Project Purple and Lincoln Marathon

So, as of yesterday I am officially a member of the Project Purple Lincoln Marathon Team!  Well, what does this mean exactly.  This means that I will be running my 1st marathon wearing the color purple.  Okay, that was probably a little too obvious.  Project Purple is non profit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds and awareness towards a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.  What are some of the reasons that this research is needed?  Pancreatic Cancer is actually the 4th largest killer out of the list of cancers.  It is also the least funded out of the top 10 cancers.

I have not been afflicted by cancer, but there are a lot of people around me that have been.  My brother's sister-in-law has been winning her battle with Breast Cancer.  The current Chairman and former CEO of Union Pacific Railroad (the company I work for) is currently battling Pancreatic Cancer.  So, right off the bat I have 2 direct connections to the need for a cure for cancer.  Family and the "leader" of my organization.

Beyond me directly, readers of the Dreadmill Drummer have been directly affected by Pancreatic Cancer.  Harry W. lost his father to Pancreatic Cancer in 2008.  Erin P of Calf Sleeves are Cool and her husband lost his step-mother 2 years ago after a 4 1/2 year battle with the disease.

Now, you are probably wondering how Project Purple relates to running.  I mean, I do have a blog dedicated to the things having to do with running for me like race recaps, snacks, gear, etc.  Well, by being accepted to the Project Purple Lincoln Marathon Team I will be helping to raise funds for Project Purple.  And for that support from me, Project Purple and the Lincoln Track Club (the one that puts on the Lincoln Marathon) have given me the opportunity to run the Lincoln Marathon on Sunday May 4th, 2014.  Now, this will be my very 1st marathon....ever!  So it is going to be a challenge for me, but I am willing to take on that challenge.  Especially for such a great cause.  I am not only running for me to run my 1st marathon, I am running for all of those with an affliction such as Pancreatic Cancer and the families and friends of those afflicted.

Another cool thing is, I have joined the Run This Year challenge and have set a goal of 2,014 km.  I think that training for my 1st, and certainly not my last, marathon will help me in accomplishing that goal.

And to top off the coolness, I'll be running on my dad's birthday!  I guess his present will be something to do all morning since they have live tracking.

If you want to find out a little more about Project Purple's mission you can watch the below video.

How can you help?!

Since I am running and raising funds I have set up a Crowdrise account as a place to collect these funds under Project Purple.  They set a base goal of $400 for each runner.  I think I can surpass that and hit at least $600.  So, it is my goal to hit that by May 1st, 2014 before I run.  In order to get to my Crowdrise page you can click the following link: http://www.crowdrise.com/ProjectPurpleLincoln2014/fundraiser/cecilvermule and hit the big orange "DONATE TO THIS FUNDRAISER" button.  Every little bit counts.  If you can donate $1, I welcome it.  If you can donate $100, then that would be amazing of you.

Other ways to check out Project Purple:

• http://www.run4projectpurple.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Purple/143501922338437

Until next time, keep those beats coming!

Team Run This Year Ambassador

Have you heard of the "Run This Year challenge?"  I'm going to tell you about it.  I was selected as an ambassador for Team Run This Year for 2014.  So, what that means is that I will be encouraging others to join in on the challenge on top of taking the challenge myself.  What is the challenge you say!? Well I'll tell you about it. There are 3 different ways that you can participate.

1. You can run 2,014 miles in 2014
2. You can run 2,014 km in 2014 (1,251.441 miles)
3. You can set your own goal

As much as I would love to be able to take on the full challenge of 2,014 miles I am not yet in the shape or on track to be able to hit that many miles. So, my personal goal will be to take the 2nd challenge. So, I will be challenging myself to hit 2,014 km. This is almost 1,252 miles. Meaning I will be adding about 25-30% on to my mileage from 2013. This may seem like a jump, but I'm sure I can persevere and get there. Especially with my goal for 2014 of running my 1st marathon. Training for that I'm sure that I can get there.  if you need some help there are also training calendars and examples that you can follow.

Here are the ways via social media that you can follow Run This Year:

Web: http://runninghutch.com/runthisyear/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RunThisYear

Instagram: @RunThisYear

Twitter: @RunThisYear

There is an awesome team can help you if you have any questions or if you simply need some motivation.  I am included in this team.  You can find the list of team members including their major role by checking out the Run This Year page on Running Hutch's site.  If you are up for the challenge, head on over to register to Run This Year!

Click to register to Run This Year

And last, but not least I have the winner of the Core Power Fit-Kit giveaway.  The winner is Maria Huff from Lil Mys Ninja!!

Until next time, keep those beats coming!