We all have bucket lists, I know I do. There are plenty of things I want to do, try, attempt and things and places to see before I kick the bucket. Just so happens, I'm working on crossing one of those off my list. Last Thursday, I may or may not have signed up for Team Challenge - an endurance training program to help me run a half marathon while raising money for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation in hopes to one day find a cure. Now I'm no runner, but the idea of a half marathon has always intrigued me. Who knows, if I enjoy this experience (hahaha...enjoy...), maybe I could knock out a full marathon! Maybe...
It seems many people choose to do Team in Training, but I chose Team Challenge specifically for the fact that it is associated with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. In April of 2008, my mom's fiance, Terry, passed away unexpectedly due to complications with his Crohn's disease. It was a great loss for our family, but it made us all aware of this disease. To be honest, I had never heard of this disease, nor did I know Terry had it. It was not something he put out for all the world to know because he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him.
Since his passing, my mom started the Terry L. Shields Memorial Fund in order to carry on his legacy of helping others and encouraging individuals to follow their dreams. While thinking of ways to raise funds, I came across Team Challenge. From that moment, I had always pondered the thought of participating but never really went through with it. This year was no different. But in fact, it was - because I actually took a step forward and went for it. Well, okay, I was kind of nudged, but that's not the point! I really had no reason NOT to do it. It was really a question of, "Why not now?"
Which brings us to now, I will be running in the Rock & Roll Half-Marathon in Las Vegas on December 4th for all those individuals suffering from these digestive diseases. But closer to my heart, I will be running in honor of Terry. He was a great man and til this day, we miss him dearly.
Please join me on this 16 week journey and I ask for your support of my participation in Team Challenge by making a donation to aid in research of one day finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
To make a donation, please click HERE.
Thanks folks! I will definitely be posting as the weeks go by and especially after completing the half marathon December. :)
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