Author: Kristine Binder

the main reasons I train for and run a marathon are clear to me….now I would like to share them with you. My training has been a long, difficult road but nothing compared to the road a parent of a child with special gifts walks each and every day. I am running this Marathon for many reasons. I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. I am running to raise awareness of autism. I am running for every girl’s positive self image. I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts, as well as all girls everywhere.

I am running to raise funds for the Alexander Leigh Center for Autism and Girls On The Run. Here is where I really need your help. Both charities are in need of financial assistance. My goal is to raise $1,000 for each charity.
You can make a donation directly to the school here
http://www.firstgiving.org/alca1
Donations to Girls On The Run may be made directly at this site.
Please be sure to mention my name when making your donation!
To learn more about the school, please visit their website http://www.alexanderleighcenterforautism.com
To learn more about Girls On The Run go to http://www.gotrchicago.org

I am running to raise awareness of autism. Did you know that one out of every 150 children born this year will be diagnosed with autism? Did you know more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined? Autism costs the nation 90 billion dollars per year and the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. There is no medical detection or cure for autism.

I am running for every girl’s positive self image. Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning program for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The program combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Girls on the Run promotes physical as well as emotional, mental and character development. The girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team. As a coach for two seasons, I have seen the positive outcomes of this program. These girls inspire me!

I am running to honor my hero, Kelly Weaver, her daughter, Gillian Weaver, and all other children with special gifts. Eleven year old Gillian Weaver is autistic. Gillian’s father, Kevin Weaver, passed away from an undiagnosed brain tumor when Gilly was very young. Kelly, now a single mom, has opened a school for Gillian and other autistic children. The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism was founded by Dorie Hoevel and Kelly Weaver, who are both parents of children with autism. These two dedicated mothers have created a place where children can reach their full individual potential, in a caring and safe environment, a place where each child’s differences are what make them special.
I run for each of my own children, the children I teach, the children that face frustration of autism, the children who doubt themselves, all children who daily face challenges no matter how big or small. As some of you know, music is a large part of my life. I am going to compile a playlist of musical inspiration to keep me moving during my long runs and workouts. I want to be reminded of each and every reason I run. If you have a song you think would be a good addition, let me know!

Last but not least, I would ask for your prayers. I would ask that you pray for The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism, that this school will continue to be a place where each child can reach their full potential. I ask that you pray for the young women who participate in Girls On The Run that they gain a strong sense of identity. I would ask that you pray for my children as well as the children I teach, that they may grow in wisdom and understanding. I would ask that you pray for all runners and me on race day so that we finish safely. Finally, I would ask that you pray not only for children with special gifts, but their parents as well. They all face challenges each and every day that many of us will never know nor understand.

Please forward this link on to anyone that might want to help!

Running is a big question mark that’s there each and every day. It asks you, ‘Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?’
Peter Maher

Today I was stronger than usual. I got up and out of bed early….that was the hard part. Getting dressed and ready for a run once I had left the comfort of my bed was not too difficult. Once out on the pavement and with a buddy, the miles just ticked away. Just 3 today in the thick early morning air…but 3 more to add to the bank that gets this mind and body ready for October.

Training for this marathon has been different in so many ways from last year. Joining a group, creating new relationships with other runners, and seeing a new perspective on training have been just a few of the benefits. I was so keyed into my training last year that I had to run every mile by the book…never long and never short. I am beginning to realize that every run is one that adds to the bank and, while not every run is a good run, they all add up. I am also learning more about myself and my pace. I am learning to listen to my body more than ever. I am learning that rest is good. Rest is important… I do not have to be doing something every minute of the day! One of the biggest things I have realized is that running does not CLEAR my head….running allows me to sort through things in order to be a better mom, wife, friend, teacher….

I already know that I am strong enough to run a marathon…once….however, am I strong enough to run a marathon a second or third time? Only time will tell but for today I was strong…strong enough to get out of bed and run!

Slow-but-sure has always worked for me, in running and in most other arenas. I wouldn’t mind being a Carl Lewis or Usain Bolt, but I’ve found little payoff in attempting to be what I’m not.
Amby Burfoot

Being what you are. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This is something it took me years to understand and I am still not totally there yet.

After a wonderful long, hot and hilly 9 miler with my cousin (who is MUCH younger and faster than me) I began to think about what it is to be. Just be. She is so confident…getting ready to spend a year in Thailand traveling and teaching. Leaving her comfort zone and experiencing life. Taking a leap of faith.

So…now….at 44 I have begun to realize who I am…I am slow…but I am sure that there is great payoff in being just who and what I am…just being me.

“Having a child is like pouring Miracle-Gro on your character defects.” Anne Lamott

This morning’s run was a short pleasant run with my puppy. She does not get out with me much, especially in the summer as it is too hot and my miles long. She gets angry when I fail to take her along. Her sheer joy as she is leashed up and heading out the door with me is a sight that would make anyone smile! She is a great running buddy!

On my run this morning I thought about….. Kids…..they are a blessing and a curse! They do bring out the best and worst in me! I love my kids…don’t get me wrong…but there are times they make me nuts! There are times I go to the bathroom and lock the door just to be alone for 2 seconds. There are times my patience is way to short and I allow my temper to flare. Many would like us to believe that mothering is all sunshine and roses. That may be true for others but…well ….for me that is not the case! The summer brings out the best and worst…in all of us here in my house! The fighting, arguing, tattling, teasing, yelling and screaming all begin to wear me down. However there are moments of pure joy. There are gut busting, tear inducing laughs that feel so good!

The summer allows the kids to get bored and then find things to do…not always good things…but hey, that is part of the fun! The summer allows kids time to do things we don’t have time for during the school year. The summer allows us to slow down and enjoy each other…..it allows me to get reacquainted with my kids!

There are moments of sheer joy in the summer….
-My daughter painting my toenails yellow.
-Long discussions with my 12 year old over Edward vs. Jacob (Twilight Saga)
-My older daughter putting together a playlist for me to discover new music. (Who knew I liked Jay-Z or the new Eminem?!)
-Listening to my son’s stories of camp.
-Teaching the kids to play backgammon.
-Mancala tournaments.
-Time to enjoy a drink with my husband and talk about more than just the kids.

I wish that they could stay forever young (to quote Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson) but I know that is not possible…so for now I will enjoy every fight, argument, and gut busting laugh…..it is all good!

I have to make myself take a day off. I get addicted, and I feel guilty if don’t run. I have to remember it’s the recovery days when you actually get stronger. When you take a day off, you can run fast and hard next time you get out there.

Danica Patrick, Professional race-car driver

Wise advice but difficult. Today is a rest/recovery day. Tomorrow will be the shortest ‘long run’ of training…5 miles. I do feel lazy and sluggish when I don’t run but need to remind myself that my body needs time to recover from the torture I put it through on a daily basis. So, while my brain may not like the day off…my body sure enjoys the time to repair and recover…and prepare for the next run.