Why Do I Think Running 13.1 Miles is a Good Idea?

I am not a natural runner. If you had asked me a year ago what I thought about running, I would have told you that, unless something is chasing me, I am not running anywhere ever. Up until April, I couldn't even run one mile, let alone 13.1 of them.

So what possessed me to sign up for a half marathon?

This is not just any race I happen to come across. This is the St. Jude Half Marathon, benefitting the most unique and amazing hospital in the world, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Yes, it is really as pink as it looks.

  ©St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Now that I am in pharmacy school, I can appreciate the care they are providing to their patients on a new level. After volunteering at one of the Marathon/Half Marathon water stations for the past two years, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to be a part of the race. But, like I said, I'm not a runner. Not even close. Thankfully, I have really great friends who countered every excuse I made until I finally took the plunge and registered. 

The mass chaos that was last year's UTCOP

Class of 2015 water station

I am running as a St. Jude Hero, meaning I have committed to raise $500 for the race. Yes, technically I could have just run the race without raising money, but it seems silly and rather selfish to run a charity race for children with cancer and refuse to raise any money for the cause. I have friends that work there, and I've known families who have brought their children there for treatment. So, I'm raising $500 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. If you want to help me meet my fundraising goal, I've posted a link to my Heroes page under the "About My Half Marathon" tab at the top of the page!

December 7th, here I come!