The New York City Marathon has always been on my bucket-list of races. I watch it

every year and can basically say that it’s got more hype for me than the Superbowl (you

other crazy runners might know what I’m talking about). I’ve dreamt of running along

those five boroughs and finishing my 26.2 mile journey in Central Park. I’ve read books

and blogs about it- I’ve even blogged about wanting to do it someday on my own blog

(JustKeepRunning.net), but I’ve been pretty far away from the Northeast for quiet awhile

and I’ve never quite known how I would make it happen (entering the lottery has never

worked in my favor and I’m not speedy enough to qualify).

So, that left running for a charity. Which -honestly- raising funds for something

seems more daunting to me than running 26.2 miles (I’m a pretty seasoned marathoner

at this point). But, Every Mother Counts was an organization with a cause that I felt truly

passionate about and it got me excited to want to help contribute to their cause (making

pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother, everywhere). It’s funny how becoming a

mom changes your perspective on something that seems relatively routine (such as

childbirth). My return to running post-twins has not been smooth and there have been

many bumps in the road. I wish I could easily get out the door on my days off when the

weather is just right, but most days I’m slogging my miles -solo- in the dark at 6am.

I don’t have many running rituals or superstitions, but I do believe in having a

meaning behind every run or workout. I’ve had my best races when I feel intent on my

purpose for being there and sometimes it’s something as simple as needing to get some

fresh air before I get home to take care of our 15 month old twins. My purpose for the

NYC Marathon will be simple- raising awareness and running for those moms who are

not as fortunate as me to have had quality maternal care.

So, I suppose all this is to say that I’m very excited to be lacing up this Fall for my

first World Marathon Major and would appreciate any tips anyone has to help me hit my

fundraising goal ($3,500) or if you’ve run the race before!