In June freshwoman Asha Maxey will run in a marathon to benefit the American Stroke Association. According to the Train to End Stroke Web site, the marathon has been the American Stroke Association's dominant fundraising source since 2001.
The American Stroke Association stated on the Train to End Stroke Web site, "By the year 2010, the American Stroke Association will reduce stroke and risk of stroke by 25 percent through a variety of collaborative ventures and volunteer commitments at the local and national levels."
Maxey has no qualms about rigorous training for the cause. "Our Bay Area group meets every Saturday at Walnut Creek." In addition to Saturday practices Asha said members of the group "are also required to train by ourselves at least three times a week (besides Saturdays) and we have a schedule," she said.
According to the Team East Bay Web site, "Over 94 percent of our Train To End Stroke participants have never completed a full or half marathon, and over 60 percent of our participants walk instead of run. Our training program is designed for beginners who wish to get in the best shape of their lives."
Maxey, who learned about the marathon from her mother, said she "decided [the race] would be a great way to get back into shape and it was for a good cause."
Visit www.stroke association.org/train to enter the competition and sign up for local information sessions. After the first information session, one can register for the marathon and pay the $100 entry fee. For more information on donating money contact Maxey at www.walking4stroke.org.
