Who Runs The World? MOMS!
WRITTEN BY
Last year, I asked volunteers to run in the New York City Marathon to fundraise for the PitCCh In Foundation. As the day came I watched on my phone and tracked the runners, sending out celebratory tweets as each one crossed the finish line.?
I remember thinking this was a full-day event and how generous and giving each runner was for committing one whole day to the foundation. This year, I decided to be more supportive of the fundraiser and join the marathon team myself. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine all of the hard work that went into preparing for something like this.
Marathon runners give up hours each day out of their hectic calendars to train for 16 weeks prior to race day. I didn’t experience this strenuous schedule until this year when I said to myself, “How can I ask someone to run and I just sit back and cheer?”
So this year we expanded our spots from five runners to 15. I joined the team myself and getting the other 14 spots filled was easier than expected. Our team consists of eight women, who after training for two months I owe more than just a thank you. I dedicate this column to these strong, giving and courageous women.
As I began my training, I never thought this would be something that would take over my life but also cause blood, sweat, tears, blisters and even bruises. It’s something I have seen on television as a great motivating day to watch people accomplish a goal. I was wrong–so much more goes into this experience than I could ever imagine.
The training started 12 weeks ago for me and with only four weeks left until I cross that finish line I knew this was a story I had to share. I have a team of some of the strongest and dedicated women I know, not to mention hard working. When I asked my friend what made her say yes, she explained that being born and raised in New York City and growing up watching all those people out running to cross the finish line is an energy that is unexplainable and something she wanted to experience once in her life. This will definitely be a check on her bucket list!
She then asked why am I doing it. I told her that, at first, I couldn’t ask someone else to do something I wouldn’t do myself. “Then, I know what a difference the PitCCh In Foundation makes and will do anything to raise funds and awareness for deserving inner city youth,” I said. But, as I began training, a whole new reason evolved out of me. One morning I was getting my kids dressed for camp and my daughter noticed I had woken up earlier to get dressed for training. She said, “Mom, you’re running today to be healthy. You’re running to reach your goal and I can’t wait to cheer for you at the finish line!”
Tears immediately ran down my face. I was doing this for so many reasons – to give back and to teach my children that any goal is reachable. But I was doing this for ME!
This has become something that I am solely doing for myself.
As a mother, wife and co-founder of PitCCh In, I find myself taking care of so many people – my children, husband, the youth we serve. But running in this marathon I am taking out time in my day to separate caretaking and working to run for a healthier better me. I am finally taking care of myself!
It’s the first time I have ever been completely selfish and do something for me! I urge my fellow mothers to find a goal, no matter what it may be. The marathon is only one of numerous personal goals – find something that makes you happy and something that you are doing solely for you.
I commend my team of strong women. They range from full time working and single mothers, first time mothers, a mother of a teenage girl (which can be frightening at times), a mother going through a divorce, and a newly married mother…collectively we have 23 kids. On a long run of 14 miles my iPhone has a marathon playlist of encouraging and empowering songs, and as Beyonce’s “Run the world (Girls)” came on I knew these lyrics were true. This journey I had to share with other moms on how empowering accomplishing a personal goal can be. Who says girls don’t run the world?
To Support the 2014 team, please visit www.crowdrise.com/pitcchinfoundationnyc2014. We are filling spots for next year’s team. If you’re interested in running with the PitCCh In 2015 NYC Marathon Team, please send inquiries to Info@PitCCh.org.
