Running A Virtual Marathon!

I have trained for the last three winters to prepare for the CRANDIC marathon here in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. It’s a good challenge and a way to stay in shape over the winter months. When I learned that the marathon wasn’t going to happen as normal, I was disappointed and thought about stopping my training. After hearing about the virtual option, I decided I would continue running to keep some sense of normalcy during this difficult time. I will be running on the original day of the marathon, April 26th. Less than a month to go! To make it more meaningful to me, I have decided to make this run a fundraiser for three local agencies which are close to my heart: Two of my friends started a 5k in honor of our friend who committed suicide in high school. They have been champions of suicide awareness in Iowa. We have been honored to be a sponsor of this race for the last 10 years and of the help it has brought to our area. https://www.aliveandrunningiowa.com North Liberty Food Pantry serves many families in our local area. Their vision statement: “We are a resilient community. We are the path through which our community meets its members’ needs for food and clothing. We empower neighbors to share resources, providing opportunities towards an improved quality of life.” https://northlibertycommunitypantry.org/ Iowa City VA Medical Center: “Since 1952, the Iowa City VA Health Care System has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privelege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Services are available to more than 184,000 veterans living in 50 counties in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois and Northern Missouri.” https://www.iowacity.va.gov All three of these agencies will be effected by the COVID-19 virus, and I will be honored to help in my small way. Please note I have chosen not to officially register for the race. I have decided to take that entry fee and donate directly to this fundraiser. I may make my own t-shirt to celebrate! :) Please reach out with any questions you may have. I would love to have you cheer me on virtually as I complete this! I know these are uncertain times and understand that funds may be tight, which is why I set my goal low to start with. I hope we can blow through my goal quickly and I can set a new goal before the day of the “race”. If you can’t donate, please share on social media. Any little bit helps!