Fires, Yes, but We're Safe

Despite the many fires threatening homes in many areas of southern California, our family and our neighborhood are safe. Commutes to and from work (or anywhere, for that matter) take at least twice as long as normal, due to the many road closures and whole neighborhoods being evacuated. Of course, we fight frustration as we sit in bumper to bumper traffic, but we are so thankful that we have a home to return to and can sleep in our own beds at night.
I ended up over-doing it on that three mile run back on October 10th, I've actually been forced off the road by a super-sore ankle (my left one, this time) that I apparently over-stressed on that little run. I think I've finally turned the corner on it, though, and plan to start running again (at first, probably on the treadmill) by November.
We'll be in "transition" from the 2nd weekend in November until the middle of December, when we plan to move into our new pre-fab home. Watch Sheryl's blog for more details :)

Semper Fi, JarHedJon

Marathon Aftermath

I am mildly surprised at how quickly I seemed to recover from the marathon; by mid Wednesday I was practically pain free, even climbing or descending ladderwells (er, that's staircases for the non-maritime among you). I decided to run three miles today (Thursday), and though I was able to maintain a ten minute mile pace throughout, I could still feel a few "things" going on in my feet and ankles. I have resolved to refrain from running again at least until Monday.
As soon as Team World Vision puts out their team photo, I'll see if I can post it for y'all to see.

Semper Fi, JarHedJon

Marathon Complete!

I want to say "Thank You" to everyone who prayed for me, encouraged me, supported me, and cheered me on!! I was on track to complete the 26.2 miles in around 4:45, which was right in line with my training goal, when the race was 'canceled.' I first got word of this when I was passing mile 21, and at every opportunity was told to walk by race officials. Though I could hear sirens (they had actually been sounding continuously since shortly after the race started), I had no idea the strain on the emergency response/aid station infrastructure caused by the number of runners succumbing to the heat. Like all runners with me, the race being 'canceled' did not compute, and we kept running. At 4:04 into the race, passing mile 22, however, race officials with megaphones instructed all runners to walk, informed us that the race clocks had been turned off, anyone finishing the race after the four hour mark would not recieve an official time, and encouraged bus rides (provided by race officials) back to the finish line for all runners. My first impulse was anger, as the frustration of having trained for over six long months for a goal that would now be witheld overwhelmed me. However, a second later, the anger and the frustration were flushed out by some very different emotions. Joy that I had the physical capacity to train for, enter and participate in the marathon; Gladness that I had been a lightning rod for many to participate in making a difference for years to come in the lives of those in Malawi; and Encouraged by the Community and fellowship of the SCPC and TWV runners and staff that had all paid a price to make this event a success in my life--whether I finished or not.
I was able to 'walk out' the remaining 4.2 miles in the company of SCPC team members, finishing the full distance (unlike many, who were forced off the route or transported back to the finish line as the route was closed down by race officials). I was able to 'jog' accross the finish line, though I'm sure it was not a pretty sight (it sure hurt a lot, picking up the pace after walking so much that late in the race), and I'm recovering fine (I was able to walk myself onto the aircraft the next day without TOO noticeable of a gimp). I'll be sending out a more detailed account by email later for those who are interested, but that is taking more time to write than I anticipated, so I wanted to get this out now.
Again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, this was a great experience for me and so, so worth it for the folks in Malawi (the SCPC team raised over $25,000.00 overall).

Semper Fi, JarHedJon

Marathon on Sunday

It's finally here, the weekend that I'm scheduled to run my first marathon! I'm flying to Chicago tomorrow along with fifteen others from my church, and it looks like we will raise enough money to provide a new source of clean water for a community in Malawi! As soon as I possibly can after I cross the finish line (I'd appreciate your prayers so that this eventually happens), I'll call Sheryl and let her know. If you watch her blog on Sunday afternoon, I think that will be the best place to get an update.
I am not running this marathon for speed or time, but based on my training expect to finish in less than five hours. I think the start is officially at 0800 Chicago time, but given the number of folks running the race, I may not cross the start line for a good hour or more.
Thanks to every one of you who are praying for me, and to those who have given so fresh water can bring health and livlihood to folks who really need it.

Semper Fi, JarHedJon