I have always wanted to give something back to the country, alma-mater, community and loved ones to which I owe everything I have. This dormant desire has been within me for a long time but I was not clear about what to do with it, how to realize it, and whom to approach?
After moving to Washington DC, I made several attempts aimed at realizing my desire of giving back, including teaching Hindi at the George Washington University for more than a year and hosting at my residence weekly spiritual discussions based on the Bhagavad Gita. Through such ventures, I met many inspiring individuals,including my better half. Somewhere among these thoughts and desires was probably also an internal calling of running a marathon .
My first introduction to marathons happened last year when I was cheering runners in Marine Corps 2007. Then, I had the uninformed notion that marathoning was nothing but aimless running to make oneself feel good. I was not convinced if this was any way to change the world for the better. Regardless of this notion, I decided to give running a chance, and this
year, after running myself, I have realized that marathon is indeed a way to change the world. During the training period of the past 4-5 months and after the completion of my first half marathon, Riley's rumble, I have learnt that changing the outer world actually begins with the inception of change in our inner world.
Every little mile I run plays a big role in the betterment of the way I perceive the world. Perhaps this is the best gift I can give to anyone. On the 26th October, 08, I am aiming to run the 'Marine Corps Marathon'.
I am dedicating my run to the 26 individuals who have significantly inspired me during the past 26 years, and were there when I needed them the most. I hope they'll appreciate this small gift. I am looking forward to finding new ways of giving back.
Sincerely,
-Ashutosh.
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