For several months now I have been weighing the opportunity to run in the Columbus Half Marathon on October 17, 2010. I have gone back and forth and have yet to sign up. My wife and are I are running in the Dayton Air Force Half Marathon on September 18th and she has already signed up to run the full marathon in Columbus. We both feel like our days of running in these events are wrapping up so Columbus will most likely be our last race for awhile. There are two things that came to mind the other day as I continued to debate on running Columbus:
1. Assuming I finish Dayton in 2 weeks, Columbus would be my 13th half marathon. Given that it could be my last and they are 13 miles, it has a nice feel to it finishing on that number.
2. I need a cause or a reason that has nothing to do with me for this race. I am in search of a purpose to run this one so I can glance at my shirt throughout the race and remember…”this isn’t about you”.
So, here’s my offer. If I am to run Columbus, I need a cause or causes to support. I’m willing to run the race if it means running it to support someone, encourage someone, benefit a charity or raise some funds for support (Church, charity, etc…). I’ll pick up the tab on the race, I just need to know the cause(s) I’ll be running for. With the remarkable reach of the web, I thought you all can help me spread the word. If you know of someone or something I can run to support, please leave a comment on this post, or drop me an email.
Together we’ll finish the race!
Selfishly, I would love to run in the same race with you since you are one of my influences to taking up running. But, I also understand the toll that it can take on you just from a time standpoint alone.
One thing that I thought about doing for the Columbus half was to get 25 people to each suggest a song for my iPod for the run. Songs are typically somewhere between 3:30-4:00 and I’m hoping to keep at an 8-minute mile pace. This way, I’ll have people “supporting” me even if they aren’t there in person.
I like the idea of a cause. I’ve tried to think of a good t-shirt to make or something that also epitomizes why I’m doing it. I like wearing my MVNU stuff ’cause where I work is so much of who I am, but if I could come up with something else I would definitely go with it. I’ll look forward to seeing what you decide.
Love it Dave. I’ll be there one way or another. This will be an experience you will never forget! If you have any trouble getting tunes, I’ll load you up with several 😉
The Manger!
Good idea Vicki. Hadn’t thought of that. Not sure how I could spread the message for them but I’ll talk to Robin and get some ideas how that might work.
Man, I would love to see you wearing some Cancer Kicker gear. My friend, Phil Brabbs (@Brabbs), was a kicker for the University of Michigan and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 2 years ago. He has started a non profit that is trying to raise awareness and bring an end to this terrible disease. His ideas are fresh and he is one of the most dynamic and inspiring people that I have ever met. Go to http://www.cancerkicker.org and let me know what you think.
PS-I think it would be cool if people in Ohio and Michigan sported the tshirts on the big Saturday! They have maize and blue and grey and scarlet.
That’s exactly the kind of thing I was looking for! I have had friends that have been effected by cancer and would gladly support Phil and his battle. You can count on at least one shirt being ordered and worn. I’ll also see what I can do to get the message out on that second idea. That would be great wouldn’t it? Thank you!!!
Aaron, I still read your blog and find so much inspiration here. October is a huge month for cancer awareness especially breast cancer. I vote for the cancerkicker. It would take a brave man to wear maize and blue down the streets of Columbus. Haha!! Just enjoy the run. I miss it. After two knee surgeries no more than 2 miles for this old body.
Hey Mary! It’s funny you still read my blog because we still watch your 800 inchHDTV from Ohio! Not really but we do think of you all often. I read your comment while sitting at the Hilliard Davidson game while they were honoring those in the crowd that had survived or were touched by cancer. In many ways I wonder if we all have been touched by it. It is a great cause to run for especially as it gets later in miles. That struggle is nothing compared to the courage and honor that so many fight with. So good to hear from you. Tell the entire family we said hello!!
Hey Aaron- there are so many great choices for this avenue. My first thought when I saw this post was that you need a “JESUS FREAK” shirt. Whatever you decide, if you would like a t-shirt showcasing the one or many options you have chosen, let me know and I’ll get Bob to make it for you.
Dawn – That is a great idea too. I am sure I have the freak part down 🙂 . That is a very kind offer. If, for some reason we don’t get the cancerkicker shirts, I’ll let you know. It’s good to know we know someone that can create shirts. Thanks again for the offer!