For my 40th birthday in June, my husband bought me a t-shirt from Nike that says "the only way to finish is to start". His main reason for buying me the shirt was that I was embarking on a new career path and starting my own business. When things were overwhelming to me, I just needed to remember that mantra.....
Something about turning 40 made me want to do something outside of my comfort zone. For the past 2 years, my friend Cindy has been running a triathlon as a fundraiser for DMD (Duchenne Muscular Distrophy). Last year I was still in grad school and had class the weekend of the triathlon so I couldn't do it, but this year I have an open summer schedule, so Cindy was very welcoming in my becoming a member of her team the "Gals for Cal" The mission statement for the Gals is:
"The Gals for Cal is a group of women connected through friendship who are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Our primary focus is to promote awareness of DMD and to improve all aspects of the lives of children with DMD by raising funds to be allocated to medical research, clinics, camps and adaptive activities. In doing so, we aim to inspire others to get involved and experience the friendship, caring, strength, love, devotion, commitment, giving, challenges, fitness, and achievement that is the spirit of the Gals For Cal. We take pride in challenging ourselves while challenging Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy together."
These women run for Calvin and all of the boys affected by DMD. Calvin also happens to be a good friend of my son Liam, and so I get to see Calvin on the bus every day. I watch Liam pull out his latest Lego magazine and as the bus pulls away the 2 of them have their heads together checking out the latest and greatest in Legoland.
I wanted a way to chronicle the journey, both physically and mentally, that this training will take me on. One of the things Cindy said to me was the person that finishes the race is different from the one who started it. I am looking forward to it!
For more information on the Gals for Cal, visit their webpage at: www.galsforcal.com
"The Gals for Cal is a group of women connected through friendship who are dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Our primary focus is to promote awareness of DMD and to improve all aspects of the lives of children with DMD by raising funds to be allocated to medical research, clinics, camps and adaptive activities. In doing so, we aim to inspire others to get involved and experience the friendship, caring, strength, love, devotion, commitment, giving, challenges, fitness, and achievement that is the spirit of the Gals For Cal. We take pride in challenging ourselves while challenging Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy together."
These women run for Calvin and all of the boys affected by DMD. Calvin also happens to be a good friend of my son Liam, and so I get to see Calvin on the bus every day. I watch Liam pull out his latest Lego magazine and as the bus pulls away the 2 of them have their heads together checking out the latest and greatest in Legoland.
I wanted a way to chronicle the journey, both physically and mentally, that this training will take me on. One of the things Cindy said to me was the person that finishes the race is different from the one who started it. I am looking forward to it!
For more information on the Gals for Cal, visit their webpage at: www.galsforcal.com
