George Washington’s Marathon

February 20, 2017

Yesterday I ran my 12th marathon for kids and schools! We raised more than $14,000 for our 5th school. It is the highest amount I’ve raised so far for any single marathon.

THANK YOU so much to my donors, family and friends. I could never do what I do without your help and generosity. ❤ ❤ ❤

I dedicate this marathon to my dear friend, Nancy De Sa, whose passing I learned yesterday morning right before the marathon. I will miss our lunches and talks about how to make this world a better place.

I am so proud and honored that Nancy’s name is on our first donor plaque of our school in Nepal. ❤

You will always be in my heart Nancy. And every place I run your name will be with me, on my donor shirt. I will miss you dearly, my sweet friend. ❤

The marathon was one of the hardest I’ve run so far. I ran in Greenbelt, Maryland. It was my 8th state that I ran as part of my 50 state journey. The course was hilly and the weather was quite warm. I got dehydrated around mile 18, felt really nauseous and I threw up few times. Unfortunately, the nausea didn’t go away until later at night when I got home.

I thought the marathon could have been a bit better organized. The people were really nice but the way it was laid out was not very friendly. At points I felt it was even a bit dangerous. They didn’t stop traffic so cars would come down narrow streets in the wooded area and that made me really anxious at times. We had water stations at every two miles but unfortunately because of the hot weather, the water was really warm and there was no ice. I am thankful to all the people who gave out water and to the police officers who directed the traffic on the highways. Overall for me it was a hard marathon and I am very happy that I finished it.
I’m ready for my next marathon – Pennsylvania, here I come. The journey continues!

My wonderful coaches, Coach Asteria and Coach Sid, drove all the way from New Jersey to support me. It was one of those days that I needed support and much love. I am so thankful and humbled by their kindness and love. I felt like my own mom and dad were there; I felt so loved. ❤ Thank you coaches from the bottom of my heart. I love you!

Coach Asteria helping me get ready. So sweet! ❤

Coach Asteria, me and Coach Sid at the beginning of the race. I love them so much. 🙂

Part of the course. The sun was out all day and it was really warm.

I met James at the finish line. James carried gallons of water on his head the entire marathon. He raises money to bring water to children in Tanzania. Simply amazing!!! Congratulations James!