| Hey friends!
This year I turn 60 on October 2! For my birthday, I set a big audacious goal to complete the Flagstaff Half Marathon in Arizona. I would like to say it's the hardest thing that I have ever done, but it isn't. Leaving an abusive relationship was. I didn't want to just make it the race about me, so I created a fundraiser to raise awareness for those still trapped in domestic abuse. Domestic abuse has been a part of my life since I was a young child, and it followed me into adulthood. Patterns repeated until I finally had the courage to say "enough is enough!" The effort and years that it took from me, and the toll on my mental health, finances and relationships is immeasurable. I don't get to do life over, but perhaps I can help others!
My story has a happy ending. I left one final time, moved where he couldn't find me, and started the healing process. It was messy. None of it was easy, comfortable, or fun, but what I learned? Priceless!
Today I feel like I did when I studied for Finals in College. I would close the books and say to myself, "I either know it or I don't!
I've spent 15 weeks studying for this test. The miles are done. The strength work is done. I've trained at sea level for a race that climbs 1,777 feet and reaches 8,832 feet of altitude. I sweated through the Florida heat and humidity and many boring miles inside on the stair climber and treadmill...
I'm feel ready. I am so excited to be in the mountains with my family!
My goal hasn't changed: finish well and have fun. But this race was never only about crossing a finish line. Every mile has been connected to something much bigger—helping women and children find their own way to safety and freedom. This is just the beginning.
Domestic violence continues to profoundly affect the lives of countless women and children across the United States, remaining a persistent and critical issue resulting in severe physical, mental, and financial ramifications including death. I run to raise money and awareness to help women and children find safety and healing. 1 in 2 women are in an abusive relationship in their lifetime, and that number is rising! 50% of all women? Insane!
My nightmare is over, but hundreds of thousands of women are still living theirs.
Thank you for helping me train, run, and spread the word!
SUGGESTED DONATION: $13.10 That's only $1 per mile! You can double or triple if you feel moved to do so!
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