The Reason I Run

10Rev. Charles Neff, in 1986, challenged an auditorium full of 5000+ people to give just $.25 a day to help eradicate poverty. He captured the imagination of my then five-year-old son, Kyle, who said, "Daddy, if you will increase my allowance, we can do that!" Our family has been giving to causes addressing the critical issues of poverty ever since.

There are many sustainable solutions to help end extreme poverty around the world. Projects don't end poverty—people do. I look for organizations and projects that invest in the people themselves—women, children, youth, and men with amazing strength, creativity, and perseverance.

Any organization, project, program, cause, or community that works to provide access to clean water, viable sanitation, healthcare, and education will significantly dent poverty. 

I support transparent organizations whose mission is to create permanent change for the world's most marginalized people through creating sustainable long-term solutions to help end world poverty. 

Giving a gift without educating a community to use it, repair it or cultivate it, is no gift at all; it's a quick fix to a problem that will continually resurface. 

Frankly, we don’t need another short-term solution for world poverty.

When considering the connection between running and fundraising, I often hear the following excuses (and here are my answers):

  • Too old? I’m older ‘n dirt. 

  • Too slow? A semi with 18 flat tires goes faster than I do.

  • Weight challenged? Cars pull over to make room for me on the pavement.

  • Can’t find the time? I’ll call you at 4 a.m. We’ll run to Dunkin’ Donuts together. (it’s the only reason you’ll find me up at 4:00)

  • Knees giving out? I feel your pain. I sometimes wear two knee braces and take four Tylenol before hitting the door.

  • Back pain? Been there. Still there! (got hit by a pick-up truck ten years ago.) I still run. We can help each other cross the finish line!

I run (well, some of my friends say I crawl, jog, stumble, lurch forward…) half-marathons and marathons to raise funds for projects that will further the cause of ending poverty. I have given my meager share to several great organizations and projects through the years. 

One organization that has my respect, admiration and financial support is Outreach International (outreach-international.org).

I support you in your efforts and encourage you in making a difference. For some of us, every step toward a goal can be a challenge. Like you, I take the step out the door anyway.

My motto: I earn every mile!

My bucket list goal: To run a marathon on every continent ... well, except Antartica. Sorry, hate the cold! So far: Stockholm Sweden; Lima Peru; San Diego USA; Nashville USA (2); New York City USA; Chicago USA; Brisbane Australia; 

Why?

  •   To stay healthy!

  •   To lose weight! (Having trouble with that one!)

  •   To enjoy life!

  •   To share with others in a healthy lifestyle which in turn gives to others.

  •  To keep meeting new and amazing people.

  •  To foster better understanding of the issues surrounding poverty.

  •  To raise funds for specific projects that will work to end poverty.

  •  To make a difference.

By giving impoverished communities the tools they need to maintain and continue their own successes, we can change their lives for generations to come.

If you are moving forward, you are in the race!