Officially in the run

Well, it's official. I just signed up for the half-marathon in October. Unlike so many other activities I've dabbled in, this one apparently is actually pulling together and becoming a reality! It looks like there will be at least 4 of us heading down the mountain together: Ross, Paul, Amber and I have all plotted this activity together now and I know Ross is also registered already.

Please consider sponsoring me here at Just Giving. All the info is there, but just to make it easy, here is what I wrote about the why and wherefore of doing this:

I'll be doing my first ever "real" run this October in the Aviemore Highland Half-Marathon. In the last 4 years, while working toward my PhD, I have also slowly (and somewhat painfully) become a runner. This run, occurring right around the time I hope to submit my thesis, will in many ways be the physical culmination of 4 years of hard (mental) work.

Personally, this run will be in honor of my dad who, despite a long illness, always worked to stay fit and who dearly loved the outdoors and passed that love on to his kids. The run is scheduled almost exactly a year from the day he finally lost his battle with his illness. I know he would be incredibly proud of me for attempting this.

Pragmatically, I am raising funds to help people with disabilities have a chance to enjoy the outdoors. As the website states, "All proceeds from this event will go to the Speyside Trust, a small; independent registered Scottish Charity, providing respite care and outdoor activity holidays for children and adults with special needs." I would dearly love to leave the £50 minimum in the dust!