It is finally over (till next year)!

The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just. (Abraham Lincoln)

Well I did survive the Chicago Marathon and was part of history. Never before had a marathon been shut down due to heat. It was pretty bad. I saw lots of people being carried off on strechers and many more collapseing. But by the Grace of God I was able to finish, even though my time was terrible and I had to take many walk breaks. I did make a new friend, another OAR runner, Doug. We ran and walked together for the last 9 miles or so. We encouraged each other and it was a big help to have some kind of distraction.

Thanks to the OAR Staff, the Miller's, The Marchand's, my cousin Laura, my Mom, Zach and most of all my beloved wife for their terrific support along the course. Thanks to for those prayer warriors and supporters back home. And like the Chicago Cubs are always saying..."There's always next year."

"Free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last."- Dr. King

As of about 4:00p today we no longer own 409 S. Cullen. Praise the Lord, it has been a long, hard 3 years.

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless the new owners. May their lives be filled with joy and hope.

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength."

Well I have survived the hardest week of training. 70 miles this week. Now the tapering begins and it gets shorter and easier from here on out till the big 26.2. I am a little tired and sore but generally feel like things are well.

More importantly the fundraising is also coming along. We are nearly to our goal and more donations are coming in all the time.

To those of you who have already contributed, I give my sincere gratitude. And if you haven't donated, don't wait any longer. Your OAR donation goes to a great cause. They have an excellent record for keeping their overhead low and putting the money where it is needed the most, into real-life situations where families battling autism need it.

4:45a

Things which matter most, must never be at the mercy of the things which matter least. –Goethe



Just thought I would do a quick blog before I go out on my morning run. This picture was taken on Labor Day at the Park Forrest Scenic 10 and 5K. I did the 10; Zach did the 5K and Chloë did the 1/2 mile kids run. Her mom and brother helped her. She came in last, but by the cheers of the crowd you would have thought she won the whole thing. I doubt that the winner of the 10 mile or 5K crossed the finish line to that much fanfare. Great race and a fun day. The CRC sent several delegates.

king of pain

king of pain

king of pain

I'll always be king of pain...

-The Police 1983

Greetings. Well 1st a running update; The training is going well. I capped off a 67 mile week with a 22 mile run this morning. This was new territory for me on both fronts: My previous highest mileage week had been 60.5 and my longest training run before today was 21. I was also very happy with my pace. It was my fastest to date for a long run. Only after mile 20 did my pace slip above an 8 minute mile.

Today the weather was perfect-cool, clear skies, a bright moon, and some light fog in the low lands. I did get a little freaked out about mile 4...I was plodding along a country road with foggy corn fields on both sides of me...I'm sure I would have heard the crickets and bullfrogs singing had The Brothers Doobie not been belting out "Long Train Running" in my headphones., but I digress...I am running along when a rather large bat started circling my head! Many of you know that I have a history of encounters with bats, so I kept my cool. Maybe I should embrace the bat...they seem to have embraced me.

As far as the rest of life goes, it would seem as though the project house has been sold. We should close later this month. This is a major blessing. We have been waiting and praying for this for a long time. I purchased this house in order to remodel it back in November 2004. It took 2 years of blood, sweat and tears to get it into a condition I was satisfied with. We are very thankful that God has provided a buyer and hope that she will be blessed in this 1900 era house that has been completely renovated with TLC.

Otherwise, with school in session we are all settling into our routine. We cram a lot into each day and are grateful for time spent together as a family. God has blessed us in many ways and we praise Him for it.

Until next time, blessings.

9:00p

"I got a fever. And the only prescription...is more cowbell!" -Christopher Walkin

Hey I have felt a little guilty about not blogging; we are just recovering around here from the very successful Chloe K 5K run/ride/rock.

School has resumed so our laid back (ha ha) summer schedule has been turned on its melon. Anyway we are remembering how we are supposed to do life around here again amidst jam packed days. Life is good and God is good.

I have been making time to train. Since I last blogged I did a 20 miler I was extremely happy with. This has been a step back week for me and thanks to the lightning I even slept in today. Tomorrow is supposed to be an easy 10 miler, I'll check the weather first.

A few weeks ago, Susie and I volunteered at the Chicago Distance Classic. OAR had a presence there and they needed help. It was fun and I know we were supposed to be there.

I have recently added some biking to the training schedule. The cross training helps work the hamstrings, which evens out the leg muscles and I hope will be good for my back in the long run. I intend on working in a good ride a few times a week.

That's it for now...I gotta get up at 4:30a and start it all over again. Peace.

10:00p

Acts 20:24 ...I may finish my race with joy...

Greetings. The race I have been waiting all year for has finally come and gone. The Jasper County Hospital 5K was my first 5K last year. I am happy to say that I did well. I had some personal goals set and I met them. On a side note, at the health fair afterwards, I had another personal best, my cholesterol level! That was a pleasant surprise.

More later, I have a 16 miler to do tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

7:00a

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

The Chloe K. Run/Ride/Rock for Autism was a huge success! 79 runners and walkers completed the 3.1 mile course, more than 30 bikers did a 62 mile ride, and 3 bands played great music all afternoon.

We couldn't have had better weather in July. It was over cast with a little breeze for the 5K and motorcycle ride. By the time the bands played it was sunny and hotter but still not bad. Two kind souls bought 4 awnings and set them up so people could watch the bands in the shade. (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

All said and done, the event raised over $2000 for autism research. We also raised awareness in our community and had a great time doing it. Thanks so much to those who stood with us in support both financially and through prayer, all the volunteers and Devon's Doghouse who made it all possible and to my lovely wife Susie who did the lion's share of the work and planning.

Keep checking http://www.jeffrayburn.com/ for race results and pictures.

6:30a

You say it's your birthday

It's my birthday too--yeah.

They say it's your birthday,

We're gonna have a good time. -Lennon and McCartney

I just got back from my "easy 8 miler." It wasn't actually that easy. 74 degrees with 80+% humidity made it tough. Anyway, now I am sitting comfortably in the air conditioning.

Things are looking great for tommorrow's Chloe K. run/walk/ride for Autism. The weather looks good, the bands are finally all on a tenative schedual, and I think my beloved wife has us pretty well organizised, I mean organized.

We have also been getting good publicity. The Rensselaer Republican did a nice write up. Also WLQI did an interview for the radio with Doug Marocco, the OAR director for the Run for Autism. I only heard a snipit but it sounded pretty good.

Donations have really started coming in too. As you see we are almost to 20%! That's awesome. Praise the Lord.

Please continue to pray for us that tomorrow would go well and that the weather would cooperate. Above all it is our desire to serve the One who first served us, Jesus Christ, and to bring Glory and Honor to His Name.

Lots of hyperlinks today:) See you all tomorrow at the Doghouse for the big event!

6:45a

"You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." - Joan Baez


Not much to say today. I just got back from an easy 10 miler with the CRC. It's a lot of fun to run with friends. I have ran by myself for the past 80 or so miles, it was a nice change to run with someone.

I am being bad this morning. Instead of my usual recovery drink and fruit smoothie, I am eating leftover sirloin and cornbread for breakfast.

Well things are really snowballing for the Chloe K. 5K. People are registering and final preparations are being made. The situation with the bands keeps fluctuating. I guess everyone will have to show up on Saturday to find out what bands are playing when. Musicians.

And as you can see to the right, donations to OAR's Run for Autism have started coming in. Blessings and thanks to those who have given to this worthwhile cause. Your donations will underwrite $400,000 in new research grants before the end of the year. Together we are directly supporting vital autism research that will begin in 2008.

8:00a

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. - Thomas O. Chisholm

I really did start this blog after I got back from running this morning, I just ran out of time. Anyway, I did my 20 miler for the month. It was long and hard but it was also the fastest 20 miles I have ever ran, so that is encouraging. Next week is sort of a resting week with only 8 and 9 mile easy runs...

I had to post this final picture from our Memphis vacation. It is of Zachary with his new electric guitar. This is a first for him and he bought it with money he earned picking up rocks from cornfields. (Along with some help!)

It is now afternoon. We had a baptism at Lake Benet this morning for church. Zach and I played guitars and I led worship. It was a perfect 70 degree day, with bright blue skies.

And now I am off to nap and recover from waking up at 4 am and running 20 miles.

8:00

A rose looks grey at midnight, but the flame is just asleep. And steel is strong because it knows the hammer and white heat. - Johnny Cash

Well I just returned from a tough 7 miles. There are lots of inclines here and a few steep hills. It was slightly cooler this morning and overcast. The run was only slightly easier today, I think being more familiar with the area helps.

Yesterday, we went to the zoo. The Memphis Zoo has two Panda Bears which was pretty cool. The weather however was anything but cool, 95 degrees, over 100 with the heat index. Chloe enjoyed herself and was a trooper, but eventually the heat did her in and she had a rough time.

In the late afternoon Susie and Chloe stayed back at the hotel room, while Zach and I road the trolley around town. Later we went to the famous Sun Studios where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins all got their start. The microphone above, was the very one used by everyone who recorded at Sun.

For dinner, Zach and I ate at B.B. King's. The food was great and the band was hot. Afterwards, we hung out on Beale Street amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Music poured out from the juke joints and bars, and there was a free concert in W.C. Handy park.

Well we are off to find breakfast and another day full of adventures.

8:30a

Ps 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

Elvis here we come. Hey we are on vacation in Memphis, TN. Last night we ate at The Rendezvous. It's a back alley rib joint-literally.

We then went for an awesome carriage ride through the city. Pam, our driver taught us some of the great things about Memphis and it's history. Sonny, the horse doing all the work, was terrific. No "beef-a-reno" for him!

Then it was off to watch the Redbirds. The Redbirds are the AAA team of the St. Louis Cardinals. They didn't play so great but we had fun. Even Chloe enjoyed herself as she sang "Take me out to the ballgame."

We came back to the room and crashed. It was a long day for all of us.

I woke up late (6:00a) and went for a run along The Mighty Mississip, The Old Man, Old Man River, yep the Mississippi. It was hot and hilly and I tired easily. The view was quite scenic however. I also ran up the hill to the famous Beale Street. Outside the juke joints, clubs, bars, and "B.B King's", the street was littered with the waste from last night's "Wednesday Night Biker Night." We saw it in the distance from our carriage ride last night, it looked like fun. This morning however, I was the only one on Beale Street.

Tomorrow, I am going to have to get up earlier and see if it is any cooler. This Yankee is more accustomed to running in about 65 degrees.

9:00p

Psalms 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.

Another busy week is coming to a close. Susie has been very hard at work doing things for the Chloe K. 5 K. Even my Dad has gotten in on the fundraising action. He hit up a few local businesses that we didn't and got us some more corporate sponsors. Way to go Dad!

Autism touches the lives of so many of us. I happened to run in to a corporate sponsor this morning at the gas station. As I was talking to him, the cashier said that she had a nephew who is on the Autism Spectrum and that she does a little running and would like to do the race in support of the cause. Things like that happen a lot. I received an email the other day from a lady who just lives a few blocks away who found out about us and wants to help. She has multiple kids on the Spectrum. With the current statistics of 1 in 150 kids being born with Autism, chances are that we all know people affected by this disability.

In other news, I completed my first triathlon yesterday. It was fun. I was apprehensive about the swim but did OK. The bike went alright until my chain slipped off near the end of the ride. I got it back on quickly though and only lost a minute or so. I was really happy with my running. I gained the most ground here. I had a hard time knowing exactly how I was doing though without my watch. Also running after biking feels really weird. Your legs are tired and rubbery. It was a great experience and I placed in the top third. Much love and thanks to my good friend Ben and his fiance Devin who put me up for the night, and generally treated my like a king. I owe you guys big. It was a blast and I hope to make it a yearly tradition.

So today was my long run for the week. I had 18 to do before going to church early for music team practice. This equaled about 4 1/2 hours of sleep for me last night. I just kept telling myself that it was worth it and that I could take a nap in the afternoon.

It was a great run. My pace was where I would love to be on race day. With a lot more hard work, I hope to maintain that pace for the whole 26.2. I ran by myself today and left the mp3 player at home. I feel that that is good to do sometimes. It helps strengthen my mind for these long runs. The mental aspect of running for 3 to 4 hours can be daunting. Besides a morning run alone is a good time to pray and spend time with God.

6:00a

1 Samuel 14:6 " ...nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few."

Things are really coming together for the Chloe K. 5K Run/Motorcycle Ride for Autism. Bands are wanting to play, corporate sponsors are coming through, and the word is getting out about the ride, run and walk. Also the bracelets are in and the t-shirts are coming along.

What a beautiful morning. This is my kind of running weather. It was sunny and 60 in Northwest Indiana at 5:00a when I started my run. I had a 5 mile tempo run today. A tempo run is where you do a 1 mile warm-up, do the 5 miles at a pace that is "comfortably hard," followed by a 1 mile cool down. I did the tempo part at about 7:20 minutes per mile. That's pretty good for me. Tempo runs teach your body to run faster before fatiguing (hopefully farther too.) To be honest, it was on the running schedule, so I did it. Anyway it was a good confidence booster.

Well tomorrow is a rest day. (yea!) Then on Saturday I am doing my first Sprint Triathlon in Valparaiso. A triathlon consists of a swim, bike ride, and run. "Sprint" just means that the distances are shorter. It is a 1/4 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike, and a 5K run. I am just doing it for fun and to see what it is like. The friend who talked me in to it is pretty serious about it and has a great chance at winning it.

Anyway thanks for the support and continued prayers for the "Chloe K. Run for Autism" and the "Chloe K. 5K." The Lord works in Great Strength when His People wait upon Him.

7:00p

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. "
Ronald Reagan

Hey all! Sorry for not blogging much the past few days. Things have been hectic around here as usual.

We are consumed with the Chloe K. 5K run/walk/ride/concerts event. The planning is huge and Susie and the crew are doing a great job. We really covet your prayers for this event.

I trust and hope that everyone had a great Independence day. We had a pretty laid back one ourselves. (If you call an 11 mile run "laid back.")

Running wise, I did another speed work day at the track Thursday. This involved a 4 mile warm-up, then 2 "1 mile" repeats with a slow 1/2 mile in between, and then a 1/2 mile cool down. It was tough, especially that second one.

This morning I did my 16 mile "long run." I was alone and it was very quiet and peaceful. As I ran along the county roads, just outside of Rensselaer, I saw some deer and a beautiful sunrise. The run was just under race pace, so it was tough. I am fairly sore, which I thought was odd because this distance is really no big deal. I guess I was just working it, and that should have huge dividends come October.

Thanks for reading.

9:45p

"The truest lengthening of life is to live while we live, wasting no time, but using every hour for the highest ends. So be it this day." Ch. Spurgeon

Well I apologize for not blogging earlier, faithful readers, but I have been either busy or tired.

Anyway, most of you are aware that Zach, Justin Rule and I spent Thurs, Fri, and Saturday at the Cornerstone Festival in IL. Cornerstone is a Christian Rock music festival. We camped out and had a good time. Zach and I ran a 5K race on Friday. Zach finished well even though he was actually too young to race. I won my age division and in general, kicked butt although I nearly vomited at the finish.

The terrain at Cornerstone was quite hilly, mostly gravel trails. I ran a 9 mile course there on Thursday and then the 5K on Friday. It was quite the workout. Sunday then I did my 16 miler, at home. It was tough, but I had company.

Tomorrow looks like an easy 9 miles. I feel good and with the 5 o'clock forecast being 59 degrees and no wind, I am sure that it will be a great run. I might even do a few extra.

Things seem to be going well with the 7.28.07 event. It is stressful though, having never done this before. Also we have no clue what the turnout will be, nor what the sponsorship will be. We have to remind ourselves that it is in God's hands and He is in complete Sovereign control of the whole thing.

Until later, Peace be with your soul.

6:30a

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Well I just got in from this mornings workout. Whew! It was tough. I did a 4 mile warm-up followed by a 1 mile sprint at the track; a 1/2 mile jog; a 1 mile sprint; and a 1/2 mile cool down.

The weather was good and I saw a beautiful sunrise.

Last night Susie and I sat down with the band and Chris from the Doghouse and made plans for the July 28th benefit. The Chloe K. Run for Autism 5k/Ride/Concert Extravaganza should be a hit. I am starting to feel less stressed about it. Susie then typed up letters to send to businesses for donations for the event.

We need lots of prayers that this thing will go off without a hitch. Weather and participation will be critical issues. Thank God for those who have volunteered their services.

That's it for today's installment. I am taking Zach and a friend of his to the Cornerstone tonight. It is a Christian Rock festival that lasts through Saturday. Don't worry, I am taking my running shoes.

7:30a

Ps. 65:8 ...You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice.


Good Morning! I've had my smoothie and shower and now I feel refreshed. I ran a hot and humid 10 miler this morning. My time was pretty good and I had good company along the way.





Gotta get Chloe off to summer school and me to work.

10:00p

Ps 18:11
He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters And thick clouds of the skies.





Hey all, just a quickie tonight before I hit the hay.


I got up and swam in a friend's lake this morning. The pre-dawn sky was foggy, the lake placid and dark. The water was warm but eerie. I swam for about a 1/2 hour. It was tough. I think it is a lot harder to swim in a lake like that than in a pool. It was definately a change of pace. Cross-training is good though and it loosened my back.





I'm off to bed. That 9 miler at 5:00 will be here before you know it.

12:34 p

Romans 16:25
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ...according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

What an awesome verse. I like this ESV version the best because it says that God strengthens us! It applies to life and it applies to the life of this runner.

I haven't run since Thursday. Friday I couldn't drag myself out of bed...plus my back hurt...plus there was a chance of rain. Saturday it was pouring so I slept in. Anyway, today I was back pounding the pavement. With the help of some other CRC runners, I got 15.5 in. The schedual called for 14, 15.5 is just the way it worked out.

I did see something new this morning. Shannon and I ran past a house, just a few blocks from mine that was on fire! Our wonderful Rensselaer Volunteer Fire Dept. was on the scene as well as the RPD. Thank God for people willing to put their lives on the line for us.

Anyway it was a pretty good run. It's workouts like these that are going to lay the foundation for that 26.2 miles on race day.

Well it's been a busy weekend, wedding last night, reunion today...and I am forced to get back to it. I'd rather lay on the couch, pour a glass of merlot, turn on a Chevy Chase movie, and take a nap.

9:50p

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of my blog. This week starts the beginning of my 16 week Chicago Marathon training schedule. Interestingly enough my training was supposed to start Tuesday and there were thunderstorms. Better Tuesday than race day. I am praying for 60 and sunny 10.07.07 if anyone wants to join me in that.

Anyway Wednesday was just an easy 10 miler, the schedule called for 8 but it was beautiful out and I felt good. This morning was supposed to be a 4 mi tempo run at 8:05, but I felt good and it was beautiful out so I pushed it to a 5 mi tempo at 7:25 plus a warm up and cool down of course. A few members of The Cheyenne Running Club were out. It was a great workout. I pray I feel that good on race day. Last years injury haunts my dreams, and I really want to shake that.

I haven't officially started fundraising yet. I am waiting for an email from OAR. I hope to start this very soon. Thanks to Susie and the band, I think we are going to do a benefit concert for my autism run on 7.28. This will be hosted by Devon's Doghouse (my favorite place to have lunch, I always tell Chris (the owner) that the gyros are the best in town.) Anyway, the event will probably include a 5K walk/run and a motorcycle ride.

Enough for now, 5a is fast approaching and brings with it an 8 mi easy run, 10 if the weather is good and I feel froggy.