Running for the animals and those who love them

Join me in supporting real change. Let’s support good in the world and make a difference. Help us for Talbot Humane

I have been marathon running and coaching for two decades, and I've been running races since fifth-grade field day. Being a runner essentially is my identity.

I've had a rocky running life over the past 4 years since losing my brother to a massive heart attack secondary to esophageal cancer. I miss Dan Jordan, aka, the "Great Gonzo," more than words can say. My grief led me to "kamikaze running," which led to devastating injury and many other difficulties that I am finally overcoming.

Dan was my biggest fan...so proud of my running accomplishments, the money I raised for charity while training, and the many regular, everyday people I helped to find themselves through the extraordinary journey of marathon running.

The Great Gonzo was Dan's spirit animal. A dreamer, risk-taker, champion for the underdog, genuine goofball, and rescue adopter. If you called Dan "friend," he loved and protected you like his own.

Since Dan became sick, the family started a motto that lives on today: Jordan Strong. In terms of marathon running, Jordan Strong to me means embracing one's inner hero by carrying on through training despite self-doubt and pain and going without to bring comfort to a homeless animal or a pet owner struggling to make ends meet and keep their best friend.

We all have the capacity to be Jordan Strong, from my heroic Unleashed runners to their donors who are inspired by their efforts and want to help make a difference for the animals and our community.

Won't you join our ranks and give a little for the many animals in Talbot Humane's care and for our pet pantry, spay/neuter services, pet loss grief support, and much more? A little adds up quickly and goes a long way! Any amount is needed and graciously appreciated.

I'll be lining up with my remarkable team mates at the Richmond Half Marathon on November 12. I can't wait to run with them and celebrate our huge accomplishment for the animals!

Thank you, and God bless.