Training Update

I thought it was probably time to update my blog on how my training is going.

I am up to running 10 miles at a comfortable pace.  I feel pretty strong after a 10 mile run, but I was thinking last time I ran that I would need to be able to keep running for at least 3 more hours!!  I am researching and trying to find a training program that will help me be ready by October 27th.

I hope that the break from my work schedule will allow me time for longer runs.  Of course it will be hot during the day, so I will be starting pretty early in the morning.  Now getting to bed on time will be the challenge as our lives tend to include late night movies and such.

Callie continues to be the sweet little ray of sunshine that she has always been.  Her sweet greeting of "Hey" is enough to brighten anyone's day.  I am always amazed by how pleasant and happy she is.  I am so happy when I am around her, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.  I am also amazed by the courage and faith of her parents.  They care for her with such love and strength.

Tonight I was playing/singing some church songs and one of them was about Jesus healing the sick when he was on Earth.  I know if it was possible, He would heal Callie.  Right now he just puts people in her life to love her and care for her.  I feel privileged to be one of those people.

Click here for my fundraising page to support SMA research.

A Marathon for Callie

When I first got the news that my granddaughter, Callie, had been diagnosed with SMA, I was torn with many emotions.  I wanted so much for her to be able to run and play.  One of my first thoughts was that I would gladly give my legs if it would help her to walk.  When I heard that Josh's cousin, Jessica, had found an organization that could possibly benefit Callie, and that she had planned to run a marathon to raise money for SMA research, I asked her if it would be okay for me to join her.  So, here I go!  I have had a dream in the back of my mind to run a marathon before I turn 50, but I haven't ever really made the commitment.  Now I have the motivation and the desire.  I hope to use my legs to help in the fight against SMA for Callie and other children like her.

Some people have asked me why I run.  It is hard to explain, but ever since I started running a few years ago, I have had such a love for it.  I run when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm stressed, when I'm worried, when I need time to think or when I just want to be outside.  I hate it when it's a beautiful day outside (a great day for running) and I am too busy to get in a run!  I am not a competitive runner by any means, but I love participating with other runners in a race for a good cause. There is such a great feeling when you're out there, giving your best.  I have a ways to go to be ready for a full marathon.  It will be challenging, but I am excited (and yes, a bit nervous) to make this a reality. 

I hope that my dedication and efforts in preparing for this marathon will inspire others.  Maybe you will want to try running for yourself.  Maybe you will have a desire to donate to the SMA research.  Maybe you will find some other way to help children with disabilities.  Whatever it is that you can do, just do something!  I believe that a little effort from many people can make a big impact.

I can't even begin to express my love for sweet, precious little Callie.  She came to our family at a time when we were experiencing much stress.  I often would hold her and feel so much comfort and peace, sort of a healing.  Now I can only hope and pray for that same peace and healing in her behalf.