9/18/11

This morning, I woke up early and decided to head to Central Park for a long run. Between a crazy work schedule and a generally busy summer, I've fallen pretty behind on my training for the NYC marathon and I was feeling nervous about the run. It is a beautiful fall day and I started out strong, but a little more than halfway around my first loop of the park, I hit a wall and started to panic, wondering how I'd possibly get through the marathon this year if I couldn't even get through a long run today. Then, suddenly, something awesome happened -- around mile 5, my path converged with the path of thousands of New Yorkers racing for the cure (in support of the Susan G. Komen fund). In my pink tank top I got mistaken for a racer and swept up into the crowd, all running in support of mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and other loved ones lost to cancer. And I know it sounds a little cheesy, but it felt like my mom knew I was struggling and was trying to carry me. And I was carried by those other runners and the cheering fans for the next three miles.

Just before the finish line, I split off and ran two more miles alone, bringing me to 10 miles. It's certainly well behind my marathon training schedule and it's not the 12 I was hoping to get in this morning, but it was the boost I needed to get back on track. And it was enough to remind me of how my mom and grandma would feel about me not following through on a commitment I made to the kids of CampInteractive.

So I just felt like sharing, and thanking all of you for your continued support of my goal to raise $5,000 for CI. New Yorkers, I'll see you on the course in 7 weeks!

Happy Sunday,
Erin

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8/23/11

Family and friends,

This November, I'll be running the NYC marathon (my third marathon ever!) in support of CampInteractive. CI is an organization I started volunteering with earlier this year as a member of their Young Executive Board. Through tutoring, mentorship, technical training, and outdoor activities, the staff and volunteers of CI empower a group of incredible high school students from the Bronx to reach their full potential. 

I feel fortunate to have had the two most amazing, inspiring women I've ever known as my mentors -- my mom and my grandma. I attribute my success in life to the love and support they gave me growing up, and I'm committed to helping other young people that might not be able to find that type of support at home. 

So, I plan on dedicating this race to my mom, my grandma, and the kids of CI, and I would love your support. 

Thanks so much!

Erin

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ABOUT CAMP INTERACTIVE:

Through a unique year-round program, CampInteractive introduces the creative power of technology and the inspiration of the outdoors to underprivileged inner-city youth. Our vision is to use positive experiences to broaden horizons and empower young people to believe in themselves and their futures!

Using both technology and the environment as educational tools, CampInteractive addresses two problems that an underfunded American public educational system faces: providing kids with technological skills for the 21st century, and instilling a sense of community where teamwork and self-confidence can flourish.

Your support will help us continue to develop and create programs that inspire kids to reach for their full potential.

This program can only be made possible with the funds raised from the Team InterActive NYC Marathon Team. Check us out @ www.campinteractive.org