Sean Astin: My Team MR8 Jersey

Submitted by Sean Astin, @SeanAstin

Look what came in the mail today. My Team MR8 Jersey.

{I have to raise $3,000 more to reach my fundraising goal. Please Sponsor MY Boston Marathon. It's only 32 days away. Every $10 gets me closer. Boston Marathon Team MR8 Fundraising}

It's been a long time since I earned my way onto an athletic team. In fact, the last running team I was on, was the Crossroads High School Varsity Cross Country Squad, Santa Monica CA 1989. 

Whew, that takes ya back. 26 Years. Give me a sec. I have to sit down on the couch to finish writing this. I don't even want to think it, but it may be a full 2 pounds for every year. Ugh. Now I'm sitting on the floor. 

I wore a size 8 in High School. Now I wear a size 9. Then, I could run three 6 minute miles. Now, I can run six 9 minute miles (almost). Back then, I felt alone a lot. Now I don't. My High School Cross Country Team had less than 15 people. Team MR8 has 73. In my youth, I tried my very best. In that department, nothing has changed.

My wife and daughters admire the jersey for all that it stands for. Their question reveals a more complete story. Are you going to wear an undershirt Dad? 

It's a strange mixture of feelings that every kid in little league must feel. Awesome, I'm a part of something so cool, tinged with a little bit of anxiety, am I worthy, will I let anyone down? Funny to be in my mid 40's and still worry that I might let someone down on a totally discretionary activity, where literally no one can be adversely affected by my performance. Well, I suppose if I got hurt and couldn't finish, people might think it was a bummer to have sponsored a runner who didn't finish. But, in the big picture, it doesn't really matter. Except that it does. It matters during training runs, to think that the Martins will know if I finish and when. My team members will know if I lag behind, which I most certainly will. Is it possible to raise people's hopes and lower their expectations? 

Hmm. these are fun questions to ponder but there is a fundamental problem with all of them. They are all about me. When I lifted this jersey out of the box I got jitters of excitement. Then I read the handwritten card inside. Bill and Denise Richard had taken the time to thank me for becoming a part of their team. They included a great picture of Martin. The jersey in my hand carries just a little more weight now. The Boston Strong Colors, the red letters TEAM. The word Peace written by a child's hand. Wow. I am a part of a team.

When a beauty pageant contestant says she wants world peace, the world kinda laughs. Probably shouldn't, but they do. Well, take a close look at my jersey. Read that single word, Peace. Not laughing now are we? 

The violent death of a child. That single word, Peace.

It's been 2 years since the bombing in Boston. The trial is bringing the pain of that day to the surface again. The ritual running of the marathon draws near again. 

Why me? Why now? To what end? 

The odds are extremely small that I might ever actually qualify for the Boston Marathon. But, the Race Director invited me to join Team MR8 this year. It's a dream come true to participate in this extraordinary American tradition. If I ever dared to picture myself running it, it would have been in a plain shirt. Now, the reality is that I will be in Boston in one month. I have been welcomed onto a team. I am running in honor of a boy I never met and a family I've come to admire. 

I must earn my way onto this squad. My compassion and my earnest determination to work for Peace in this life have made me eligible. My desire to share Martin's story and willingness to ask for help has secured my spot. 

YOUR HELP. YOUR SUPPORT. 

Your decision to SPONSOR MY BOSTON MARATHON.

YOU are the actual currency, the inspiration and the will...

Thank you so much for every $1, $10, $25 and more...

Thank YOU for putting this jersey on my back and pushing me every step of the way. 

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/SeanAstin/bostonmarathon2015

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

$3,000 to reach my goal. Every $10 gets me closer.

I'm going to stand up now, put on my running shoes and work for it a little bit more, a little bit harder before turning in. 

Like a little kid, I'm keeping the jersey where I can see it when I sleep. 

It's good to be a part of a team. 

Much Love and Respect,
Sean 

I ‪#‎Run3rd‬ for YOU!!!

**The Logo on my hat is #Run3rd
**The Shirt I'm wearing is FootStomp.com Wounded Warrior Support Organization, an Official Sponsor of MY Boston run.


Originally posted on Sean Astin's Facebook page.