“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”  Hebrews 12:1

My name is Matt Orlando.  I started running in 1995, and haven’t stopped since.  It wasn’t until 2007 that I decided that I should do something worth while with my passion for running.  That’s when I got involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program.  With them, I trained for and ran the Walt Disney World Marathon in January 2008, and raised over $4000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

I signed up with Team in Training again in the Spring of 2008 to run the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.  However, due to injury early in the season, I was not able to complete the event.  At the time my older brother was battling cancer, and I felt that I could still help do my part even if I couldn’t run the race.  At the end of June my brother passed way, which only strengthened my resolve to stay committed to the cause.  I was able to help my teammates throughout the season, and helped cheer them on in DC in October.  I have since run the Virginia Beach Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon with Team in Training in September 2009 to help raise even more money to help LLS in its goal.

So why am I doing this blog?  Well, it hit me one day that I love to run, and I used to enjoy writing, so why not write about running?  Some days will be short, some days will be long…some interesting, some not so much.  But that’s how running, and life, goes.

I started this blog as a way to reach people about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and as a way to track my training.  I’ve since decided to start writing about running in New Jersey, most specifically running routes, good and bad ones, and all the info you need to know about each and every one.

Perhaps I can reach people to let them know more about running in New Jersey, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and other ways they can improve their lives and the quality of life for others.

I hope you enjoy my rants, raves, and musings, and feel free to tell friends and family about MattRuns4Funds.com!