Just got out of the Team In Training pasta party/pre-race meeting. Just like my first TNT event 10 years ago, it was an emotional reminder of why the 117 of us who've raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society signed up in the first place.
For those of you who don't know, I ran my first marathon 10 years ago as a member of Team In Training, recruited into the cause by a friend at work. We had to raise $1,500 each, and I treated it so cavalierly that I was on the hook for a sizable chunk of it when the fundraising deadline had come and gone.
Fast forward to June, when I first started to think about joining TNT again. I have a more personal connection this time -- my wife's grandfather had leukemia -- and it made sense to try fundraising through TNT again. Besides, I figured, I was more mature. $1,500 would be no problem this time.
Only the goal was $2,500.
Gulp.
I've decided fundraising is like forming an invitation list to your wedding. There are the definites. The definite nos. The maybes. And then the surprises.
Throughout this process -- and I'm very happy and proud to say I eclipsed the $2,500 minimum with room to spare -- I have been humbled each time someone made a contribution to the cause. Some I thought would, and didn't. Some I thought wouldn't, surprised me and did.
And then there were those who came to my aid from out of left field.
To them all, I am indebted. And when I'm having troubles tomorrow... because, as I was just reminded in a team meeting, everyone has trouble at some point, I will remember each of them, and the faith they put in me.
This has been a good day. A very good day. And now it's time for bed. The alarm's set for 4:50 a.m. (Ugh.)
See you in the morning.
