26.2 Miles for Nathan and FSMA

Yep, that's right...26.2 miles...a marathon.

On Sunday morning, November 6, 2011, I will be running the 2011 ING New York City Marathon in memory of Nathan and to help raise funds for Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (FSMA).

Those that have known me a long time, know that I have done marathons before but this one is extremely special. I am doing this to honor Nate and all the kids who battle SMA with everything that they have every minute of every day.

As I read the blogs and websites of SMA families, I realize that I am not the only one taking on such an endeavour. Bill Strong, whose daughter Gwendolyn has SMA - Type 1, is running in the Santa Barbara International Marathon in November 2011. You can follow this SMA family on http://www.gwendolynstrong.com/

Additionally, Stephen Taylor recently completed his second Western States 100 in memory of Owen Simmons. Stephen knocked out 100 miles in 26 hours and 54 minutes and I feel he sums it up best on why we would do these things for our SMA kids: "we run for those who can't". Click on the following link to read more about Stephen's incredible accomplishment: http://100miles4owen.blogspot.com/.

In addition to running for Nate, I hope to raise $10,000 for Families of SMA (FSMA). This is a great organization that provides huge amounts of support to SMA families and promotes research that focuses on a cure for SMA. I have created a webpage so everyone can donate directly to FSMA: http://www.fsma.org/GiftReg/runNYC4Nate and I have added a link on Nate's blog right above his photo.

Thank you for your support and please check back to see how my marathon training is going!

Trey