Here we go ...

OK, so this is the first of many entries as I train for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (gotta get the sponsor in there) on Oct. 12. And, actually today, Wednesday, June 23, is the first hard workout on the training schedule - 1-mile repeats x 2 at between 7:45-8 min pace, plus warm-up and cool-down. Pedestrian to many, but pretty hard for me. (Post workout add: actually ran those repeat miles at 6:47 and 6:58 ... uh, a little too fast for that one ... )

Why the self-torture? I don't know ... part of it, I suppose, is to keep myself from ballooning to the size of, well, one of those hot air balloons you see in Temecula's wine country. I mean, I really don't like the idea of having to replace my wardrobe, you know?

But I really enjoy running, even though I don't go that fast. It's social time when I run with friends; it's like ministry when I help other runners along the way as I did when I was coaching; it's meditation time in morning as the sun rises and the Lord again reveals how great and wonderful He is.

But the sport can also be pretty self-absorbing, too. I can get too caught up in my training, too caught up in a particular time goal for a particular race, too protective of my training time. So, after my second marathon, I decided that if I ever ran another one, someone other than me would have to benefit, too. That's how I came to be involved with Team In Training (helping to raise money in the fight against leukemia and other blood-related cancers), and why I'm now running with GK777 Hero's Run.

So, here's a quick rundown on the group I'm running for:

What is ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor)?

ANCOP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that serves to generate awareness and mobilize resources for Gawad Kalinga, through partnerships with generous individuals, groups, institutions, government, and corporations, and accounts for the generated resources for transparency.

http://www.ancopusa.org

What is Gawad Kalinga (GK)?

Gawad Kalinga (in English, giving care) is an integrated, sustainable, holistic program, which aims to address poverty in the Philippines by transforming and empowering poor communities through its various programs.

http://www.gawadkalinga.org

Within the coming days, I'll be setting up a fundraising Web site at active.com. All the money raised will go to ANCOP USA, which in turn will provide the funds to Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines.

Here's the goal: to build at least one house for a family in the Philippines.

The dollar goal: at least $2,300.00

So, I'll be asking for help in this effort as I train for Chicago.

In the entries that will follow, I'll talk a little about what it's like to train for a marathon, especially one where you want to run your best time ever, about my thoughts on helping GK, thoughts on using to the best of our ability the gifts God has entrusted us with, and just fun stuff that happens along the way.

So come along with me on the journey ... it'll be challenging, maybe eye-opening, maybe even inspirational (though that would have to be a God-thing) ... but I can promise you it'll be fun ...