It’s hard to believe it was two years ago this month that I started training for my first half marathon. I was nervous when I signed up to run the 2011 Walt Disney World half marathon with the Arthritis Foundation’s Joints in Motion program. But I knew that the support of my virtual running and fundraising coaches would help me along the way to achieve my goals.
While I succeeded virtually, you now have the opportunity to do something similar for another great non-profit but with local Cleveland people guiding you! Let me introduce you to the Liver Life Challenge.
What is Liver Life Challenge, you ask? “This endurance training team offers a ticket to some of the most desirable sporting events in America and leads participants across the finish line with expert coaching, training and tools for success. Participants achieve their own fitness goals, while raising funds for the American Liver Foundation to create a better future for 30 million Americans with liver disease.”
The Cleveland Liver Life Challenge Team will train for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend taking place January 10 – 13, 2013. Participants can chose to participate in the 13.1 mile Half Marathon, the 26.2 mile Full Marathon or the 39.3 mile Goofy Challenge. You do get an extra medal for doing the Goofy! Runners and walkers are both welcome and the team is open to all levels of fitness: from long-time runners to couch-to-long-distance newbies.
The running coach for the 2013 Cleveland Team is the one and only Heather from Mile 26 & More. Girlfriend knows her stuff: she’s run plenty of races, is currently training for a marathon this Fall, serves as a fellow FitFluential ambassador and has inspired countless others as a running coach (including me informally!) and as a group fitness instructor. She’s available to help develop a training plan that meets your needs.
Race Weekend is until January, so you still have plenty time to train. The team runs kick off on Saturday, September 22, but participants can register now to start fundraising. The program also includes the support you need to reach your fundraising goal via team meetings, them working out the logistics and being there to cheer you on along the course! I even got support during my 2011 race from the Cleveland Live Life Challenge Team. I’ll never forget that moment of seeing familiar Northeastern Ohioans as I ran by them during mile 7.
Commit to reaching the fundraising goal of $3,400 and the organization provides your airfare, accommodations, race registration, team gear, and most meals during race weekend. Don’t be scared of the distance or the dollar amount – both are achievable! Wouldn’t it be great to cross that finish line knowing you’ve helped the American Liver Foundation in the fight against liver disease? Sign up today!
For more information, contact Katrina by emailing her at kmarshall@liverfoundation.org or by calling 646-737-9426, or visit www.liverfoundation.org/disneymarathon.
Have you ever trained for a race for charity? What tips do you have for those that might be considering it?
Thanks for the post (and kind words), Alicia!
That’s me in the background! Horrible photo, but other than Renee (in the foreground), who looks great after getting up at 3 in the morning and running 13.1 miles for the first time in her life?
In seriousness, running my first half marathon with the LLC team’s coaching and support was an amazing experience!