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Okay. This is real. I am going to run a marathon.
And I am not a runner.
Well, I wasn't a runner. Guess that's changed now. Or changing, I should say.
May 1st marked the 6 month count down to the ING New York City Marathon and the start of my training.
As a first time runner I do not underestimate the challenge that lies ahead but I am motivated to do the training and cross that finish line by the millions of people living with spinal cord injury who struggle daily with considerable challenges.
It is going to be hard, even grueling at times, and while there might not be blood, there will definitely be sweat, and quite possibly tears.
To be perfectly honest, until recently I never understood why someone would voluntarily run such a long distance, and put themselves, their bodies through something like that.
For me, the goal is primarily financial. Sure, I will be in great shape, healthy (hopefully), and enjoy a real sense of accomplishment for completing such a challenge, but make no mistake - my goal here is to raise money for the Reeve Foundation and to fund cutting-edge research and help improve the quality of life for the millions living with paralysis. (Want to know how many exactly? Check out our recently released paralysis survey - click here. The numbers will astound you!)
I am not sure how much I am going to raise in the next 6 months, but I am aiming high. Right now I've set a target of $10,000 - which is nowhere near my real goal, but it's a good place to start to see how quickly we can get there, and how far we might be able to go.
It is ambitious, it is unlikely, but my dream target is $262,000. Ten thousand dollars for every mile. It may sound absurd, it certainly does writing it, but between now and November 1st, if enough people know, and even give just a little bit, as my Dad said - nothing is impossible, and I am sure we can get there.
So, please, forward this on to as many people as you can, and spread the word.
You, or someone you know, can sponsor me here.
I will be writing weekly updates about how training is going and how it's all coming along, post photos, etc. This week I have done a few short runs of about 3.5 - 4 miles each, one over the Williamsburg Bridge and back, one along the Hudson River, and one here in LA, where I am working this weekend, and well, let's just say, I have a loooong way to go. Pun intended.
Check back soon.
Cheers,
Matt
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