Sabrina's Marathon Adventures

I started this fundraiser when I registered to run a half-marathon in Fargo, ND, on May 22, 2010. It was my longest race ever, and a huge achievement to overcome a chronic pain that has impacted my running since September 2008. I literally ran only 7 minutes on May 23, 2009, and had to stop due to pain. With the help of my awesome personal trainer and tons and tons of work, I overcame the pain and ran the half-marathon in 1:54:18. It was a load of fun, and I loved every step! But the half was just not enough.

On May 13, I registered for the Twin Cities Marathon on October 3, 2010. Now, this might seem like a logical next step to non-runners and lifelong runners alike, but I assure you, this was a giant leap for me. I didn't know how my body would react to the level of mileage this race would require, and there was a decent chance that I would succumb to an overtraining injury in the 400 training miles I needed to log. But I ran smart and listened to my trainer, and so I was out there enjoying my first marathon on 10/3/10, even aiming for an amazing Boston-qualifying goal of 3:40. AND I DID IT! My official time was 3:38:35.

Three days after I ran Twin Cities Marathon, I signed up for Fargo marathon on May 21st, 2011. Unfortunately, my training was impacted by an injury, and that race was a DNF.

But on October 15th, I ran an ULTRAmarathon: Wild Duluth 50k! It was 31 miles and 7 hours on the Superior Hiking Trail, a ton of fun, and one ginormous accomplishment for this chica.

Next up: the freaking Boston Marathon on April 16th, 2012. I can hardly believe it. I'm going to Boston, baby!

I jumped on the idea of using these giant goals to raise funds for a cause close to my heart: homeless pets-to-be. My own two "kids," my beloved cats Oscar & Clyde, are brothers that I adopted from this shelter on November 17, 2001. I wish that I could help every animal to find a happy home, so this is my small effort to make a difference.

Your donation will help the Lakes Area Humane Society in its mission: to promote responsible care and training for household pets through education and public awareness, and when appropriate, to provide a safe and sheltering haven for lost and abandoned animals pending placement in suitable permanent homes. For more information on LAHS, visit them online: http://lakesareahumanesociety.org/.

Thank you so very much!