I am anxious. Not for the actual race, but for the start of the race. I am a little giddy. I am ready and wanting to run. Last year, 17 runners started, 17 finished.
We took what was raised and put backpacks and so many other incredible things into the campus. The kids getting a backpack was incredible. But, to see their face when they discovered the backpacks were filled with supplies...
When we shared the story with people, others were moved to run. On Sunday, there will be over 30 of us!
I want the 30+ Equal Start runners to feel the exhilaration of a marathon FINISH. The pain. The purpose. The pain.
I like pain. I am not quite sure why. Something in my head triggers when The Will seeks to over throw The Mind. I've been there once in my life.
My first marathon in 2005. At mile 16, my knee blew out. Long story. But I wanted to win and to me winning was simply finishing on behalf of the kids we were running for. People pledged money to our marathon finish; not to our marathon start, but to our finish.
At the 16th mile, the knee tore, swelled and began to dangle. As the shock of pain rushed to my gut, the thoughts of the kids not getting the money consumed me. For the next 10.2 miles I shuffled, hobbled, gimped, and limped to the end. It was a train wreck. But to me...to the kids...to my family...to my friends...I won.
This is my third marathon. Taper days suck because that finish in 2005 haunts me. Maybe it drives me. Maybe it is the haunting that pushed me.
If you get a moment, watch the 60 second video of The Painful 2005 Big Sur Blown Knee Finish
If you can, consider the kids of Oak Ridge Elementary. Give to their cause. Go to their campus. Start a movement.
Believe.
Be Change.
Oh yea, and on Sunday, remember the 30+ Equal Start runners.
Much hope.
Jharp
www.equalstart.com
*Repost this and challenge change. Bend history. Secure equal education for every child.
