I believe there should be scores in soccer and that every kid shouldn’t get a medal for just showing up.
For the record, I’m cool with participation ribbons.
So it’s ironic that I’m left wondering what to do with the medals from all the races I take part in, medals I don't even want.
When you cross that finish line of a race, whether it’s a marathon, half-marathon, triathlon–or any of the other hundreds of races you can sign up for–there are volunteers who come over and put a medal around your neck. I once tried to refuse it but the volunteer looked so hurt and confused and I was so completely spent, I just bowed my head and let her put it on. While I like to see the styles of the medals and how they change from year to year, mostly my medals just end up stuffed in drawers gathering dust.
My kids made me this for my 44th birthday. It represents different accomplishments throughout my life.
One of my first published articles in a magazine, how I got my job at YMC, my first triathlon, and my fifth place ribbon for a speed skating meet (there were only five people in my group).
That took care of one medal for me but I still have another ten gathering dust.
So what to do?
“Medals4Mettle is a non-profit charitable organization that began in 2005 as a vehicle to collect runner's medals which could be donated to those who are battling serious and debilitating illnesses and who have demonstrated similar courage and mettle in fighting those illnesses.”
Essentially, you donate your medal from a marathon, half-marathon, or triathlon (with the ribbon removed) and Medals4Mettle then gives it to a recipient with a Medals4Mettle ribbon attached. The medal symbolizes the hard work and courage it takes for each individual to fight his or her battle.
Your time, energy, and effort got you across the finish line. Now the medal that represents that time, energy and effort can help someone who has a serious illness get across an even bigger finish line.
It’s a pretty cool concept and it's where my medals are going to be headed next week.
If you're interested you can donate your marathon, half-marathon, or triathlon medal to Medals4Mettle here.
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