It will be a significant event. 

 

It will be a significant event because it will be my first intercontinental  race. 

 

It will be a significant event because the course of this race will take me through the alleys, hills, and ancient streets of the holy city, Jerusalem. 

 

It will be a significant event because I'll be reunited with, and will run never more than an elbows length apart from my daughter Millie, who's living there for the year. 

 

It will be a significant event because the charity I chose to raise money for, can't possibly hit closer to home. 

 

And... It will be a significant event because I will now be running in memory of my mom who passed away on January 7th

 

My mini me:

While I train on my familiar Brooklyn terrain, my daughter Millie is in a distant middle eastern land, juggling her running schedule between her studies. We compare notes each time we speak, and keep each other posted on the progress of our training. She teases me that she's gonna kick my butt because she has the advantage of training with hills and altitude etc..., and I let her think she will smoke me. But the truth is it's all in fun, and just to be reunited with her and run together will be race we will both not soon forget. 

 

My cause: 

We take it for granted. The ability to express ourselves through a smile. The average person will smile 40 to 50 times a day, and each time they do, they are conveying a pleasant message. Some studies show that children can smile up to 400 times a day. But what if we didn't have this ability? What if people looked at you each time you attempted a smile but couldn't tell because part of your face wouldn't move? What if we lost this simple subtlty of communication? This is the the reality of people living with facial paralysis, and the smiling part can sadly be the least of their problems. It affects eyes that can't fully close, drinking and eating problems, and later in life, wrinkles that will only form on one side of the face, and worst of all, threatens their emotional well being. There is a new charity that I chose to run for, since I know and experience what it's like to have this ailment firsthand. It's called Facial Palsy UK, and your small donation will enable them to continue research and awareness of this rare disability. 

 

My Mom:

Whenever I would tell a non runner friend that I'm running a marathon, they would tell me, either with their mouth or their eyes, "how the heck do you, and why on earth would you want to run for hours without a stop?" To someone who doesn't run, it just doesn't make sense and they can see no point. My mom was not a runner. She never was. But when I told her I'm running, it was as if she understood as well as a marathon veteran. You see, she knew, believed, and understood what it meant to have a goal and go out and achieve it. Not only did she not doubt my potential, but she encouraged me and made sure I knew that she thought I was great. My mom lived a life in this way, and the lessons are so inspiring that they will be the cornerstone of my memories of her, and the lessons that I'll pass on to my children and beyond. I dedicate this race in her honor, and will run proudly in her memory.. Mom.. We love you to no end and you are sorely missed 

 

My run:

On March 21st, I'll be running for all of these significant reasons mentioned above. Won't you join me and support me with your thoughts, your Wallets, or both?