It all started as a new way to raise money for Sephardic Bikur Holim. In order to participate, each runner must accomplish two goals. First we must raise between $1,800 and $3,600 in sponsorships (depending on which age group they fall into) from friends, family, business associates, etc. Second we must complete an extensive training regiment designed by professional trainers. We will then be flown to 
Although we were given over four months notice, training for a half-marathon and collecting the money was no easy task for any of the runners.
With just two months to go and barely two months of training under out belts, we’ve kicked into high gear, nerves building and waistlines shrinking. This event is not only important because of the funds that are being raised for such an important part of our 
When I received an e-mail about the event, I probably gave it less than 10 seconds of thought before signing up. I thought to myself, a weekend in Disney with my friends and an excuse to collect $2,600 from family and friends to go towards one of the most important institutions in our community, and all I had to do was run 13.1 miles! It was an easy decision. After all my father was about to run a full marathon, 26.2 miles—how hard could it be to run half of that amount? I’m half his age! Right? Wrong!
At first, most of us couldn’t even run one Ocean Parkway block without getting to the corner, panting, aching, barely breathing and ready to hitch a ride home from anyone who drove by that we recognized. But we stuck with it; even with all the temptation to quit we stuck with it. Even though a lot of us just looked at each other, trying not to be the first to admit that we weren’t sure what we got ourselves into. But the committee was ready and told us that we would all be a bit overwhelmed at the beginning, and they prepared us with everything we’d need to stick it out.
Just part of the amazing preparation that the Team SBH committee arranged was for us to meet with personal trainers who customized a training and nutrition program for each and every one of us. Every participant was assigned a group captain who we were able to nag with questions all day long and every runner was given an experienced community runner (led by head mentor Iris Shalom) as a mentor to guide us every step of the way. We were even given “Team SBH Night” at Jack Rabbit, a great store and Team SBH sponsor in Park Slope. There, we were fitted with personalized sneakers that were just right and given a special discount rate. And, after just three weeks of training three to five times a week, each of has begun to notice a change in our endurance and performance. We couldn’t believe what we were capable of after just three weeks. Before we knew it, we went from 14-minute miles with walk/run intervals, to 8-10 minute miles jogging at a medium pace.
Although we’re not at the level of professional runners yet, Team SBH is looking like a force to be reckoned with. I think I speak for everyone when I say how excited we all are, even though we have a pretty long way to go and a lot of work ahead of us. In the end, it’s going to be worth it. It’s a very creative way to raise money for Sephardic Bikur Holim that will help fellow members of the community and at the same time help each and every member of Team SBH grow in confidence, physical fitness and self esteem.
So please, if a member of our team approaches you for help with their sponsorship, be generous. If you would like to be an overall team or event sponsor or if you’d like to come to Orlando for the weekend to cheer us on or watch us drag ourselves across the finish line, or just want to donate to this amazing cause, contact Al Falack at al@sbhonline.org, Jack C. Anteby at ja550@aol.com or Isaac Sasson at sassonisaac@gmail.com or call (718) 787-1100 for more information.
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Sarah Sarway is a community member.
