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!

2010 LIFE Runners Team (only 6 wks to go!)‏

SIOUX FALLS Half/Full MARATHON for ProLife (12 Sep)
* Mission: God first, Protect the Unborn (& parents), Encourage, Health
* Team (12): Jason/Deanna Peters, Rich/Erica Reich, Pat/Angi Castle, Brenda Ferrie, Becky Gregory, Rob Rysavy, Scott Casmer, John Shannon, Deborah Bertsch

* Marathons for ProLife Facebook page

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LIFE Runners -

We only have 6 weeks to go! Be sure to get registered. Over the next 3 weeks we will raise miles, prayers and funds...to help the Unborn (and parents). The funds we raise are for the Sioux Falls Alpha Center crisis pregnancy bus. The bus reaches women for free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and the Good News...saves lives! As of 30 Jul, the Alpha Center has received 10 donations ($982) for the LIFE Runners.

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TEAM GOAL: By 22 Aug, each teammate donates to Alpha Center...and raises at least $200 (including your donation). Like training for a marathon, fundraising does indeed take sacrifice (time, courage)...not fun asking for $...but we are giving others an opportunity to save lives! Sponsors are typically a result of a personal invitation...let's ask others every day until the race.

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INSPIRATION:
* "If we're ever going to see a rainbow [finish marathon, save lives], we have to stand a little rain [training, fundraising]." Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
* "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5
* "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die." Proverbs 24:11
* "When it's all said and done, no one remembers how far we have run. The only thing that matters is how we have loved." Blink by Revive

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To honor the Spirit of this marathon (for ProLife), let's stay focused with our prayerful running and sacrificial fundraising...in defense of the Unborn!

Running His race,

Coach Pat

Phil 4:13

life-devotions.blogspot.com

Facing Discouragement

Greetings Runners,
I work with a crafty, veteran runner named Jim. He's in his late 40's and still runs with a passion. Jim qualified for the Olympic trials for the 10,000 meter steeple chase in 1980 (we did not participate in those Olympics though). He has run 32 marathons and countless road races over the years. He looks nothing like a runner by his build (looks like an average middle age man), but can step on a track and poop out a 5 minute mile without much efforts (goes to show the power of V02 Max and genetics). Jim was made to run. Conversely I was not, but we both share a passion for running. I have been pouting of sorts since deciding to hang up the shoes for Chicago. Jim took a moment today to encourage me and share a story to this "young grasshopper."

Jim had recently read a story (in the most recent Runner's World) about a man who was a fabulous cross country runner and an Olympic hopeful for the marathon in 1980. Soon before he was in a horrific motorcycle accident which nearly severed one of his feet (hanging by his Achilles). He begged the Dr. to reconnect it, but in the process severely maimed his entire lower leg. He suffered for years with terrible pain in the leg and a deeper pain in his heart to return to the running he loved (when its in your blood its in your blood). He became a doctor and married a runner as well (imagine that). After many, many years of enduring this pain he decided to start running again. He was able to somehow find a gate where he could plod along at 12 minute miles though the bone had degenerated in his foot to nearly nothing. This caused intense chronic pain. He started to read about the successes of amputees and their subsequent successes running. He made a decision. He decided to do what he probably should have done initially - he had his leg amputated. After several years of rehab and training he was able to run a marathon in the 3:20 range! Amazing story. Jim literally was tearing up as he shared this story with me, and subsequently touched me as well. I tried to find the story online at their web page, but it wasn't online. I would encourage all of you to pick up a Runner's World and read this article.

The impact for me was perspective. Honestly, I have been sulking and pouting about not being healthy enough to run. I will live to run another day, and my body will heal. It goes to show that we often can become discouraged when we turn the focus inward - it is when we put that focus outward that we come to see the reality of our position in Christ and in relation to our fellow man. This is not a setback, it is an opportunity to watch all of you do something amazing! I hope all of you realize what a gift it is to do what you are about to do as you put your foot on the starting line with thousands of runners. You will accomplish something truly amazing and significant and keep in mind that the journey that got you there is just as significant as the race itself...

I guess my moniker was a bit prophetic...Wounded Soldier. The significance of this is completely different (initially), but God has a sense of humor.

Oh my it's early

This is what a 05:30A Wednesday start time for a 10 miler looks like:

Don't Ben and Scott look so anxious to run?






Here's one of Pat and Tracy on an early Saturday: Only Pat could be this 'on' so early in the AM

May Roll Call (Pat)

Living In Faith Exchange Runners (LIFER's) Chicago Marathon Team

* Shane, John, Tracy, Steve, Chad, Bill, Rich, Courtney, Angi, Pat, Scott, Ben, Doug, Kevin

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Hi, LIFER's Team:

Please do a May Roll Call blog post with any updates on goals, inspirations, training, injuries, and ProLife fundraising by Wed, 21 May. This is to help us build team spirit, collaborate on running issues, share our faith, and encourage each other.

* Encouragement (aka "smack talk"): Steve wrote: "I need everyone to bombard me with emails insulting my pudgy behind; my wanna-be running shoes sitting by my front door; just whatever it takes to make this top of mind. I respond well to insults, rants, and belittling. So, let's bring it on! Big Poppy"

* Training: The 18 wk marathon training schedule begins on 8 Jun...be sure to use it! Run a local race each month leading up to the marathon to help maintain your training focus. The LIFER's from C. Springs plan to run the Garden of the Gods 10 miler (8 Jun) and the Bear Creek Park 12K (6 Jul), and the Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon (16/17 Aug). Rich will be here for the Garden 10 miler, and Steve will be here for the Ascent.

* Inspiration (wow!): This short video clip will definitely help prevent the poor me syndrome http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513.

I am very proud of our team's mission and priorities (God first, ProLife, encouragement, fitness)!

Run for ProLife,

Pat

Phil 4:13

* LIFER's Chicago Marathon Team blog at marathon-for-life.blogspot.com.

* ProLife Ministry Support: I have ProLife wristbands for everyone. Start asking friends and family to sponsor you ($/mile) to raise money for a ProLife ministry of your choice. Angi and I plan to donate to the local crisis pregnancy center.

Pat Note #4

Living In Faith Exchange Runners (LIFER's)
* Shane, John, Tracy, Steve, Chad, Bill, Lindsay, Rich, Courtney, Angi, Pat, Scott?
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Hi, LIFER's:

Registration:
* Shane Hall registered this past Friday! Shane said, "I guess I can't let that go to waist" [regarding the registration $]. I replied, "The marathon training will be good for your "waist" :)!"

* Scott Casmer is still "on the fence." I think he is ready to get on our side of the fence based on this message from Fri night :), "OK, nut job. I've been doing some homework on this marathon thing. I'm fairly close to doing enough research." Let's all encourage him to register and officially join the LIFER's Chicago Marathon Team!

Running Goals: I noticed that Courtney posted her goals on the blog today, but for whatever reason, I did not get an auto notification email. So far, the following LIFER's have posted their goals: Steve, Rich, Chad, Angi, Pat, and now Courtney. To see their goals, simply click on the "GOALS" label (right side of blog, scroll down).

Stretching: I suggest doing a 2 min walk, ease into the first mile, finish hard, shuffle jog for one min (warm down), AND THEN stretch your warm muscles. You could pull something if you stretch cold muscle.

Fuel/Hydration: Food is fuel! Like Scott, I focus on three square meals. I also try to hydrate well: liquid with all meals, glass of water before and during dinner, and often glass of water before bed (recovering from hard workout or preparing for big workout next morning).

Training: For mapping your run milage, Scott suggest Google Earth (Tools->Ruler->Path function). Angi provided this website http://www.mapmyrun.com/.

ProLife fundraising: Scott suggested that we use this website to organize our fundraising: www.firstgiving.com/Design/1/sign_up_nonprofit_info.asp. More to come.

Inspiration: John Shannon shared this story about a 101-year-old man training for the London Marathon: sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=britmarathon030508&prov=reuters&type=lgns. John wrote, "Pat, I see you beating this guys record ~70 yrs from now J!" God, Angi, and knees willing, I would like to go for it J!

Run for ProLife!,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* LIFER's Chicago Marathon Team blog at marathon-for-life.blogspot.com.
* Training: Our blog has a link to Hal Higdon's 18 wk training guides for novice, intermediate, and advanced runners (starts 8 Jun).
* ProLife Ministry Support: I have our wristbands. More to come on sign up sheets for logging sponsors ($/mile).

Pres Reagan ProLife Quote

"The real question today is not when human life begins, but, 'What is the value of human life?' The abortionist who reassembles the arms and legs of a tiny baby to make sure all its parts have been torn from its mother's body can hardly doubt whether it is a human being." President Ronald Reagan, (1983).