Why do I endure the grueling 26.2 miles? I like the history and culture that surrounds the marathon; I enjoy the enthusiasm everyone brings to the event, and the stories of other runners. Most of all I enjoy the challenge of the run. It helps me focus, stay healthy, and allows me to aim for new goals each time I run.

I discovered a passion for long-distance running about 15 years ago and was inspired by my dad who is a marathoner and ran two ING New York City Marathons himself. I set out to try this daunting task myself by running the ING New York City Marathon in 2006 and the Philadelphia Marathon in 2008. I’m excited to be running this year knowing that I will not only be doing my personal best, but will be raising awareness and support for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

I have lived and worked in New York City for four years as a landscape designer for The Central Park Conservancy and now for AECOM. It will be an exceptional rush, running through the very boroughs where the projects I have worked on are being built to improve our experience of the urban environment.

I will be rallying support among colleagues, family and friends to engage in fundraising events, training runs, and weekly blog updates leading up to the Marathon on November 1st. I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of a diverse worldwide event such as the ING New York City Marathon and use it to generate support for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

Please visit my blog where I will be making frequent updates about training and fundraising events at thousandmilers.blogspot.com and join the cause!