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...