Please note: Checks that are sent to the Boston Debate League are not accounted for on the dollar totals of this website. To see the actual total, read my daily running blog, and see how many miles I've run, please visit http://samanthaspossibledream.blogspot.com

Never in a million years did I think I could run a few miles... nevermind, a MARATHON!

I've always been athletic, but despised running because I thought of it as a long, boring, punishment. I didn't understand how someone could enjoy or become passionate about a sport that didn't involve a ball or a team. This past spring, I wondered what kind of goals were left after finishing college and finding a job. With the always inspirational 2009 Boston Marathon around the corner, it was easy to choose running as something that would definitely be a challenge. I decided to start off small and participated in the 5K (3 miles) race the day before the marathon. I remember the announcer saying, "who's running the marathon tomorrow?!" Thousands screamed. And then, "who's running the marathon a year from tomorrow?!" And I anxiously raised my hand and joined in the cheering, because, who wouldn't want to be a part of this? After that race, with my adrenaline pumping, the energy of runners and fans around me, and the feeling of accomplishing something I worked really hard for, I got hooked.

I went on to complete the Boston Run to Remember (5 miles), Harpoon 5-Miler, Seacoast Seven, and most recently, the Boston Half Marathon. I always had the Boston Marathon in the back of my mind, but now it finally seemed like the next progressive step.

My great friend Jen had become my running mentor throughout my training, and always spoke of her inspirational coach from the 2008 Boston Marathon. She encouraged me to get in touch with him, and within two days I had applied and was selected for the Boston Debate League Marathon Team on Friday the 13th of November. (Who says it's unlucky?) I didn't have much of an affiliation with the Boston Debate League, but was/am determined to find out as much as possible. I went to their website (www.bostondebate.org) and read profiles of students whose lives were completely changed by the program. These teenagers were at the brink of dropping/failing out of school, never attending college, being involved in gangs, and not respecting themselves or their education--until they found the BDL. Now, the participants' grades have increased dramatically, 3 out 4 debaters graduate from college, their self confidence, self-esteem, and public speaking has improved, along with many other positive results.

At our first team meeting, I shook the hand of my new coach, Rick Muhr, who I had heard so much about, and instantly felt like he was there for ME, and would take care of and guide me through what's sure to be an indescribable journey. I got to meet my teammates, and found out that being involved with such a small organization meant my fund raising would make a dramatic impact on their budget. Afterward, I was fortunate enough to sit in on a debate, and was so thoroughly impressed with how these high schoolers confidently and intelligently defended their points on immigration and health care.

As I wrote in my Boston Debate League application, I may not be able to donate thousands of dollars to a charity by myself at this point in my life, but I CAN run. Running is how I can make a difference to an incredible cause and these motivated students. If you would like me to run in honor, or in memory of someone you know I will glady wear their name on my shirt throughout the entire 26.2 miles. Please join me in supporting the Boston Debate League as I train for the next five months, through the New England winter and Heartbreak Hill, to cross the finish line and make an incredible impact on this thriving program.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Samantha