Real Heroes Don't Wear Capes

Tomorrow morning I'll wake up dark and early and head out to attempt marathon #7. I chose the Marine Corps Marathon for a few reasons. Kate and Ally (tee hee) both ran it last year and only had great things to say. I was in D.C. around the same time last October and the weather was amazing. Plus, there's the whole "my oldest and dearest friend lives in the D.C. area" aspect...oh yes, and KATIE!

But it's more than that. Our service men and women hold a very special place in my heart. I've got a lot of friends still on Active Duty - all of them have spent time in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I'm thankful that every one of them have returned from each deployment safe and sound.

And I'm thankful for their sacrifice and their service.

I wanted to do something to honor the brave men and women who have given up so much, just to insure my freedoms, and yours too.

I have a special allegiance to the U.S.Army, however, currently, there isn't an Army Marathon in D.C. So, MCM it was! I expect this will be an emotional journey. Starting near the Pentagon, long since repaired from the attacks September 11, 2001, those visions will surely be on my mind. The hundreds of Marines along the course will keep my purpose at the forefront of my mind. I anticipate some somber reflection as I run past the monuments honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

When I began training, I knew I wanted my running to benefit a greater cause. I did a lot of research and contacted my active duty buddies to get their opinions. Then, I made a commitment to diligently log my miles and donate $1 for each mile run during training to the Wounded Warrior Project. They provide so many resources to service men and women who have been injured in the line of duty. You can read about their great work here.

Many of you helped me collect new children's books for the USO project, United Through Reading. And I thank you so much for your support. Together, we collected dozens and dozens of new children's books! (they are still coming in - look for a post soon!) I so enjoyed pouring over each of the books contributed and imagining the soldier, sailor, airman or marine that would select that particular title.

So tomorrow, as I tackle those 26.2 miles, if it gets hard, and it surely will, I'll ask myself, "Can I give more?" And the answer undoubtedly will be, "Yes." I'm running for those who always go the extra mile.

Because real heroes don't wear capes; they wear dog tags.