Why I Run

As an avid runner, I participate in many races each year.  I enter these for many reasons. I love to run, it’s a challenge, and sometimes it’s for a good cause. At the beginning of each race, I like to look around at the starting line at the wide range of people running the event.  Each participant is running for a different reason. For some, it’s a personal goal, a hobby, or even a response to a challenge.  For many, the race has a special meaning -- it could be in honor or memory of a loved one, in support of a friend or family member, or to simply celebrate life.

Celebrating life was the overriding theme at last month's Sarcoma Bike Event. Participants came together to walk, run, and bike, in an effort to raise money and awareness of the fight against sarcoma.  Many of the participants running, biking or walking were patients, survivors, or friends.  Everyone participated with the same goal in mind -- to eradicate sarcoma. It was a great feeling at the start of this event to see the hope and energy alive in so many people.

It’s amazing to see what can be accomplished when people work together for a common goal. “Team Sarcoma” raised funds for the Johns Hopkins Sarcoma Program.  Sarcoma is a cancer that affects bones, soft tissues and muscles, and this event was particularly inspiring to see people who were cured of the disease with renewed mobility and energy.

The inspiration I feel at seeing these great racers makes the event even more challenging and memorable to me.