Support Kate's Marathon Dream

Hi!

I’m Kate, and I’m a new-ish runner!

The idea of running was only recently introduced to me. I started this journey during a hard time in my life early last year, hoping it would give me strength to do something I’ve never done before.

Nearly a year from the date of my first 5k race, 27 May 2024, I am now preparing for my FIRST HALF MARATHON!

Running has given me a lot of freedom and strength, as I wished it would. I never thought I would be enjoying this type of activity, let alone feel naturally motivated to keep pushing myself to train for longer races.

I’m very proud of how far I have come on this journey, but this is still just the beginning for me!

This year I really want to run a full marathon. I thought I would be able to run the Cleveland marathon this May of 2025, but due to some survivable inconveniences, and some chronic health issues, my winter training did not go as well as I would have liked. Either way, I have been able to pivot and reset my goal, planning to complete the half marathon this month, then continue my training to run a full marathon before the year is over.

I am hoping that with my upcoming birthday, and with my keenness on sharing my story with you, that I can ask for your consideration and generosity.

I’m currently working two jobs to pay for my day to day life, and I don’t want to put off my new athletic goals simply because I can’t afford to sign up for two races this year. It’s also time to invest in a new pair of quality running shoes as I start pushing myself to workout more and run longer distances, building my endurance for a full marathon in the next five months.

My thought here is - maybe some of you would be willing to help me out. Call it a birthday gift, perhaps? (:

I will be sharing this goal on Facebook, which I don’t really use, but where I have over 2k friends… meaning if each person I am friends with on fb donated $1, I would well surpass my financial goal, being able to comfortably foot the bill for the half marathon this month, new running shoes, and a full marathon later in the year. Maybe some other gear, like socks, a running water bottle, and a headlamp or some other lighting for my night runs to be a bit safer.

If HALF of my friends donated only $1, I would still surpass my goal!

Anyhow, I would truly love it if you would please consider giving what you are able to. I understand not everyone is able to.

IF you are able to, please know that even something as little as $1-5 would make a huge difference for me right now, and I will be thinking of you graciously for my upcoming 13.1 mile race!

Okay, well, thanks so much if you read all of this. I hope you don’t think using my upcoming birthday as a reason to crowdsource funds is annoying. I’m just hoping others in my network will be as excited for me as I am, and some pocket change could go a LONG way here! Literally! (ha ha)

Alright, signing off here!

Thanks, y’all!

Peace and love until we meet again.

xo, Kate

(oh and feel free to reach out for my Strava info if you want to follow my running journey (: )