Sometimes it is hard to stay focused. And sometimes, when it is hard to stay focused, and I talk myself into it anyway, I have a laugh at myself...because it wasn't that hard to do anyway.
If you are a reader, be a joiner! It will help me focus.
(3 miles)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Getting Legit
I am making tracks in the administrative end of this fundraiser. I have been led to the private fundraising registration page of Catholic Relief Services, which will allow me to set up a fund within their organization to which sponsors can send their dollars. I will have the appropriate information posted on this blog by Saturday night (presently working on Catholic Schools Week!).
Please stay tuned. I appreciate your patience, although I feel a terrible urgency when I consider the needs in Haiti.
Please stay tuned. I appreciate your patience, although I feel a terrible urgency when I consider the needs in Haiti.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Running with Dick
What I think about, continued.
I attended a funeral for a friend this weekend. Dick used to sit behind me in choir. He was ornery and sweet. He threw spitballs and pulled ponytails. He was a 10-year old in a 70-year old's body. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's a while back and had to quit choir five years ago. He cried when we carolled at his nursing home.
It wasn't until his funeral that I truly understood Dick. His son talked about his father's quiet generosity; an example to be followed. Turns out Dick and his wife opened their home and ministered to many; they cared for the newborn of the neighboring widower; they housed and sheltered a battered woman; they housed more than one troubled teen; they housed and cared for their own ailing parents. There were other examples, too many to remember.
The hardest miles are the first and the last. I dedicate my first and last today to Dick.
(5 miles)
I attended a funeral for a friend this weekend. Dick used to sit behind me in choir. He was ornery and sweet. He threw spitballs and pulled ponytails. He was a 10-year old in a 70-year old's body. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's a while back and had to quit choir five years ago. He cried when we carolled at his nursing home.
It wasn't until his funeral that I truly understood Dick. His son talked about his father's quiet generosity; an example to be followed. Turns out Dick and his wife opened their home and ministered to many; they cared for the newborn of the neighboring widower; they housed and sheltered a battered woman; they housed more than one troubled teen; they housed and cared for their own ailing parents. There were other examples, too many to remember.
The hardest miles are the first and the last. I dedicate my first and last today to Dick.
(5 miles)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Running Today
I finished my last run with blisters on the bottom of my feet. Today I have new shoes. You would think that new shoes would solve problems, and they did, but they also take some getting used to, and my legs hurt during my run today.
Put it in perspective, Liz.
(3 miles)
Put it in perspective, Liz.
(3 miles)
Friday, January 22, 2010
One Donation
Ok. So I'm not running today either, but this has been a great day in the history of Running for Haiti!
I have received a sponsorship for my first 25 miles! I am surprised at how inspiring it is to have someone counting on me to run. There are other sponsorships too, but they do not define the actual run; $25 as a general donation, unspecified dollars in general. These are wonderful contributions, but, $1.00 per mile for the first 25 miles! You have called me out. I am running!
Thank you, friend of mine, for being the inspirition for tomorrow's run. I dedicate this run to you!
I have received a sponsorship for my first 25 miles! I am surprised at how inspiring it is to have someone counting on me to run. There are other sponsorships too, but they do not define the actual run; $25 as a general donation, unspecified dollars in general. These are wonderful contributions, but, $1.00 per mile for the first 25 miles! You have called me out. I am running!
Thank you, friend of mine, for being the inspirition for tomorrow's run. I dedicate this run to you!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Details
Another day off...
There have been many blessings today! My school principal has volunteered to send out a letter about Running for Haiti to all of the school's parents. She also suggested placing a notice in our church bulletin - she'll handle the details! This is huge and, frankly, quite intimidating! To top it off, the church choir has asked for information.
Just keep running, mama.
I spent a significant amount of time searching for a contact within CRS today. I have a feeling the organization is crazy busy and might even have a large number of people in Haiti. Do not lose the faith though; I will have donation information soon. I made calls and sent emails to several people today and I am sure they will respond.
In the meantime, I will pray. And run.
There have been many blessings today! My school principal has volunteered to send out a letter about Running for Haiti to all of the school's parents. She also suggested placing a notice in our church bulletin - she'll handle the details! This is huge and, frankly, quite intimidating! To top it off, the church choir has asked for information.
Just keep running, mama.
I spent a significant amount of time searching for a contact within CRS today. I have a feeling the organization is crazy busy and might even have a large number of people in Haiti. Do not lose the faith though; I will have donation information soon. I made calls and sent emails to several people today and I am sure they will respond.
In the meantime, I will pray. And run.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Run Number Two
Things I think about when I run (today, for example): time, breathing, what I should have said, lists, time again, big strong legs, prayer, clearing out all thoughts, calories, orphans in Haiti, blisters, blessings.
I dedicate these 4 miles to my Aunt Joyce, who spent her life working for justice, peace and true love.
(4 miles)
I dedicate these 4 miles to my Aunt Joyce, who spent her life working for justice, peace and true love.
(4 miles)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Day Off
Today is not a running day, but there is no less thinking. Today I thought about committing any funds raised to Catholic Relief Services, earmarked for relief in Haiti, of course. When I learn how and where to send contributions, I will post that information. I am hoping that I can set up a fund (Running for Haiti) at CRS, but I am not sure yet how that works. I did get a contact name today, so I'm on my way...we are on our way!
Good comes out of the ashes: I am ever thankful for my many blessings. More miles soon!
Good comes out of the ashes: I am ever thankful for my many blessings. More miles soon!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Run Number One
I ran the first four miles of this journey today. Just four miles...I wonder how far I can run in five or so months? I am a slow runner. No matter how far I can run, it will take a long time to get there!
Running is a thinking process for me. Today, aside from the usual thinking topics, which I might share later, I thought about my request for sponsorship. I have decided that I was somewhat inconsiderate in my request, stating that I was only going to do what I always do, while asking you to do more. So, I, too, will sponsor my runs and pledge $1.00 per mile for the endurance of this project. What about you?
(4 miles)
Running is a thinking process for me. Today, aside from the usual thinking topics, which I might share later, I thought about my request for sponsorship. I have decided that I was somewhat inconsiderate in my request, stating that I was only going to do what I always do, while asking you to do more. So, I, too, will sponsor my runs and pledge $1.00 per mile for the endurance of this project. What about you?
(4 miles)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Running for Haiti begins
I was running today, and as I was running I was thinking about how I can respond to the crisis in Haiti. My thoughts wandered around, touching on my feelings of inadequacy in the face of such a monster issue, and on my longing to help in a meaningful way. I was running and running and thinking and thinking when it occurred to me that I was doing the very thing that I can do to help. I can run.
It is Sunday night, January 17. Tomorrow I will take my first run to raise funds for the people of Haiti. Thanks for joining me in my running journey.
It is Sunday night, January 17. Tomorrow I will take my first run to raise funds for the people of Haiti. Thanks for joining me in my running journey.
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