My Reason 2 Run

by Michelle Rowley
(Alexandria, VA, USA)

I have a challenge I've committed to in 2010 - which is my Running Story - and I wanted to share it with you.

I will be running a half marathon a month in an effort to raise $10,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I have chosen to partner with the MS Society because of it's personal impact on my life.

My mom had MS and passed away 12 years ago this summer. She was a great inspiration to me and I miss her every day.

Michelle & her mom.

Her memory has become 'My Reason 2 Run'. I hope to increase peoples awareness of the disease as well as raise money to fund research. All donations go directly to the MS Society and are 100% tax deductable.

I started running after college and do a couple 5K's and 10K's a year. After finishing a 10K a few years ago I decided I was going to run a Half Marathon for my 31st birthday. In 2006, I finished my first Half and became hooked on that distance.

Prior to 2010, I have finished 6 other Half Marathons. I consider myself an "average" runner. I enjoy the outdoors and running is a great opportunity to explore and see new places.

You can learn more about my "Reason 2 Run" via my blog.

Thank you for your time and for reading my Running Story.

Michelle Rowley