I am so excited to say Happy Birthday to Team Momentum today as it turns the big 1 year old!  Woot!

Less than a year ago I was introduced to Team Momentum through an e-mail looking for a coach in the Chicago market.  I can easily and happily say that my life has changed immensely from that e-mail.

Team Momentum was created by the Muscular Dystrophy Association as a charity program for full and half marathons across the country.  Last year Team Momentum participated in races in Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and most recently in Dallas.  This year they are also adding race locations including the Chicago Spring Half Marathon in May, where we are the official charity!  In just the first year alone hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for people and families affected by muscle disease and hundreds of runners and walkers crossed finish lines of both full and half marathons.

Team Momentum offers a special and personalized experience for all of it’s athletes.  If you don’t live in the city of your race choice you can participate in training virtually or even fundraise and run the event of your own choosing through their Endurance Series. Each participant receives awesome official team gear, their own personal fundraising website and customized training from a certified running coach (like yours truly!).  On race weekend you are treated like absolute royalty with help at the race expo, a very inspirational team dinner and a post race party.

If you have ever considered running or walking a half or full marathon but aren’t sure where to start, joining this team is the way to go.  If you have a local team in your area you will be provided with weekly group runs and clinics.  Even through virtual participation you will gain dozens of friends through their online community as well as the help and support you need to make your training a success from start to finish.  Coaches will be on the course with you on race day to make sure you cross that finish line.

Your fundraising dollars go towards incredible opportunities for those affected with muscle disease.  You can help send a child to the MDA’s summer camp where kids get the opportunity to spend an extra special week at sleep away camp.  Fundraising money goes towards research to help put an end to muscle disease, clinical trials, and assistance for families in need.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association covers over 40 different muscle diseases including ALS.  This is a charity that can feel really great backing as they put 77 cents of every dollar back into funding and research.  That is huge!

Personally I find this to be a very special organization to be working with.  All of my life I have been blessed with the opportunity to either be competitively playing or coaching a sport.  Using my muscles has been an integral part of my life and career.  What better way for me to give back as a runner than to be able to use my muscles in a way to help fundraise and support those who might not be able to?

If you have ever considered running or walking a half or full marathon this is a great opportunity.  Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.  I would love to see you become a part of the team!