Hey y'all!
Welcome to my fundraising page for the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page and support me.
My goal for this race is to finish it. My greater goal, however, is to raise $1,500 for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Hunger is a solvable problem in our society - and I've decided to do something about it. The Greater Chicago Food Depository provides meals for the hungry while striving to end the issue of hunger. Every mile I run and every dollar you donate will aid their mission. I humbly ask for your financial support as I dedicate the next few months to training for this marathon. Your donation will help feed the 812,000 men, women, and children served by the Food Depository each year.
The Food Depository and I really appreciate your support - because of you, someone will eat today!
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I DID IT!
Praise God, you guys. Seriously. This marathon was one of the top 10 coolest things I've ever done in my life. I can't even begin to explain how exhilarating it was to run with that crowd of people cheering non-stop. Four & a half hours of people encouraging ME, a stranger they've never seen before. It was awesome. My favorite part was when a spectator would make direct eye contact with me & say something like, "You're looking great!" or "You got this, girl, keep it up!" Man, my heart is so full just thinking about it. Who knew running 26.2 (but really more like 26.78 according to my NRC app...) miles could be so fun?!
I really encourage you to try it sometime. If I can run a marathon, I think anyone can. And honestly, the marathon itself isn't hard. It's fun! The training is difficult. But if you commit & can be disciplined about it, you'll have a fun & breezy marathon experience. I dare ya to try it yourself!
I'm so grateful for this experience, & I'm so glad I could run with team Greater Chicago Food Depository. What an honor to have all those miles mean something & to be able to help feed those in need. GREAT NEWS TOO! Donations are still being accepted throughout October, so give generously!
Thanks to those who already have & to those of you considering it :) God bless!
by Stephanie McNulty on Thu, Oct 11, 2018 @ 10:35 AM
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Why I run
Why am I running a marathon? Simply put, because I can.
When I mention that I'm going to be running in the Chicago Marathon, most people assume that I've been an avid runner all my life or that I've somehow managed to fall in love with the sport but, in reality, I'm doing it simply because I can. I don't love running. I mean, I love having run, but it's not like an easy or particularly "fun" thing, ya know?
I got into running after grad school. Ya see, in high school I was a varsity cheerleader, and throughout undergrad I cheered and danced. I would go to the gym occasionally, but the majority of my exercise was through organized sports. While getting my masters, I lived in Texas, where breakfast taquitos and my roommate played key roles in fattening me up a little. As I was transitioning into the real world, I realized that I was going to have to be more intentional about my physical activity for overall health and wellness. The dietitians I worked with were always talking about running 5ks and half marathons, and encouraged me to start running. I eventually started going to the gym at my apartment complex and worked my way up to running a couple miles a week (hey ya gotta start somewhere). In January 2016, I ran (but really jogged) my first 5k and realized it actually wasn't terrible. Running is an easy way to get moving because it requires virtually no equipment.
After I moved back home I ran a few more 5ks with my sister. In time, I watched a documentary about the Boston Marathon, where survivors of the 2013 bombings were not only brave enough to return to the traumatic scene, but were running in the race again! Many of them doing so with fewer limbs. I was so inspired by these individuals and, frankly, felt pretty pathetic. These people had gone through so much, yet were still so determined to continue running and there I was, lazy af.
I have a perfectly healthy body, 4 working limbs, and zero excuses so from that point on, I made an effort to make running more of a regular thing. In 2017, I made it a goal to run 1 race a month for the entire year. I mostly ran 5ks, but being as competitive as I am, I also ran an 8k, a few 10ks, and a half marathon. Through my year of running, I learned just how beneficial running is, not only to my health, but to the hundreds of organizations for which the races were raising funds for. I was consistently trying to become a better runner and loved that I was helping several causes along the way. Being a go-big-or-go-home kinda girl, I've decided to go big. One big 26.2 mile stroll on October 7th that will give me the opportunity to raise at least $1500 for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
I'm nervous as heck for the big run (did I mention I get hella race anxiety???), but I'm also excited and honored to be part of something so amazing. I'm looking forward to this challenge, and I appreciate y'alls support along the way! See ya at the finish line!
by Stephanie McNulty on Tue, Apr 24, 2018 @ 7:03 PM
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