Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Went out for a 6 miler this morning with the Pink Flash and the Hook. The three of us looked like ninjas with only our eyes exposed to the elements.  Good times good times.

I think we'll try again tomorrow...

Chloe Sings U2

Funny stuff, not related to running in general, but totally about why I run.

Achilles Running Team-Heroes of the Marathon

I had the privilege of running past one of these brave, wounded soldiers from the Iraq war.  God bless them.  If it weren't for the sacrifices of the few, the freedom of the many would be lost.  My heart swells with pride and awe when I see honorable servicemen and women like this.

That moment and the support of my friends and family were the highlight of my marathon yesterday.  Once again the heat destroyed my lofty goals of getting a good time.  Oh well, in the end we raised nearly $6000 for autism.  That makes my few hours of suffering worth it.  

More later, I am off to have my sore bod massaged.

Mr. Fahrenheit

Not too much to say, the training has been winding down so I can rest and store up energy.  Been trying to think of things to occupy my mind and help me get through the tough miles on Sunday.  Just about every playlist on my iPod that has anything to do with running has this song on it.  I just love the rhythm and the words.  Even though I won't have my headphones on for this race, this song offers lots of phrases that could make for a good mantra.  Gotta love the Queen.

At the other end of the spectrum, I will also be thinking about and relying on some passages of scripture that the Lord Jesus Christ has placed in my heart.  This has helped me in the past.  He is ever Faithful and True.

Of course thoughts of my wonderful, supportive family and friends are what will occupy my mind for the bulk of the race.  I have been blessed with many, and I love them very much.  

...and as you all know, my precious Chloe.  I run this race to honor her.

I've got those Kenyans right where I want them...

Hey all, just a quick post to say that I am geared up for the big race!  It's less than 8 days away and quite honestly, I am getting a little nervous.  I have had some great workouts lately though, and that gives me confidence.  

Oddly enough, I did suffer an twisted ankle this week and another injury that is not nearly as common, I got a nail in my shin muscle!  It went about 3/4 of an inch into my leg, but after a tetanus shot, things seem to be OK.

The weather looks to be much better than last year.  The forecast is calling for a high of 69 degrees so things should be good.

Thanks so much for the prayers and support during this training season.  Over the past 15 weeks I have worked hard and sacrificed a lot of sleep.  I'm sure that come next Sunday, all of my early mornings will have paid off.  

Blessings. 

This blog has been hijacked!

Greetings blog-readers of Jeff, if you're still out there.

As you have probably gathered, Jeff isn't writing this post; Susie, the beautiful, ultra-organized, and mega-supportive wife is.  Because my husband has been running his little feet to the bone to prepare for his 3rd - and hopefully most rewarding - Chicago Marathon.  We're down to...(leaving to consult calendar - K, I'm back) 22 days of training before the big day.  I love my husband; that he cares this much about the cause he runs for enough to put his mind and body through this says something important about him and the love he has for his family.  I am exponentially proud of him and what he has accomplished.

Besides all this crazy, getting-up-at-4AM running to get his body ready, Jeff has worked really hard to raise funds for OAR, the Autism charity he runs for to honor our little blessing, Chloe Korrigan, and all the other children and adults in the world that are diagnosed every day.  Our neighbors just told us a few days ago that their little guy has been diagnosed on the spectrum.  Just goes to show you, this autism thing touches ALL of us.  No matter who you are, where you live, you probably know someone, or some family, who has no choice but to accept autism as a part of their life.  We are greeted every morning by it (well, truthfully, I'm interrupted by it in the middle of nearly every night).  We are blessed.  Yes, we are BLESSED to have the challenges autism brings, because every victory the world considers small, we know is HUGE, and God-gifted.

Jeff really wanted to break $6000 this year for OAR.  We are SO close...as you can see on the sidebar, the Firstgivings site.  Thank you if you've already helped us, and OAR, with your gift.  If you've thought about it, but haven't gotten around to it, now's your chance.  And if you are unable or do not feel led to make a monitary donation, keep Jeff in your thoughts and prayers the next few weeks, as he trains.  Pray that he remains healthy and determined.  Pray that Chicago's weather on Oct. 12th is perfect for running.  And please, pray for the cause that he runs for.  

Thank you.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Ryan Hall, Olympic Hopeful

 Not too much to say today, I am tired and my back hurts.  Good speedwork on Tuesday.  Tomorrow is a tempo run.

I have been watching a lot of the Olympics lately.  Really pulling for Ryan Hall, hence the vid.

23 miles

Did anyone see this crazy Romanian woman last night in the Olympic Women's Marathon?  Wow she was impressive.  She led the pack by quite a distance and when she was finished, she did like 5 victory laps around the stadium with her country's flag.  Too bad for Deena Castor, the American hopeful, she dropped out early on due to a foot injury.

As for me, I was up at 3:30 am this morning in order to hit the road by 4:00 am so I could get my 23 miles in before church.  Big thanks to The Pink Flash for doing the last 10 with me.  She went above and beyond, and I needed the company.  All the miles this week have really played a toll on my legs and I had a hard time this morning.  It was a perfect morning for a run.  There was a full moon to light my way, the temp was in the high 50's, no wind, and I didn't see a single car for over an hour.  I did my country/double overpass route, so I got in some hill work.  The only thing up at that hour is some weird sounding birds.  I did really enjoy the full moon.

Well church is over, I had my ice bath (15 minutes of OMG); steak and "Peanut Butter Captain Crunch French Toast" (breakfast); steak salad (lunch); and a nice glass of merlot.  Time for a nap... 

Standing on the Promises

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

What an awesome promise from God's word.  As we go through new challenges, changes, struggles, trials God promises to be right there helping us.  He is so mighty to save that He does it with only one hand!

I had to go out even earlier for my morning 9 miler today.  It is the first day of school and with that comes a new morning schedule.  Comforting to know that the Master of the universe tells me that He will strengthen me and help me.

1:38:16 Chicago Distance Classic

Hey all, I ran the CDC today and got a PR!  (Personal Record to you non-running types, also known as a PB or "Personal Best".  I like to think of it as a PB and J but that's just me.)

Anyway I am beat!  I finished in the top 9% though, so that's pretty cool.  Oddly enough, Susie saw Eric Forehand after his incredible time of 1:14.  He was the 21st finisher, wow!  Susie babysat for Eric and his sister Jenny, so it was a cool reunion.  Ote and Steve from the Cheyenne Running Club also participated in the race and exceeded their time goals.

We spent the weekend in the Windy City, and spent Saturday afternoon with our friend and fellow OAR runner, Christine and her family who live downtown.  It was a day of good food and fellowship followed by a restful evening and an early tuck in.

Susie and Chloe met me at the finish.  It was good to be done.  The weather was perfect for running, and although the 2nd half of the race was into the wind, it was a fast course.

Enough blogging for today, I have another tough week ahead of me so my rear is going to get reacquainted with my couch.  Oh, I almost forgot, my lovely wife got me a massage for Monday afternoon...ahh.

The Jasper County Hospital 5k

"Run like hell and get the agony over with." - Clarence DeMar

That about sums up Saturday's race.  I started out strong and it hurt the whole time.  I guess that means I did it right.  I beat my best 5k time by 5 seconds.  I had hoped to be faster, I guess I have to chalk it up to the heat.  I did preetty, preetty good though.  They had me listed as 7th overall although Randy Lehman (6th overall) and I ran the whole last half together and had the same time.  (Thanks Randy for running with me and keeping me going.)  It was a tough race.

Next weekend, the agony should be prolonged.  Sunday I am running in the Chicago Distance Classic, a half marathon.  I hope the Windy City is cool and not so windy, maybe just a nice breeze at my back.  The 13.1 miles should be a good training run for me.  I hope to do well as I have really been logging the miles in training.   

Happy Birthday Mr. President

Well she wouldn't sing for my birthday...in fact she won't even return my phone calls, but alas, I have turned 35 anyway.  

In celebration, I ran 35 kilometers this morning.  That's almost 22 miles to those of us in America.  Good times, good times.  Thanks to the Pink Flash for starting out with me.

So a little rest was in order, a little "Looney Tunes", some scallops, and some steak.  This was of course after a 15 minute ice bath and a smoothie made by my beautiful wife, she's the best.

Tonight our band "Saved" is rocking the Assembly of God motorcycle rally.  Gotta go, the fans are calling.  Peace.

"I was blinded by the devil, born already ruined, stone cold dead when I stepped out of the womb.  But by His grace I have been touched, by faith I have been healed, by His hand I've been delivered, by His Spirit I've been sealed 'cause I'm saved..."- Bob Dylan

Hey all just a post to promote the band.  We are opening for a semi-big band in two weeks.

Check it out:  Shine FM

Tough speed workout this morning, but I got through it ok, hit my times.  Only 87% humidity at 5 am this morning...YEA!

Peace.

Valpo Tri

"A trophy carries dust, but memories last forever." -Mary Lou Retton

Well, last weeks Valpo Tri was a blast, Ben and Devin were the best (around:)).  They hooked me up with a good home cooked pre-race meal, great company and a place to crash.  Thanks guys.

The race itself was tough.  The day started with a nice hard rain and two claps of thunder that delayed the race by 30 minutes.  After a surprisingly long swim, we rode on some very slick roads with rain pelting our faces.  I nearly wiped out around a corner and had to blow through it to keep the bike upright.  We weren't on the bike very long though before the sun came out and heated things up.  The run went ok, although my legs were of course wobbly from the bike.  Everything was soaked, so I wound up with some killer blisters on my arches.  Good times, good times.

The next day brought a 20 miler on the schedule followed by a long nap and loafing most of the day.  

Tempo

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You gotta love a guy who wasn't afraid to tell people his middle name was Waldo.

Not a lot to report, tempo run today.  Things went well.  (Thanks Carol for the H2O!)  I have been running off the beaten path a little lately.  Today I did the tempo portion of my run in the cemetery.  It was quiet and relaxing.  Lots of trees.  Last Sunday I ran a mile and a half on the railroad tracks.  It wasn't as fun as I thought it might be.  If I could have lowered the crossing arms as I went past, it may have been more fun.  It was a little too uneven to really enjoy any kind of change of scenery.

Anyway, I think I am going to rest tomorrow since the Valpo Tri is on Saturday.  It should be fun.  My main man Ben and his lovely, pregnant wife have graciously allowed me to crash on their couch.  I have been biking some, so I hope to best my last years time...we'll see. 

Speedwork

Have you seen this runner?
Tough run this morning.  6 mile warm-up followed by 4 miles of intervals at the track.  Whew!  What's interesting is that I keep finding things.  Saturday I found a dime and a folding ruler, Sunday I found a dime, then a nickel, then two pennies, then another penny and today I found a baseball!  I wonder what the rest of the week will bring...

A Penny A Mile

I got a little change in my pocket goin' jing-a-lina-a-ling, call you on the telephone baby, give you a ring...

-The Georgia Satellites

I recently read in "Runner's World" about a gal who paid herself a dollar a mile as a reward for training for a marathon.  Well, I do way too many miles for that kind of budget.  However, the kind citizens of Rensselaer paid me a penny a mile this morning.  Thanks to help from the "Pink Flash" (pictured above) I picked up 18 cents around our fair city this morning.  I of course left it on the step of the CRC treasurer.  Sheila, you can make a donation in my name to the Human Fund.  

Quick dose of protein then it's off to church.  Don't forget to check out 26.2 or Less.

Fourth of July

Bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle

I want to ride my bicycle

I want to ride my bike

I want to ride my bicycle

I want to ride it where I like

-Freddy Mercury

Myself and 3 other members of the CRC rode to Francisville today.  36 miles round trip.  I was a good day for a ride.  It was about 62 degrees when we started, very little wind and the sun was out.  When we got back, I did a 6 mile run.  It was on the schedule for today and right know the schedule is king.

I started what I call "my heavy training" for the Chicago Marathon June 24th.  It involves running usually 6 days per week along with strength training and biking as I can fit them in.  The schedule includes "speedwork" twice a week as well a "long run" on Sunday.  I have stuck to the schedule without fail so far (although it was close one day!).  It is tough and tiring but I know it will be worth it come Chi-time.

Having said all that, it probably goes without saying that I have spent the rest of the day getting reunited with my couch.

By the way I had the idea to do another blog, thanks Sheila for brainstorming with me on ideas.  26.2 or Less.  Check it out.

Zach`s Birthday

First of all Happy Birthday to my baby boy, Zachary Taylor Rayburn. If you are 15, that means that I must be...old. Anyway I love you very much and know that you are destined for greatness. May you continue to find favor with both God and man.

I am blogging from Venice, Italy. This is a pic of the Bridge of Sighs. Today is the first day that I have ran here. We have done so much walking that my legs felt kinda tired and sore from that, not to mention that we have been staying out late, so it is hard to get up. I am going to try to run again Sunday before we leave. There is a tiny island across from Venice called Giudecca. That is were the Venetians go to run. It has a nice smooth walkway about a mile long. Not quite long enough for me, plus there are many sets of bridges (READ: STAIRS) That have to be crossed. Anyway I did about 7 miles today and it felt good. I was really a nice, although hot run.

Venice is great. We also went to Florence the other day. It was way cool. A lot more hustle and bustle than that of Venice though. We saw Michelangelo`s David. WOW! Very magnifico!

Gotta go see some more stuff, can`t spend all my time and Euros on Internet. :)

Ciao, Ciao!

MC 200

"That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.'  Leaving the crowd beind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with Him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet!  Be still!'  Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid?  Do you still have no faith?'  They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!' "-  Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)

Hey, just wanted to blog to say that we survived the MC200.  For those who don't know, 8 of my running friends and I ran in the Madison to Chicago Relay.  (That's right, 9 persons:203 miles.  Do the math.  Most teams use 12 runners.  Wimps.)  Over 203 miles, and very little sleep later, 2 vans full of insane runners completed the run.  Why?  For the fun and experience and to benefit the Special Olympics of Wisconsin and Illinois.  I ran over 26 miles in the course of 2 days and stayed up for more than 40 hours, (barring a little nap here and there.)  It was a blast.  I have the privilege of running with some of the finest people on the face of the planet.  We did have two weather stops; One for a tornado and one for lightning.  The later prevented me from running with my friend Christine, who dragged her blessed family out only to be put on hold.  Thanks anyway Christine, maybe next year.

Much love and thanks to the CRC.  You are all beautiful people.  Pics to follow.  Vacation next week!

1st of June

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and he with Me." - Jesus the Holy Son of God

Just got back from a beautiful 8 miler with Mark and the Pink Flash.  What a perfect day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  It was more of a recovery run after yesterday's "Morocco Challenge."  The now infamous day started with Scott, Logan and I biking the 19+ miles to the nearby hamlet of Morocco.  It was a challenging ride into the west wind.  No gravel, no dogs, no traffic, no worries.  On the way over we discussed life, running, biking, etc.  Scott expressed concern about not knowing the course.  He also mentioned wanting to come in ahead of Roger, the local 58 year old running legend.  We laughed about it and continued our journey. 

We arrived to a small field of runners and snazzy purple shirts.  As the race began, Scott immediately shot to the lead and held on strong.  He burned up and wasted a North Newton High School Cross Country runner, who had to start walking at about the 1 mile mark.  A man from the Kennukk Running Club was close behind him.  Wise Roger held on to third.  It looked like Scott had it in the bag.  

Logan and I ran most of the race together with him pulling ahead of me to make us 5th and 6th.  Logan's fiance was the top female finisher.  After crossing the finish line, I started looking around for Scott to congratulate him.  He was no where to be found.  It turns out Scott missed a critical turn and keep going straight.  He got very far off course and came back like 20 minutes after Logan and I finished.  The funny thing was that the Kennukk followed him, leaving Roger to win the whole thing.  

So this is the tale of how Scott came to be known as "Raging Bull."  He coulda been somebody, he coulda been a contender.

We rode the 20+ miles to Original Devon's Family Resturant for a very big breakfast, and even bigger stories of the day.

Do the Hustle!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."    - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is the Autism Team at Van Rensselaer Elementary.  They not only raised a ton of money for OAR at their school, they also got the local Middle School in on it too.  In addition to their own fundraising, they challenged the Autism Teams at nearby West Central and Tri-County School Corporations to do the same.  Rensselaer's big thing was hat day.  Students could wear their favorite hat all day for a $1 dollar donation.  Tri-County primarily raised funds by selling cookies.  I am told that these cookies were baked in the Lifeskills Room, and the wonderful aromas enticed buyers to dig deep.  West Central said that they were "preparing something for next year."  Big thanks to everyone's efforts, you are storing up treasures in Heaven.

In other news, Zach and I ran the Memorial Day Portage Run yesterday.  It was nearly 7.5 miles of torture.  It was hotter than we expected and the water stops were placed too far apart.  We toughed it out through muddy descents, steep inclines, about 8 creek crossings, hairpin turns, and lots of uneven terrain.  Needless to say, this old man is sore and tired.  Even Zach said he was a little sore this morning.  

Off to bed, got 6-8 miles at 5:oo am.  Might try a small town 5k this Saturday, the Morocco Homecoming Hustle.  Do do do duh do doot do do...

The Big Day

"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." - A Proverb of Solomon

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!" - A Psalm of David

What a day!  It started sort of scary, at a quarter after six or so, while the band was setting up and getting ready, we had a few raindrops.  Not to worry though, Gary and Mark ran and got some tarps.  The clouds blew over by race time and we had just about the most beautiful day you could possibly imagine.  The wind kicked up here and there but overall, we could not have asked for a more perfect day.  (And we did ask...repeatedly...of our Heavenly Father...good weather please!)  God is Faithful.

As I was going through a small fraction of the days pics, I came across these two that my dad took.  (Thanks Dad!)  I was overwhelmed by these two of Jim and Darlene.  Not only did it instantly remind me that our whole CK5KRRR event is based on the help of our terrific friends that are a gift from God, but it literally brings me to tears to contemplate all of you terrific folks who came out and volunteered, and worked, and donated, and supported, and ran, and walked, and rode, and helped.  We are so blessed.

To those who don't know, Jim and Darlene Williams are the beautiful people in the pictures.  You just gotta love 'em.  Darlene is possibly the nicest lady you will ever meet.  After helping with registration, she walked the 5k.  She is such a tremendous blessing.  We were at her church several weeks ago and Chloe sidled up next to her so that Darlene could hug her.  Chloe never does that.  The fact that an autistic kid sought Darlene out, should tell you just how awesome Darlene is.

Jim (AKA Papa Ho-Ho) is the President of the Christian Motorcycle Association.  I have had the honor of serving with this soft-spoken grandfather on the mission field.  He has the heart of of Our Lord.  Under his leadership, the CMA has been an integral part of this event.  I would have absolutely no idea how to throw together a bike event.  (Jeff: "Hey, sweet bike.  That thing got a dual holly-gripper on it or what?"  Biker Dudes:  "Huh?")  But Jim and Co. pull it off with the greatest of ease.  In his true-blue humble manner, Jim said when I thanked him, "It's what we do."  He wasn't kidding, being smart, or making a joke.  I think Our Savior would say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Thanks Jim and Darlene.  And thanks to everyone who made today possible.  I am truly humbled.

So I don't have exact figures, but we raised over $4000 dollars today that will go directly to the Organization for Autism Research.  They will put these funds to work helping out families and persons affected by autism where they live.  That's one of the things that I love about OAR.  Not only do they care about research, they want to help people.  NOW.  In practical ways.  That's what Jesus was about.  That's what He told us to do.  Help people.  NOW.

Running so fast...she's a blur

"...Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God...Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..."-Jesus

Hey just got back from a brisk 9 miler and wanted to blog and say that things are looking great for the CK 5K RRR. They took the rain out of the forcast for Saturday. (PTL!) And thanks to Ms. Seager and my brilliant (and charming and lovely) wife we got some great coverage in the Rensselaer Republican yesterday. We had band practice last night and Saved is stoked. We have a nice tight set with some new material. Looking forward to seeing ya'll bright and early.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Al Einstein 

Just thought I'd post this picture of me being an idiot.  To those of you who know me, this is not something you need proof of.  You can't tell, but I am running around the World Famous Indianapolis 500 track, the famed Brickyard.  

Well, things are coming together very well for the CK 5K RRR.  My training is picking up too.  I did a 5 mile tempo run tonight, and have run several mornings this week.  

Indy Mini

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."-The Apostle Paul

I didn't have a camera, but I think it looked something like this when Kerry and I crossed the finish line.  We had a great time.  I was very proud of Kerry, he put in his miles for months and it paid off on race day.

I had a lot of fun.  This was the first time I ran a whole race with someone.  I even did the famed beer stop at about mile 11.  

Oddly enough, Susie and I ran into our good friend from Chicago, Christine, as we were leaving the park.  In the midst of 90,000 people, God ordained that we should meet.  I don't know why other than it was nice to see her and her family.  I know that there are no coincidences with God.  And then on top of that, we saw other friends of ours, former Rensselaer residents, Wes and Rita.  They were walking through the parking lot as we were changing.  The Lord works all things to the good of those who love Him...

Looking Good

When people ask me why I run, I tell them, there's not really a reason, it's just the adrenalin when you start, and the feeling when you cross that finish line, and know that you are a winner no matter what place you got.-Courtney Parsons

Hey all, just a note to say that the sponsorship to put on the Chloe K. 5k RUN RIDE ROCK is going great.  We are already above last years pre-race amount and we have other moneys promised that should arrive at any moment.  This is very encouraging.  Thanks to all who have donated thus far.  Remember to get the word out.  

I am running the Indy Mini on Saturday with my good friend Kerry.  Should be a lot of fun, for me at least.  I am to be Kerry's task master as this will be his first half-marathon.  I think it will be a blast.  I have never run a race with someone before.  I am going to have to come up with some irritating stories and jokes in order to maintain a certain level of annoyance for the 13.1 miles.  I can't wait.  I hope the rain is over by then.  The temps look good.  Except for the other 34,998 runners celebrating the 32nd  running of the Indianapolis One America Festival and the 60,000 spectators, it should be a blast.

See you on the road...

First Online Donation

"You have to forget your last marathon before you try another.  Your mind can't know what's coming."- Frank Shorter

Another beautiful, chilly but sunny day in Rensselaer.  I had a good run this morning with one member of the Cheyenne Running Club, Randy.  (What happened Carol?)   It was just one of those almost effortless mornings where I woke up easy and floated along for 6 miles.  When I returned home it was as though an eternity had passed, I was changed for the better.  It was as though I were a monk who had just left the abby of the road ready to go out into the world for a while, knowing full well that I would soon be able to return to the solace of running.

So it has been a good week of running.  Things are coming together for the Chloe K, and I received an email last night saying that they had received our first online donation of the year.  Thanks Steve (The Great White Myth.)

More later... 

Lion's Club

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the Glory of God." - The Apostle Paul

"Whoever receives one little child like this in My Name receives Me." -Jesus Christ

I had the privilege of escorting Mrs. Rayburn to the Lion's Club meeting tonight to speak on Autism.  Betsy Boassar from the School Coop spoke as well.  The Lions were very interested in learning about Autism and our fundraising efforts.  Lucky for me, the meeting was held at Devon's Doghouse-my favorite place to eat.  The gyros are the way to go.

It's always good when we can be an advocate for those who can't advocate for themselves.  It is encouraging when others ask to help.  Heaven and earth move when someone sincerely says, "What can I do to make a difference?"

OK time almost time for bed...gotta get up at 4:30 am to run.

I'm Back Baby

"Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in." -Michael Corleone

Just kidding, I love raising money for autism charities just about as much as I love taking self portraits or watching The Godfather.

So yeah, it's that time of year again.  I have begun laying out my training/fundraising plan for the Chicago Marathon.  This years plan includes some other small races to help me get ready along the way.  The first one is this Saturday, the Valpo mini.  I am not as ready as I would like to be, but I am looking at it as "A good training run, where drinks are provided, and they give you a shirt for doing it." to quote Shannon (AKA "The Pink Flash" AKA "Vegetable Lasagna.")  It should be fun.

We have also begun plans for OAR's 2nd annual Chloe K RUN/RIDE/ROCK for AUTISM.  This is the very successful 5k run and motorcycle ride that we put on last year.  This year we decided to move the event to May 17th in hopes of cooler weather.  Props to last years troopers who ran and walked and rode and rocked in the Hoosier July heat and humidity.  I will give more information in future posts.  Also check my website for this years registration, it should be up there in the next few days.