I starting running in 2012 and over the years have run for many reasons. I started running to improve my health, but it has turned into so much more. I run to eliminate the negative thoughts, I run through the difficulties in my life. I ran my first marathon in October 2014. As I lined up for the start of the Twin Cities marathon in downtown Minneapolis, I realized it was so much bigger than just running a marathon. After my first marathon, I was convinced I would never run another marathon. However, after seeing on twitter that the Children's Hospital of Minnesota had a charity team, I knew that I wanted to be a charity runner. I chose Children's not because I have a direct connection to them, but because I wanted to help them fulfill their mission and the children in their care. I know that during my training I will be able to "run" for the children in their care, children who have passed away, and children who, because of illness or disability, will never be able to run themselves. I hope you consider making a donation to Children's to help support my mission and theirs. Thank you so very much.