Boston Marathon 2011

Hi! Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

This past year has been a big year for me. I began my first full-time job, discovered my love for baking/cooking - AKA MY KITCHEN, started playing soccer again (love) and began running.

In September, I competed in Plymouths Boys and Girls Club “Run to the Rock Half Marathon” finishing with a time of 1hr 54 minutes. I couldn't believe I completed 13.1 miles in less than two hours. I had definitely caught the running bug. In November, I took on the Newton Chilly Run which loops through the Heartbreak Hill section of the Boston Marathon. I beat my time from my first half marathon and finished in 1 hr, 49 minutes.

Now, as winter approaches, I have decided to continue running and to look for a new challenge. When I decided I wanted to try to run the Boston Marathon, I knew I wanted to run for a charity that was in tune with my values. I began my search through B.A.A. and couldn’t believe it when I found AmericaSCORES - a charity after my own heart. It promotes youths to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged and proactive students and be advocates in their communities. I want to give you a little background as to why these three initiatives ring true to me.

To break it down, the program emphasizes soccer and healthy eating. As most of you know, soccer has been a large part of my life ever since I could walk. I have played soccer from kindergarten through sophomore year at UMASS, with a season or two of coaching U12 Rec Soccer during my High School years. While I had to leave the field for a few years, I am back and playing again! As for the healthy eating, part of my love for cooking is to take warm, comfort classics and put a healthy spin on them. As an athlete, I know the importance of whole grains, healthy fats, and vegetables and absolutely LOVE creating new, healthy meals (even desserts!)

America SCORES focuses on poetry and creative writing to empower students involved in their programs. While I can’t say I have talent at either of those, I can speak towards the importance of higher education. College was the best time of my short 24 years. I made some of my best friends there, learned to take care of myself, found a dream job and discovered my love for small businesses (with a few parties scattered throughout). I hope that all the students involved with America SCORES have the same opportunities that I was lucky to have throughout those four years.

The last part: proactive agents in communities. This is probably the best part for me. As part of my new job, we are “required” to volunteer two full days of the year. I knew that yes, I could sort canned food or read books to children, but I wanted to do participate in an event that meant something to me; something I could get excited and passionate about. After a month of searching (literally) I found a non-profit in the South End called Kids Can Cook. This program worked with at-risk youths and gave them a safe, fun environment where they learned to cook. I have become obsessed with volunteering there.

So that’s my story on how I came to apply to America SCORES to run the Boston Marathon in their name. It is a charity I believe in and am honored to be raising money on their behalf. I hope you can all support me in this 26.2 mile endeavor. Any denomination you can give helps. And just think, after it is over you can see some more sweet pictures just like the one posted below. :)

Many thanks.

LV

update!

On January 23, 2011 I ran the Derry 16 Boston Prep in Derry, NH. I completed this 16- mile course in 2 hours and 15 minutes :)

On March 6, 2011 I will be running the Salem Black Cat 20 Mile race!

Finally, as of February 21, 2010, I have raised $510 in offline donations. Thank you so much to everyone who has contibuted! I truly appreciate all your support and generocity.