Run Great Wall Marathon Fund
Donation protected
I had always been an athlete even helping to pay my way through college playing sports. But with a demanding professional life, a pending divorce, single parenthood, and massive stress, one day I looked up and didn't recognize the person in the mirror. In 2011, I was 250 pounds, a cervical cancer survivor, pre-diabetic, had high cholesterol, my blood pressure was low and I was in and out of the hospital for various stress related illnesses. I was unhealthy, unhappy, and on the road toward premature death. That Christmas I bought myself a treadmill, placed it in my living room facing the window, and began to run.
As I ran, I shed some of the weight and some of the shame. Eventually, the weather broke and I wanted to venture outside. Running in the early morning hours was so peaceful. There is where I regained the desire to live. I looked in the mirror and began to recognize the woman looking back. She was strong and getting stronger. She was a competitor and just jogging outside would not be enough for her.
Late summer 2012 I entered my first 5k since cross country in high school and finished in the middle of my age group. I was motivated. Since then I have competed in more 5K's, some 10k's, a few half marathons, and a full marathon. I am 80 pounds lighter with no diabetes or cholesterol issues and am currently training for 3 more full marathons.
The Great Wall Marathon is touted as one of the top three hardest marathons in the world. Running it would be a life-changing accomplishment for so many reasons. It would be symbolic of me overcoming so many challenges and emerging victorious. Also, I am not a fan of heights. To finish would mean I faced and won against that last stronghold; the spirit of fear. I CAN DO THIS! I just need your help.
All donations will go to entry fees, travel, and hotel. Any excess will go to future races and into a fund to help other runners with similar stories to achieve their race and fitness goals. If you are a business owner or have product needing promotion, I am open to sponsorships and spokeperson opportunities as well. Every bit helps. Thank you in advance for any amount you give. I promise I will make you proud and we will celebrate when I get home. May God bless you.
As I ran, I shed some of the weight and some of the shame. Eventually, the weather broke and I wanted to venture outside. Running in the early morning hours was so peaceful. There is where I regained the desire to live. I looked in the mirror and began to recognize the woman looking back. She was strong and getting stronger. She was a competitor and just jogging outside would not be enough for her.
Late summer 2012 I entered my first 5k since cross country in high school and finished in the middle of my age group. I was motivated. Since then I have competed in more 5K's, some 10k's, a few half marathons, and a full marathon. I am 80 pounds lighter with no diabetes or cholesterol issues and am currently training for 3 more full marathons.
The Great Wall Marathon is touted as one of the top three hardest marathons in the world. Running it would be a life-changing accomplishment for so many reasons. It would be symbolic of me overcoming so many challenges and emerging victorious. Also, I am not a fan of heights. To finish would mean I faced and won against that last stronghold; the spirit of fear. I CAN DO THIS! I just need your help.
All donations will go to entry fees, travel, and hotel. Any excess will go to future races and into a fund to help other runners with similar stories to achieve their race and fitness goals. If you are a business owner or have product needing promotion, I am open to sponsorships and spokeperson opportunities as well. Every bit helps. Thank you in advance for any amount you give. I promise I will make you proud and we will celebrate when I get home. May God bless you.
Organizer
Denise Hill
Organizer
Silver Spring, MD
