I began running half marathons almost ten years ago, but they took on a whole new meaning in 2010, when I ran my first 13.1 Los Angeles for Team World Vision. There is something amazing about training for something beyond just my own goals.

So I came back in 2011, and tried to engage in the fundraising more--not my strong suit. But I believed in the importance of clean water around the world.

Then I trained for 2012, pregnant with twins, and made it through 11 mile training runs just a couple of weeks before the race. But one week before the race, I went into pre-term labor and lost my daughters Kate and Lucy. The next Sunday, at the finish line, I thought about my pain and realized this happens all the time around the world. Mothers grieve children they lost not by biological fluke, but preventable water borne illness.

Watching teammates and my parents finish the race, I realized that running was part of my grieving. And running is part of my hope. Running can change the lives of mothers like me, saving their children.

Now, over two years since my last race, I am ready to run again. So the day after I turn 30, I am running the La Jolla Half Marathon.

I run for my daughters. I run for my son, who was born January 2013. I run to get back in shape after being pregnant for literally 14 out of the 16 months before my son arrived. I run to kick off my 30s in a healthy way. And I run because nothing matters more than showing God's love to the most vulnerable in this world.

Will you make a tax-deductible donation to support my race and give clean water? Together we can change lives around the world.

Thank you! Love, Meredith