Hi Folks:
Next week I am running my 10th consecutive Boston Marathon. It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since I first started running long distances. Growing up in the Boston area, Patriot’s Day was always a special spring holiday. I remember going into Boston to watch the Marathon finishers thinking “wow that is a long distance”. 10 years ago I started running and “got hooked” training for the 16 mile race around Cape Ann on Labor Day. At that time I figured I had trained for 16, what’s a few more and continued to train and increase my distance. Over the years I have been enjoyed meeting hundreds of people thru training. I was never a fast runner and have always considered myself a back of the pack runner but I have enjoyed every step of the way.
This year I have decided to raise money for the Boston Living Center (BLC). BLC is an organization located in Boston that strives to foster the wellness of all HIV+ individuals and respond to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS community. Through peer-leadership and support they are able to enrich the lives of members by providing education, treatment information, and support services to empower members to live productive lives and participate in family and community activities. They provide over 40,000 meals annually.
Would you please consider making a donation to the BLC as I strive to complete my 10th Boston? Any donation will be greatly appreciated. I have a page setup on First Giving. www.firstgiving.com keyword Mike English
If you are along the route on Monday please keep an eye out for me. I am hoping to break 6 hours. No speed records but as long as I finish with a smile on my face I will be happy. My good friend Terry Sands is running the last 10 miles with me. For those of you I know from the AnnisquamVillage Players that is usually the time when he convinces me to try out for the play.
A special thank you goes out to my family. Without their support and allowing me to take up a lot of weekend time I could not do this.
Thanks, Mike English
Good Morning Gloucester 