Two of my favorite things... Marines and pitties.

My sister's newest family member, Penny. Well, until the baby came.

It seems fitting the day after 9/11 to write this post to share my thoughts on my next marathon.  As I'm training for this one, I have a feeling it will be one of my favorites.  At the end of October, I'll be running the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. This race has historically promoted physical fitness, generated good will of the community and showcased the skills of the U.S. Marine Corps.  In 2001, this race took place only 6 weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Yet, 15,000 runners still came out and passed the Pentagon at mile 5, motivated and encouraged by the thousands of spectators waiving U.S. flags and chanting "U.S.A."  Thinking about how that must have felt... well the first word that comes to mind is surreal.

When I signed up for this race (which took me an hour of continuously hitting "refresh" on the computer), I was excited for the opportunity to participate in race sponsored by the Marines, because my brother-in-law, Tyson, is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps  and was deployed to Iraq shortly following the attacks on 9/11.  I wondered if he'd be excited about me running this race, and I wondered what I could do to really show him how much we all appreciate his service.  Would running 26.2 miles be enough?  ; )

My sister mentioned an organization to me that I thought would be a perfect one to focus on for this race and hopefully raise some moolah for: Pits for Patriots.  This non-profit is a Chicago-land based group that trains qualified, rescued pit bulls to be service dogs and companions for Veterans and First Responders in need.  They are committed to helping our country's heroes in addition to educating the public as to the loyalty, commitment, and devotion of the pit bull breed.  These characteristics sound a lot like a U.S. Marine, don't they?   So, I'm working together with them in hopes of raising money to support their mission of not saving just one life, but two.  Since this is my 16th race, I'm hoping to raise $1600 for them.  Any amount large or small is appreciated to get me towards my goal!   Click here to donate http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/kristine-s-run-for-the-heros/87308

As many of you know, my sister Kelly has adopted two pit bulls in the past, (as well as a Marine.) ; )  Unfortunately, she recently had to put both of her dogs down, within several months of each other.  But as her and Tyson waited anxiously for a new baby to arrive, they went to check out the possibility of a new dog to bring home after the baby, to fill that quiet void of their now pet-less home.  When they saw sweet Penny, they fell in love.  My sister claims that she had no intent of bringing a new dog home before a new baby, but Tyson said to her, "Why don't we just bring her home now?"  Only my crazy, big-hearted sister and brother-in-law would take home a new dog when they were expecting a new baby!  And now Penny has settled in to her new forever home with my two lovely nieces.  (How will Tyson handle being surrounded by all those females??)

Thanks to all of you who have supported me and continue to support my running! And thank you Kelly and Tyson for inspiring me and showing us all what devotion, commitment, loyalty, and acceptance truly are, as only a U.S. Marine and pittie-lover can!  Love you guys!

Pits for Patriots is a Chicago-land non-for-profit organization that trains qualified, rescued pit bulls, to be service dogs and companions for Veterans and First Responders in need. The Pits for Patriots Program, is committed to helping our country’s patriots, in addition to educating the public as to the loyalty, devotion, and commitment of the pit bull breed.  Y - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/nonprofits/kristine-s-run-for-the-heros/87308#sthash.ANMBt4jM.dpuf