Update 10-05-09

Only 1 week to go to race day. I want to thank you all for your donations and words of encouragement. They will help me get through this race. With training just about done I feel ready for this, even though it has been and up & down journey. If you can, come out and cheer all the people next week, if not here is a link so you can get updates on my run.

www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/spectators_volunteers/index.aspx?id=510

My Goal: To finish my 1st marathon. An ACL replacement a couple of years ago has kept me from doing any running for sometime. (thanks to Doctor Patek)

Why I'm running: 1st, it's something I have always wanted to do. 2nd, To get back into shape. 3rd, I love running - it has always been a peaceful place for me. Weather it was for fun, cutting wieght or training my wrestlers - It's something I have missed.

My Inspiration: My biggest inspiration is my cousin Kirk Pedersen. Kirk suffered critical injuries last year Oct., after falling from a tree stand. He was a roll model for his students before but no he has inspired many with his story. He has never given up and pushes himself beyond what doctors though he could do. To read more about Kirk go to www.symbolofstrength.com. I look at Kirk and say to myself if he can push himself to do these things every day - I should be able to push myself to run this in his honor

Why team world Vision: Last year Pastor Jason spoke at our church and he was running the Marathon. He was running for team World Vision, so i felt this was a good way to do something good and help people

How I got into the Marathon: I attended a fund raiser for a fellow wrestling coach (Mike Powell of Oak Park) The marathon entry was one of the charity silent auction items. Once I saw it there i felt it was fate that I should do this  Since all entries for the Marathon had been sold out by this time.

My Training: Well training started late for me, since i didn't even have a thought of running till a few months ago. I haven't run but several times in 3 years, so I new this wouldn't be easy. That's why I waited to send this out, I wanted to make sure I could finish this race. After several weeks I was up to 15 mile runs but on my last 10 mile run I suffered an injury to my bad leg, so now after a week I'm back into things and hope to stay injury free. Thanks to Darren & Curtis for getting back on my feet.

I want to thank Willie for giving that little push i needed to get me started.

In closing I just want to say that I'm thankful for the life I have and the blessings God has given me, A beautiful, loving & supportive family. A good job & good health. 

Nothing in life is easy  - that's why it feels good after working so hard for something.

World Vision works to tackle the root causes of poverty by working with children, families, and their communities to provide things like clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities.

You can support my efforts through Team World Vision by making a one-time tax-deductible donation.