Saturday, November 13, 2010

New website!

The LIFE Runners archive/updates are now posted at http://run.lifegroup413.org/. Please check out our new website and let me know how to make it better (contact@lifegroup413.org). Thanks to our mighty, gracious, and merciful God!

Running for ProLife,
Coach Pat
Phil 4:13

Sunday, September 26, 2010

2011 LIFE Runners (planning and inviting!)


Kansas City Half/Full Marathon for ProLife (15 Oct)
* Our Calling: LIFE Runners are LIFE Group Devotions members who pray, raise funds, and run…for ProLife!
* Core Values: Keep the Faith, Respect Life from Conception to Natural Death, Run so as to Win.
* LIFE Runners Team FB, LIFE Group Devotions blog (FB)
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2011 LIFE Runners Team,

The 2010 LIFE Runners had an anointed Sioux Falls half/full Marathon race weekend...for ProLife! Check out the 2010 LIFE Runners photo album. Before we settle in for Thanksgiving dinner, let's do some initial planning for God to do amazing things with the 2011 LIFE Runners weekend (Kansas City half/full Marathon, 15 Oct). The course is described as "fast" and "scenic." With the Saturday race, we will plan a Friday prerace dinner, Saturday evening worship service, and a Saturday night party.

2011 GOAL: Build a miracle team of 100 LIFE Runners to raise $25,000 ($250 per runner) for the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus (free ultrasounds)...saving babies (and families)! 87% of Mothers who see their Unborn baby ultrasound...don't abort. For 2010, we raised over $7K for the Alpha Center bus with 17 LIFE Runners and over 100 generous sponsors (list).

TEAM ROSTER: 53 adult runners and 7 kid runners (from 18 states). OTHERS?
* Full Marathon (23): Mike Austad (SD), Rosemary Bernth (IA), Chris Bird (TN), Dave Butterfield (OH), Pat/Angi Castle (IL), Steve Castle (MN), Kiplimö Chemirmir (TX), Ger Fjeldheim (IA), Becky/Chris Gregory (NE), Stuart Hughes (MO), Rachel Lindner (TX), Rachel Person (SD), Jason Peters (SD), Kia Rector (SD), Rich Reich (FL), Rob Rysavy (CO), Courtney Schumann (CO), Fr. Jonathan St. Andre (PA), Sarah Vetch (MN), Deneen Waddell (WI), Doug Young (AR)
* Half Marathon (30): Dave Alpers (SD), Brenda Alvine (SD), Deborah Bertsch (SD), Lynn Bishara (FL), Stephanie Bossman (SD), Karla Brien (IL), Scott Casmer (CO), Tina Castle (MN), Joe Castle (IN), Shantelle Castle (AZ), Tracy Clinton (UT), Aaron/Brenda Ferrie (IA), Shane Hall (MO), Pam McGushin (IL), Ardis Moeller (SD), Julie Norton (SD), Deanna Peters (SD), Mandi Poss (IA), Erica Reich (FL), John Shannon (IL), Jamie Simpson (KS), Stephanie Spader (SD), Dale/Tayler Sundermann (NE), Wade/Ashlee Sundermann (MO), Dan Szarke (CO), Julie Weiss (FL), Chris Wyckoff (CO)
* 5K or 1.2 mile (7): Brianna Castle (10), Grace Castle (7), Paige Castle (10), Carter Ferrie (7), Trevor Ferrie (10), AJ Spader (10), Catherine Spader (7)

INVITE: As most marathoners only do one or two races each year, we need to invite our ProLife family/friends now for them to plan on joining us. If we each recruit one LIFE Runner by Christmas, we will have 76 runners. If all 76 runners then recruit another LIFE Runner by the beginning of the marathon training schedule (25 July), we will have 152 LIFE Runners for 2011. Our courageous goal of 100 runners can be done...with inspiration (Jer 1:5, Phil 4:13)! When inviting, explain that LIFE Runners are members of the LIFE Group Devotions faith community who pray, run, and raise funds for ProLife! "If not you, who? If not now, when?"

MAINTENANCE: Training schedules begin 13 June for the full and 25 July for the half. At the start of these training schedules you should be able to comfortably run 3 miles. For maintenance in your off season, consider running at least 3 miles for 3 days of the week with one longer run on the weekend. For injury prevention and improvement, do stretching and core training after every run. To keep things interesting, plan a 5K or 10K every 3 months. God luck with your upcoming races...wear your LIFE Runners jersey and ProLife wristband to give voice to the Unborn...saving babies (and parents)!

Let's continue to run/pray hard that we soon cross the finish line for the end of abortion. As my brother Steve said to me at mile 19 of the Sioux Falls Marathon, "stay strong, stay vigilant"!

Godspeed, Pat
Jer 1:5
Runners run. Christians Pray. LIFE Runners (FB) do both!

* Abortion reality (images): #1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. "A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish." Blessed Mother Teresa
* "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." Ikangaa
* "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary." Isaiah 40:31

Saturday, September 18, 2010

2010 LIFE Runners (through the finish line!)


Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon for ProLife (12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Save the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* 2010 Team (20): Jason Peters (SD), Rich/Erica Reich (FL), Pat/Angi Castle (IL), Aaron/Brenda Ferrie (IA), Becky Loving Gregory (NE), Rob Rysavy (CO), Scott Casmer (CO), John Shannon (IL), Deborah Bertsch (SD), Ardis Moeller (SD), Dale Sundermann (NE), Mandi Poss (IA), Mark/Kia Rector (SD), [Sue Peters (SD), Deanna Peters (SD), and Steve Castle (MN) for amazing team support!]
* LIFE Runners Team FB, LIFE Group Devotions blog (FB)
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LIFE Runners Team, congrats on finishing the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon...for ProLife! The 2010 LIFE Runners weekend was like a ProLife retreat with the Mass, prerace agape dinner, race sacrifices, and post race celebration. I agree with Scott Casmer, "It was one of the best weekends of my life"...and Dale Sundermann, "It was the most enjoyable race/event." Let's prepare for God to do more great things with the 2011 LIFE Runners weekend (Kansas City half/full Marathon 15 Oct)!
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Alpha Center: Our contributions to the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus exceeded $7K (including Kia's $400 prize) with many thanks/prayers for our 100+ generous sponsors (list). The 2011 LIFE Runners team will gladly raise funds again for the life saving Alpha Center bus mission (provides free ultrasounds). 87% of Mothers who see their Unborn baby ultrasound...don't abort!
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2010 LIFE Runners Story: This Facebook photo album has routinely updated photos, captions and comments that tell our story.
* Our training/fundraising was inspired by the faith/endurance of JP, his parents Jason/Deanna, and his grandparents Sue/Bill! Running for JP (KELO article/TV video) and Faith and Family Inspire Sioux Falls Marathon Finisher (KSFY TV video).
* Articles (in progress): O'G High School Scroll (Cameron Johnson), O'G Alumni Re-U-Knighter (Carol Nesbitt), Alpha Center newsletter (Jenay Hallickson)
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2010 Season Highlights (chrono order): New team slogan/logo/jersey. Leslee read Steve's Running the Race LIFE Group devotion to 1200 pregnancy center leaders in Dallas. Leslee shared our story with Bishop Swain at the airport. Kimberly/Leslee Alpha Center tour ("marathon coach" written on bus, Memorial Garden plaques, Leslee's 26th yr). Team blessing after prerace Mass. Sue/Bill hosted prerace dinner (praying over JP, children's prayers, "eating an elephant"). Awesome race day support (great signs). Rich crossing the finish line holding up 12 wk baby model (for all to see "real Life"). Dale paced Rob to a PR. John paced Angi to a PR. Aaron paced Mandi. First half marathon for Mandi/Scott/Ardis. Steve/Erica encouragement helped Pat through some tough miles. Aaron/Brenda went back for Jason. Jason/JP/Team finish. Kia gave her $400 prize (3rd place lady) to the Alpha Center...putting us over $7,000 raised for the crisis pregnancy bus. KELO/KSFY TV stories. Inspired new LIFE Runners. Helped save babies (and families).
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2011 LIFE Runners: The Kansas City half/full Marathon (15 Oct 2011) is described as "fast" and "scenic." With the Saturday race, we will plan a Fri prerace dinner, Sat evening worship service, and a Sat night party! We already have 38 adult runners and 5 kid runners (from 13 states) interested in joining the 2011 LIFE Runners team. See updated roster in latest update.
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Let's continue to run/pray hard that we soon cross the finish line for the end of abortion. You all fuel my ProLife engine with your demonstrated dedication to saving the Unborn (and their parents). I salute and thank you!

Godspeed,
Coach Pat
Jer 1:5
Runners run. Christians Pray. LIFE Runners (FB) do both!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

2010 LIFE Runners (3 days to go!)


Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon for ProLife (12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Save the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* Team (20): Jason Peters (SD), Rich/Erica Reich (FL), Pat/Angi Castle (IL), Aaron/Brenda Ferrie (IA), Becky Loving Gregory (NE), Rob Rysavy (CO), Scott Casmer (CO), John Shannon (IL), Deborah Bertsch (SD), Ardis Moeller (SD), Dale Sundermann (NE), Mandi Poss (IA), Mark/Kia Rector (SD), [Sue Peters (SD), Deanna Peters (SD), and Steve Castle (MN) provided amazing team support!]
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LIFE Runners Team,

Only 3 days to go until we line up for our mission statement (above)! Our prayers during training, fundraising for ultrasounds with the Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus, and wearing the "REMEMBER The Unborn" jerseys...will save lives and help bring an end to abortion. [90% of Mothers who see their Unborn baby with an ultrasound...don't abort!]

FUNDRAISING: As of 8 Sep, we have 98 sponsors (list), and the Alpha Center has received 85 of the donations ($5,772) for LIFE Runners! We will present the Alpha Center with a "big check" either during the tour or at the prerace meal. Let's lift up prayers of thanksgiving for our sponsors and invite them to receive the LIFE Group Devotions (FB).

MEDIA: If God gives us a platform, we will gladly use it to glorify Him with our ProLife ministry...further protecting the Unborn (and parents)! Thanks to Sue Peters for getting the word out.
* KELO TV will do an interview with the LIFE Runners at 2 PM, Saturday, 11 Sep, Lewis Park (E. 54th St. & Lewis Ave)...to be shown during the 6 PM News on Sat.
* The O'G High School Scroll (Cameron Johnson) and O'G Alumni Re-U-Knighter (Carol Nesbitt) are doing articles about the LIFE Runners.
* The Alpha Center (Jenay Hallickson) is doing a LIFE Runners article for their next newsletter.

JERSEY VERSE: Please memorize the verse on our jersey/logo...people will ask you what it states. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

ACTIVITIES (11 Sep):
* Alpha Center Tour (9 AM, 801 E. 41st St)
* Packet Pickup (10 AM, Scheels All Sports, 41st & Western Ave)
* St. Theresa Mass (4 PM, 901 North Tahoe Trail): Invite family/friends.
* Prerace Meal (5:30 PM, Sue/Bill Peters home, 4400 River Oaks Circle): Please arrive between 5 and 5:30 PM (for team photo).

2011 Team: The LIFE Runners are doing the Kansas City half/full Marathon in mid October, 2011. Why? Primarily because of it's central location for most active LIFE Runners. Plus, mid Oct is a great time of year for a marathon...and the race is described as "fast" and "scenic"! Let me know if you are a "maybe", "probably not" or "definitely". Spread the word for recruiting more LIFE Runners.

Looking forward to the team fellowship (sharing/growing/praying/praising) this weekend...see you soon!

Running for ProLife,
Coach Pat
Phil 4:13

Friday, September 3, 2010

2010 LIFE Runners (1 wk to go!): get set...


SIOUX FALLS Half/Full MARATHON for ProLife (Sun, 12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Protect the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* Team (18): Jason/Deanna Peters, Rich/Erica Reich, Pat/Angi Castle, Aaron/Brenda Ferrie, Becky Loving Gregory, Rob Rysavy, Scott Casmer, John Shannon, Deborah Bertsch, Ardis Moeller, Dale Sundermann, Mandi Poss, Mark/Kia Rector
* Marathons for ProLife FB page, Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus), LIFE Group Devotions (FB)
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LIFE Runners Team,

Only 1 wk to go...get set for our race day defense of the Unborn! The "REMEMBER" picture was taken at the Holocaust memorial in Boston (before the 2009 Boston Marathon)...notice that my shoes are on the starting line of our next race...let's pray fervently that someday soon this will represent the finish line for the abortion holocaust. This picture inspired our "REMEMBER The Unborn" jerseys (Steve Castle's idea). Thanks to Rich Reich for designing our new LIFE Runners logo (on blog/FB).

SPONSORS GOAL: Each teammate donates to the Alpha Center and raises at least $200 (or 5 sponsors). We have raised many miles, prayers and funds...to help protect the Unborn (and parents). As of 2 Sep, we have 90 sponsors (list), and the Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus) has received 70 donations ($5,444) for LIFE Runners. 90% of Mothers who see their Unborn baby with an ultrasound...don't abort! Invite your sponsors to receive the LIFE Group Devotions (FB). Let's lift up prayers of thanksgiving for our sponsors.

ACTIVITIES (11 Sep):
* O'G Tour (8 AM, 41st & Kiwanis Ave)
* Alpha Center Tour (9 AM, 801 E. 41st St)
* Packet Pickup (10 AM, Scheels All Sports, 41st & Western Ave)
* St. Theresa Mass (4 PM, 901 North Tahoe Trail): Invite family/friends.
* Prerace Meal (5:30 PM, Sue/Bill Peters home, 4400 River Oaks Circle): Please arrive between 5 and 5:30 PM (for team photo).

PRAYER REQUEST: Fr. Jonathan (LIFE Runner) shared, "I’m praying for all the LIFE Runners." The same weekend as our race, he is the chaplain for a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, a ministry for Women and Men who are seeking healing from abortion. Fr Jonathan asked us to offer up a mile of the race as a prayer for the retreatants and retreat team...let's also pray for him!

We are going to enjoy most of the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon race miles and endure a few of them...when the running gets tough, "REMEMBER The Unborn". Looking forward to praying with everyone before the race and high fiving everyone after the race...see you soon!

Running for ProLife,
Coach Pat
Phil 4:13
LIFE Group Devotions (FB)

Sunday, August 29, 2010

2010 LIFE Runners (2 wks to go!): taper body, ramp up soul‏


SIOUX FALLS Half/Full MARATHON for ProLife (Sun, 12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Protect the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* Team (18): Jason/Deanna Peters, Rich/Erica Reich, Pat/Angi Castle, Aaron/Brenda Ferrie, Becky Loving Gregory, Rob Rysavy, Scott Casmer, John Shannon, Deborah Bertsch, Ardis Moeller, Dale Sundermann, Mandi Poss, Mark/Kia Rector
* Marathons for ProLife FB page, Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus), LIFE Group Devotions (FB)
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LIFE Runners Team,

Only 2 wks to go...taper the body and ramp up the soul in preparation for our race day defense of the Unborn! See Race Prep tips below.

SPONSORS LIST (110): Let's lift up prayers of thanksgiving for our sponsors! Anonymous, Marsha Adams, Tom/Vanessa Albrecht, Grant/Brenda Alvine, Dave/Rose Beizer, Travis/Rachel Bellinghausen, Dave/Sue Bengford, Brian/Deborah Bertsch, Don/Sandra Bird, Mark/Lynn Bishara, Susie Blanchet, Karla Brien, Sharon Brockel, Mike/Amy Carey, Matt/Jenny Carroll, Scott/Susan Casmer, Joe Castle Jr, Joe/Kathy Castle, Pat/Angi/Paige/Grace Castle, Steve/Tina Castle, Denise Chomicki/Andy Gleeson, Darlene Cogley, Alex/Mandra Connolly, Helene Couchon, Paul/Mariah Craycroft, Liz Curry, John/Charissa Dickmeyer, Mike Dunlap, Aaron/Brenda Ferrie, Erica Ford, Heather Fortin, Mark Foster, Ron/Julie Furstenau, Chris/Becky Gregory, Jeff/Anne Gross, Emily Gulbrandson, Shane Hall, Charlie/Sharon Hansens, Doug/Megan Hansens, Julie Hanson, Bob/Heather Hayes, Cathy Hieb, Dana Hlebichuk, Carla Hofer, Bill/Pam Hourigan, Christy Feldhaus Hubka, Brad/Colleen Hubler, Tracy Humphreys, Craig/Colleen Johnson, Shelli Kahler, Sheri Kahnke, Gary/Deb Kayser, Tim/Kristen Kelly, Stephanie Kemp, Jay/Shannon Ketchum, Tiffany Kortan, Shelly Leither, Joe Levisky, Doug/Julie Lindner, Phil/Lisa Loving, Rita Loving, Rick/Amy Lynch, Pat/Renee Mcgill, Pat/Pam McGushin, Carolyn McKissack, Shirley Michalak, Steve/Ardis Moeller, Jim Moon, Mike Moon, Hans/Sally Mueh, Lorena Myers, Jim/Janette Nelson, Mike/Deb Nelson, Carol Nesbitt, Dave Nitzschke, Tom/Jean Noon, Dale/Julie Norton, Sue Pence, Bill/Sue Peters, Jason/Deanna Peters, Jaci Quenzer, Rich/Erica Reich, Lisa Riess, Miles/Roxan Patton, Rob/Michelle Rysavy, David/Kelly Schroeder, Jessie Shannon, John/Chris Shannon, Lauren/Allie Shannon,Ivan/Jamie Simpson, Stephanie Spader, Duane Spader, Fr. Jonathan St.Andre, Craig/Jane Stanley, Dale/Michelle Sundermann, Dawn Heller Telford, Mandy Tentinger, Chuck Tsay, Allen/Leslee Unruh, Mark/Kia Rector, Craig/Emily Vosse, Pam Vossen, Tenia Wagner, Daniel/Joanna Webster, Bob/Jean/Julie Weiss, Tracy Woodland, Mike/Petra Worley, Tienyu Wu, Doug Young, Nicholas Zeisler.
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SPONSORS GOAL: Each teammate donates to the Alpha Center and raises at least $200 (or 5 sponsors). Over the past 16 wks we have raised many miles, prayers and funds...to help protect the Unborn (and parents). As of 27 Aug, the Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus) has received 56 donations ($4,486) for LIFE Runners...and I know of at least $1,000 of committed donations that have not yet arrived. One sponsor wrote, "No need for recognition, just knowing we helped save a baby is all we need!" Consider sending individual emails to your friends/family with the sponsor info below...give them an opportunity to be part of this life saving effort. Send me your sponsors names, so I can add them to the Sponsors List (below) for prayers of thanksgiving. [Feel free to also invite your friends/family/sponsors to receive the LIFE Group Devotions (FB)...fwd an example.] Let's press on with fundraising until the start of the race! "I press on towards the goal..." Phil 3:14

SPONSORS INFO: "As part of the LIFE Runners Team, I am racing the Sioux Falls Half/Full Marathon (12 Sep)...for ProLife ministry and to raise funds for the Sioux Falls Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. The bus reaches those who need free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and the Good News...saves lives! (80% of Mothers who see their Unborn baby with an ultrasound...don't abort.) I already made a donation. Would you like to be part of this life saving effort? Sponsors List and team info at Marathons for ProLife blogsite (FB page). To be a sponsor, go to Alpha Center (tax deductible) and click "donate" (annotate "LIFE Runners"). Please let me know if you donate because I would like to add your name (not $) to our Sponsors List (for thanksgiving prayers). Your prayers are needed/appreciated. Thank you for considering! Blessings for your sacrifices to protect the Unborn (& parents). Jer 1:5"

RACE PREP: Be sure to closely follow your training schedule for a proper taper. Running extra miles at this point will likely hurt your race. When tapering, you decrease miles but maintain your typical pace (mental/physical reasons). If possible, do not start up any new physical fitness activity before the race. Mentally, be at peace with whatever you were able to accomplish with your training. Figure out an appropriate race pace based on your training pace. For first time marathoners, pace the race as a 20 mile training run (run easy), followed by a 10K race (push it)...or 10 mile training run followed by a 5K race for half marathon. At the start, stride it out for 2 min and then back off until you get your first mile time (adjust to planned race pace). Mentally, break up the race in pieces (5K, 10K, half, 17, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26.2). I would be happy to help you figure out a smart race pace/plan. Your marathon time is impacted by many variables: training (respect the taper), illness (extra Vit C), stress (don't sweat the small stuff), sleep (2 nights prior most important), weather (Serenity Prayer), food/hydration before race (breakfast/protein bar 2 hrs prior, gu pack 15 min prior), food/hydration during race (gu pack every 45 min, hydration plan based on training), potty stops (prerace meal, bring TP), mental (training gives confidence), and Spiritual (prayer gives perspective). A proper taper and smart race plan will ensure you have an outstanding marathon experience. You are going to enjoy most of the miles and endure a few of them...when the running gets tough, "REMEMBER The Unborn"!

ACTIVITIES (11 Sep): O'G Tour (8 AM), Alpha Center Tour (9 AM), Packet Pickup (10 AM), St. Theresa Mass (4 PM, invite family/friends), Prerace Meal (5:30 PM, team photo).

Let's stay focused with our prayerful running and sacrificial fundraising...for the Unborn (and parents)!

Running for ProLife,
Coach Pat
Phil 4:13
LIFE Group Devotions (FB)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

2010 LIFE Runners (only 3 wks to go!)


SIOUX FALLS Half/Full MARATHON for ProLife (12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Protect the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* Team (16): Jason/Deanna Peters, Rich/Erica Reich, Pat/Angi Castle, Aaron/Brenda Ferrie, Becky Loving Gregory, Rob Rysavy, Scott Casmer, John Shannon, Deborah Bertsch, Ardis Moeller, Dale Sundermann, Mandi Poss
* Marathons for ProLife FB page, Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus)
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LIFE Runners,

Only 3 wks to go! Over the past 15 wks we have raised many miles, prayers and funds...to help protect the Unborn (and parents). We recently added three teammates...welcome Deborah, Ardis and Dale! As of 20 Aug, the Alpha Center (crisis pregnancy bus) has received 46 donations ($3,875) for LIFE Runners...let's keep going!

SPONSORS GOAL: Each teammate donates to the Alpha Center and raises at least $200 (or 5 sponsors). Consider sending individual emails to your friends/family with the sponsor info below...many will want to be part of this life saving effort. Send me your sponsors names, so I can add them to the Sponsors List (above) for prayers of thanksgiving. "I press on towards the goal..." Phil 3:14

ACTIVITIES (11 Sep): Alpha Center Tour (9 AM), Packet Pickup (10 AM), St. Theresa Mass (4 PM, invite family/friends), Prerace Meal (5:30 PM, team photo).

Let's stay focused with our prayerful running and sacrificial fundraising...for the Unborn (and parents)!

Running for ProLife,
Coach Pat
Phil 4:13