Getting Fit and Giving Back

With my 30th high school reunion approaching this summer, I really wanted to get into shape.  It's uncanny that my friend Jennifer Geist, who I graduated High School with,  introduced me to the sport that's getting me fit, - Biking for Charities!  I guess that's a sport?

Anyway, this Saturday, I rode in my first ever fundraiser.  The 20th annual "Coast the Coast" ride for the National MS Society.  More than 1,600 bicyclists took part in the event that kicked off at Monmouth University and went on for two days and 170 miles.  I committed to just 50 miles and enjoyed a perfectly sunny Saturday morning cruising the coast, from Long Branch to Brielle and back. 

I joined the ride as part of  "Team Love: Scotty Love."   The Team is a group of about 40 amazing people, who are all connected to East Brunswick through the team's namesake, Scott Love.  Jeff Olson, EBHS Class of 1980,  is Team Love's Captain.   Together they raised more than $30,000 for MS this year, in memory of Scotty Love, a 1979 EBHS Alumn, who died from the disease.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001270492570#!/pages/Team-Love-Scotty-Love-for-Multiple-Sclerosis/114013821949451 

Staying fit  isn't easy!  It definitely helps to have a  goal, like a charity race to train for.  Inspired by my friends on Team Love, I have commited to a three-day,  300- mile ride to raise money for  AIDS research, education and services.  It's a huge undertaking but one that will not only help people in need, but also get me into shape.

But the best part of my new found sport is the people I meet.  Athletes who make a real difference in our society by sacrificing time, resources and personal energy for causes that help others.  It's really inspirational, and I'm so glad to be part of this growing trend in fitness and fundraising. 

I would love to hear what you do that makes a difference, and how I may be able to help.