26 mile training run

They tell us that after last Saturday we are ready for the marathon. We are just "maintaining" for the next several weeks until the actual race. Here are a couple of pics from the end of 26 miles...notice at this distance I look focused and strong. I'm a runner and I thrive on this stuff...then...the close up...

WHERE IS THE FINISH!!! I'm cold. I'm hungry. My feet hurt. I want to take a nap. I just want to...oooooo look a medal! Pretty!

first of the year

I know we are weeeeell into 2009 and I am off to a slooooow start on the blogging front. I have recently entered the world of facebook and that has taken a chunk of my "online" time lately. Come look for me at yet another site. I will try to do better but here are some updates for now...

We are pregnant again...YEAH!!!
The baby is due Aug. 24th. We are in a mad search for baby names AGAIN. (We are taking suggestions)

Tomorrow I have the longest (and coldest) training run yet for the marathon...26 miles!!!
The wind chill is supposed to be in the teens at 5am when we start. I know some of you are wishing you were that warm right now but this is FLORIDA!!! It's not supposed to be this cold. Oh well...

The marathon is Feb. 15th and right now it is consuming a lot of my thought process. I'm actually a little nervous about it.

I am 35 now and am loving life...I only have 12 months to be this age so it should be fun.

More updates later...

Links that rock

• Craig Groeschel challenged me with this post here and this one here. Both of these about challenging people to follow Jesus on a weekly basis.
• Tony Morgan reminded me of some great thoughts on humility here.
• My wife rocks the planet!!! Just out this gem on her site...here.
• And just a reminder...don't forget to donate here.

fighting against breast cancer

Most of you already know that I'm training to run in the Breast Cancer Marathon here in Jacksonville on Feburary 15th. One of the many reasons I chose to participate in this particular marathon is that the majority of the money raised is being used for research in order to fight against and hopefully one day elimate breast cancer. The rest of the money is going to support breast cancer patients and survivors who may need assistance due to the high cost of treatments.

In any case, as part of this whole adventure I have set up a fundraising page here. or
http://www.active.com/donate/2009DonnaMarathon/chrishall

You can go on the page and make a donation online. It's simple. It's easy.
I would love to be able to say that we raised $1000 to fight breast cancer.
Please at least take a moment and consider giving a little.
I firmly believe this is well worth it.

marathon playlist

I need some help. I'm in the process of developing my playlist for the marathon and all the training runs until then. Do any of you have suggestions of "must have" songs that should be on that list? I'm not limited to any particular genre...really open to anything. Taking any suggestions here...

200 days

Only 200 days until the marathon. Here's a runner's prayer I found through google.

God,Give me courage to run the race.
Help me to persevere as you taught us.
Grant me the strength to finish strong.
Honor me with your presence on my journey.
Allow me to be a GraceRunner this day.
Oh, Lord...
One more breath...
One more step...
One more mile...
FINISH LINE...T
his is my prayer.

I can do all things throughYOU who strengthens me!Amen. ©

What did I just do???!!!

I have just registered to run in a marathon. For those of you who may be under the impression that a marathon means any run of any length let me clarify. On Feb. 15th I will be running 26.2 miles. All at once...one the same day...at the same event...hopefully before the sun goes down. I've talked about running a marathon for quite a while and now I've literally put my money where my mouth is. I have that feeling like when the roller coaster is just leaving the station and you know it's going to be a wild ride but your stomach is still in knots.

What's my motivation? All of the money from the event goes to breast cancer research. I can't think of a better motivation. I'm nervous, excited, anxious, curious, ready, hesitant...and so many other things rolled into one.

My training started today with a 2 mile run. I've got a long way to go but I've at least started. Pray for me. Cheer for me. Please encourage me. I have no idea what all to expect but I also know this will be an experience I will never forget.

For those who may be interested...here's a link to the event site.

Ready or not...here we go.