Why would someone want to run 26.2 miles? There are so many other things you can do to stay in shape, but running has become something special for me. It’s the way I relieve stress, meditate, and feel good.
Throughout the 4 years I’ve been seriously into running, I’ve never grown tired of it. I’ve had my breaks here and there but I always find my way back to it. After my first triathlon in 2011, which was a blast, I started to explore more races and different distances. Since then I’ve completed too many to count 5ks, 2 Rugged Maniacs, 2 Tough Mudders, 3 10ks, 5 half marathons including 1 internationally, and a few fun runs like the Wipeout Run and Ugly Sweater Run.
After all these races and distances, that leaves one race that’s the pinnacle of running: The Marathon. And if you’re going to do a marathon, go big or go home right? So I picked the Boston Marathon. Last April, I felt pangs of jealousy when I heard about people’s friends running and I saw the runners post-race on the T in Boston. Then I thought, wow I have a problem if I feel jealous that someone ran 26.2 miles... But it really is such an accomplishment. For so long I told myself I wouldn’t ever do one because it’s just too much, too big. And I’m not a ‘real’ runner.
I did some research and sat down with a friend from work who ran the marathon last April. She gave me tips on how to apply to a charity team, raise money, and train successfully. She couldn’t stop raving about how great of an experience it was, and it made me really seriously consider signing up. Come September, applications went live and I went for it. I used all the tips she gave me and got an email that I made it to the second round of applications for my charity of choice: Dream Big! A few weeks later, I had a phone interview and was offered a spot on the team! One of 18 cherished spots in a limited field of charity teams and bibs.
Dream Big! works to provide girls from low-income situations with the equipment, uniforms, athletic footwear, program fees, training expenses, and sports opportunities they need to participate in sports and physical activities that contribute to their health, education, and overall well-being. Right away I knew that this was the charity for me.
I grew up on sports. I credit my leadership, determination, and positive body image thanks to the years I spent developing myself through sports. I would never have gained these same skills in a classroom setting. Out on the field, I could push myself mentally and physically and work with a team. I loved going to practice and getting to exercise and develop myself. Realizing that many young girls won’t have the opportunities that I had is something that hit home.
Equipment, program fees, uniforms, and more can come with an impressive price tag, and not everyone can have access to sports because of this. Dream Big! works to bridge the gap and has already impacted over 15,000 girls since it was founded 6 years ago. I knew that I want to be a part of this amazing charity.
And here I am, now 6 months out from my very first marathon. Terrified, mainly of the fact that all this training will be done in the dead of winter. Thankfully I have an amazing coach and a team by my side to help. I’m setting my sights high and have a goal of raising $10,000 for Dream Big!
I know I can get there with a little help. My fundraising page is well under way, so consider donating to an amazing cause and supporting the future female athletes who are trying to follow their dreams.
https://www.crowdrise.com/dreambigboston2016/fundraiser/jennahoopingarner
Here’s to the next 6 months and to crossing that finish line! Dream Big!
