Running the London Marathon April 21, 2013 - For NEW LIFE - Read Why!

Not too long ago I watched a disabled 7-year-old boy run a one mile race against 500 healthy children. His legs were crippled and he needed crutches to stand; let alone run. At first glance, I thought, “No way! I am a marathon runner and I couldn't run a mile with crutches. How is this little guy going to do this?”

As the race progressed the rest of the healthy children ran faster and farther ahead of him. He was struggling to finish and falling far behind. Twenty minutes later, all the other children had finished their race and were receiving their "shiny finishing medals." Then suddenly, there was a roar! The crowd, a thousand family spectators or more turned to watch the little boy hobbling down the track towards them. Twenty-two minutes later, here comes the little boy, crutches and all moving nonstop. His face beaming with determination to finish.

I couldn't believe it! The crowd stood up with tears in their eyes and went crazy with adulation! A huge ROAR filled the air with excitement as the crowd cheered him on. The little boy ran faster and faster as the cheers became louder and louder. Until everyone was hugging and crying, and jumping, and applauding, cheering and yelling with amazement as he crossed the finishing line. Here was this little boy without any help, no excuses, and crippled legs performing one of the greatest sport achievements I have ever witnessed. He was actually finishing the mile race he started with crippled legs, only his huge heart and his own intestinal fortitude to finish. It was INSPIRING!

A marathon mile for him I am sure. I know I could not have completed that mile on my best day with crutches. A mile is a long way without legs! Think about it.

I was overcome with admiration and joy. I was inspired by his spirit to achieve.

Running is a selfish sport because it’s all about you. You run for selfish reasons, its either to get fit, be fit, stay fit, lose weight, release stress, or a personal record (PR). Mostly running is all about you and what you can do or can't do. Running leaves you feeling better about yourself for many reasons. Running gives you some kind of personal empowerment. It's hard to explain. When you are finished running any distance, you feel like you have achieved something good and in some weird way you have. And that is why I run. I believe that is why most people run. And when you are finished you think it was worth it and fun. But it is always hard and it's always about you finishing.

But after witnessing that little boy finishing that race, I realized it's not about me anymore, it's about overcoming disabilities and finishing something you started no matter what. We all have to learn to find a way to finish. I decided then, that I would never run again for me alone, but for children who can't. That is why I am running the London Marathon (a 26.2 grueling mile race) to raise money for the NEW LIFE Foundation for Disabled and Terminally Ill Children. I want to run for those children who can't. Please help me by visiting my NEW LIFE donation page. If you would like to donate http://www.justgiving.com/Russell-Kanorr please do. 

I pay my own travel and race expenses to London, and 100% of your donations go directly to the NEW LIFE Foundation for Disabled Children. Your donations will purchase wheelchairs and medical treatment for the disabled children in need. When you donate, email me if you would like your name printed on my London racing shirt. I print the names of those who donate on my shirt. I will email you a digital picture of my crossing the London Bridge wearing your name and of course the finish line. Thank you for your kind donation. 

This is my first Blog Post. I will be blogging weekly about running in Gwinnett. I will be blogging about running, tips, training, stories, and local running events. You can even join me running if you like. Thanks for reading, and if you want to run it’s easy. Just put on a pair of sneakers and start running. Read my blog each week and I will give you encouragement and information to guide you. Tip #1: Get up and get going! Start a run/walk program (run some, walk some) for one mile every other day. And think about that little boy crossing the finish line when you feel tired or want to stop. If he can do it, so can you!

Stayfit and enjoy life,
Russ
Amateur Gwinnett Marathon Runner
russ@kanorr.com