Hi everyone!
I’m Heather from Just A Colorado Gal.
I’m wicked thankful to MizFit for allowing me to take over her blog for a day. You see, I’m embarking on a huge adventure in the coming months, and I’d really like to ask y’all for some help!
I have signed on as a volunteer with a non-profit called Mission 29.2.
Along with the other volunteers, I will be heading down to Haiti in January, 2013, to run a 29.2 mile race. The purpose of the event? To raise some funds for a cooperating school in a town called Ouanaminthe. As you may have guessed, the school situation in Haiti was never ideal to begin with, but Ouanaminthe received a large portion of refugees who survived the 2010 earthquake. This influx of people strained their resources even further and the education situation is more abysmal than it was before.
Lots of locals will come out to run the race with us, and Mission 29.2 provides cash prizes to the top 3 local winners. The non-profit also hires locals to support the race (providing water stations, etc.) in order to filter a bit more money into the town. In short, the entire 29.2 road race was developed to support the people and children of the Ouanaminthe community.
Honestly, running 29.2 miles terrifies me! I have finished a handful of half marathons and intended to complete my first marathon this month. However, a knee injury sidelined my summer training schedule, so I’ll be making the jump from 13.1 miles to 29.2 without a stopover at the 26-mile-marker. No big deal….right?!
Now, here is where you come in!
Through my affiliation with Columbia Sportswear, I have already received a generous donation, but I still have a ways to go. I’d love to dominate my $1000 fundraising goal. So how can you help? There are two different methods:
- Go to my personal volunteer link and donate whatever you can afford. I completely understand that money isn’t floating around everywhere, but even $5 or $10 helps me enormously! http://www.volunteerforever.com/volunteer_profile/heatherbalogh
- My dear friend Will Rochfort Jr. is a spectacular photographer who also happens to have a ridiculously huge heart. He has offered to donate all the proceeds from his photography website to my cause.
I totally understand that things are tight for everyone, but even $5 helps.
And y’all, I’d appreciate your help more than you know! Thank you in advance!!
Heather Balogh is the blogger behind Just A Colorado Gal, a blog dedicated to loving and living life, Colorado style! Heather prefers to stay active through outdoor sports including running, cycling (road and mountain), mountaineering, backpacking, skiing, and snowshoeing. She also loves to travel so this Haiti trip seemed like the perfect way to combine two of her passions. You can also find her on Twitter: @AColoradoGal.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
October 19, 2012 at 4:42 amRunning 29.2 miles for an awesome charity will pull your through! Good luck, Heather!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
October 19, 2012 at 5:04 amYour cause will get you through the tough spots and make up for the jump from half to full 🙂
Kierston says
October 19, 2012 at 6:03 amGood luck to you Heather! What you’re doing is awesome!
Colorado Gal says
October 19, 2012 at 6:30 amThank you everyone! And thanks to Carla for posting this for me– I seriously appreciate it!
Runner Girl says
October 19, 2012 at 9:00 amSuch an amazing story.
YOU ROCK.
Hannah says
October 19, 2012 at 9:00 amI’ve not heard of this before.
Hmmmm.
How cool would it be to join you!?
Colorado Gal says
October 23, 2012 at 9:44 amIf you’re interested in learning more about the non-profit, feel free to shoot me a message! It may be too late for this year’s trip, but there will be another next year also!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
October 19, 2012 at 10:01 amI love this Heather and that you are doing this. You will have an incredible experience and knowing that you are doing this for such a great cause will pull you through. I’m really excited for you!
Quix says
October 19, 2012 at 10:34 amWow, this is amazing! Good luck, and yes, you rock! 🙂
Jody - Fit at 54 says
October 19, 2012 at 1:26 pmYou are amazing just like Carla!!!! Good luck & big thx to those sponsoring you! Tweeting!
Tammie Grey says
October 20, 2012 at 5:54 ami remember the days when i’m participating in marathon events.. it’s fun 🙂
cheryl says
October 20, 2012 at 7:08 pmI just hope the $ raised will go where it is supposed to go. Haiti is a pretty messed up place.
Colorado Gal says
October 23, 2012 at 9:45 amIf you have any questions re: where the funds go, I’m happy to answer them for you. This was one of my FIRST questions too, so I totally understand your hesitation.
Jess says
October 20, 2012 at 8:31 pmWhat a wonderful cause!!! Good on you! 🙂
Cassandre says
October 20, 2012 at 9:37 pmAs a Haitian-American woman, I commend you for doing such an amazing thing for Haiti. The country needs it and people like you help to bring the positive images of Haiti to life. People only know and unfortunately believe all the negative depictions of what they see on the news about Haiti. Haiti is an amazing and beautiful country. I wish you all the best and you can definitely count on a donation from me.
Tommy Phea says
October 22, 2012 at 8:20 pmI could never imagine running 29.2 miles because I don’t like running at all. I find it very boring, time consuming, and it doesn’t burn as much calories as other exercises. I respect the fact that your running for a good cause and hope the best for you.