Friday, January 28, 2011

From Austin to Athens For Uncle Mike.

Earlier in the summer I signed up to run the Austin Livestrong Half Marathon February 20th in Austin, Texas for Team Livestrong and raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I didn't know however at the time that I registered that come February I'd be living in Athens, Greece. I had a little dilemma on my hands. To go back to the States and run this race would cost me a lot of money and because I am currently unemployed over here, I really couldn't swing it. What could I do to fix this? 

It was really bothering me, I was going to be running this half marathon in memory of my Uncle Mike who lost his battle with cancer this past July. I didn't want to let him or my family down.

So I decided if I can't be at the race, I'll just bring the race to Athens. On February 20th, I will be running my own Half Marathon in Nea Smyrni Park in memory of my Uncle Mike. I know it isn't Austin, but it will be quite a test. I will have to run the loop in the park 26 times to reach the 13.1 mile distance. I am definitely up for the challenge and will have to deal with Kyle as my only spectator, but I am sure he'll be loud enough.


 I've already reached and surpassed my fundraising goal of $500, I'm currently at $873 and I have hopes to reach $1000 by race day. 

My Uncle Mike was a great man and this is my way of paying tribute to him. He may have lost his battle to cancer, but I have hopes that one day we will find a cure, so no one will have to go through what he and his family went through. So I run each mile with that on my mind. Running is my way of helping find a cure.


If you are interested in donating to Team Livestrong and The Lance Armstrong Foundation please check out my personal page. Any little bit helps in the fight. 


Thank you for taking the time to read this, and remember to Livestrong!

3 comments:

Brooke said...

You are killing me over here. You are one of the mose amazing people I have ever met in my life. I cant thank you enough for everything you do. If I could I would be right there next to kyle cheering you on. But I will be cheering you on from back in NY. I love you.

Meggie said...

Hey it's the least I could do! I hate that I can't actually be in Austin, but I will be running my butt off here, and I promise it will be well documented!

Love ya too <3

jillennpj said...

The right words to express how proud I am to call you my cousin are hard to find. Your commitment to your goals are astounding and never am I surprised to hear that you have accomplished another one. Your joy and love for life seems so effortless. I wish more than anything that I could be there to see you run and cheer you on as you chase down another goal. I will cheer for you loudly from NY! You make us all very proud. Thank you for what you do, you truly make a difference in this world. I love you.

 
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