The Project - Running for Remedy in Style: A guy and his running skirt

This year I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen by the IMG raffle to run the NYC marathon! So amidst working long-hours in a residency program, I am determined to beat my previous times.

Thus far I have completed 2 marathons (Mystic, CT in 2005; Philadelphia, PA in 2007). Both times I hit the wall hard and had to fight the worst cramps of my life to keep going... But nevertheless, I finished both races in under 5 hours.

I am now following a strict training schedule, and best of all, I have a great support crew.. I am able to do one long run per week on weekends, and I go with my son or my son and wife.. The thing is, my son is almost one... So far he has been great company and our longest run together to-date was 12 miles in under 2 hours (yes.. pushing a chariot stroller).. Best thing we ever got.

When my wife can join us, she helps by towing our son on her bike and serving as a pace-bike and portable-watering station! Really, what more could a guy ask for, you say?

Well... I decided that I would raise the stakes a bit more..

This time around, I wanted to make a statement at the marathon.. I need to stand-out somehow, albeit from the middle-to-end of the pack...

So I started thinking back to all the cool costumes I've seen at previous marathons looking for ideas.. Among them:

- at a Boston Marathon in 2003, I saw a guy running with a 2x4 plywood with a USA Flag on it hoisted over his shoulder... he was trucking, too.. I don't think I'm in good enough shape to carry such a load....

- In Philly, there was a guy who ran the marathon in a pink ballerina outfit, tutu and everything... that's pretty cool, I thought.. But i can't copy that..

So after more research and talking to fellow runners at local running shops, it seems that the running skirts are taking off as the way to go for most gals.. And to top it off, there's already guys who claim that they're the most comfortable thing they've ever run on! (read this story)...

So I thought, why not start a fundraising campaign to see if I can help a worthy cause like he did, but take a different spin on it.. I found a great company that also makes popular running skirts (Atalanta Sports also found at http://www.skirtgoddess.com/ they make a fabulous running skirt!)..

After some consideration, I figured what the heck.. Let's see what kind of noise I can make.. I have a super-secret, attention-grabbing idea that will certainly draw eyes (hopefully not in a bad way) on race day..

I will be raising funds to support Remedy, a really cool organization that helps distribute unused medical equipment from hospitals in the US to developing countries around the world.

So the story beging... I'll be training with the commitment skirt, and will run all 26.2 miles in style!

More to come on my training... Stay tuned