October 19, 2014, will mark the second time that I will be running in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon/Half Marathon. When I decided to run the half marathon last year, I knew it was going to be both a physical and mental challenge. To be honest, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to accomplish it. My only goal for the 2013 race was to cross the finish line on my own two feet, which I managed to do in a time of 2:19:46.
This year, I thought I should make my goal a little more challenging. Of course I want to beat my previous time, but I also wanted to make my run meaningful.
Participants in the race are given the option to become a Children's Champion, which is a participant who chooses to run, walk or cheer for the marathon or half marathon while fundraising for Nationwide Children's Hospital. By becoming a Children's Champion, my family, friends and community can support me in the race, but also make a donation to Nationwide Children's Hospital to support the Miracle Mile Patient Champions. These children are a true inspiration and I hope that by becoming a Children's Champion, I'll be able to make a difference in their lives or the lives of other patients because their daily fight is far more challenging than running 13.1 miles.
;)
