I was not a runner. And I didn't like running.

However, in the spring of 2013, I was inspired by a close friend who ran her first half marathon the weekend after the tragedy in Boston to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's Disease from which her mom suffered. In September 2013, I completed my first half marathon and I was surprised by my regret that it was over.

During my training, my mom had begun to suffer from increasingly bad episodes of her Meniere’s Disease, which she was diagnosed with 11 years earlier. Previously the episodes had been few and far between, but now her daily life was repeatedly impacted. I saw the effects firsthand and she constantly feared the next episode.

Not well known, Meniere's is a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance and causes vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. It is unpredictable and difficult to diagnose and manage. Meniere’s is also progressive. Unfortunately, the cause of Meniere’s Disease is currently unknown—so is a possible cure. Currently, very few organizations are dedicated to funding research and raising awareness of Meniere’s.

run because was created to keep me accountable to my goal of raising money for Meniere’s research by running 51 half marathons, one in each state plus D.C. by age 50.

To support run because and finding a cure for Meniere's Disease:

~ Donate here and follow along to see when I am running 13.1 miles in your state. All amounts raised will be donated to the American Hearing Research Foundation. http://www.crowdrise.com/runbecause51x50challenge/fundraiser/katiemayer

~ Join in a run because race as we travel across the country. Most races also include 5Ks, 10Ks, walks, and/or marathons.

~ Don’t want to run? Come cheer us on at a race in your state (or travel with us!) along the course or for post-race celebrations.

~ Support our cause and represent it by buying a run because shirt.  $10 from each shirt sold goes to run because.  http://runbecause.bigcartel.com

~ Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/runbecause) and Twitter (@runbecause51x50)

http://runbecause.bigcartel.com/#sthash.ADSTYIDH.dpuf ~ Support our cause and represent by buying a run because shirt.  $10 from each shirt sold goes to run because.  http://runbecause.bigcartel.com/ - See more at: http://www.crowdrise.com/runbecause51x50challenge/fundraiser/katiemayer#sthash.ADSTYIDH.dpuf

I ran my first half because I didn't know if I could. Now I run because I can. And by running, I can bring awareness and support to finding a cure.

“I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who cannot run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.” (anonymous)