon. This was my first time participating in the event and I was so happy to be among some very energetic, persistent, and overall personable group of people. It’s been years since I’d joined the race circuit (not proud of that), so it felt great to get off the wagon and be a participator instead of a spectator. Since I was clearly a beginner, I opted to walk the 5K.
I was instantly reminded that it’s important to put your health as a number one priority. Also, it’s equally important to remember the fight of others as on their journey to be well and stay alive. Be it young or old, there are thousands of people in need of support through research efforts, financial donations, awareness, and overall encouragement.
I braced myself for a cold front because the weather in Memphis is fickle at best. And many who have participated in previous races told me about walking or running in freezing cold weather. I prepped and prepared as best I could with several options of layers. Luckily, it was such a glorious Saturday! I couldn’t have asked for better weather. So, while the morning began a little on the cold side, by noon, it was warm, sunny, and stayed that way for the remainder of the day.
I found it so exhilarating to see people along the sidewalks cheering on all the marathon runners and providing people with the boost they needed to move forward. Walking briskly through the St. Jude campus was so moving, because it is such a live atmosphere and you immediately begin thinking of the kids. The creative posters spectators held up not only made you laugh (probably much need for those running the half or full), but served as reminders of exactly WHO you were running for. The 5K distance was not as bad as I anticipated, and I have the New Balance shoes I bought to thank. I am super excited to try the 10K at next year’s St. Jude Memphis Marathon.
The most vital part about this event involves raising money. My team still has until January 5 to raise money and if you have it on your heart to give, please visit the link: http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=4882803&pg=personal&fr_id=67039.
Also, not only can you give now, but if you are passionate about being part of this extremely important mission to heal children, then sign up to be a monthly donor to St. Jude.
What do you think?