By Dee Dee Webster
Before joining Team AllEars, there were a lot of things that I didn’t think that I could do. One decision can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. I’ll be honest, when I became a team member, I didn’t run. Not even a block, let alone 13.1 miles.
I’m not sure how I got talked into the half marathon but it had something to do with Helen Norlund telling me that I could and would do it. She had more confidence in me than I had in myself. I will be forever grateful for her and her words of encouragement.
After I joined the team, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had quite a few people friend me on Facebook and a few days were spent trying to put faces with stories. Then the panic set in. I wasn’t sure if I could raise my share of the promised amount. And I was also trying to run 13.1 miles. I had considered withdrawing but what reason did I have? Fear? That didn’t seem right. Jamison Reynolds was assigned as my mentor. I’m not sure if he knew what he was getting himself into on that one. However, I’m glad he was the chosen one because he’s really good at talking somebody off the “OMG, what was I thinking?” ledge. Jamison also happens to be THE fundraising guru. He challenged me to simply ask for donations for the cause, not for me. Fighting breast cancer is a good cause and I wanted to make a difference so I did as he asked. I hope that I made him proud when I doubled my promised amount.
The time leading up to the half was a whirlwind. I did my first 5K in April. I met my teammates for the Wine and Dine half marathon relay. Libby Goldberg met me in Virginia Beach to do the Wicked 10K. Then I met more teammates at the Hot Chocolate 15K, DC. That was the worst race to date but you couldn’t beat the company, hands down. With every race, I heard my teammates telling me that I was strong, that I was fast, that I rocked, etc. I admit that it gave me a boost to have that playing in my head. I started thinking that I could do more and wanted to do more.
The morning of the Disney Half Marathon was magical. I wasn’t nervous at all. I was excited and determined to make the most of MY day. I admit that I cried when I crossed the finish line. I’m teary-eyed thinking of it now. I accomplished something that I never knew I could do; something that I didn’t know I wanted to do until I was “pressured” into it. I ran 13.1 miles. I raised money to fight a cause that I strongly believed in. I couldn’t have done it”¦
“¦until someone told me that I could”¦
“¦until someone had the confidence in me”¦
“¦until someone made me look at myself and help me find my inner strength.
I’m not sure who gained the most from this. Yes, we raised over $67,000 for breast cancer but I gained a more confident me.
That to me is everything.
Next year, you ask? I don’t know”¦but somebody did mention that I should do the Goofy.
What a heartfelt article. Thank you for sharing! Congrats Dee Dee!