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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Generosity and the Broad Street Run

So as of a couple of weeks ago, I kept seeing status updates on facebook about people signing up for the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia.  Its a 10 mile run that happens at the beginning of May.  I have been an "unstructured" runner my entire life.  Running has always been an important part of training for tennis and other sports I play.  As a new mom, the jogging stroller became a huge helper in battling bouts of stay-at-home mom boredom and getting back in shape after my pregnancies.

Running isn't exactly my favorite.  I'm not fast and frankly, I don't have that gazelle like runner's physique.  I run more like a buffalo.  But there is a love hate relationship going on there.  I keep doing it, so the love must outweigh the hate. 

The straw that broke the camels back in registering for the race happened at Crossfit last week (www.crossfitinspire.com).  One of my fellow work out friends complimented my buffalo running form and asked if I was running the race.  Then I found out that they were forming a team and  I could run with them.  Still nervous, (10 miles is A LOT), scared, and unsure about time commitment, I tried to talk myself out of it.  There is this little voice in my head that keeps me from bitching out on things.  I wouldn't exactly call it a conscience, but its there.  I kept thinking about the run and decided to tap one of my favorite resources for advice- my friend Derek. 

Derek is insane.  Seriously insane.  He runs marathons, 6 thousand k's, and is one of the most dedicated, enthusiastic people I have ever met.  Talking to Derek was totally a subconscious move by my non-conscience to get the encouragement I needed to run the race.  He wrote up a training plan for me and gave me a much needed, "you can do this" boost.  I even confided in him about my fund raising fears.  Raising 500 dollars seemed completely daunting.  I left sales years ago, and I have no plan of returning.

But I did it.  Between Derek and the "don't bitch out" voice, I signed up for the race.  I sent an email to family and friends about the race and asking for donations for the American Cancer Society.  I posted on facebook hoping to get some more financial support that way.  I am so blown away by the response. 

I sent the email on Monday night.  It is now Wednesday and I am almost half way to my pledge goal of 500 dollars.  I couldn't believe the response!!!  But guess what, I should have known better.  I have the most generous, amazing people in my life.  I should not have been surprised in the least by the amazing response.  So this is my thank you.  I was almost in tears seeing one friend donate 125 bucks!!!  Seriously!!!  Amazing!!! 

Every training mile I run and every mile of that race is dedicated to my friends and loved ones, especially my Grandpa Thompson. I will be thinking of you during my runs and praying for you and your family members whose lives have been affected by cancer. Thank you for giving me the courage, strength, and inspiration to run this race.  Thank you for being such an important part of my life.  I love you guys!!!!

6 comments:

  1. Congrats on what will be your first broad street run! You'll LOVE it. Last year was my first time doing it and I too was daunted by the length of it. The people who line the streets will carry you through. It's a blast!

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  3. Thanks, Jen! I can't wait! I am so excited to run it. I started training yesterday and accomplished a lot more than I thought I would be able to. I guess all of that crossfit is paying off!

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  4. First of all, you are raising 2 awesome girls! A challenge far greater than a little 10 miler! With all that you have accomplished in motherhood so far, you should feel pretty unstoppable!!! Like Wonderwoman, or Superwoman!! Or SuperWonderWoman!! You are going to have so much fun on this adventure!! I look forward to reading about your journey to, through, and beyond Broad St!! Happy Training!!!

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  5. Jane! Your blog cracks me up! Congrats on the run - you'll do great and soon you'll probably be running 6 thousand k's too. You've inspired me to revisit my blog (created a year ago or more) and wow I deleted all the posts due to excessive cheese... I'll be sticking with Jane style inspiration from now on!

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  6. I love excessive cheese, Jess! And Derek, you rule! Thanks for all of the love and support. So glad you are enjoying my rants. This is very therapeutic for me ;0)

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