A MESSAGE FROM Gretchen Runs a Marathon! - Team Sparkle
gretchen runs a marathon.
Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would decide to run a marathon - let alone a world major in the beautiful city of Chicago!
In early 2022 I texted an old friend from college asking him if he knew of any good half marathon programs I could use to train for my first half. It just so happened that he was now a running coach and my running journey began!
I completed my first half marathon on October 22, 2022. It was a great race but there is definitely room for improvement - my coach reminded me that a running journey and training is rarely ever a straight line - with race day being a celebration (a victory lap so to speak) of all the hard work you put in just to get to the starting line.
I am so excited to start training for my first marathon - and even more so doing it in support of Girls on the Run - this is an amazing organization that helps young girls all across the country become the best version of themselves through support, understanding and exercise! Support runners at our local Girls on the Run 5K are called Sparkle Runners - which is why I decided to call those that are supporting me on this journey TEAM SPARKLE!
Thank you so much for supporting me and Girls on the Run!
with love, gretchen
WAYS TO DONATE:
PURCHASE A TEAM SPARKLE BRACELET OR NECKLACE:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ghensleydesigns?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=1336546105§ion_id=40005730
Available for purchase in my Etsy shop, 100% of sales of these items will be put towards my Marathon fundraising goal.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SPONSORED A MARATHON MILE!
Mile 1 - for my amazing husband & daughters! Without them I would not have made it to the starting line!
Mile 2 - Moe McGuinness
Mile 3 - Jay, Sue, Emily & Maci Hertel
Mile 4 - for Abby, Kaitlyn, Emma & Madison (Michelle Karim)
Mile 5 - Melissa Heidt
Mile 6 - for John Hertel (Kathy Hertel-Baker)
Mile 7 - in memory of John Trocki (Pam Trocki-Ables)
Mile 8 - in honor of my running coach and personal trainer (Gretchen Hensley)
Mile 9 - in honor of my girl Abbey (Amy Mennen-Helmer)
Mile 10 - Marge & John Hertel
Mile 11 - Melissa Heidt
Mile 12 - in honor of my mom Kay (Lisa Portolese)
Mile 13 - for the Queen of Peace Original GOTR Girls (Kristen Caudillo)
Mile 14 - for Breanna Heidt (Melissa Heidt)
Mile 15 - for Grandma Irene (Kathy Hertel-Baker)
Mile 16 - for mom & dad (Michelle Keys Karim)
Mile 17 - in honor of my sister Marie (Lisa Portolese)
Mile 18 - Colleen Dabler
Mile 19 - in memory of John Trocki (Pam Trocki-Ables)
Mile 20 - for the love of Dolly Parton (The Gorman Family)
Mile 21 - God Bless 'Merica (The Gorman Family)
Mile 22 - Moe McGuinness
Mile 23 - for Marge Hertel (Kathy Hertel-Baker)
Mile 24 - in honor of Eliana (Natalie Heisey)
Mile 25 - for Kathy, Jay, Sue and all of the November 25th birthdays out there! (Kathy Hertel-Baker)
Mile 26 - THIS MILE IS FOR ME!!!!
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