In the weeks leading up to February 2nd, whenever I told anyone I was running a Half Marathon with Team Lifeline, I was met with looks of awe, amazement, and for the most part, confusion. You are running how far? Why??? And in a few words, I would try to explain about the journey I was embarking on but it was never enough.
On Sunday February 2nd, together with over 300 runners from all over the US, Canada, and even Israel, I ran in the Lifetime Miami Marathon with Team Lifeline. Our goal: to raise money (over $2 million!) for the incredible kids of Chai Lifeline, to give our warriors battling illness a summer of magic in Camp Simcha. My goal: to once again run 13.1 miles, beating my own personal time, and rock the blue and yellow with pride.
From the start of the weekend which began with dinner with the Team Lifeline runners, Chai Lifeline families, supporters, Camp Simcha staff and volunteers, I knew I was in for a memorable weekend. Friday night was one of inspiration, meeting runners and reconnecting with friends.
And then came the pre-race pasta party. In the uproar of the music to pump us up, the cheering that couldn’t be silenced, and the singing, things were starting to get real.
We are here. All of us together.
Ari Weinberger, Chairman of Team Lifeline, spoke about his journey with Chai Lifeline. Round one of tears and cheers.
We watched the Camp Simcha boys video from Time Square (Wall of Fame) and another video about the journey of two campers. Round two of tears and cheers.
Then a mother of a Camp Simcha camper came up. Keeping my eyes from totally blurring, I listened in awe to her family’s story and how Chai Lifeline was a part of it. Round three of even more tears, and even louder cheers.
We heard about Team Power Players, the team of counselors and campers who ran to raise money to rebuild their lost bunk house.
It was an intensely emotional evening, capped off by the excitement of knowing on Sunday, we would run. For our collective cause. For personal reasons. For Chai Lifeline.
Sunday morning met us bright and early at 4 a.m. Team Lifeline boarded the buses to the start line. We took a group photo and then we took off for our corrals.
With much anticipation, we waited for the starting gun…. and then we were off!
Throughout the course, Team Lifeline runners could be seen in their yellow and blue running shirts, with pictures of campers pinned to their backs. I was fortunate enough to pace with two Chai Lifeline parents. Seeing them, knowing their struggle and knowing they were here with me for the cause, propelled me throughout the race.
One of the highlights was the mile seven cheering squad. Staff, volunteers, families, all in yellow and blue cheered on the runners as we passed.
Following the race, as we all smiled through our aches and pains, we enjoyed a much deserved victory meal and got to listen to personal accounts of some of the runners.
Team Lifeline 2014 was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. The camaraderie, happiness, devotion, motivation and most of all, love, has left an incredible impression on me.
I cannot wait for the 10th Anniversary of Team Lifeline in 2015. See you all there!