It's Running Time

Well the time to the Chicago Marathon is getting smaller and smaller each day. I am in the midst of the week in which I will run 40 miles. I have four runs this week in this order 5 miles, 10 miles, 5 miles, and 20 miles. Basically, I will be committing about 10-12 hours of my life this week to running....just running...that's all. When I think about it, it makes me go a little crazy, but I realize how much I do enjoy running and that the ultimate goal is worth it...not only finishing a marathon but also raising money for the Lasallian Volunteers.

The above picture was taken just before my 10 mile run on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, it was probably the best run I have had since training began. The weather was beautiful. My body felt good and I ran like the wind was pushing me at my back. I finished the run with a great time and I still had a great amount of energy. It was the first time that I really felt like I could finish the marathon. I always have a run like this close to the finish of marathon training. I was beginning to get worried because I have not had a good run in a long time, so despair was starting to set in. But for a nice long run I knew I could do it and the goal of finishing another marathon was attainable. There is nothing better than believing in yourself fully even if for something like running.

I also have a few updates regarding the Chicago Marathon in relation to tracking me while I am running. First off, for those of you who tracked me last year via email or text messaging on your cell phone...well you can do it again...and for you newbies I am going to explain how to track me right now. All you have to do is click on the link below. From there, you can sign up for runner tracking. The runner tracking system gives you the option of receiving email updates or text messages when the runners you are tracking cross the splits which are located at 15K, Half, 35K, and the finish. I had many friends and family do this last year and it really worked out. The only problem is that it doesn't send the text messages or email updates (depending on which method you choose) immediately. Some might come fairly quickly and then the final Finish time might not come until an hour after I finish the race. It isn't perfect but my friends/family that couldn't make the marathon last year enjoyed getting the updates on my progress and seeing my times.

Here is the link

http://www.doitsports.com/results/MSG-signup.tcl?sub_event_id=2161

Secondly, I wanted to give everyone an update on fundraising. As of today, I have raised $350 towards my goal of $1,000. I am hoping to get closer to my goal, but I am also excited with what I have raised so far. Also, the Lasallian Volunteers as a whole have raised $9,518.98!!! Our ultimate goal is $26,200. We have a long way to go, but we are slowly getting support in from around the country. It is exciting to watch not only our progress as runners but also as we raise money towards our goal. If you think about us this week, say a prayer or send good thoughts our way or do whatever it is you do to support people as we run 20 miles this weekend. It is our longest run before the marathon and one that most dread from the beginning of training.

One final note - After my fantastic 10 mile run on Wednesday with Sara, Bud and Leo (two of my Brothers) had prepared a wonderful dinner for us and set the table for us upon our return since we had missed our community dinner because of running that evening. It pretty much capped a great day. The pictures of our table and us eating are below.