A Marathon in 2014

Ever since I ran my second marathon, the Vermont City Marathon last year, I’ve been thinking about which race will be my next marathon. Originally I had hoped to run the Rock n Roll Seattle Marathon, but those plans fell through, unfortunately.

A few weeks ago, I got to see my friend Meg. She and I had run the Diva’s half marathon back in 2011. She had been wanting to run a full marathon for a while, and told me she wanted to run the 2014 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Well, that had me sold. As one of the largest marathons in country, the MCM is on my “race wishlist”, so we both entered the lottery for the race. We waited patiently on lottery day and Meg found out that she got in! Unfortunately I didn’t get in on the lottery (bummer) but decided to raise money for a charity to run the race!

I’m running with Team Azalea Charities!  From their website:

Azalea Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization that raises funds to support a dual mission. Internationally, we focus on Aid for Wounded Warriors. We also support youth and special needs projects in our local Northern Virginia area. We publicize our efforts with these charities so people know that 100% of their donations go to causes that make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Our efforts in behalf of Aid for Wounded Warriors provide comfort and relief items for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines sick, injured or wounded from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. We purchase specific items requested by Military Medical Centers, VA Medical Centers and Fisher House rehabilitation facilities each week. We also provide financial support to CrisisLink, a Hotline for wounded soldiers and their families, and Hope for the Warriors, special projects for wounded soldiers.  Many of the servicemen and women are grievously wounded and will require long hospitalization and rehabilitation. The purpose of our mission is to lift their spirits and enhance their morale as well as affect a lifetime support program.

In the Northern Virginia area, there are many worthwhile charities to support. Azalea Charities has identified Boys & Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, Homeless Shelters (ACTS, SERVE, Carpenter’s Shelter), Leukemia/Lymphoma Research, Juvenile Diabetes, and Education-based projects to support. Selections were made based on past and present relationships with many local organizations and causes.

I’m actually really glad I didn’t get into the race via the lottery. I probably  wouldn’t have had the opportunity to raise money for such a great cause! If you are interested, please consider a donation- no amount is too small. If I reach my goal of $300, I will be able to run with my friend Meg, who will be running her first 26.2!