It is with a lot of excitement that I’ve been training to run the New York City Marathon on November 7th, my 5th marathon with team Every Mother Counts!!!!! This year is particularly special. It is the 50th anniversary of the NYC Marathon and the 10th anniversary of Every Mother Counts. Since I turned 50 this year, I couldn’t think of a better way to treat myself to some celebratory medal bling!!!!!!
As many of you know, I’ve been involved with Every Mother Counts for many years - an amazing organisation that I care for and love. When I ran my first marathon in 2014 with EMC, I never thought that I would continue to sign up for races and run and travel in as many countries and around the US to raise money and awareness. Whether I am training for a full marathon or simply on a jog, I’m always reminded that a woman often has to travel a great distance to seek maternal care.
More than ever, with the heartbreaking loss of so many since the pandemic. I feel extremely grateful for my health that is allowing my body to train and run such a distance.
Someone asked me today, while I was complaining that my body is sore, tired and breaking down, “Why are you doing this?”. My answer - because I've noticed first hand the tremendous impact running a marathon can have on the mamas in communities here at home and abroad.
Did you know that 303,000 die around the world as a result of complications of pregnancy and childbirth every year. That is 1 woman every 2 minutes. Most of those fatalities are preventable.
Please consider donating to Every Mother Counts. Your donation means the world to me and will certainly encourage me in the final stretch of training and to cross the finish line on November 7th. Thank you for your support.
Hope to see you on the run!
Anick
