Avraham Pinsky

I believe Sharsheret is a great organization that helps young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. About 10 years ago my mother owned a post-surgery boutique for women in Los Angeles. At that time, I ran in my first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Pasadena. I ran the 1 mile the first year and the next year I "ran" the 5K with my father. I had to walk every few minutes, and ever since I've wanted to run an entire 5K. I got the chance this year by running in the 5K with Sharsheret at the NYC Race For the Cure in Central Park. Now I am upping the ante as this is my first Half-Marathon.

I'm doing this not only to help support this wonderful cause, but also to show the Jewish community the importance of fitness. I'm using this race to show others that no matter how daunting the task, if you push yourself you can do it. All you have to do is work a little bit each day and in no time you'll notice a vast improvement. Today 13.1 miles may seem like a tremendous undertaking, but in just 30 minutes or an hour a day you can work up to it slowly. Time isn't the main factor; determination to fulfilling your goal is. For those who find it too monotonous or boring to exercise, I have one piece of advice: exercising is fun once you are fit. When you can run that 5K or Marathon and cross that finish line with your head held high, that is when you will have fun. As you see your progression and your improvement you will have fun. When you can see that you ran 5 minutes longer today than you did the day before, you will enjoy it.

Please support me in my challenge to cross the finish line and in my efforts to raise awareness and benefit Sharsheret.