I love to run. And I love to share my love for running with anyone who will give me a chance – as my colleagues at Firstgiving know all too well!

So in March when I proposed we all participate in the 2008 Reggae Ramble, I was excited that my colleagues and some of their friends and family eagerly signed-up.

Race Day snuck up on us and some folks were not feeling ready. The once enthusiastic participants, started to let their pre-race nerves replace their excitement with dread for the 4.2 mile run and 2.6 mile walk to come. But in true Firstgiving spirit, we stepped out of our comfort zones and toed the start line.

The siren went off signaling the start of the race and 20 blue “Team Firstgiving” shirts streamed through the other 1100 runners and walkers along the Charles River. As the miles ticked on, and the sun lowered, all of Team Firstgiving crossed the finish line – for some, it was their first race!

To celebrate our accomplishments, Team Firstgiving gorged on the Jamaican jerk chicken and pork, then, washed it all down with some beer while jamming to the reggae music.