Jackie's First Half Marathon!

I did not grow up an athlete.  I was diagnosed with asthma at age 2. A diagnosis that shaped how I viewed my health and fitness well into adulthood. With shame. Because of my lack of physical activity and lack of knowledge about my health, I always struggled with my weight up and down through the years. I remember being bullied at school because I wasn't as "skinny" as the other girls, not on a sports team, and usually picked last in gym class.  

This all changed in 2015. I ran my first mile. It was a slow 15 minutes.  Since then, I've run more 5ks (3.1 miles) than I can count, two Tough Mudder obstacle courses (10 miles), and a 10k (6.2 miles).  

This journey has been filled with tears, sweat, (sometimes blood), stronger friendships, but most importantly the knowledge that I was built to be better than my previous self. As a daughter of God, I can rise above any challenge put in front of me. While my journey sounds physical, the spiritual part should not be ignored. In fact, it's those deep moments of complete solitude hitting the pavement, or the complete bliss experienced through breaking past a barrier...that keep me motivated for the next challenge.  

On June 3rd 2018 I will be facing my biggest challenge yet. My first half marathon (13.1 miles). This is more than double the distance I've ever run. And a completely different line of training.

I knew I wanted to do something special to honor the occasion. I've donated to many friend's causes over the years as they've run their own races. Some choose to fund cancer research, others to support underprivileged areas.  Each having a very personal tie.  It made me think, what's important to me? 

I have a bit of an offbeat request to ask my friends, family, and acquaintances to help me honor my first Half. 

My home parish is in need of desperate repairs in order to continue serving the community. For those who know me, this church has been a central part of my childhood and adolescence. The kid who did NOT find friendship in sports DID find it in other creative outlets like singing in the children's choir, playing drums in the music ministry, and participating in the youth group as a teenager. 

Beyond my personal experience, the church provides many services to the community including a food pantry,  preschool, counseling, bereavement support, thrift shop, blood drives, addiction support, and free meals (just to name a few). 

It is extremely important to me that they can continue to offer these services to everyone.

The repairs will cover three major areas:

● Ensuring safety and security of the building
(repairing structural damage to all entrances)

● Increasing handicapped accessibility 
(ramps and special equipment - affecting disabled, the elderly, and parents with children as well)

● Saving energy / Going Green
(investing in better energy solutions)

Rob, Pietra, and I pledge to match 20% of the total amount raised. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read my story, making any size contribution to my cause, and most of all....support my big RUN!

Jackie M. F. Bosco