Help Maria raise money

Hi, friends!

Here’s the little story behind why I’m running and fundraising for the Twin Cities Half Marathon this year.

Almost 40 years ago, in October of 1986, my mom was VERY pregnant with her third child (me!), while my dad was either very ambitious… or slightly foolish. 😂 He decided to run the Twin Cities Marathon with two little kids at home and a wife who could go into labor at any moment.

My very pregnant mom went out to cheer him on. Apparently, it was a chilly Minnesota fall day, and shortly after watching my dad cross the finish line, she realized her own marathon was about to begin.

She went into labor with me not long afterward… or so the family story goes. 

Now, nearly 40 years later, it feels wonderfully full circle to be back at the Twin Cities Marathon, this time running the half marathon myself.

And since half my life is over (hopefully not 😂), I figured a half marathon seemed like an appropriate way to mark the occasion.

Turning 40 feels like a milestone worth marking. While some might call it “over the hill,” I’m incredibly grateful for the life I’ve lived so far, and I’m working toward many, many more years of health, adventure, growth, and time with the people I love.

The race will hopefully be a joyful day (ask me again around mile 11), but like most things in life, it’s really about the journey.

And I’m so grateful for each of you who has been part of mine. 

Now for the fundraising part…

Fundraising is required. LOL.

There are SO many worthy causes in this world, so please support the ones that are meaningful to you when you can.

But if you want to show me a little birthday love, I truly don’t need presents. Helping me meet my fundraising goal would mean a lot to me. Twin Cities in Motion does do some neat things for the community which you can check out HERE.

Here’s to 40 years, 13.1 miles, and, God willing, a whole lot more life ahead.

Godspeed, and peace be with you! ❤️