Running my First 5K with a Gentle Push from This Guy

I have never run a 5K...or anything like that. But Kevin McHugh has inspired me to do so. Here's why.

I have always struggled with the balancing act of being a single mom raising two boys plus having a career. There are always an abundance of commitments that I have to juggle. And many times the last person I take care of is myself. It is difficult to take the time to exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, and stress less.

Over the many years that I have had the honor of helping (and working out at) The Atlantic Club, Kevin, Pat, and the amazing people who work there have shown how much they like to give back to the community and help support important causes.

I have watched them raise thousands and thousands of dollars, with the help of their caring clients, toward finding a cure for ALS, one of the most devastating illnesses imaginable.

More recently I have watched Kevin himself become his healthiest self. And it was an inspiration for me as I began to try (again) to do the same. The Atlantic Club has so many options and opportunities to get yourself in better shape and then give back by being able to raise money to help others.

So when Kevin asked me to attempt my first 5K in order to contribute to finding a cure for ALS, I could not say no. I have become inspired by Kevin and by the trainers, nutritionists, instructors, staff members, and other people just like me who work out at the gym and who fight the good fight toward both keeping themselves healthy and helping others in need. I really felt like I had to step up this time and do more than just promote or host one of their events.

When it comes to ALS, my heart breaks whenever I think about those I have known who have been faced with a diagnosis of this devastating disease.

That's why I am joining The Atlantic Club and their team of participants in the ALS/TDI Nashville Rock & Roll Half Marathon coming up on April 27th. This is an event to benefit Augie's Quest.

Augie's Quest has always been to fund research and drug development aimed at ending ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Since 2007, Augie's Quest has raised over $60- million in support of finding effective ALS treatments -- making it the largest individual fundraising program for ALS.

All funds raised by Augie's Quest benefit ALS TDI, the world's largest ALS-dedicated drug development organization.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. ALS affects individuals in the prime of their life, and most victims succumb to respiratory failure within 3 - 5 years of diagnosis.

I am hoping to raise $2400 to do my part toward curing this scary disease.

If you are able to make a donation in support of this great cause and bring hope to the many families affected by ALS, then please...CLICK HERE!