Ever since I started running, I've said "I'll never run a full marathon." I've been intimidated by the amount of the training, by how slow I run, worrying about taking 5 hrs away from my family and my life each weekend for long runs, not to mention training time during the week. I've been worried I couldn't do it, that I wasn't "tough" enough or dedicated enough, and I wasn't sure it was something I wanted badly enough to work that hard. Recently though, I have been inspired by the athletes of all different mobility levels who ran in NYC and Chicago this year. Closer to home, I've been really inspired by Lucas taking on greater and longer running challenges. We did a mile to raise money for cerebral palsy in June, then he did his first solo race in July, followed by a mini muddy in September, and a 5k to raise money for veterans' charities in November. He just asked to do another one in December too 🥰 Lucas loves any and all things sports, and he doesn't let his CP keep him from participating. Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association's motto is: "Let NO ONE Sit on the SIDELINES". I chose to join Team GLASA for the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. GLASA provides year-round adaptive sports and wellness programs, including providing all sports equipment needed to participate. Their programs serve youth, adults and veterans with a physical or visual disability. GLASA felt like the perfect fit as a charity partner for me, given that I live with a sports fan (who has CP) and a veteran. I'm excited to take on this challenge and to raise money for such a worthy organization. I will be training and raising money over the course of the next year.