WHY:
For a long time now, every day after reading the newspapers in the morning, I have felt anger and frustration with the way the world is going.
What has been more disquieting, though, is the fact that I don't do anything about changing the situation except sitting in a cafe and complaining about it to other like-minded people.
So when I heard about a marathon being organized by AID-Princeton and Asha-CNJ to raise money for their projects in India, I saw it as an opportunity to channel my resentment into something positive.
Why Marathon:
Before this, I have tried to contribute my twopence by attending meetings and helping in other fundraising events. But I am not good at it.
Running a Marathon, on the other hand, is a challenge that I have always wanted to take. It's a task that tests your physical as well as mental endurance and requires a lot of dedication. I think it will be a more productive way for me to help the cause of AID.
Why AID:
I have known the volunteers of AID princeton on a personal basis and trust their judgement about evaluating projects. Also, they are completely transperent in their handling of the money and work hard to keep the overloads at the bare minimum. So it's the best thing next to giving the money directly to the people in need.
Suggestions on Donating:
The marathon is 26.2 miles (42 kilometers). I am hoping to run this distance in 4 hours. It takes at least a 4 month training to complete it without seriously injuring yourself and it takes a much more rigorous and longer duration of training to finish your first marathon below 4 hours. In short, it's a tough goal and your encouragement (monetory and otherwise) will greatly help me acheive it.
I have commited myself to raise 100 dollars per mile of marathon. Raising 2600 DOLLARS is going to be a challenge. Whatever donation you make is going to be a motivating influence and will make me train harder and perform better in the marathon. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Dollars per Mile of Marathon: This will be a fixed donation which will not change according to how hard I train. Suggested amount is 1 or 2 dollars per mile of marathon. ( = $26 or $52 etc)
2. Dimes per Mile of training: I started training at 10 miless per week and I am training right now at 30 miles per week. I will have run atleast 400 miles at the end of the marathon. You can promise to donate a dime or a nickel (or more) per training mile so that I train harder. I will update the website with miles run every week. It would be nice if you made a fixed donation right now (assuming that I will run 400 miles, e.g.) and promised to donate for the extra miles after the end of marathon.
3. Dollars per minute below 4 hours: According to standard speed predictions (based on current running times and number of training weeks left) I will finish the marathon in approximately 4 hours. You can promise to donate a fixed amount for every minute below the 4 hour target so that I will try to run faster. Again, it will be very nice if you make a fixed donation now and donate the extra amount later.
4. Other suggestions are most welcome.
You can either donate online or send me a check.
Thanks a lot for your support.
Chaitanya.