What a day...

A full report coming tomorrow. But the quickie version is. My 2nd Chicago Marathon is now in the books. The day started off quite nice, but quickly became hot and humid. The Race coordinators were ready as I believe there was ample water. I've not heard any negative reports. Web sites show the high today at 81 degrees, we all saw banks with temps up to 88 degrees, with the humidity level at about 73%. So it was far from idea marathon (running) conditions.

In the end, myself and two other Team World Vision Teammates crossed the finish line together at an unofficial time of 3:54:02. Quite a difference from the 4:23:48 from last year.

What does it looks like at the beginning? I found this link of the start of the Race at Chicago NBC5. http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=746441

Again.. more to come tomorrow. I'm hitting the hay...

You should be signing my shirt...

Close to all 1000 Team World Vision Athletes gathers for food, fellowship, and inspiration as we endeavor to change the World Tomorrow. A sea of orange will take over downtown Chicago. Not just the 1000 Team World Vision runners in orange (that is approaching 2% of all racers!), but the thousands of spectators coming to cheer us on.

The thing is, we have already changed the World. Through those that sponsored me, and those that sponsored the other runners, A community in Zambia will now have clear water, A new school, and training of local villagers in how to grow and become self sufficient. Tomorrow we run with thoughts of our families. Not just those nearby. But our families in Africa that we are sponsoring. We lift up all our joys and sorrows to the Lord that his Grace will rain upon them.

(Olympian) Ryan Hall and his wife Sara shared their own personal feelings about being involved in World Vision and what all of us (the 1000 running the Marathon) have done for them, to inspire them. The Quote of the day (albeit a humorous one) from Ryan was

...I should be having you sign my shirt, after all You are all going to be out there twice as long as I would...

We had a wonderful meal. We met so many new friends. I can't wait until tomorrow to take my part on this Team. Thank you all for your support and Prayers. Together we have made a Real Difference. Not just in Africa, but here as well. Thank you...

Peace
Ted

Its time, Its time. Did you just say Its time...

Its been a remarkably busy September and beginning of October for me and the family. Ear infections, Kidney Stones, Severe Eye infections, First (and second) trips to the Dentist for a Toddler, First flu shots for an infant, Two (yes two) 20 mile training runs, Long (long long) work hours, Extended weeks of deprived sleep, 100 Year Storm, The spectacular collapse of the Chicago Cubs. It goes on an on. We're not complaining, that is not the message. We (my family) are going and expanding from all these experience. Also, Mother Teresa said it very well when she said...

I know God won't give me anything I can't handle;I just wish he didn't trust me so much. - Mother Teresa

It is now less that 4 days prior to the race. The training is complete. It just time to relax, rest (yeah right), trust the training program, and have faith that the race will play out as it was intended. Was it easy getting to this point? As easy as 1. 2. 3

1. Join Team World Vision (26.2 for Africa)
2. Run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
3. Change lives in Africa

There is still time. Will you stand with us in making a difference?