Only Half Crazy

Well, it is official.  I will be running the Nike Women's Marathon on October 14, 2012.  Last night, I went to the Team In Training kick-off party for the race.  It was a fantastic night of pampering at Luminous Salon and Spa.  

We had our choice of services, including massage, manicures, and a wash and blow dry. There was wine, appetizers and desserts.  I enjoyed a massage and my hair looks fabulous.  There were raffles and I won a bottle of wine!  When my hair was done I filled out and paid for my entry fee for the race.  Let me tell you, it really felt good.  This has been what I have been working for and now it is really happening.

You couldn't help but enjoy the energy in the room.  People were there for all different reasons, but one reason was the same.  We are there working hard and raising money to help families whose lives have been affected by leukemia and lymphoma.  I cannot truly imagine what this dose to a family but I am blessed to know the Kane's.  We will be running on what would of been their daughters 16th birthday weekend.  We will be running to honor her memory and celebrate her life.  There is no better reason than that.

As a mother, I think it is easy to say that if I was in this situation, I would just break down and stop living.  However, when you talk to Mrs. Kane, you can't help but be inspired.  She has and continues to live her life with much purpose.  She does this because her daughter can't.  She has to live with meaning because of her 3 beautiful boys who need her to still and always be their mommy.  I can only guess that Mr. Kane makes this a little easier for her as they are the perfect team.  They love and support each other no matter what and, that to, is an inspiration.

I am nervous and excited about this race.  I have never raised money before and not sure what to expect.  I have been told it is easier then it sounds.  It will also be my first half and I just hope to finish.  I have no big desire to break records or tackle the hills like they are flat, we have all seen the rice-a-roni commercial, I expect them to kick my butt!

"Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco Treat"

But really, those things are just a small part of it.  I am going to do this, because I want to support my friend, Mrs. Kane.  I love her and her family and I am honored that she asked me to be a part of this.  I didn't know it, but the first time I wrote the words, "I am going to run a half marathon", this was the race it would be.  I don't think this will be my last half, but if it were, I could be happy with that.

A while back, I was asked to write a piece about Purposeful Running.  I talked about why I run and what keeps me going.  I said in that post that it is important to give back.  I am lucky that I can do what I love and still make a difference and for that I feel blessed.

I called this post, Only Half Crazy to be funny as I am only running the half in San Francisco, but I hope all you full marathoners know, I don't actually think you are crazy, I admire every single one of you, especially, Mrs. Kane who will be doing the full that weekend.  I plan to be waiting for her at the finish to celebrate with her our achievements and her little girls life.

Run strong, think big!