I thought I'd post part of an email I sent out to donors and potential donors for our marathon this Sunday. It is coming quickly and we're excited to run and excited to finished with training for awhile. :) We're so thankful to have capable bodies given to us by God to complete such a physically and mentally trying challenge. I looked at our training schedule this week and felt so amazed looking back over all the miles we've run. By Thursday, we'll have logged over 400 miles since May!
Here are some things I've learned since we started training:
Every little bit counts.
It is strange to look back on our training schedule and see 2 and 3 mile runs throughout the weeks. Just two weeks ago, when we ran our longest run in training (20 miles) I remember thinking that 2 and 3 miles seem like a walk to the mailbox. The educated and experienced people that created our training schedule knew that if it weren't for those 2 and 3 mile runs, we could never complete 26.2.
We've had several large monetary donations since we sent our first email and we're so grateful for those large, generous donations. But, what has been most impactful is the HUGE number of donations just $25 and below. And they have added up to nearly 60% of our goal!
Pain is fleeting compared to the reason why we're running.
The opportunity came to us to participate as charity runners for the American Cancer Society and I don't think either of us knew then the impact it could have our perspective the last few months. We've been so fortunate to avoid any major injuries to keep us from running, although we've had numerous smaller injuries that come with training as much as we have. And boy, have we complained! First our feet, then our knees, then our hips, then the blisters (oh the blisters), and even the muscle cramps. Recently, when I was on the first quarter mile of a run, my mind immediately went to the pain in my right foot and how I would have to endure that pain for the next 11.75 miles. After a few minutes of feeling sorry for myself, my mind shifted to those who we are running for - those who suffered or who are still suffering daily with pain due to cancer. I felt so humbled by knowing that my pain is fleeting and would probably heal on its own with a little ice and rest. Since then, I have been mindful of what I complain about and have shifted my focus to those who suffer more significant pain everyday.
We can't do this alone.
Even though we're running the race with our own two legs, Matt and I would not have been able to get to this point without endless words of encouragement and so many running partners. Some of you have joined us for nearly 100 of those miles and we wish you could be with us for the marathon!
We've raised nearly $2000 thanks to all of you. So many donations from you have made this day possible and we're truly grateful for your kindness and generosity.
Finally, we can't step up to the starting line without acknowledging who has been with us through every mile. God is so faithful and we're running for HIS glory. So many of my long runs (and not enough of my short runs) have been filled with whispers to God asking for strength and thanking Him for perfectly crafting our bodies to accomplish such a feat. We'll cross the line on Sunday because of our Heavenly Father!
If you'd still like to donate, we still need your help. We're just under $75 away from our goal and we're excited to know that our goal will be met with your help. Every dollar counts. You can go to www.werunforcancer.com and click "donate". It would be awesome to go above and beyond our goal!
If you haven't already submitted a name of a loved one who suffered from cancer or who is still battling cancer, it's not too late. We will be getting our shirts made tomorrow morning! So please email me (or comment under this post) any names you'd like to appear on our shirts by tonight!
Thanks again for all you have done for us! Please keep us in your prayers on Sunday morning between 8a.m. and 1p.m. We will no doubt feel your prayers with every step.
Running for the glory of God,
Katie & Matt
