I’m a big fan of second chances. It’s a beautiful thing to have an opportunity to pick yourself up and try again. A few months after running my first marathon in January 2022, I found out that our baby girl was on the way. I promised myself that I would be back for more once she was earth-side, and that I would set a good example for her by continuing to do two things I loved: running and giving back to the community. Rather than dwelling on postpartum recovery as a burden, I’m choosing to look at it as a second chance to experience the magic of training as a beginner all over again. What a gift — a second “first” marathon! 

In January, I’m running for a reason: to raise money for Friends for Life animal shelter. FFL is also big on second chances. Our dog, Nylon, was taken into FFL’s care as a senior. Their loving care and patience gave her a second chance at a loving family with Patrick and me, and now her new baby sister! 

This year I’m running for Burrito, another prime example of what it means to get a second chance. When Friends for Life says “for life”, they mean it. They are committed to that animal forever. Burrito was adopted from FFL in 2019, but found abandoned in Indiana in January 2023. FFL honored their word, and hopped in a car to bring Burrito back to Houston, where their amazing team has been nursing him on the road to recovery. I’m honored to support Burrito’s second chance. 

I would be so grateful if you would consider making a donation to support the work that Friends for Life does for animals in need. And yes, by all means — call it a comeback!

Cheers to second chances. 🩷