So I didn’t get in.
And at first I was super bummed and quite honestly, sour grapes about the whole situation. It seemed that everyone I knew had gotten in–even my husband!! (This will be his first marathon 🙂 )
And then I started thinking.
Well, I could go and cheer my husband on for his first (knowing that I’d be back someday because I have to run Chicago) or he could decline and both of us try again next year….OR I could run for charity! Something I’ve been wanting to and planning on doing someday soon anyway 😀
After talking about it with my husband, we decided yes, this was the race and year for me to run for a charity. I knew I wanted to run for something important to me and there’s nothing more important to me than my kids. That was the focus point in choosing a charity–how can I help children. So I started looking at the list and it wasn’t long before I came across….
The Ronald McDonald House Charity
How perfect is that??
If you’ve been a reader for a while, then you know that I have a thing, an unhealthy thing, I know, for McDonald’s. Me and Ron are seriously BFFs.
Helly + Ron = ❤
On a more serious note, I’ve mentioned before how I’ve been dedicating my miles for quite some time to a little boy who has an immune deficiency as part of the I Run 4 Program. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of charities specific to what he lives with. His parents often use a Ronald McDonald House when taking him or his brothers for doctor visits (in fact, they’re at one right now) and that’s a huge reason I chose this charity. It not only helps children, but parents as well. And sometimes we forget that they need help too
But I’m not going to lie–there are a few things that worry me.
Well, one thing.
I won’t make the fundraising amount.
And even though that is something that scares me, there are other things that make running for charity so appealing to me.
1.) It adds to the challenge. I mean, training for and then running 26.2 miles is already a difficult task and adding having to fundraise money ups the stress level for sure. But I’m up for the challenge. I feel like with each donation, I’ll be adding to my race’s purpose. I’ll be running for my charity but I’ll also be running for each person who contributed to my journey to get to Chicago. It’ll be fun. I can do hard things, right? 🙂
2.) It’ll be more than me. I think for me, running brings me a lot of self satisfaction. Like, I totally do it to make myself feel better, be healthier, be happy-all for me, me, me. Running for charity will mean that the race isn’t all about me, me, me but for others. For the kids who will benefit from my fundraising, for the parents who will forever be grateful for my help, for the people who donated–it will definitely be about them, not Helly.
3.) Motivation. I’ve talked about how bummed I was not being able to run Phoenix Marathon. I felt like I was so ready to nail that sub 4:30 I’ve been coveting for a while. I think adding running for charity to my training will motivate me to really push myself towards that goal in Chicago. I’m going to be pushing myself to raise money for my charity and not let those kids down and I will be putting that same effort in training for the big race and not let myself down.
4.) I’ll be part of a team. The kids that I’ll be running for will be my team. The people who will be fundraising with me will be my team (Hi Maxfitgirl!). All the people who contribute to my charity will be my team. I’m going to be surrounded by sooo much support. How freaking cool is that?
5.) A race day like no other. When I get to Chicago, having met my goal, I’ll already feel like a winner. Seriously. ❤
I hope everyone has a good weekend!! If you’d like to help get me to ChiTown,
click here for donation info. #helphelly begins NOW 😀
#TeamRMHC
Thanks to the DC Trifecta ladies Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia for hosting the Friday Five Link up! You guys are awesome!
–Have you every ran a race for charity?
So excited for you!! I would be afraid about the fundraising minimums as well, but you know lots of people, you will get there!! Have a wonderful weekend!
The running community is seriously amazing. I’ve made so many incredible friends and it’s because of them I’m confident I’ll meet the my goal 🙂
I have never ran a race for charity. I too would be afraid that I wouldn’t reach the minimums. Also I hate asking people for money so I would be a horrible fundraiser!
I don’t look at it as asking people for money but more so giving people the opportunity to donate if they want. 🙂 Plus, there are other ways to raise the money–yard sales, keeping a change/money jar, etc. 🙂
The first time I ran Chicago, it was for a charity. I wanted to do that to keep me accountable, so that I wouldn’t be tempted to bail on the race. It wasn’t that hard to race the funds. My family and friends really came through for me. It was nice to be part of a group for that first race!
I’ll be there this year–I got in!
Yay! I hope we can meet!
I def think running for charity will help with my training (and race) knowing that I’m running for that and really, because of that 🙂
My first 3 halfs were all for Team Challenge, and then I coached for Team Momentum with MDA last year at Chicago. It makes such a huge impact, honestly–you will find that you push through so much more rest day with that behind you!
And yay! WE WILL FREAKING MEET THIS TIME
IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. ♡
I’m so excited for you! What a fantastic way to give back while keeping that motivation fire burning 🙂
I’ll be at Chicago too! We should definitely plan to meet up when it gets closer to race day 😀
Ahhh!!!!! Yesssss! There is seriously going to be some epic meet ups! So freaking excited!
I LOVE that you’re running for charity! I ran New York for charity- Team Fox the Michael J. Fox Foundation- at the last minute. I had gotten into the lottery and decided to Team up with them. I have to say, the experience was FANTASTIC. Something about running for a reason- a reason other than oneself- that makes it so much more special. I’m proud of you lady! xoxoxo
A good friend of mine ran Chicago last year for Team Fox 🙂
Thank you so much friend, for your donation, support, and friendship! ♡♡
It’s my pleasure!!!! Chicago is such a fantastic race. And charity runs and rides, well, that’s just THE BEST. 🙂 xoxo
So happy to read this post! My sister was very ill as a baby (born with a hole in her heart) and underwent open heart surgery at the age of five. The Ronald McDonald House helped my family out many times, so it’s one of my favorite charities as well. I’m sure you’ll make your fundraising amount, and it will make the marathon that much more awesome! I’m running for a charity next weekend, and I’ve already raised $800! My goal is $1000, and I think I can make it 🙂
Oh wow, I didn’t know that about your sister. I’m so glad you guys were able to benefit from a RMH–that’s exactly why I chose this charity; it helps the whole family.
And you’re so close! You’ll totally get there! Good luck this weekend!
This is AWESOME!! I didn’t know about the Ronald McDonald House Charity before but it sounds really great. I haven’t run for charity yet but it’s something I will do one day when I’m ready to raise money for a cause near and dear to my heart. I have no doubt you will reach your goal! 😀 And I would love to support you (just wait a few more days for my credit card statement to close haha) Best of luck, Helly!!
Lol, thank you so much Charissa! ♡♡
woohoo!!! this makes me smile!! you’re amazing and this will be amazing. I need to look into the I Run for Program!
Do it! It tugs at my heart but I’m comforted knowing that doing something I love and would do any way can help someone else in any way. 🙂
That’s awesome that you’re running Chicago for charity (I am also running it)! RMDH was my sorority’s philanthropy when I was in college, and as an adult I’ve had friends benefit from the services it provides. It is a wonderful organization.
That’s so awesome your sorority had a designated charity!! I too, have had several friends benefit from it. I’m so glad something like that exists to help parents.
I’ll see you in Chicago! 🙂
Great idea.!! and way to turn something negative (not getting in to Chicago) into something so hugely positive.! Running for a charity will be so great.
Thank you! I’m very excited and I know it’s going to make the experience even better! 🙂
Yes! I ran the Baltimore Half for charity last year and it is truly an amazing experience. You are going to be the BEST fundraiser! I’m so proud and happy that you’re doing this!!!
Thank you amiga! I’ll need to channel my inner Salt fundraiser 🙂 ♡
I’m really sorry you didn’t get in via lottery, but I’m really happy you’re going to be there anyway!!!! Can’t wait to meet up! And I love all your reasons for the charity. This is my first time too, and it was a bit stressful to sign up via charity, but it’s also been super inspiring, overwhelming and humbling to see the donations come in. You’re going to rock it!
You nailed it! I’m already about a third of the way there and I’m so humbled and overwhelmed with people’s generosity. I’m so excited for all aspects of this race–and meeting you! 🙂
I’m glad you’ll be running Chicago after all…maybe this was one of those “meant to be” things. You didn’t get in on the lottery, but your experience may be even more fulfilling this way!
I definitely think so! 🙂
The important thing is that you’ll be there, and you’ll help others who really need it ❤
Absolutely! 🙂
So excited for you and this journey! 🙂 I haven’t ran for a charity yet, but I definitely want to at some point. And I think I would pick one geared towards children as well, maybe like for Phoenix Children’s Hospital or something. I’ll have to do some research! 🙂
I would love to run a race for a local charity someday as well! 🙂
So excited for you and what a great cause. See you in October!
Yaaaay!
i’m excited to track your training. chicago is a great city – i have wonderful runs every time i’m there. i was there for a conference two weeks ago and as i was running, i thought “i’ve got to run this marathon someday.” i can’t this year bc i’m running wineglass which is the same weekend, i think. but maybe 2016!
Oooh Wineglass sounds pretty amazing!!!
Super excited for you!!! One of my best friends runs Chicago for the RMH every year and loves it!!!! Good luck!!! ❤
Hi! New reader here! 🙂 This sounds super exciting. I’ve never run for a charity, but it’s also one of my “someday” goals…and how special will it be for you to run Chicago AND for a such a worthy cause AND cross that finish line with your hubby! Best of luck with your training/fundraising!
Yes to everything!!! There’s no way this race WON’T be awesome 😀
Thank you!!!!