Why
do I run? That’s a really good
question. When I first started at
running all I could think to myself is, “dude, really?” As a person who has never really been that
athletic, asking me this question in my head time and time again never really
seemed to get answered.
At
first, I remembered that I was in pretty decent shape when I was in the
Navy. Sure, I was 21, but still I felt
pretty fit and even felt handsome and attractive. However, I’ve not always felt that way. When I originally signed up to join the Navy,
I was 185 pounds and pretty husky. I had
a 38 inch waist and most of my shirts were extra-large. Of course, that all changed and they whipped me
into shape. When I got out in 1997, I
was 155 pounds and had a 32 inch waist.
I tried to keep up with the exercise.
I ran the Great Race as soon as I got home, and two years later I ran a
20k in Wheeling. After that…I did
nothing. I got lazy. I got bored. I was working. I was going to travel
school. But, mostly, what it really
seemed like I had were excuses.
But,
something changed in me back in 2012. I
had gone up and down in weight over the years, but I wanted to do something
about it. Something in my brain said I
wanted to get back to Navy shape. Something else said I just needed to be more conscientious
of my health. So, with some
encouragement, I signed up for a 5k. I
trained. I ran. I walked.
I finished. I enjoyed it. I really, really enjoyed it! That was an amazing feeling! After crossing that finish line I felt that as
long as there was a race, I could run it.
And
run races I did.
Everyone on my
Facebook page has seen plenty of pictures and plenty of posts of me
running. However, the one thing that
wasn’t changing was the reason why I was running. Sure, I liked to run, but was that the only
reason to run? I soon found out it wasn’t.
Two
years ago as you all know, I decided to run for charity when I signed up to run
my third half marathon. I had already
run two, but this time I was running with a purpose. There were more than enough charities to
choose from, but I chose The Mario Lemieux Foundation. I cannot tell you all how awesome that was to
raise the money we did that year. $5800
plus? Are you kidding me? My mind was
blown! I had a lot of help of course,
and I could never have done it without that help. I also learned a few things.
1.
It is such a rewarding experience to raise money
for charity. This is something I’ve
never done before.
2.
I do not look good in dress. I shouldn’t anyway.
All fun aside, I
was not sure if I would do it again or if I would even reach those heights a
second time fundraising. Last year
however, I decided I should do it again anyway.
The second year we managed to raise over $2500, and I could not have
been prouder. So much money was raised
for such a great charity in two years.
But, would I do it a third time?
When I decided
to do my first full marathon, I felt I would not have the time to focus on
anything else but training. The more I
thought about it, the more I felt I was just being selfish. I mean sure, I do have to focus on training
and that should be my priority, but for that to be the only reason why I don’t
raise money for charity a third year is just silly. It’s also nothing more than another
excuse. So, with that thought in my
head, I signed up to raise money for the Mario Lemieux Foundation for a third
year in a row. The goal is not as high
as the previous years, but maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to have another
successful campaign.
Now, with that being
said, that’s really not the only reason I’m running. When choosing to run the 5k, the Half Marathon,
The Full Marathon, and even the Marathon Relay, the race organizers do a great
job of promoting the charity option and to “run for a reason.” There are so many wonderful charities to run
for, and of course I chose mine.
However, I have more than just that charity as being the reason I’m
running the full marathon this year. In
fact, I have 26 reasons.
I’ve hash tagged
“#26miles26dedications” a lot recently, and it’s because I truly am going to
dedicate this race 26 different ways. I’m
going to dedicate each mile to 26 different people or groups of people. I truly mean that. I’m 43 years old and I’ve gone through some
experiences in my life, but so has everyone else. I’ve been touched emotionally by a lot of
you, in nothing but positive ways. I couldn’t
thank everyone enough for that. We see
so many bad stories every day on the news.
It’s never ending. We see a lot
of bad things on social media as well, not only in things that are posted and
shared, but also in people’s comments.
However, I still feel there is more good than bad out there. I want to be one of those things. I want to be able to make you all feel as
wonderful and positive, as hopeful and happy, as you make me feel on a daily
basis.
I already have a
good idea of how these dedications will pan out and who they will be directed
towards. I was originally going to blog
each week on a dedication. But, I have
so many stories to tell that I’ve chosen to reveal all of my dedications at
once and on a separate blog. That blog
will come close to race day.
We’ll catch up
on week one of training later this week, but for now, just please continue on
this journey with me. I think it’s going
to be a fun run.
Sinceriously yours,
Chuck
#RunRinseRepeat, #26point2forTeamLemieux #26miles26dedications
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