Being a Running Mentor for Team for Kids for the 2011 ING New York City Marathon

Today, I left early from work and picked up the kids from Day Camp. I stood outside the glass dorr and waited for the time to reach 4:00pm for the official release of the children. As I peeked past the glass, I see Zachary sitting on the floor all tired and beat from a busy day of running, swimming and other frolicking. Emily, now a Counselor in Training, was attending to her flock making sure they are kept entertained as they waited to their parents or grandparents. Elijah was hidden by the wall, so I just stood there for the door to open.


As I walked in, the kid mob meshed with the parent mob. Elijah jumped up, smiled and asked me what was for dinner. He requested chicken wings, and I said, “Okay!” Now, remember I do not eat this all the time!

As soon as we got home, Zachary went to the mailbox and grab what was left by the mailman. With a thud after he dropped the letters on the dining room table and rushed outside to play some more with Elijah. I immediately grabbed the envelope that looked like it had something worth opening.

It’s a dark blue technical running shirt with Mentor Team for Kids in the lime neon green colors. I felt so proud holding that shirt up in the air. Immediately, I thought back to when I chose Team for Kids as my charity of choice for automatic entry to the 2008 New York City Marathon. It was great timing since, I was assigned to 2 wonderful runners with different running skills, both running a full marathon for the first time! 

I am so excited to communicate with them and see how they progress.  Just thinking about the first Sunday of November is so exciting.  This year, Irene and I will get to watch the Elite runners, Raymond (her brother) and 40,000 others run by on the streets of New York City.

So many things have happened over the past 3 and a half years since I decided to change my lifestyle. Numerous miles logged, 5K’s done, many half marathons finished, 5 full marathons completed, and 55lbs lighter.  More importantly, who would have thought, Irene and the 3 kids would have done several running races also.  In addition, Irene and I are P90X grads and Emily is doing TurboFire!

I get a tingle each time a friend said that they did a 5K, started running or go back to the gym.  Running the NYC Marathon with Irene, her sister, her brother and a few close friends was an awesome accomplishment!

Now all of my running has led me to become a RRCA Running and a Team Beachbody Fitness Coach, where I have the opportunity to Create a Healthier Community for my Children to step into. My kids deserve it, and so do all the children in the world.

If you or you know someone who wants to be more fit, lose weight or try something new. Please call me or email me!

Help me pay it forward!

And to my mentorees, Jessica and Valorie!  Keep up the good work!  I am so happy for you!  You are on a journey of a life time!
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