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About Project 262
Am I ready for this marathon?
Surprisingly, I have been a runner since July 2002. I had lost 60 pounds before I started running, and I wanted to do something different to help drop the 20 pounds I needed to lose, for a total of 80 pounds. During the summer of 2002, I walked about 5 miles 5 days a week at Francis Park. Each week that went by, I started doing less walking and more running. I added 5 more miles for a total of 10 miles one day, and I was splitting running and walking time. After about 3 months of weening off the walking, I was able to run 5 miles nonstop in about 44 minutes, which paces out at 8:48/mile. Since then, I've ran occassionally, but I've gained about 40 pounds of it back, thanks to the XBOX, allergies and lack of caring. But, those days are now behind me. So far this year, I've lost 15 pounds just by cutting all fast food from my diet since the beginning of the year, and I've given up all regular soda...Thank you Diet Vanilla Coke!
How I knew this project was for me.
I had received a call from Smash, asking me to design a website ad for smashband.com. He wanted to promote his walk in Alaska event that benefits the Arthritis Foundation. I've been the webmaster for smashband.com since they went online in early 2002. While designing the ad, I thought about how cool that trip would be. So I e-mailed Smash about it, and he said I had to raise $4,000. The Joints in Motion website had a list of informational meetings listed, so I attended the meeting on March 30th. I haven't stopped thinking about it since. This was my chance to travel to Alaska, get back in shape and commit to it, and I had someone in my family I could honor for the marathon...my sister.
Who is Ellen O'Brien?
My sister is a very loving, generous and caring person who I could not live without. In her profession, she uses her hands non-stop. She works for a subcontracting company that prepares items for packaging and delivery. Many days she comes home with severe back pain and stiff hands. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was only 25 years old. That was 21 years ago. I'm running for her. Not only can I achieve a personal miracle by finishing a marathon, I will cross that line knowing that $4,000 is being used to benefit her...money that can research pain relieving medications to prevent, control and cure arthritis. So what does Ellen think of all this? She says I'm crazy. That puts a smile on my face...yeah, I love her...
More About Arthritis.
Arthritis usually affects the joints and the tissues around the joints, such as muscles and tendons. Some types of arthritis also can affect other parts of the body, including the skin and internal organs. Arthritis can make it hard to perform daily tasks. It causes pain, swelling and changes in the joints that limit movement. Chances are that you or someone you know has arthritis. Arthritis can come on slowly or suddenly. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, it may last all your life. However, many things can be done to help reduce pain, increase movement and keep you active. More facts about arthritis can be found at arthritis.org.
What I need to do:
I will be running over 400 cumulative miles to train for this marathon. It's a 20-week process, and takes a lot of dedication. My only concern is being able to raise $4,000 for the foundation. So, if you'd like to help out in any way, please check out the donation page. It's very easy to do, especially online through secure transactions, and it only takes a minute. You can also sponsor a particular mile of the marathon and even buy banner ads for this site. I have some other goodies on the fundraising page. Even if it's a buck or two, it helps. You'll be listed on the sponsors page once I receive your transaction. Thanks for your generous support! |
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January 2001: This is how I looked before I lost weight. I weighed about 275 pounds.
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September 2002: After the 80 pound weight loss. Now I'm running to make my weight loss permanant.
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My sister, Ellen O'Brien
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My family (L to R): Mom, Ellen, Patrick, Lindsey, Erin, Ashley, Jake, Cathy, Sabrina, Mark
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