The Haiti Half

Back in 2012, I ran my first 10K. Actually, it was my first race of any kind. I was roped into it, rather against my will, by my friend Jeri at work. Ryan helped me train for it, and running this race was actually how I introduced him to you here on the blog. {And it was GOING to be how I introduced him on the air - until he surprised me first with the proposal!}

We haven't run a race together since then. We've talked about it a few different times, but we haven't gone through with it. Races tend to be expensive to enter, and well...you've seen our schedule the last couple of years. No time to train.

But a week or two ago, I learned about one that caught my eye, and for some reason, my heart beat quickly for this one. It's a race with a worthy cause, so even though I don't think I've ever plugged a race on the blog before, I wanted to tell you about this one!

It's called the Haiti Half, and here are some reasons we're so excited about it:

One. It's held in Greentown - as in our hometown! Makes it pretty convenient for traveling to it the day of the race. I also think it's exciting that they're holding something like this IN a small town. After navigating the downtown madness and parking garages of Fort Wayne for the 10K, the idea of running on small town and country roads is very appealing.

Two. I cannot get my mind away from the cause it supports. The registration fee goes to help support medical work in Haiti.

The website states that there are only two doctors for every 10,000 patients in Haiti, 63% of women there deliver their babies without medical assistance, and too many kids are dying from preventable diseases and even those who live don't have access to basic healthcare.

The memory of my gallbladder surgery earlier this year makes me realize that even though it was a headache of its own, and even though I had some good blog-worthy stories of fighting through to get the care I needed, at least I could get the care I needed to be well. I want others to have the opportunity for that same privilege.

And even though I've never had a baby, attending births has given me a tender heart for the care offered to mothers in that time. I hate the idea of mothers having babies without help in such an important moment!

Because of those things, I was really excited to read that the entry fees for the race go to either a general doctor visit with lab tests and pharmaceuticals or a prenatal ultrasound visit and consultation.

Three. This has nothing to do with the worthy cause of the race, but I'm pretty excited that my friend Amber designed the T-shirts. She has skills!!

Four. I know everyone has something different that zings the heart...and it's okay if this one doesn't get to yours like it gets to ours. But if it does, and you want to join us in running or walking for a great cause...here are some things you need to know!

* The race is Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Greentown, Indiana.

* The half marathon, which is routed through the countryside and should be really pretty with fall leaves  in full swing, costs $50 if you register prior to October 7th...and $65 after that. The 5K {the route is yet TBD} costs $20 prior to October 7th and $25 after that. You can register online here.

* The half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m and the 5K begins at 7:55 a.m. - and they close the course at 11:00 a.m, which allows for a 16 minute mile in the half marathon. So even if you don't like to run, there's room for walking!

Five. We think it would be SO MUCH FUN to have a bunch of friends come together for race day! Whether you want to run or walk...do the 5K or the half...be a cheerleader on the sidelines...we just think it would be great fun to have our friends be part of this day with us! So if you want to be part of the Haiti Half and a great cause, we hope you'll consider being part of it. They've recommended some training tips for the half marathon here, and the 5K here if you want to check it out!

 {Post-run photo from the first day of training.}

{PS - here's the link to the event Facebook page, if you want to keep up with them there!}