Jessica Young’s “Go Fund Me Campaign” is titled, “Go Greek or Go Home.”  Her dream has been to run a marathon, and not just any marathon, but THE MARATHON, the one that started with a bit of good news after a tremendous victory and no cell phones or Internet communications abilities to deliver it.  We celebrated the NYC Marathon last Sunday, with thousands turning out for the grueling event, synonymous with dedication, persistence, enthusiasm and goal setting.  It is these same values that emanate down the milennia to inspire California natives like Jessica, a high school teacher in San Diego.  “My students see me as the crazy exercise and running teacher… They don’t really know how far I’ve come since I was their age. I decorate my classroom with all of my race bibs because I think they show my students the importance of goal setting and focus–and training!” she states.

“The decision for me to lose weight was one that took a long time,” Jessica confesses. “I was overweight my whole life. When I finished college, I decided it was time to start living my life on my own terms. I decided to put myself first and really focus on being healthy. It was hard work and it totally changed my life, but it was so, so worth it. I am still a work in progress, but now my focus is on remaining fit and healthy, and finding a balance between indulgences and exercise. It’s a constant learning process! You just have to find what works for you, commit and run with it! (See what I did there? RUN with it?)

” I chose the Greek marathon for a number of reasons… 1) I have been obsessed with Greece since I was in the 7th grade. I have been pestering my grandparents to take me there since I was 12. 2) I mean, if you’re going to do a marathon, why not do the orginal, right? Go big or go home! 3) My grandpa was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and the reality of life and death really set in for me. I realized that I won’t be here forever and if I have a dream, I should go fo it. And I want to finish this race so I can show my grandpa that I made it to Greece–since I’ve been talking his ear off about since I was a kid.”

Jessica and her marathon-running club will be going to Greece where it all started, proving that Hellenic ideals still inspire.

Check out Jessica’s Crowdfunding site at