I hated running. I'm good at it, but at 17, I don't like being told to run THE mile for a grade. My sister, Kelly decided to get serious about running, so she signed up for an 8K race in Downtown Chicago. I went with to support her. I stood on a sidewalk in my bulky coat, holding her bulkier coat, and her friend's coat, and a Freshman-year size backpack full of I don't even know what...oh, and a camera so I could snap as she crossed the finish line, because of course I could pick her out of 25 THOUSAND people...in 30 degrees. Let's just say I bet she had a wee bit more fun than I did. Then she asked me if I wanted to run a 5K with her in the Race to Wrigley. "Not really," I said, "but what the heck." So she signed us up. Then came race day. So I ran. I was determined to be like a real racer and crush my water cup on the ground, but I felt bad, so I tossed it in the garbage can as I ran by. Oh, well. After the race, we went out to breakfast, where I felt completely justified in eating a rather large egg, bacon, and pancake meal. I wouldn't admit it, because I had acted like it was no big deal, but that experience was exhilarating. Then Kelly asked me, in what I took to be a sarcastic manner, if I wanted to run the big one…the Chicago Marathon. I laughed it off, but then I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I talked to my parents, friends, and teachers to get everybody’s opinions, because I know I can trust them. Everyone was very supportive and told me to go for it. So I told my parents I wanted to race. And Kelly signed us both up. I don’t personally know anyone who has to cope with Breast Cancer, but I have relatives who have died of some sort of Cancer before I ever even met them. I hope I never do know anyone who gets diagnosed with Cancer, but that may not be the case. Our team goal is for each person to raise $850, but I would love to raise more. Any contributions will help. Research funded by donations is the best kind because it shows that even though not everyone is a doctor trying to cure Cancer, everyone can care and everyone can help. For anyone who has to deal with Breast Cancer, the least I can do is run…can it be any simpler than that? If you know and/or would like to support both me and my sister, her link is http://www.active.com/donate/PinkStreak/kellyraceforacure. Help me run for the marathon and race for the cure. Thank you, and God bless you.
-Caitlin Doherty |