Miles, Smiles, and Caring

Four years ago, I set out on a mission to do something daring. I decided that I was going to complete the Walt Disney World Half Marathon, I would do this while trying to raise $500 for a central Florida charity called Give Kids the World. It seemed like a difficult feat at the time, being neither a runner nor a professional fundraiser by any means, it was only through hard work and the support of many people like the ones reading these words that I would accomplish both.

Fast Forward four years later, Five Half Marathons completed and $4,256 raised I have decided once again to up the ante and complete the 2015 Walt Disney World FULL Marathon. Even more a source of pride for me, this year, my wife Lindsey has decided to run her first 10K. I could not be prouder of her decision and look forward to rooting her on from the sidelines as she has been so amazing to do for me.

So now comes the reason I am writing this piece. Since this year there will be 2 races, 2 racers, and a total of 32.4 miles traveled, I have decided to double our normal fundraising goal to $2,000. I truly believe that together we can accomplish so much for these amazing children and families that are battling some very serious illnesses. If together we can put a smile on even one little face, then I will have considered all the miles and soreness worth it.

It is not a matter of medals, miles, or completions, it is a matter of heart. The heart of a child to fight like a champion and the heart of you all to support my personal goals and the lives of a complete stranger. There is no greater feeling than receiving my newsletter every month from Give Kids the World, showing me the smiling faces of the kids who for one week were given the chance to be just that.

I am hoping to write a weekly blog, which will chronicle the next few months of my training, diet, and life as I get ready to take on my first marathon. I hope that you will come along for the ride, read the blog, donate if you can, but definitely share will all of your friends.

It is never too late to set a goal, never too late to have a dream. Start today in the direction of you goals, and don’t give up until you get there. As I say every year, I’ll Run the Miles, You Provide the Smiles.

Today, Tomorrow, Forever, Give Kids the World!

 

Onward and Upward,

Michael de Armas