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There are not many things harder to do than run a marathon. However, I would suggest to you that being the spectator/supporter/fan who tries to follow the runners on the course is quite a challenge too. Last weekend I had the privilege of chasing my wife, Teri and my sister, Jinny around Washington, DC while they ran in the Marine Corps Marathon.

Sometime last year Jinny talked my wife into running in the Marine Corps Marathon as a part of Team in Training (TNT) organization, a fundraising arm of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Not only did they raise over $7,000 for a great cause, they were able to participate in the 5th largest marathon event in the country and had one of the coolest experiences of their lives. Every week or so the Team meets for a run; this is how normal people like Teri & Jinny can find the encouragement and support they need in order to complete a major national sporting event – hence the concept of Team! Not only do they provide support, but according to Jinny, the folks she met through the Pittsburgh TNT were really nice people – the kind you don’t come across all that often anymore.

The marathon begins in the Arlington National Cemetery just as the sun comes over the horizon. The chill that went through me was more than the effect of the cool temperature. The wheelchair participants were the first to go by and the crowd cheered and clapped their encouragement. Next, I saw a blind runner with his friend tethered to him as a guide and a man pushing his son in a wheel chair - I cheered louder. Finally, like a tidal wave, 29,000 runners passed by and my heart was so full I could have burst with hope. In that crowd were my wife and sister.

In five and a half hours, I had caught up with them on the course eight times – which I think also counts as a major sporting event. I cannot say enough about how much I respect and admire their dedication and discipline. Jinny’s attitude is you can do anything you put your mind (and will) to – which is a big reason Tuscano is as successful as it is today.

Having the tenacity to stay in the game, knowing your limits, going the distance - all of these disciplines will pay off both in our sporting life and our professional life. You may never run a marathon and it is doubtful that I ever will, but we are all winners when we face life’s challenges with determination and a little help from our friends. That’s what Tuscano is here for – we are your Team that can help you make it across the finish line!

Never give up!



P.S. Jinny and Teri consented to posting a few pictures on the Tuscano website. Check them out on the Community News page