4/7/12: Last long run till the marathon! I ran 8 miles today and felt great:)  I am getting super pumped for Marathon Monday, it is going to be awesome. I am keeping my fngers crossed for cloudy, 50 degree weather!

The Boston Marathon and Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) are a great combination.  The marathon provides the challenge of a lifetime and Special Olympics provides the inspiration to train and complete the challenge.

My inspiration comes from my dad and my sister.  My dad, Dick Nolan, was active in Special Olympics Delaware and dedicated many hours in support of the athletes and their families.  I honor his memory by supporting an organization that was near and dear to his heart.  My sister, Elizabeth, is a Special Olympics athlete and competes in long distance running as well as basketball, tennis and volleyball.  Her mantra, “ If you finish, you win.”, sounds good to me.  Her tip for training is – no walking, no whining.  We’ll see about that.

I’m a casual runner and did not qualify with the elites but when Special Olympics Massachusetts invited me to be a fundraiser and runner, I jumped at the chance.  I am writing to ask your help in supporting Special Olympics Massachusetts and my quest to finish the marathon.  Your contribution will go directly to SOMA and will support the athletes who train and compete year round.  SOMA does not charge its athletes to participate, so it is crucial that these athletes are supported through fund raising initiatives such as the SOMA marathon team.  By supporting our athletes to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and by educating the public about the abilities of Special Olympic athletes, we can begin to change our world – one individual and one mile at a time. 

Today, Special Olympics stands as a leader in the field of intellectual disability and has sharpened the focus on its mission as not just "nice," but critical; not just as a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, but also an effective catalyst for social change.(SODE.org)

Thank you for considering my request.  I’ve already begun my training and I’m getting psyched.  You can keep in touch by visiting my web site where I will be posting weekly updates.

Alternate way of donating can be made by a check made payable to SOMA  with Kate Nolan marathon in the memo and mailed to Special Olympics Massachusetts,Inc  C/O Nick Savarese  ~The Yawkey Sports Training Center  ~ 512 Forest Street ~ Marlborough, MA 01752.

Trainingly Yours,

Kate