I’ve never been an outstanding athlete and less than 10 years ago I struggled to even 2 miles without going out of breath. But I discovered my passion for running by accident when a friend asked me to run with him to help him get into a better shape. He lost interest in running sometime later, but I continued. And I haven’t looked back since. Through the last 6 years, I’ve engaged in numerous sports, ranging from archery to sailing, but somehow I’ve always come back to running every morning. For me, running is a form of meditation. When I run, my mind is truly empty and I descend into a world surrounded by absolute tranquility, free from the stresses of everyday working and social life.

In 2008, I encountered sprains, warts, a fracture and several blisters. After training through the summer, I am back to where I was before my injuries. But should I stop there? This October, I am hoping to run my first marathon in over 3 years. By attempting to do so, I will be moving out of my comfort zone and redefining my own limits of possibility. But, in the process, I hope that my love for running can bring out a greater change than just personal satisfaction.

Having lived in developing nations for a decade, I am aware of the epidemics of poverty and war. While athletes willingly push against their own physical and mental limits out of passion, millions everyday are forced beyond their own limits just to survive. Can something be done? As a new TFH athlete, I have set myself a goal of raising at least $1000 by October. The money you donate will bring more than food, shelter or clothing - it will renew hope for the less fortunate and allow them to work their way out of poverty.

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney