RY Coaching

Enjoying success at Rock-n-Roll Denver 1/2 Marathon

I recently saw a post by Runner’s World stating runner’s have raised $650 million for charities. From this it is easy to see why more charities are turning to runners to help them raise money and awareness for their cause.

How it works is the non-profit organization provides training programs, coaching, group runs and incentives to the runner preparing for a big event whether it be a marathon, half-marathon or maybe a triathlon. In return, the participant raises funds and awareness so the non-profit organization is able to continue its programs which may include education, research and support for those affected by the non-profit’s cause.

But why are these programs becoming more popular? They tap into human needs. The social aspect of humans is the need to feel included and to be contributing to society. The psychological aspect of humans is the need for support to follow through  and achieve goals.

Plus, we’re a fun group with big hearts.

There are many great training programs being offered by non-profit organizations and I encourage you to find one that has personal meaning to you. Recently, I learned of a program making its Rock-n-Roll Denver Marathon and 1/2 debut this year. This Colorado-based non-profit program targets a specific population and provides unique opportunities to their affected community.

First Descents changing lives of young adults affected by cancer

First Descents is the creation of founder, Brad Ludden, and brings adventure to young adults affected by cancer. It started in 2001 with a week-long kayak trip on a Colorado river. It was a way for these young adults to reclaim their life and keep cancer from defining it.

The mission of First Descents is “to offer young adult cancer fighters and survivors (ages 18 to 39) a free week-long outdoor adventure experience designed to enable them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same.

During the week-long experience, young adult survivors are empowered through conquering legitimate outdoor challenges to push their limits and face their fears, and by doing so, they are able to regain the confidence and self-efficacy lost to cancer.”

Team FD is the fundraising and team training arm of First Descents. According to Lisa Goldstein of Team FD, “First Descents is all about Challenge. It’s about picking an activity that is a challenge to you and setting a fundraising goal around completing that challenge. Your challenge can be something you do on your own like paddling the perimeter of Lake Champlain, or it could be part of an event like the Kona Ironman or your local 5k. It’s all about what defines challenge for you!”

This year Team FD is expanding their training and fundraising program to include the Team FD Denver Rock-n-Roll Marathon & 1/2. The goal is to have 112 runners participate on October 9, 2011 and to raise enough money to allow 56 young adults with cancer experience one of the First Descent programs for FREE.

If you would like to join Team FD in support of First Descents and raise funds while training for the Denver Marathon or Half-Marathon please email teamfd@firstdescents.org.