The Wonderful Blogosphere

It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful this running/blog world is.  I had no idea how many friendships I would make with people I have never even met.  I have had many words of encouragement and advice while dealing with my injuries and I can not thank you enough.  Mom vs. Marathon  has dealt with a similar back injury and she has helped and inspired me to run strong through some very positive and informative emails.  Thanks Kerrie!

As you all know, I have been working towards meeting my fundraising goal of $3200 so that I can run my first half marathon.  Most people would just train and pick a marathon that just has a registration fee and is close to home, but not me. I have to raise money and pick a race that is on the other side of the country.   Go big or go home, right?

It has always been easy for Mr. RWM and I to give to people and causes that are near and dear to us and we have always been thankful that we are able to do so.  This is important to us, not only because it helps others, but we are teaching our children to not just think of themselves.

Asking for money, on the other hand, is not as easy.  But I just put myself out there and have been truly touched by how generous you have all been.  I cannot thank you enough.  I am halfway to my goal, but there is still much work to do.  That is why, I am hosting the Run Strong, Think Big Virtual 5k.

Today, the kindness of others has really hit home.  My friend, fellow runner and blogger wrote a post about my cause and about my Virtual Race.  Andy, who writes Running My Ass Off has been one of my biggest supporters and an extra bonus is that he is a Philly guy and, well, Philadelphia is my first love as far as cities go.  He has been on an incredible weight loss journey and has lost 109 pounds!  Way to go Andy!

He is putting together a group of friends to run with on July 21 to help me reach my goal.  When I first envisioned what the race would consist of, I was hoping that it would be groups of friends and families running and walking together knowing they are making a difference and enjoying the time they are spending with each other.

When I really think about why I am doing this, the Big Picture, it is because I love my family and I love my friends.  Without them I have nothing and I would guess most of you would agree with that.  

Haley

So, really, I am doing this for my friend Shawna and her family who have suffered a loss that no family should have too.  I am doing this for all the families that have a loved one who is struggling with an illness or who has lost a loved one.  I am doing this for my family because I am thankful that we are healthy and by running and playing together, we will, hopefully, stay healthy.

Wherever you are planning on doing The Run Strong, Think Big 5k, I hope you know that I will be with you in spirit.  I will run with you all in my heart and I look forward to hearing about how the run went. And if you take any pictures, I hope you will share them on my FB page.  

For those of you doing it in Rhode Island, I hope that some of you will be able to run with me, maybe the beach or bike trail and then of course, breakfast!  I may even have your medals to give you that day.  Everyone else, I will mail them to you the week after the race.  Please be sure you register by July 17th, so I know how many to order.  

Again, Andy and all my running, blogging and mommy friends, thank you for helping me achieve something that I used to think was impossible.  Remember, if you want something bad enough, you will find a way no matter what obstacles you may face.  

Run Strong, Think Big!