On Saturday, I started something that just seems impossible, a little stupid and a lot crazy. I started training for a marathon. I know. Lots of people start training for a marathon. But for me, it was a big deal.
I’m going to let you in on a secret that I could only whisper to myself, because I was that ashamed of it: I quit running. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I didn’t consciously let it happen. I just had this mental block. I am too fat to run. I look ridiculous. People are laughing at me. I got hurt and it was only going to happen again. Other people need my time more. And, probably the worst of all, was I really worth all of this effort?
I finally answered that last question with a resounding, “YES,” as I started out on Saturday. Was it hard? Yes. Was it painful? Yes. Was I worth every ounce of work I was putting in? Yes, YES, YES!
Two runs in, I can already feel the difference. My lungs are taking in more air. My legs already feel stronger. And all of the water I am drinking is making me feel amazing as well. It’s just a whole rediscovery process of why I love running and why it’s always stuck with me.
Now, I know I feel this way right now, but I want to make sure I always remember this. I have been wracking my brain as to how to make this last and to make sure that I get myself to the finish line of the marathon. I have come to the conclusion is that now is the time to rely on my #catholicguilt (it’s always a hashtag). Yes, it’s time to manipulate that for some good.
What I am asking from you is simple: Help guilt me into getting my training runs done.
Say what? How can you possibly do that? It’s easy! I have 50 runs to get done between November 1st and December 31st (oh dear God, kill me now). For all 50 runs, I want to have someone sponsor it by buying a $5 blue key to help bring awareness to the plight of refugees. What do you get out of the deal? First and foremost, you get an AWESOME blue key that you can display to help bring awareness to the fact that 43.7 million people are currently considered refugees. You will also get me to not only dedicate a run out to you, and well… I have some creative ways of thanking people. And me? I get tons of #catholicguilt and my butt out running.
So how do you participate? Go and buy that blue key. And then come back here and comment with what date you’d like to sponsor. To give you a heads up, I never run on Sundays, I always run on Saturdays and it varies in between. But like I said, out of those 61 days, I am running 50 days. So chances are, if you have a date in mind, I’m running on it. And if you don’t have a preference, just say you’d like to sponsor a run and I’ll put you on the next date.
Yes, 50 keys is a huge undertaking, but I know we can do it… together… just like how I plan on finishing the marathon. Because, yeah, there’s no way I’m finishing this goal without the love and support of all you guys!
This is wonderful, Betsy! OK, I’ve bought two keys and would like to sponsor two runs: Nov. 21 (Monday) in honor of my grandfather, whose birthday it would have been, and Dec. 3 (Saturday). Here’s to the next 48 … and to you being a better, faster, stronger runner all while helping refugees (and thank you for being a wonderful Blue Key Champion for my client, USA for UNHCR). Thank you again!
Thanks Shonali! I love being able to combine the two things and figuring out a way to turn my #catholicguilt around on myself.
I ordered two keys! I’ll sponsor any run when you need some #jewishguilt.
I quit running for all the same reasons you just listed. Thanks for inspiring me to get back out there.
Thanks Emily!! You totally rock. And it’s time for you to get your butt out running too. #forsha
Go Betsy!! What a great way to incorporate the Blue Key into your training. We have a few more supporters “Running for Refugees” in marathons, I will share this post with them too!
Thanks Lauren! Hopefully it will make me feel so guilty that I HAVE to run. Character flaws can become assets every once in awhile.
Hey Betsy,
Kudos on taking on 26.2. Marathoning is no joke. I’ve found though that it’s the number one thing in my life that has helped me achieve the others. When you can run 26 miles… you can pretty much do anything. Young 20′s I had qualified and run the Boston marathon and thought.. now what..?!
Nov 6th I’ll toe the line in NYC and a 2:42 race in LA has qualified me to start in the 1st of 66 corrals..Olympic champions, World’s best,.. and Me(a skinny kid with muscles from Buffalo, NY)! USA for UNHCR now gives me another outlet and reason to stay running 20 years on. April I will go back to Boston and try to finish in the top 50.
Most important though now is I get to speak with many more people about the refugee crisis and how our organization helps. You’ve taken on a monumental task and are supporting a great plight. There will be days when you’re not sure if you can run a mile, but a lifetime knowing you’ve run marathon. Run for Refugees, I do!
Congrats AJ! That’s amazing that you’ll be in the 1st corral! It will probably take me twice as long as it does you to cross that finish line, but as long as I don’t die, I will consider it a victory. And to be able to put a charitable spin on it will make it just a tad easier for me.
This is an absolutely wonderful idea! It’s just all win win and it’s making me all warm and fuzzy inside. You have motivated me to not talk myself out of working out tonight! Thanks Betsy!
By the way I want to sponsor one in honor of my Aunt who passed away from Leukemia…she was an avid marathon runner and someone who always gave back so this seems perfect!!
Woo hoo Rachael! I love that you are working out because of me.
And I’m really honored to be able to run for such a person. Any preference on dates?
Dear Betsy,
A) read this http://runluaurun.com/2011/11/03/between-the-ears/ and celebrate your return to the best pasttime ever!
B) Great idea! I just ordered my 4th key – to be applied to YOUR effort. Put me down for whatever run is closest to November 28, my birthday.
Paula
I love that post. It’s completely true. And I can feel myself getting mentally tougher with each run. It’s gonna be a hard road, but I’m definitely on it.
And my birthday is November 25th! It’s great being a Sag, isn’t it? I will get you on the schedule. Thanks!
I love that you’re training for such an important cause, especially since I became all too familiar with it at my last job. I just bought 2 keys & will be looking at what else I can do to support this cause.
Of course, I’d like to sponsor a couple of Saturday runs since we both know how I feel about working out on weekend mornings
So… let’s go with November 12 & December 10.
Yay Cassandra! There are definitely opportunities that we can plug you into.
I love that you’re sponsoring Saturday runs, because those long runs… they’re beasts. December 10 is already taken. Can I interest you in December 3 or 17??
I really need you to run for me today, December 3rd. Please? I got another Blue Key and you can run for my Dad, Hobart. Like the college.