These days, just about every local race hands out finishers medals. I always feel a great sense of accomplishment every time I cross the finish line and a gracious race volunteer drapes me with my medal and a "good job!" As cheesy as this might sound, I have even caught myself during the run wondering what the medal was going to look like this time. However, after that very day, I stash my medal in a shoe box under my bed and hear the clinks as it joins all of the others I have earned in the past. I think I share this behavior in common with thousands of others that collect race medals only to put them aside and go for the next one. Not anymore!

In 2005, Indianapolis resident Dr. Steven Isenberg, who is an ear, nose and throat physician and an avid marathon runner, came up with an idea to give finishers medals to individuals who have demonstrated mettle, or courage, in the face of chronic disease, handicap or other challenge. After seeing how meaningful and helpful this was for the courageous recipients, he went on to establish the non-profit organization Medals 4 Mettle (M4M) which now has chapters in twenty-two states, and international chapters in Canada and Mexico.

What is truly unique about M4M is that it does not ask for money (unless you so choose to donate $$ of course!), but simply is a forum for finishers to pass on their token of success to another whom has much more difficult challenges to face in their everyday lives. Look at it as a type of a paying it forward gesture. As noted on their website www.medals4mettle.org, donating your medal is a "subtle but effective way to introduce the concept of charitable running." Also, in this tough economy, monetary donations may be more difficult to make than in the past, so what a great way to touch another human and while not spending money; a brilliant idea!

M4M continues to grow at a remarkable pace and future plans include the option to get to know the recipient and/or cause so the donor can learn about what the recipient has faced so courageously. They have experienced increased exposure by involvement in the Chicago (40,000 runners), New York City (40,000 runners), and the prestigious Boston (20,000) Marathons and the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (the world's largest with 40,000+ runners). They even have an established network of physicians and celebrities, such as Indy race car drivers, to distribute the medals.

Donating is simple: simply go to www.medals4mettle.org/donorform.php and fill out a short information form. They have a few specific, yet easy, instructions about the mailing process. OR, better yet, you can drop off your completed form and medal without the ribbon (they attach a special Medals4Mettle ribbon) to So.Be.Fit. Studio before the end of August and I personally will drop them off for you! The organization would also appreciate if you include a "legacy letter" about your personal story so that the recipient can learn about their generous donor. I am located at 1134 E 54th St. Studio B (right next to Zest Café).

By the way, you do not have to be a runner or athlete to get involved. You can donate money and/or there are several volunteer activities listed on their website if you want to really get involved in the action.

For me, it is time to get out the shoebox from under my bed and give those medals to some true heroes. I hope you join me if you have a medal to donate. I love this short yet powerful sentiment from the M4M website: As marathoners run through the streets, large crowds cheer the runners for their effort. Medals4Mettle lets these runners, healthy enough to compete in such an event, to return the cheers to those who have supported them.