I've been thinking quite a bit recently about this year-long 1,000 mile challenge. The original impetus for me establishing this challenge was to set a long-term running goal that would hopefully allow me to achieve other running goals along the way (i.e., run a half-marathon, trail-running, etc.) and to ensure that I stay fit. I wanted to ensure that I would be held accountable for the goal, so I started the blog. But I'm beginning to realize that this challenge is rather self-serving. I mean who really cares about me running? There should be a greater purpose to this challenge.
So I've done some reflecting, and I've determined that this challenge will be to honor my cousin Mike. Mike passed away last May after a long bout with cancer. He passed well before his time, and it caused me to evaluate and appreciate the truly important things in life...family, friends, and striving to ensure that you do all that you can to help others. Focusing on these priorities has given me the idea to donate $0.50 for every mile I run this year to the American Cancer Society.
It's unfortunately too late for Mike to benefit from the work that the American Cancer Society does for those suffering as he did, but perhaps we can continue to support their efforts to help others and hopefully eradicate this disease. I ask those of you who read this to consider those people that you know that have also been afflicted by cancer. I don't want to pressure anyone to donate, but if interested, let's work together to donate as much money as possible this year to the American Cancer Society. Whether you just go and donate on your own, or if you would like to link my running with your donation ($0.05 a mile, $0.10 a mile), all is appreciated.
Thanks everyone for your support over the past month. I promise to continue putting forth my best effort to ensure that my cousin is honored by this challenge.
--18 miles this week (94 total miles to date...$47)--
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