On December 2nd, 2009, the KU Rec Center unknowingly hosted its first ever Elliptathon. I am assuming that it was their first one, at least, because they were less than thrilled about the offer to host such an event when I asked if they would allow spectators to watch for free. Everyone there seemed to be very concerned about my safety. I mean, I know that 13.1 miles is a moderate distance, but the Elliptical is also one of the machines that runners use to get a lighter workout without hurting their knees...
This half-marathon on a stationary pseudo-running-machine was born out of an honest desire to pick on my friends after their participation in, and successful completion of, the Kansas City Gobble Grinder. However, upon hearing the hopes of Isabella Mugalula, a Ugandan woman who opened a free school in her own house to provide education to children Orphaned to AIDS, it was converted into a benefit [quasi]run in 4 days. Hannah Nusz, my roommate and friend, had volunteered at Isabella's school in the summer of 2006. Isabella asked her in November to embark on an attempt to raise $1,000 for her school, so that she could work out of a school building to serve more students. The Elliptathon was our crazy shot at raising this money.
That is why, on December 2nd, 2009, I stepped onto the Elliptical at 3:45 with a much larger purpose in mind than my original intent of mocking Hannah and Jeff. For the next hour and 35 minutes, I moved in place, [slightly] filled with fear that the rec people were going to kick me out or something, and hoped that we would raise at least $200.00.
We did.
By the Grace of God,
and the generosity of the people we interact with, the Elliptathon raised $800.00. Students, friends, and family stopped by the rec center, mailed in donations, or visited us at our race celebration. We were able to keep the school open for an entire school year.
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