This post is long overdue.
I have started writing a post-marathon piece probably about once a month since April, but haven't been able to get one off the ground. Maybe I just didn't want to acknowledge the fact that my 2014 Boston Marathon journey is over.
The reason for this post, however, isn't about me. It's about you. Charities are taking applications for the 2015 Boston Marathon, and official training starts in about 2 months.
One of you out there is looking for something new to take on. You're ready to do something big, and maybe you're not sure yet what it is. Maybe you've never run more than 3 miles before, but you're curious how far you could run if you really dedicated yourself to trying. Maybe you want to feel like a part of something bigger than yourself and do something small every day to benefit your community.
If this is you, think seriously about volunteering to run for one of the Marathon Coalition charities. I promise you, it will change your life. If you have ever considered taking on a challenge of this magnitude, there is no better place to do it. Coach Rick will know your name and check in with you personally every week. You will never have to worry about bringing your own water or snacks on long runs. In a group of hundreds of runners, you are guaranteed to find at least one person who not only runs at the same pace as you, but can provide hours of amusing conversation. You will know the magic of having a group of friends who have only seen you at your grossest and smelliest. You will raise money for charities that change the lives of children and young adults all over the Greater Boston area. Most of all, you will be inspired every single week. I never thought I had it in me to complete the marathon once, let alone twice, but training alongside these folks made all the difference.
The 2-year experience I had with the Marathon Coalition completely changed my concept of what I am capable of as an athlete and as a person. I cannot say enough about the wonderful coaches and runners that I had the privilege of running beside week after week. Look back at this post for more examples of their awesomeness.
Watch the first couple minutes of this video and see how many different kinds of people you see represented on the team. There are so many parents. Some grandparents. Lifelong runners and complete newbies. At 2:22 you will see our teammate's father, who lost his leg in the 2013 bombings, but came to hand out water on a couple of our runs. There is so much positivity, hope, and inspiration concentrated in that small room in Newton and on those roads every Saturday morning.
Yes, it's totally cheesy. I only apologize a little.
If this speaks to you at all, take the next step and reach out to me. Charity spots are going fast, but I will happily chat further with any of you about opportunities.
You can do this.
