Many of you know that I have been training for my 4th Chicago Marathon this year and my ultimate goal is to qualify for that elusive Boston Marathon (3:10:00 qualifying time). Since I completed my first Chicago marathon in 2004 with a time of 3:28:15, my appreciation of running a marathon has changed 180 degrees. It is challenging and one of the toughest things I have done!! I have been trying hard each year to qualify for Boson (3:10:00) but the closest I've ever finished the marathon to this date is 3:15:54, which was set at the 2006 Chicago marathon. Running a marathon is emotionally and physically demanding and I have respects for all the people who can complete the marathon no matter what the finishing times are. One of the reasons I continue to train hard everyday is to show people what can be achieved if you put your mind into something and have the added incentive of a reason for doing it. Half Marathons and Marathons hurt— but at least you have the ability to run so take advantage of it and do your best! From my father’s illness, my family’s support, self accomplishments to my peers’ encouraging words, I have countless reasons to be thankful and it makes me smile that people believe in my ability to achieve the goal. 

Normally each year, I run for a charity of my choice but this year, I want to dedicate my marathon for a special friend of mine, David Sorin, who is with me in spirit but no longer with us physically. David was one of my good friends from the gym that I work out at and he was always a genuine and sociable friend to be around. We spent many fun times together in Chicago and I am deeply saddened when I heard that he is no longer with us as of August 11, 2008.  At the age of 30 years young, I can not believe how unfair life can be for someone like David and it makes me appreciate how lucky I am each day.  I will be thinking about him and his family throughout my run in Chicago Marathon Oct 12, 2008. All the pains and sufferings that I am going to endure for 26.2 miles are nothing compared to what David’s loved ones go through each day and I would love to honor David. David, may you rest in peace and I will miss you dearly.  I know you are smiling from the above right now! 

As I will cross the 26.2 miles mark this year in Chicago, hopefully at 3:10:00, you can bet that I will have a big smile on my face. I will be smiling because of all my friends and family and how fortunate I am!  If you happened to be in Chicago on October 12, 2008, I hope you will be able to check out the marathon and cheer for me and all the runners. All runners to me are already winners in my eyes and I am sure they could use the extra cheers from all the supporters. Maybe someday, I will see one of you running the race together with me...  I will keep you posted on my result after I complete my 4th Chicago Marathon!