Why I Run United
Parag Bajaj
Parag shares his experience with Run United on Team Bronco.
I’m not a big marathon runner, but I love to walk. Every day, I walk about six to seven miles. My golden retriever is my motivation; come rain, snow or shine, she gets her exercise and I get mine.
Walking gives me time to clear my mind. I derive energy from being outside in nature. If I do slack off one day, I can feel the difference and I don’t have a good night’s sleep.
In May, I climbed about 18,000 feet to Mount Everest base camp with my two sons. I thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, what did I land myself into?’ But it was a mental thing, and I told myself, ‘This is something that I chose to do, and I can do this.’
MOTIVATED TO RUN UNITED
Last year, Amy McLain introduced me to Run United. She was very passionate about Team Bronco and supporting United Way for Southeastern Michigan. I learned that everything United Way does to support our local communities are also things that are very close to my heart.
For the past 25 years, my mom has run an educational institution in India for over 900 girls. Her students come from very rural areas and don’t have the means of supporting education, so it’s free boarding and free lodging.
My mom always believed that educating a girl is educating a family. She’s 80 years old and still going strong— that’s been my inspiration. I have seen first-hand the difference education makes to pay back the communities we live in.
IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
Education is the foundation for any strong community. It’s something nobody can steal from you. Through education, you can provide for yourself, your family and others in need.
If people don’t have the means, it’s our responsibility to give them the opportunities their financial means do not. I strongly believe in doing our own little portion to make a difference— that’s why I support United Way.
When organizations support nonprofits, it can help bridge gaps. Through Run United, United Way and Ford – organizations known all around the globe – are coming together to raise funds for STEAM activities. There couldn’t be a better winning combination.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s annual Run United Virtual Marathon will support students in STEAM learning opportunities. Participants are challenged to log 26.2 miles from August 11 to September 14. Through One Cause, friends, family and teammates can view their progress and virtually cheer them on.
