Sunday, September 18, 2016

Running the world 1 mile at a time


It's so hard to believe that in about a week, it will officially be fall.  Fall is one of my favorite seasons (it's a close tie with Spring).  I love the beauty of fall with the changing of the leaves.  Living in Central Pennsylvania, we have some of the most beautiful scenery during the fall.  I love the smell, the sound of the leaves crunching under my feet when I run, as well as the cooler temps for running.  Throw in some skinny jeans and boots, and I'm one happy girl!

October is quickly approaching, and I have one goal in mind - to help raise awareness for breast cancer.  As you may already know, I am racing with If Girls Ran the World this October, with the intent of raising money to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  I have been trying tirelessly these past couple of months to raise money for this amazing foundation, but I have not received any donations as of yet.  If you really think about it, I am sure breast cancer has affected your life in some shape, way, or form.

Each October, I think about my beautiful cousin, Nicki, more than usual.  I think about her overcoming her battle with breast cancer, only to be taken down by brain cancer.  With 3 girls, 2 of them young, I think about them watching their mommy go through treatments, attend her funeral, and having to go the rest of their lives without seeing her smile, hearing her laugh, or being given a hug from her when they are down. I think about how she was my age when she passed.  I think about everything that my body has allowed me to do, yet her body failed her in the worst way.  I think about how I'm sure she would give anything to just hold her girls tight, and how I am sure she would love to still be here and be as healthy as I am, and as you are.  So for this month in October, I'm going to run for her.  I'm going to run the miles that she was never given the opportunity to run at my age.  I'm going to push through any mental blocks, any tired legs, or soreness, or any excuse I think I may have, to run for her and her girls.

Nicki and her beautiful daughters

Please consider making a donation to my page at https://ifgirlsrantheworld-sgk.everydayhero.com/us/weightlifting-mother-runner#/?_k=jeno1u.  Funds donated will not only help with research, but it will help fund programs that help those in need to find breast cancer services.  Any amount you can donate will help.  Thank you so much for considering.