A MESSAGE FROM Felicia's Fundraising for Pat Tillman 2022 TCS NYC Marathon
Hello Everybody!!
I am running the TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Yes! You read that correctly!! I will be running 26.2 miles, with Team Pat Tillman, to raise money in support of their Tillman Scholars, who are military service members, veterans and spouses looking to continue their years of service and leadership.
As a New Yorker, I look forward to “Marathon Sunday” every year. We gather along the marathon route in the 5 boroughs, cheering on over 25,000 runners, from over 90 different countries. We are tracking our friends and family who are running, in hopes to catch them as they pass.
In past years after Marathon Sunday, I always get the itch, thinking “One day I should do this”, “Maybe next year”, “If Dad could walk from Florida to NY, I can do this”. Then typically after about 2 days, reality sets in, and these thoughts vanish until the following year’s TCS NYC Marathon.
This year is a tad bit different. The thoughts came back one afternoon at Pete’s Tavern while I was talking to a coworker who is also running it. It only took 2 Absolut Sodas later to decide that, YES! I am going to do it! I am going to run the NYC Marathon! (This coming from a girl who struggles running 2 miles at a 12-minute pace.)
I signed up with NYRR and was accepted by the Pat Tillman Foundation to participate on their team.
I was in and there were only two things left to do:
1) Raise $3,500 in support of the Pat Tillman Foundation
2) Figure out how I am going to run 26.2 miles.
Pat Tillman dedicated himself to service and gave up a successful career in the NFL to serve his country. His family and friends started this Foundation in his name to carry forward his legacy.
You can visit www.pattillmanfoundation.org to learn more about the impact of Tillman Scholars in their second act of service.
I appreciate all the support and encouragement I have received from family and friends. For those of you that know me, know that I finish what I start, and this will be no different. (Even if it means army crawling across the finish line), I will finish!
My motivation to train and to keep going, comes from thinking about all the people that are not able to do what I am doing. Whether physically or mentally, or for those who are no longer with us. I think about those who have given their lives for OUR freedom and the ones that are still serving to ensure WE keep it.
I have the privilege to run along the West Side Highway in the mornings, watching as NYC wakes up to a fresh new day. I silently cheer on the other runners that I pass along the way, giving them words of encouragement and high fives.
Any amount that you are able to donate to this cause and help me reach my goal of $3,500, would be amazing and appreciated!!
I hope to see you all on Sunday, November 6th, cheering along the route from Staten Island to Central Park (Upper East Side is the best viewing spot) as I slowly make my way through the 5 boroughs of New York City. I will meet you at O’Hara’s for a Magners when it’s all over.
THANK YOU for the Support!!
