12 Half Marathons x 12 Months = 157.2 Miles (plus training!)
What am I thinking?! No, I didn’t come up with this idea over a bottle, or two, of wine. It’s something I’ve thought about for a while. I finally decided enough thinking – just do it! I do have a reason behind the craziness. My mom passed away many years ago. It will be twelve years ago June 5th, 2010 to be exact. My mom had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I’ve decided as a way to honor and remember my mom, I am going to run 12 half marathons (1 each month) in 2010 and raise money for the MS Society.
MS impacted my mom’s life everyday and I saw the limits it put on what she could do at times. If she were here today I don’t believe she would have the ability to walk across the room. I’m sure the next year will involve a few challenges but I can be certain they will be nothing compared to the challenges everyone with MS faces on a daily basis.
I’ve picked a variety of races – some close to home, some involving a little travel and some a lot. It will be a fun year! Kris is going to accompany me to each one and I’ll try to convince him to run a few as well.
My goal is to raise $10,000 for the MS Society and I hope you will help me achieve that. Please forward this to everyone you know. I will do my best to update this blog weekly and of course after every race!
Thank you in advance for your support and here’s to an exciting 2010!
Cheers!
Michelle
My mom and I - 1997
what, i am running some of these? yikes
What a wonderful and courageous thing you’re doing! I have an idea for our whole family… Let’s all meet in Vegas next December to cheer you on! Any takers?
Best of luck in Charleston!
Wayne
This is really great. I love the blog. Have a great 2010 season. Best, Tony
I know your mom is cheering you on at each race. I’ll be running right along beside you – in my heart!
Way to go Michelle. Count me in. For a contribution that is, not the running part. I would have thought that Kris would have wanted a turtle race instead. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love, Dennis
“The time is always right to do what is right.” Martin Luther King Jr.
My son (with MS) and I will thank you; once a month this year.
Craig
I’ll be rooting for you Michelle! I know you’ll reach your goals in 2010!
Michelle,
This is an awesome idea. Your mom would be proud. Jhimi and I will keep track of your accomplishments throughout the year.
Go SPEED DIVA. I like it.
Michelle, what you are doing is such a cool idea and a great tribute to your mom. Best of luck!
Michelle –
I will be making a pledge – like Dennis, I will leave the running to you! Thanks for adding your Mom’s picture to this page – it is a great way to honor her! Have a great year!! Nancy
Great blog Michelle, I’m sure your mother would be very proud and is smiling down on you from heaven, best wishes on the races
Lacey
This is an awsome cause. Great job Michelle we are proud of you, and what a great way to honor your mom.
Maureen
Awesome endeavor Michelle! Looking forward to hearing about the events and progress you’ve made.
All the best,
Mark
Hello from SD. I grew up in Selby and have been running for almost ten years. We live in Rapid City and my wife has MS. She has been my inspiration to keep running. Be sure to check out the SD half’s and full’s. Rapid City has the Mickelson Trail half/full (a must run), the Leading Ladies and a couple more in the fall. Aberdeen has the Bull run July 24th. (rotten time of year) I have not ran that one for a few years, but am planning for this year.
Keep in touch,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
So nice to hear from a fellow South Dakotan! My best to your wife and good luck on the run in July.
–Michelle
Michelle,
If you come and run any of the races in the hills let me know. I will be there cheering you on !!!
What you are doing is a wonderful thing!! I remember your Mom, although I left Leola in 1985. Good luck to you & you can count on me for a donation!!
I am so proud of you Michelle and I enjoy your blog. Keep on running and I will be there for some of them.
Any chance for a Denver run? We’d love to have you here!
Best of luck in the next race, neighbor!
Michelle what an amazing and inspiring journey you are on. Thank you for letting us be a part of it and keep up the GREAT work!!!
My husband was just diagnosed with MS. Right now we are confused and somewhat scared. As we begin our journey, together, we are so hopeful and awestruck by wonderful people like you that volunteer on behalf of the MS society whose website has provided so much information to us.
Hi Patricia,
I was quite young when my mom was diagnosed w/MS but I remember her and my dad being very scared and confused as well. I’m glad you are in touch with the MS Society and have access to their information and support. My best to you and your husband as you begin your journey.
Dear Michelle,
I am writing to congratulate you on your work to rid the world of MS in your mother’s memory. I am a Mom whose 23 year old daughter was diagnosed with MS two years ago. I, like you, felt like I had to do something, so my family has formed a friends and family group called MS is BS. All of us are fundraising for NMSS. We had a large team contingent for the springtime Walk MS and last year I walked my first 50K Capital Challenge Walk. I am going for my second CCW this September and want you to know that I will think of your monumental effort during both those two days. This is a beautiful thing that you are doing for your Mom and I am sure so many will benefit from your generous spirit.and enormous heart.
Please come to our MS is BS blog and meet the rest of our group. You are so welcome at all our events. I’d love to continue our conversation via e-mail.
Good luck on your next event.