When I started training for my first marathon in 2000, I was running with Theresa (who has become my closest friend over the many miles we’ve shared). We started talking about why we run. When she asked me my reason for running, I told her it was because I am blessed to be healthy and to have two arms and two legs that allow me to. Since that time, whenever I get down or lose my motivation, I think of all those who cannot run or participate in sports due to being physically challenged.

I was in San Diego last week. On Saturday, I ran 8 miles along the water. As I ran enjoying the view and the cool weather, I came upon two athletes out for a ride using handcycles. They were sponsored by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). This reminded me that I had neglected something. . .When I ran the Paris Marathon last year, I raised money for CAF. I chose CAF because. . . I am blessed to be healthy and to have two arms and two legs that allow me to – and others have the desire but are not so physically blessed.

CAF’s mission is to “provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.” They provide legs for amputees so they can run. Racing wheelchairs for others. And, handcycles for those who need them. Seeing those two cyclists reminded me of my commitment to CAF.

I am training for the New York Marathon in November and the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld in January (the half marathon on Staurday, and the full marathon on Sunday).  As I train for NY and the Goofy, I committed to CAF to raise money for them again.

I would encourage you to think about why you run, ride, swim, or participate in your favorite sport. Find the blessing in it. And, if you would like to help me help CAF, you can make a donation here. Any amount helps those who want to be physically active but need help to do so.

I run because. . . .I can.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. If you want to learn more about CAF and its mission, here is a great YouTube video about Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Last year, I was contacted by a great running coach, Lowell Ladd, about one of his clients.  This particular client is training for his first marathon and writing a book about it.  He wants nutrition counseling. . . .can I help?  Of course!  I talked with Tom Coyne and we got started with his nutrition planning.  He has a group of 12 friends who are training to run the Paris Marathon in April, 2010.   They have a fun blog called 26.1 To Go.  I love the tag line for the blog, “The quest to solve the greatest mystery in sports: Where the hell is everybody running to?”

Then, I started thinking. . .when am I going to have a business excuse to go to Paris?  Then, I thought some more. . . when I am going to have such a great excuse to, um, run the Paris Marathon?  It only took a few minutes to go from thinking about running it to being a registered participant, to thinking “what the heck have I just done!”

I ran both the Houston and Marine Corps marathons in 2001.  My reasons for running Paris are many: because it is there and I can go, because it would be “fun,” to see how my training and nutrition have changed now that I’m a sports dietitian.

I began training a few months ago and training has been going well.  It has reminded me of a lot of the issues that my clients face when training for and racing a distance event.  However, now that I really understand how to fuel before, during, and after my training has been much smoother.

We are a month out from the race.  I’m filled with a mix of excitement and fear.  At this point you start to wonder and worry about every little ache, pain, and/or tinge.  “Was that a real pain?”  “How is that going to affect my run?”

I’ve also decided to dedicate this run to help those who have a hard time being physically active – those with disabilities.  I’m raising money for Challenged Athletes Foundation.  If you’d like to help CAF “provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics” you can make a donation by clicking here.

In the mean time, I’ll keep training and planning.  And, dreaming of running through the streets of Paris.