As a college friend said regarding my spur of the moment trip to India, “you’re indecisive until you’re impulsive.” And after my trip to India, I picked up the following quote from my family-friend in India:
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. – Goethe
I have been dreaming/thinking of running a marathon for the past couple years; however, I wanted to find six-months when life would be relaxing and easy-going. On Sunday evening, I decided, and this morning, I registered. Sometimes you have to stop thinking…worrying…and follow your gut – everything else is noise.
I will be running the ING New York City Marathon with the Lance Armstrong – Live Strong Team on November 2. I spent a fair amount of time trying to decide the charity that I would support, and eventually knew I wanted to run for the Live Strong Foundation for a couple of reasons: Setting aside his choice of friends in Texas, the story of Armstrong is miraculous, not only did he survive ridiculous odds – 3% chance of living and tumors throughout his body the size of golf balls to grapefruits – but he went on to win the Tour de France seven times. And, most importantly, the Lance Armstrong Foundation (livestrong.org) supports important initiatives, including cancer research and awareness and Livestrong.com which promotes health, fitness, and lifestyle goals.
Over the next couple months, I need to raise nearly $3,500. Every dollar you donate will give me another reason to finish the marathon. I would really appreciate any support you can give: small or large. Please visit my personal page at http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2008/krishanpatel to make a donation.
I will be tracking my progress, schedule, etc through this blog. I might even morph this into a general blog about my travels, pictures, books, etc.