4/6/10

I can't believe it. So many months of training and preparing and now I'm already looking back on the big day. I want to thank all of you who supported me through your prayers, encouragement and financial giving. Knowing so many were rooting for me and knowing that we had a small, yet significant part in helping so many receive fresh water just to survive...well, that helped me survive the marathon! I can't lie...the run was very tough. I hurt, I cramped, I cried, but I did it! The course was very hilly, in fact, it never seemed like I was running on a straight road, so my calves took a beating. However, as soon as I ran through that finished line and enjoyed a wonderful massage from who I believe was an angel waiting for me, I had already decided I will indeed run another one. So onward to Philly in November! And now, I can add to the list below:

One Full Marathon

 

Two Half Marathons

One 10k

Eight 4 milers

Eight  5 Ks

These are the races that I have participated in the past 10 years. I list them, not to pat myself on the back, but to show you the many races I have run purely for my own satisfaction. 

This race will be very different. Not only will it be MUCH longer than any I have ever run, but it will be the first time I will run for others. I will be traveling to Atlanta on March 21, 2010, not only to place myself in what will be my most difficult challenge ever, but to raise money that is much needed for Samaritan's Purse's Turn on the Tap program. Every day, more than 6000 people die from contaminated water. Every time I run, I am able to easily grab a big glass of water and replenish my body with no worry of sickness. I want others less fortunate than me to have the same ability. Please read more about Samaritan Purse's efforts:

 

WHY WATER?

Providing clean water, coupled with heath and hygiene education, is perhaps the most preventative measure we can take in keeping our world from infectious disease. Every day, 6,000 people—most of them children—die from dirty water. It's a staggering statistic when we consider how vital clean water is to our daily existence. That's why Samaritan's Purse works to provide a thirsty world with clean water. Whether it's drilling freshwater wells in Bolivia's highlands or teaching health and hygiene education in a Honduras slum, all of these efforts aim to point people to the "living water" found in Jesus Christ.

Samaritan’s Purse engages a multifaceted approach by providing, purifying, and protecting water.

PROVIDE.

Freshwater Wells
Whether using a drill or a shovel, depending on the region, Samaritan’s Purse digs until reaching the water table. After the water table is accessed, piping attached to a pump is installed and concrete is poured to provide a sanitary seal, keeping the water from outside contamination.

Well Rehabilitation
In densely populated areas, Samaritan's Purse works with communities to rehabilitate hand-dug wells and boreholes. After a project is completed, we then offer maintenance training to community members who will assume responsibility for upkeep.

PURIFY.

Water Treatment Packets
The powdered mixture contained in each packet removes harmful microorganisms and suspended matter, making water clean and eliminating waterborne disease. These packets are often used when large populations have been displaced and have immediate water needs.

Household Filters
These concrete filters use various consistencies of sand to purify water gathered from streams, lakes, or ponds. Users take the murky, polluted liquid and transform it into clean drinking water. These easy-to-maintain filters require no chemicals or electricity—just a natural process that removes harmful microorganisms and pollutants. 

Community Filtration Systems
In emergency settings, unclean water is pumped through this device, which uses several filters and a small amount of chlorine to kill bacteria. One system can purify up to 10,000 gallons per day, enough to provide for the daily needs of 2,500 people.

PROTECT.

Sanitation
Samaritan's Purse also offers health and hygiene education. Workshops focus on personal hygiene, hand washing with soap, food preparation, household sanitation, and proper waste disposal.

Latrine Construction
Properly built latrines greatly reduce the spread of waterborne disease and prevent diarrhea, one of the leading causes of death among children.

Water Protection
Capping natural springs and protecting rainwater catchments ensures that a community will have a consistent source of clean water.