On the virtue of commitment: A simple commitment that Noah Lam made to himself has now become a commitment to the world, a healthier world where parents live longer for their children.  Noah has inspired many. One step at a time!

Noah Lam Running to the Finish Line

by Noah Lam

In 2007, I was sitting on my couch shoveling down a pint of Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond, when I stopped to watch Forrest Gump for the hundredth time.  After watching him run across the country again, I committed to doing the New York City Marathon.

I never ran more than a mile in my entire life, and I was about to do a marathon!  No matter what was going to happen I was going to do it.  Because of the lottery system for the NYC Marathon, I joined a charity, Team for Kids, to ensure my entry into the race.  With all the aches and pains of a beginner runner, it still did not stop me.  Even the sprained ankle right before the marathon did not stop me.  I wanted to keep my word because at that time, I learned that my word was who I was.  I was committed to keeping my word and completing the race.  I wanted to set an example for my young children that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

While, I knew I was getting healthier with my blood pressure becoming lower, my aches and pains soon disappearing, it was just the beginning of creating a healthier world.  Just as I crossed the finish line and kissed my wife, she said to me, “I want to do the marathon.”  With that, my entire family has become more active and healthier.  My sister did a half marathon.  My sister-in-law did the marathon, and my brother-in-law runs just as much as I do!  Even my kids have done some races.  I also noticed that more friends started to run and asking for advice.

In addition, because of my involvement with Team for Kids, we have helped raise close to $100,000 with all of my family and friends who I have shared my journey with.  This money provided thousands of children with an opportunity to get a running start to health.

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For more information on Noah Lam and to read a beautiful letter he wrote to his children on his profile page, visit www.runwithnoah.com.

Also, visit Noah’s Team for Kids donation page, if you’d like to make a contribution to his 2012 NYC Marathon race.

Watch Noah Lam’s amazing weight loss journey to live longer for his kids!