I (Charlie) recently began training for the Chicago Marathon. Not only that, but I'm also raising money for Team in Training (TNT), which is the biggest sponsor for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Basically, TNT helps train groups of runners all over the country for various endurance events. You can sign up to prepare for just about any half-marathon, full marathon, or triathlon you can think of. And probably some over types events I don't even know about.
You also sign up to raise money for LLS. The minimum amount you're required to raise depends on your event. If you live in the city of your host event - that amount isn't nearly as high as if they need to fly you out to, say, San Diego and pay for a 2-night stay there (San Diego was another one of the options some people pick).
I think most folks do the running events, and for the group in Chicago I'm running with the most people do the Chicago Marathon. It's one of the most famous marathons in America, probably right behind Boston and New York. I'm excited to get back into running - it had been too long. I broke my ankle 4 or 5 years ago when I was about halfway through training for the Marine Corps Marathon. I'd signed up and everything! Since then, I really haven't run continuously until now.
I'm excited to be running, but I'm even more excited that it's for a good cause. LLS does just about everything you can think of to contribute to the battle against cancer - specifically blood cancers. They fund research, support patients, support families of patients, and promote public awareness. When I was looking into doing this - I was particularly touched by the stories of children battling the disease. When you become a parent, things like that hit home and it makes me very thankful for the health of our son. Well, relative health - these first few months of Brady going to daycare take a toll on all of us illness-wise. But a cold or a stomach virus pales in comparison with cancer!
Some of the runners know someone who has or has died from Leukemia, Lymphoma or Myeloma. Some are even survivors. Before yesterday's run, one runner shared a story about her dad, who has cancer and they just moved him to hospice. She told the story of how much research can help - her dad not only lived longer because of strides made in fighting the disease, but he had a better quality of life for that time.
Many of the runners are just like me and don't have a direct connection to this particular cause. Most everyone knows someone who died of cancer, but not necessarily from blood cancer. Like me they may have been looking for some combination of a) incentive and help to train for a marathon, b) a way to meet new people, and c) a way to contribute to a good cause.
The group has Saturday runs to get you ready for the event, and even some mid-week runs as well. It hasn't been the easiest road thus far. I came down with a really bad cold/flu at the start of the first week, so that put me behind a bit. But I'm "back in the saddle" and doing OK so far. I'm up to 50 minutes (a little over 5 miles) as of yesterday's run.
I'll try to update on the blog how I'm doing. In the meantime - check out my fundraising page and donate if you can. There's even a cute picture of me and Brady right after we walked up those 80 flight of steps (he doesn't seem very tired :) ). If you're reading this, I'll probably send you an email at some point anyways asking for help. My fundraising minimum is $1,250 and I set a personal goal of $1,500 - some people set goals much higher, but I'm happy to contribute in any way. This is a cause that means a lot
