AIDS Run... I can't do this without you :)

In two weeks I will be running the 2012 AIDS Run/Walk in Chicago :)  I'm very excited, maybe even more excited than I was for my first race :)  Honestly, I think I needed that first race to help me to get over my irrational fear that I would fail (as usual... throwing some psych in here :) Julie... You and I have a very good understanding of one another's irrational fears. haha).  My goal last weekend was to finish, finish running even if I was walking throughout the race.  This time... my goals are a little different.  I kind of want to kick ass now... :)  I have been doing a lot of thinking about what it means for me to run 5Ks.  I realized that even though I am doing this for my own accomplishment and health (both physical and psychological... haha), I am also an advocate and a spokesperson in a way, even without speaking.  When I run, people see me.  And although most of the time my goal is to blend into the crowd, my running blade isn't something I can hide.  So... even though I don't entirely embrace the "hero" card, I feel like I might be the one person people need that day.  Soooo I should probably strive to be... well... as badass as possible. :)

Another major reason for my excitment is the fact that this race is benefiting such an amazing cause.  I feel like between my awesome "Meg's Kick-Ass Running" playlist and the fact that I am doing this because I believe in the hope of a cure, I have become extra pumped for this :) 

Here's where you all come in.  Running in this race is awesome.  It requires work and sacrifice on my part, and a lot of getting out there even when I'm absolutely exhausted and ready to hit to pillow instead of the pavement.  But the real reason for the event is to raise money for AIDS, through the AIDS foundation of Chicago.  This organization provides support and hope to those affected (both pateitns and family and friends) by AIDS an HIV.   

Whether you support my new venture into running and your donation is a way of expressing this, or you believe in finding a cure, I am asking that you support me in this. 

What you need to do:

1. Go to http://afc.aidschicago.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1518 (just copy the link)
2. Click on "Sponser a participant"
3. Type in Meaghan Cusack
4. Click my name, then on Sponser me
5. DONATE!! :)