Carrie's NYC Marathon
Donation protected
I never saw myself as a runner. I started many years ago with a "walk/run" program designed for "couch potatoes" - and it was still too challenging for me. I was determined to stick with it, and incremental improvements over a (very) long period of time eventually led me to entering my first half marathon. I was slow, but I finished - and I still tear up thinking about how completely amazed with myself I was in that moment. I truly never imagined it was possible.
I have run several more races since then, and have learned a lot about myself along the way. That committing to something and putting in the work can yield remarkable things. That it can completely re-frame the way we see ourselves. And that having the support of our loved ones means everything.
It's been a quiet dream to run a full marathon, and the New York City Marathon is considered one of the best in the world. The 2018 NYC Marathon will happen shortly after my 40th birthday - and having John travel there with me to cheer me on seems like the best possible way to celebrate.
I will be running on November 4, 2018, as a part of Fred's Team - a group that raises funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center leading up to the marathon. When John and I got married last year, we invited guests to donate in lieu of gifts - and I have been absolutely blown away by our progress so far.
I lost my Aunt Joan to cancer a year ago; my mom was in cancer treatment in this photo when she came out to cheer me on at my very first race; and my dad was in cancer treatment when he attended our wedding last year. You can feel so helpless when your loved ones are sick - so raising funds to benefit cancer care and research feels like a small thing I can do, while bringing so much purpose to this endeavor.
I will hold my loved ones in my heart every step I run, along with my eternal gratitude for your support.
--Carrie
I have run several more races since then, and have learned a lot about myself along the way. That committing to something and putting in the work can yield remarkable things. That it can completely re-frame the way we see ourselves. And that having the support of our loved ones means everything.
It's been a quiet dream to run a full marathon, and the New York City Marathon is considered one of the best in the world. The 2018 NYC Marathon will happen shortly after my 40th birthday - and having John travel there with me to cheer me on seems like the best possible way to celebrate.
I will be running on November 4, 2018, as a part of Fred's Team - a group that raises funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center leading up to the marathon. When John and I got married last year, we invited guests to donate in lieu of gifts - and I have been absolutely blown away by our progress so far.
I lost my Aunt Joan to cancer a year ago; my mom was in cancer treatment in this photo when she came out to cheer me on at my very first race; and my dad was in cancer treatment when he attended our wedding last year. You can feel so helpless when your loved ones are sick - so raising funds to benefit cancer care and research feels like a small thing I can do, while bringing so much purpose to this endeavor.
I will hold my loved ones in my heart every step I run, along with my eternal gratitude for your support.
--Carrie
Organizer
Carrie Birmingham
Organizer
Seattle, WA