Working Out For Charity

When I ran my marathon I found myself very motivated by the sideline cheerleaders along the course. Were they all there for me? Of course not, but they cheered for everyone so their support helped us all. I remember noticing several groups of purple supporters along the course. I especially remember them towards the end of the race when most of the spectators had gone home (I finished towards the VERY end of the pack) and the only cheerleaders I saw were those individuals or groups in purple shirts. Periodically I noticed they were yelling the names of people running near me, who were also wearing the same purple. I finally started investigating, reading the shirts and the signs, and discovered they were all part of one organization: Team In Training.

I came home from my marathon and immediately looked into the program. It is essentially an organization that helps train participants for various races (marathons, half-marathons, triathalons, etc) in exchange for the participant's fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I never knew anyone with any form of cancer supported by the group, but just the training and support for the athletic part of the agreement had me interested. Unfortunately, there were not Team In Training sponsored events in my town. So I left it there.

Fast-forward two years and suddenly I've lost my Dad to Multiple Myeloma, one of the many blood cancers supported by funding towards the LLS. This has inspired me to revisit the idea of Team in Training and it has me wondering...have any of you used your training or fitness goals in fundraising efforts?

My town does have a large run in support of breast cancer that I have run in the past. It's probably one of our largest local fundraising events incorporated with racing. I'm sure if you live in a bigger town you have more options to choose from, are there any close to home that you participate in? I love the idea of using charity as both a motivating force in my training as well as a reward when the event is over. Why not find ways to help our community or our causes while we strive towards our fitness goals.

I currently have my eyes on a half-marathon at Disney World for the Team In Training group, and if they'll let me join from far away? I'm on it. If it means I sacrifice the training portion of the group, but can still participate in the fundraising? I'll do it. My Dad was at the finish line when I finished my first marathon, it seems like it would be a great way to honor him if I could raise money for the cancer that took him from me for my next half-marathon.

If you've done similar fundraising races or challenges, I would love to hear your story and any advice you may have!