The Marathon for Mario

Hello everyone!

I'd like to make an initial post about what is the purpose for this website. For the last 16 weeks, I have been training for a Marathon. I have been logging in countless miles and working very hard to stay in shape and increase my distance and intensity. One of the drawbacks of running is that it can be viewed as a very narcissistic sport. Runners do tend to take countless hours out of their day, just so they can log in anywhere from 5-20 miles before a Marathon. Which is why I wanted try something to remove that stigma

Over the years, I have seen people support various causes by running and taking donations based on their running to various charities, although I supported so many of these causes, I wanted to represent a charity that was very close to my heart...

 I have been an avid Penguins fan ever since I was 5 years old (I am 25 now). Throughout the course of my life, I have been known for having a very obsessive personality. This means, if I get interested in something, I invest a substantial portion of my time and energy towards whatever my interests are. That being said, I have been criticized for my avid love and dedication to being a Pens fan. I am 25 years old, I have a Masters degree, and I read the Pensblog, I posted "Gary Roberts for President" in my office, I listen to WDVE Mario and Evgeni Malkin diaries, and I always know what youtube channels provide the best highlights for the pens, when am I going to grow up? I have pondered over my obsession for a while and I have come up with this conclusion...

Saturday, February 19th is the Myrtle Beach Marathon and I am registered to run in this event. On top of my rigorous training schedule, I wanted (hypothetically) to conduct a side project called: "The Marathon for Mario". In which, I could get sponsors for my race as I run. All proceeds would go to the Mario Lemieux Foundation (I do not want a dime, I just want to run and help a noble cause). Another reason I am contacting this website...

The bottom line is, I have had friends that had to endure the hardships of cancer and cancer treatment. I have even lost a good friend to this disease. Throughout graduate school, I have encountered various students that have made remarkable steps to cures for this disease. I know it's out there, and I know that if we keep supporting these brilliant minds, we can truly make a difference. 

I have also provided a link to a "hype video" at the bottom of this post. It is truly very cheesy, but the training is real. I am logging in 45-55 miles every week, I have run in 2 half marathons, and have run 20 miles twice in an outing. I take this very seriously, and I hope you and your readers will support me in donating just a few bucks out of their pocket. This website has already done so much for others, I think all together we can make a big difference for the team we love so much.