... I will be riding home from Chicago having just ran the longest distance ever in my life. 4 weeks from today I will have completed my first ever (maybe my last, maybe not:) Chicago Marathon. And I am confidant I will be ready 4 weeks from today for this challenge. I would not be here without many of you... friends and family who have given their time and money to help with many things... babysitting while I run my tail off, financial help for new running shoes & travel expenses, words of encouragement, cards in the mail, checking in just to ask how it is going, running with me, biking with me, rollerblading with me, and more! I have made great friends doing this, laughed a lot, cried a little, and had some pretty great and interesting conversations over a period of miles upon miles as we have hit the pavement together. My coach, Don, has been an amazing leader and believer in me. My husband has been awesome as I work all these long training hours into our family's schedule. My running buddies have pushed me to extremes and been there when I needed a boost. I can honestly say my running partner has never left my side and I thank you. My God has supplied me with a body, heart, and mind that is far more powerful then I thought He made me. I wanted to do this marathon for World Vision... and I know I still I am... but I can not even put into words what this experience has given to me. I am so thankful I've done this. I can honestly say I'm going to be a bit sad when this is all over. THANK YOU to all of you who have encouraged me, cheered me on, helped me, and sponsored me. From the very bottom of my heart, I am so humbled and thankful.
I have almost reached my financial goal for World Vision. I have two favors to ask as I reach that October 11th date. One, would you please pray for me and my team as we work to finish strong. Pray for good health as these long runs take a toll on our bodies. Pray for good spirits as the mental games get harder and harder this far into training. Pray for protection as we travel to Chicago and back. Pray for others to be touched by this team as we each share our experiences. Pray for Coach Don as he juggles a team of 75 "new runners" and a team of young high school girls on a cross country team. Pray for no injuries these last few weeks! Pray for World Vision as they continue to tackle poverty in our world. Prayers are the blankets that protect me and guide me each day and most of all I ask for a few more as we all work to finish strong. And second, if you are in a place to give financially I ask you to consider this cause. I am certain it is going to good and making a difference. If you are interested check out my link to my fundraising page to the left on my blog page. Thank you!!
2 comments:
this was a cool post jess. thanks. :)
i loved reading this post - so many good things said:) it's been awesome being a part of this team with you. the last few days i've thought back on this journey and it's absolutely remarkable how far we have all come. i remember how hard the first 10 miler was - and how the first sat run was 5 or 6 miles and i was feeling pretty darn good about that:) i hope you have a great run this friday - remember how much mental it truly is and just pray your little heart out to conquer those thoughts!
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