THIS JUST HAPPENED:
I got an email from a project manager at ABC2 – the charity team I’m running on for the LA Marathon. ABC2 is the charity team that David Cook (from American Idol – aka the love my my life) is running on and have worked with for years.
The email simply asked for my shirt size for a team shirt and an address where to send it. However they sent a previous email asking for people to share why they were running on the team. I decided what the hell, I have a good story. So I sent this:
In your previous email you asked for some background on why I was running as part of your team.
This will be the 3rd race I’ll be running for ABC2. I first learned of your organization through David Cook. I donated the first year he ran in the Race for Hope and then came up to DC to run and fundraise for ABC2 myself the past 2 years (and will again this year). I’m excited for LA – it will be my first marathon. I owe so much of my running success to David Cook actually.
In November 2007 my Dad passed away suddenly from complications of gastric bypass surgery. I wasn’t much of an American Idol watcher, but in Spring 2008 I heard buzz about David Cook after his audition and watching/looking forward to American Idol that season helped me get through the early weeks of coping with the loss of my dad. I became a major fan of David, his story, and his music which became part of my regular work out soundtrack.
I donated to David’s team at Race For Hope 2009. I was stunned by the bravery and dedication to run in wake of his brother’s passing the night before. Even though I didn’t lose my father to cancer, his loss touched me and motivated me further to get fit and healthy. The following year when David announced he was going to run Race for Hope again I knew I wanted to join him and raise money myself. I was NEVER a runner. However slowly, but surely I started. I ran that my first 5K – Race for Hope 2010 in ~33min and raised some money. I started to pick up my running and by Race for Hope 2011 – I knocked my time down to ~26 minutes. I’d love to run sub ~25 minutes at Race for Hope 2012.
I’ve run a number of half marathons, but I knew I was up for the challenge of a full marathon. I had my eye on Los Angeles due to the weather and mini-vacation, but once I heard David was going to be running it and partnering with ABC2 I knew I had to. I’m hoping to run a sub 5 hour marathon and have been asking folks to donate based on how many miles my longest training run was that week.
I have gained so much from running – I’ve found peace, confidence, and good health. I’ve lost over 45 pounds in a little over 2 years from running. After losing my dad due to his weight I’ve given myself the gift a long healthy life due to running. My hope for everyone is to have long healthy lives and finding ABC2 has been such a blessing in my life. I hope I get the chance to tell David my story one day. He’s truly an inspiration and I’m excited to see him conquer the LA Marathon with me!
Soon after sending it I get this response:
I love your story! Would you mind if I sent it to David’s people so they can pass it on to him? We are trying to put together a lunch the Saturday before the Marathon with David so you may have the chance to tell him yourself, but I really want him to know how much he has inspired you.
After nearly falling out of my chair I replied:
WOULD I MIND?!?! I’d love you to pass it along. I’ve been trying to figure out how to get my story out to him. I saw something about Marathon Stories on the LA Marathon website, but I wasn’t sure who was reviewing them and your email struck a chord in me to share. I know that David thinks of himself as such an average joe, but he’s truly been a hero to me and he should know it!
She replied that she is sending it along to her contact from “his people.”
STOP.
HOLD THE PHONE.
NO REALLY.
I CAN’T EVEN.
I mean I would LOVE to meet him and tell him my story, but even the fact that he might just get to learn about it means the WORLD to me. I shall keep you all posted!
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