Our very own Deirdre Asnis (UWMC Director of Corporate Programs and Projects) will be running for Team United Way at the Chicago Marathon this Sunday. Deirdre has been tirelessly training for months and we are so excited that she will be completing her first marathon! Deirdre penned a blog to share some of her thoughts about her journey to 26.2.
Over 400 training miles down, what’s another 26.2? I can’t believe the big day is almost here! I have always wanted to run the marathon, and sitting next to the coordinator of Team United Way at work motivated me to finally sign up this year and I am so excited to be running for this organization.
As I started this journey of my first (and only!?!) marathon there were so many things that made me nervous:
Perhaps what made me the most nervous was reaching my $1,500 fundraising goal for Team United Way. Along the way I enlisted the help of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and anyone who has ever sold me Girl Scout cookies. I was so humbled by the number of people who came together to support Team United Way. Because of the generosity of those around me I was able to exceed my fundraising goal by 172%! All of the funds raised by the runners on our team will provide critical resources in education, income, health and basic needs to people and families across our region.
I am feeling so inspired and ready to complete my longest run yet. I am most looking forward to crossing the finish line and being a part of an event that brings almost 2 million people together in Chicago!
Here’s to a great 26.2! Thank you for your support!
Deirdre
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