The Big Runner and The Little Runner!

The story of Julie Weiss isn't a new one. I was just late to the party.

A few months ago I came across the story of the Marathon Goddess, Julie Weiss. Hers is the inspirational story of a person determined to make a difference. For those of you who don’t know, Julie’s story started with the loss of her father.  

If you haven't heard her inspirational story, please take the time to watch the short YouTube video below (also be sure to follow her YouTube channel and watch the videos she's uploaded):

Not only did she complete the challenging task of running 52 marathons during the year span she'd allotted for herself, but she was able to raise over $180,000 in the process. 

Though her 52 marathon project ended with the completion of the LA Marathon in March 2013, she's maintained her pace and continued making an impact in the fight against pancreatic cancer. It's a shame I found out about it as she was wrapping her project up. I would have made the trip to my home town to see her cross the finish line on her epic 52nd marathon run. 

Even though she successfully completed this impossible endeavor, she's refused to rest on her laurels, and continued to push herself to do more, because there is always more to do when it comes to making this world a better place. She now has the goal of raising one million dollars to fund research for a cure to end pancreatic cancer once and for all.

Hers is truly an inspiring story. In the face of injury, obstacles, and fatigue she prevailed and conquered the marathon, a feat which (legend has it) killed the man, whose original run inspired the modern athletic event. She did this not once, but 52 times. Not only is she alive and kicking, she's still running, and serving as a role-model to those who are also driven to make a change.

One such person that has taken Julie's example to heart is a little girl, who can't be more than 10 years old by the looks of this picture off one of Julie's Facebook posts:

One 5k a month?? If this little girl can do it, what's stopping me?

I don't know who this little girl is, save for the name given to her by Julie on this post this last Sunday, but I find inspiration in the fact that someone so young can have the inclination to help. 

Avery is my hero! I wish her the best in her project and hope she reaches her goal successfully! To Avery's parents, we need more parents like you guys in this world! You've raised a magnificent little girl who is a part of a movement of selfless individuals that is changing our world for the better! 

I've got a 5k to look forward to in July, but little Avery has motivated me to start hunting and look for more opportunities to combine my fitness goals with my love for getting involved. Don't worry everyone, I'll train more carefully so that I don't bust like I did for my marathon training. 

I've linked up a thumbnail of the Color Me Rad 5k I'll be running in Saint Louis, July 28.

I encourage you to get involved. You don't have to commit to a years worth of fitness endeavors like Avery or Julie, but maybe volunteering at one of these events near you would be a place to start. The amount of events held yearly throughout the US is staggering. 

To learn more about how you can help the Marathon Goddess, Julie Weiss, in her fight against pancreatic cancer (and also read her blog about her 52 marathon journey), hit the link below:

http://www.marathongoddess.com


To learn about the organization Julie is working with, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit: 

http://www.pancan.org

To learn about the PurpleStride events nationwide hit the link:

http://www.purplestride.org

I hope to bump into you ladies on one of my runs! Keep up the good work, and thank you for the inspiration! 




     

Publicity For a More Than Worthwhile Cause

It's not often I'm inspired by the actions of another.

Wait, that sounded extremely egotistical. Let me rephrase. I don't mean to say that I'm so blinded by my own self-righteousness that I ignore the inspiring, motivational, and selfless actions of another. What I mean to say is that, as is the case with everyone else, I am so busy by the insignificant details of my own existence, I blind myself to the things happening in the lives of those around me. This isn't an epiphany I had. It didn't just dawn on me that I'm busy, and so is everyone else. I'm just mulling over the concept because of something that served as a "pick me up," so to speak, and motivated me to continue after what's been making me happy.

A few weeks ago I came across this status update:

Can't believe this only got 6 likes.

That's right! I made it extra-large so you could see what motivation looks like!

This guy and I go back ages. I still remember when we backed each other up during a junior high school fight. (In hindsight, it wasn't much of a fight to be honest. I got kicked in my nether-parts and Monty had to drag me away from the scene of the crime to avoid getting caught. We were all idiot kids back then. btw sorry Vlad. I deserved that kick to the nads.)

But I digress. In the interest of transparency and full-disclosure, I have not donated. But I intend to. I know, I know, good intentions, road to hell. I know. But that's not the point I'm making.

Sometimes we never know the impact our actions could have on someone else. We carry on in our day-to-day, oblivious to the fact that what we do will affect another. Whether it's by putting the cart back in the rack in the grocery store parking lot, spitting that gum out on the sidewalk, or giving that homeless person that solitary nickel bouncing around in your pocket.

I'm inspired by Monty because not only is he pursuing something selfless for the benefit of others, but he's humble enough to ask those around him to lend a hand in bringing his desires to fruition.

He's getting an experience of a lifetime, you say? Getting a trip paid for, you say? Going on a vacation on someone else's dime?

Hit the link and explore just what exactly the proceeds of this campaign are funding:
http://www.gofundme.com/1x64o4

For those of you who actually visited thank you. For those of you who didn't, let me break it down. How many of you use your down time to provide medical care to those less fortunate. Who here would expose themselves to things like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Tetanus, Diptheria, and of course HIV, just to take a few snapshots of antelope in their natural habitat? I'm crazy, and even I'd be slightly on the fence, right before jumping in with both feet.

I don't mean this post to come off as a diatribe. I just want to show that we don't all have to take 4 weeks off and volunteer in Africa to make this world a better place. Just do something positive, something worthwhile, and post it to your Facebook page, send it in an email blast, text it to a friend. Do something positive that makes you feel good, and share that good feeling with another. It's infectious, and will no doubt become a catalyst for someone else.

In a previous post I wrote of the inspiration a complete stranger (Joe Mihalic) gave me, when I read the tale of his pursuit of something seemingly unattainable. Today I share with you how someone I've known years, has surprised me, motivated me, and inspired me to challenge myself and continue being better than I am.

If you find it in your heart, and in your wallet, please support Monty in his endeavor! Let him have an impact on the life of a couple Kenians.

Also follow his blog to keep updated on his trip! 

To learn more about the organization Monty is working with, or find ways to get involved, check out International Volunteer HQ's website:
http://www.volunteerhq.org

Links:
http://www.gofundme.com/montyyoung

http://montyyoung85.blogspot.com

How could you say no to a face like that?