Why I’m Running

For most of my life, I’ve thought of myself as a hockey player who runs, rather than a runner who plays hockey. After more than 20 years of distance running, that perspective is finally starting to change.

I’ve completed dozens of half marathons over the years, across the country and around the world, but I always stopped at 13.1 miles. Running a full marathon was a lifelong goal, but if I’m being truthful, it was one I never really believed I was capable of accomplishing.

Turning 50 started to change that. Then last year, I stood at the finish of the New York City Marathon and watched a friend complete his race. Seeing him cross that finish line—and experiencing the energy, emotion, and determination of everyone around him—affected me more than I expected. I walked away inspired enough to finally ask myself: Why not me?

So this year, I’m finding out.

On November 1, I’ll take on 26.2 miles through New York City for the first time. Training has already been an adventure: balancing work, significantly more running, trying to keep myself healthy, and somehow continuing to play hockey multiple times a week. Along the way, I’ve developed a new appreciation for running and for what it takes to prepare for this distance.

What makes this experience even more meaningful is that I’m not simply running for myself.

I have the privilege of running as part of Team WhyHunger, an organization I’ve known for years through my work at Power Consulting Group and one that I’m extremely proud to support. WhyHunger helps people access nutritious food when they need it while also investing in community-led, long-term solutions designed to address the root causes of hunger. Last year alone, WhyHunger helped 2.1 million people in the U.S. access food and other vital resources.

Power Consulting Group is joining me in supporting WhyHunger with a donation, and I’m hoping my friends, family, colleagues, clients, and everyone else who has followed this journey will consider joining us.

And I couldn’t undertake any of this without my wife, Amanda. Training for a marathon requires a lot more than the person doing the running realizes when they sign up. Her patience, encouragement, and support through the hours of training have made this possible.

I’ve spent more than 20 years believing that 13.1 miles was my limit.

This year, I’m going to find out what happens when I don’t stop there.

Every donation—large or small—will help WhyHunger continue its work ensuring that more people and communities have reliable, dignified access to nutritious food.

Thank you for supporting WhyHunger, for supporting me, and for being part of my journey to 26.2.