Being healthy and injury-free is something I never want to take for granted, but inevitably I do. Isn’t it easy to be lulled into complacency? Perhaps that’s why running (or walking or biking — pick your sport) for a charitable cause has become so popular. Connecting with and helping those who are coping with serious medical problems is a powerful reminder that “your health is your wealth.” Plus, it’s another reason to get out the door and run.

Now I have my eye on supporting a small nonprofit called Project Athena (named, of course, for that crafty Goddess of Wisdom who often helped other Greek heroes). The group’s mission is “to help women with breast cancer and other medical or traumatic setbacks live their athletic and adventurous dreams.” I learned about it from Darcie Gorman, a 34-year-old runner from Salt Lake City, Utah, whom I met  almost exactly a year ago at the Dick Collins Firetrails 50 miler, which she won. Eleven months later, we met again in the line for the bathroom at the Imogene Pass Run. (more…)