This year I set a personal goal: to run the NYC Marathon. In order to get to the starting line on November 7, 2010, I have pledged to raise $2500 for a charity that has inspired me profoundly -- Achilles International. 

While volunteering with Achilles - a non-profit organization that helps disabled athletes compete in mainstream events - I've received some healthy lessons on gratitude, dedication and dauntless persistence.  For me, I simply decided to run a marathon and set out on my two feet to take in the sights during my training runs. But for the athletes in Achilles that I've had the fortune of running alongside, they are running in total darkness or with amputated legs. 

 

During a recent run, I was besieged by fear that I will never endure 26.2 miles and confessed this to my workout partner and Achilles member, Ben.  He, having completed the marathon last year on his prosthetic leg, assured me that I would be fine -- I had both of my legs. 

 

To read more about how I'm surviving the miles, check out my blog, A Runner's Mind, at: http://www.sportsfaniq.com/a-runners-mind So far I've completed a 15k race, and landed in the emergency room.