A MESSAGE FROM NYC Marathon with Destination Imagination
I have been a lifelong member of Destination Imagination. Taking part in my first challenge: StranDId in 2001! At the time (in 2nd grade), I thought it would be a fun way to express my more theatrical side and have fun with a few friends. I did not predict the profound impact DI would have on my life.
I have made many friends on various teams, some that helped me grow in the moment and some that will remain lifelong friendships. I saw my drive to be in the spotlight get slowly replaced with my growing interest in mechanics and technology (an interest that I have turned into a carrier as a Mechanical Engineer), but I was never too far from center stage.
After graduating high school, I was forced to take a break from DI and the theater in general, but I replaced it with athletics. My senior year of high school saw me joining the cross country team, mainly because I was cut from soccer and ultimate frisbee season hadn't started yet. I fell in love with distance running and saw my times steadily improve over the year. And although I wasn't fast enough for any collegiate team I did continue to run through my college years, participating in all the college fun runs and 5k's.
As with most college students, I did put on a little weight and generally got out of shape during my senior year so, after I graduated I decided I should do something drastic to encourage myself to get back into shape... like run the Baltimore Marathon. The furthest I had run at this point was probably 10 miles, but I trained over the course of 6 months (through the Maryland summer) until race day when I finished my first 26.2 mile race in 2016.
This was also the year I rejoined DI in a meaningful way as an appraiser for MDDI. I have appraised every level of Challenge A at multiple MD Regions and MD State competitions. I even appraised in 2020 when Covid mandates were just starting and in 2021 when a group of MD appraisers met online to watch, laugh (with), and enjoy video tape submissions. I have been and RCM for Challenge A for 5 years now and in 2017 I was privileged to have my first appraisal role at Globals, albeit for Challenge E... the only challenge I never competed in.
In my time since my first marathon in 2016, I have run countless half marathons and two more full marathons. They get a little easier each time, but I will never say running 26.2 miles is easy. I have also gotten interested in triathlons, adding the swimming and biking for a little variety. I recently completed my first half-Iron 70.3 in 2021 and have dreams of finishing a full Ironman one day.
My running shape has improved the last two years mainly with cancellations of most organized sports and activities leading to an increase in solo runs, but DI was not as lucky. Without in-person competitions or an organized Globals events, Destination Imagination, an organization that has meant so much to me my entire lift, has had to downsize some competitions this year.
That is why I'm running with Destination Imagination this November, to support an organization that has done so much for me and to give back to the community. I would also be lying if I didn't say that it is also a personal dream of mine to run the NYC Marathon and I couldn't ask for a better team to do it with.
To meet my donation goal and run in race, I need to raise $2500 for a great cause. Please consider donating any amount to help support my fundraising efforts for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon Fundraising.. I guarantee I'll make it worth your while with pics of me sweating and struggling on the race course come November.
Photos & Videos