Running the 2015 NYC Marathon

Running the 2015 NYC Marathon

Running the 2015 NYC Marathon 966 522 Jennifer Santiago

The last two months of my life have been mired with loss and grief. One day, in an awful moment, I felt this inexplicable urge to run. I am not a runner. In fact, I have never run more than three miles in my life! But that day I ran four. Without stopping. The next day, I ran again. Four. Non-stop.

Running is exhausting. I think that is the point. I need somewhere to put my energy, my grief. And, I need to exhaust it so I can finally feel some peace.
The following week I ran seven miles. I stopped before I felt like I needed to stop. Afterwards I wondered: Could I keep going? How many more? Ten? Fourteen? Twenty? My body, though sore, though tired, still wanted more. Or was that drive coming from a different part of me? I don’t know. But when I run I feel close to those I lost. I feel like they are running right alongside me.
I am running the New York City Marathon this November 1st for TEAMS PAWS.  I wanted to run in NYC because I was born and raised there. The sites are safe and familiar. The city holds such great memories for me. I will, gratefully, have friends and family cheering me on and waiting for me at the finish line. I also wanted to run for an animal welfare organization because of the passion my beloved and I shared for animal causes.
I have to raise $3,000 for TEAM PAWS by October. I have reached out to friends and family and so far we raised over $1,200. I still have a little more to go. If you can help, just $25 would do, please visit my donation page.
I am using myasics.com to train. The calendar neatly lays out a training schedule and this week is just a two-run week, three miles each. Jogging pace. I admit, I cheated and went to four.
I am amazed that so many people I know have already run marathons and half-marathons.  They have so much great advice to give. I am also amazed at the reasons, often sad reasons, why people run and why they are inspired to push themselves like this.
So- now I have something to look forward to. A purpose. A place for my pain.