Sunday, March 14, 2010

My First Marathon For Children With Down Syndrome

A spectacular event is about to happen this coming May 22, 2010 at 5:00 AM!

For the very first time in my life, I will attempt to run a full marathon in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna.

A full marathon = 42.195 km.

Yes, I know. I'm probably crazy to do this now, when I'm almost 52 years of age.

But I truly believe that Life Begins at 50 (or this blog won't even exist).

I ran my first 5k race when I turned 50 (my sincerest gratitude to everybody who donated to DSAPI in lieu of birthday gifts), my first 10k race 6 months after, and my first 21k race at Condura's Skyway last Feb. 7, 2010.

My second 21k race will be at the Globe Run for Home this March 21 and will probably run my 3rd at the Earth Run this April 18.

I'm overly excited and extremely nervous at the same time.

Will I ever make it to the finish line? (Cut-off time is 8 hours)

Do I have what it takes to conquer a marathon? At my age?

How about you -- do you or don't you think I could make it?

I wish and hope and pray that I finish the 42 km because I am dedicating this birthday run to the Down Syndrome Assn. of the Phils. Inc. (DSAPI).

And you could help by pledging any amount for every km that I run.

Who knows? If I quit at 21 km and you pledged P20, then you'll only have to shell out P420 (but of course nobody's stopping you to donate more heh heh . . .)

DSAPI is constantly in need of financial assistance to support its various activities for the parent members and their children with Down Syndrome. Unlike abroad, our association solely relies on personal contributions of kind-hearted individuals to continue its Early Intervention Programs, Communication Seminars, Catechism Classes, Y2K Seminars, Summer Workshops, Free Clinics, Christmas Parties and many others.

I know I can count on you. Kindly confirm your pledges before May 22, 2010. You may either e-mail me at ndelr2003@yahoo.com or text me at 0928-5220565.

And oh, good news. You may contact me anytime through my wireless landline # 703-6118.

Thank you so much! God bless your generous hearts.

Luv yah!
Nora

P.S. According to Jaymie, one bus will travel along the route during the race. You can ride the bus to cheer for me when you spot me along the route. (I can almost hear your screams Go Nora Go!)

While waiting for me, you can dine at Solenad, a row of restaurants such as Italianni's, Conti's and Yellow Cab, that will be open for breakfast by 6:30 AM. If the weather is fine, you can have a picnic or rent bikes. Or be a kid again and enjoy feeding @800 koi fish or ride boats on the lake.

There will be entertainment for family and friends who wait at Solenad. I will pass by Solenad twice during the race , and we could hug each other or even dine together when I make the stop. What a perfect way to rehydrate and re energize!

See you all there!