I FINISHED STRONG: 5:44:21!

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers along this journey.

RUN STRONG.

I started running nine years ago because I had a goal (and I caught the bug after watching my husband train for and run in his first 5k race).  I have kept things sane - lots of 5k's and a few 10k races sprinkled in here and there, in-between bouts with minor injuries and knee surgery in '07.  In April '08, I started running again and I was blessed to have a co-worker join me for lunchtime runs.  Last fall, during one of our runs, I mentioned to Jennifer that we should try a half marathon at some point.  I couldn't believe that I actually said that; but, we trained throughout the Winter and Spring and on 6/7/09, we completed our first half marathon.  Jennifer had registered for the Chicago Marathon months ago and kept asking me to run it; while a few months earlier, my church announced that they were putting together a running team to raise money for frontline HIV/AIDS caregivers in Africa through World Vision.  I felt my heart being tugged at.  If I was ever going to run a marathon, it was going to be in my hometown and it would be for a goal. 

I'm running the Chicago Marathon to help raise money to make a difference in Africa. One mile at a time.

Any amount you could give would be appreciated.  Even $5 or $10 will help to make a change.  To make a donation, please click on the SPONSOR ME NOW button.

Thank you for supporting me with your prayers and encouragement.

PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG FOR UPDATES ON MY TRAINING: www.meridith-writes-again.blogspot.com/

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.

" ... let us run with patience the race set before us," Hebrews 12:1