To honor those innocent souls

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Running is a selfish endeavor. I run for me, and abide by Charles Barkley's motto: "I'm nobody's role model." I've never used marathon running or Ironman racing to raise funds for anything.

Rethink time! Last year I was registered for the Boston Marathon, but between inadequate training and nagging injuries, I did not run. Had I been well trained and uninjured my finish time would have been about 4:10 - right when the finish line bombs went off, killing 3 spectators and injuring 364 others.

That's why it's important to me to get to Boston this year to run - to honor those innocent souls who were only there to cheer their relatives and friends and enjoy what I know to be the "Superbowl" of marathon racing. I want to help make a large community statement that terrorists can't win, to "as one" make a stand for caring and concern.

These shoes are what I will wear in the race on Patriots' Day, April 21. The medal is from the 2008 Boston Marathon, one of six I have run.

The blue shoelaces are special, because they are a gift I received for making a small contribution to One Fund Boston. According to the fund's website:

"One Fund Boston is a 501c3 organization started...on April 16, 2013 to help those most affected by the Marathon bombings. The Fund collected and distributed nearly $61 million in 75 days to over 230 victims and survivors. 100% of all donations were dispersed, with no overhead expenses, thanks to the extraordinary efforts made by volunteers, and companies who offered pro bono professional services. The mission of the Fund continues...to help meet the significant ongoing needs of the survivor community."

I invite you to "run Boston" with me by joining me in supporting One Fund Boston - or by contributing to another worthy charity of your choice that helps others live life to its fullest, whatever their challenges. Here are links to One Boston Fund, Special Olympics and Girls on the Run - just suggestions, your choice which if any to support. Remember my and Charles' motto: "I am not a role model!"

By the way, if you want to track me in my selfish endeavor, my number is 24,104 (of 36,000 runners) and I will be starting from Hopkinton in the third wave (of 4) at 11 a.m. in corral 7 with 1,000 other runners. If things go well, I'll finish between 3:00-3:15 pm...or, if not, later. (Just finishing will make me happy!)