2011 Boston Marathon for the Boston Debate League

In high school, I was a debate nerd. Big time.

I arrived at school for 6am practices, and stayed up late writing lines of cross examination. I made intimidating research binders, bought a copy of Black's Law at age 16, edited teammates' speeches and organized the team when our advisor was unavailable. I lived for debate season.

Today, I can credit my time in interscholastic debate for many of the skills that have helped me succeed. To this day, I am unfazed at the thought of giving an impromptu speech to an audience of hundreds. My research experience and critical thinking and analytical skills made much of my college coursework undaunting, and continue to be put to use in my daily life. I have the written and verbal communication skills to express myself - both in day to day negotiations and in arguments - articulately and successfully.

I had an opportunity that many do not - from a small town in rural Pennsylvania, my school district could fortunately afford to pay for a debate team advisor, and provide transportation to and from tournaments. I had access to reliable internet, at home and at school, and had a familial support structure that allowed for late-night transportation home from the library, if need be. The work I did for debate was my own, but I started from a place of tremendous good fortune.

In April of 2011, I will be running my first Boston Marathon - and my first marathon, ever - in support of the Boston Debate League and their work in my city's schools. I believe so strongly in the power of debate and its ability to provide critical life tools, and I'm so excited to get to know the organization as I spend the next several months training for the marathon.

Your donation to this cause - of any amount - is greatly appreciated. Follow along as I train at http://kateruns.info, or find me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kziegs. Thank you for stopping by!