| A Running Start combines two of my passions: running and improving educational opportunities. The charity connects runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania with scholarships to American universities. It also contributes to the renovation of primary school buildings in East Africa and hosts races to inspire children to embrace athletics and remain in school. And, a Running Start sponsors training camps, out of which four Olympic Champions, nine World Champions, and four of the current top-10 ranked runners have come. Those runners then remit significant amounts of money to their families back in Africa, where the money can be used to better the futures of improverished communities.
I've aways thought sports can be a powerful motivator to stay in school and a terrific means of introducing people to the best of what others have to offer. A Running Start creates a perfect opportunity to find disavdantaged but very talented young men and women in East Africa and help them secure a better life, while simultaneously sharing with America some of the world's best talent.
I hope you'll check out my charity's website at www.arunningstart.org. It's a newer organization that already has the backing of some of the world's elite runners. It's also a 501(c)(3), so donations are tax deductible. 100% of donations go to the youngsters in East Africa. If you know of others (friends, family, businesses) looking for a good cause to support, please pass on the word.
October 4: I want to thank you all for your contributions and support. Please be assured that your money is going to a good cause, whether I run or not. I'm definitely keeping all of your love, support and generosity in mind as I go through the long process of rehab. I'm still determined to run 26.2 miles ... I will get this done sometime, it might just have to be in Nashville next time! Anyhow, most importantly, THANK YOU for everything!
September 20: The day has come ... I have to give up. I am physically incapable of running. Literally. Yet again, I won't be running Chicago. But, lest you think your money isn't supporting the cause, please know that I'll still be in Chicago cheering on my team, and my friend Peter will be running on my behalf. He's overcome quite a few injuries of his own, and the whole time, he's been incredibly supportive of me (you can go over and check out his page on the team site).
Sorry to dissappoint. Trust me, I never thought I'd have to give up. But my health and my future depend on it. You only have one body. Thanks so much to everyone for your support! Truly, it means so much!
August 27-September 2: 38.5 miles (20 mile long run, 4x2 miles tempo, 8x800 tempo). Ice bath AGAIN! 20-miler gave me a newfound respect for the marathon!
August 20-26: 31 miles in 3 days (3x2 tempo, 4x1 speed, 13.1 pace). EVERYTHING hurts! And yes, another ice bath!
August 13-19: 38 miles (18 mile long run, 2x3 miles tempo, 7 Yasso 800s), 45 minutes on the bike, and my first ice bath!
August 6-12: Step back week (2x2.5 tempo, 4x1 speed, and 10 miles of goal pace, no long run). Lots of ice packs...
July 30-August 5: 35 miles!!! (17 mile long run, 4 tempo miles, 4x1200 speed)
July 23-29: 29 miles (Made it Nashville! 5 Yasso 800s, 16 mile long run (FULL of HILLS!!!))
July 16-22: 11 miles (I WAS MOVING, people!)
July 9-15: 34 miles (15 mile long run, 2.25 miles speedwork, 4-5 tempo miles)
July 1-8: VACATION 24 miles (~8 in Vegas [HOT], 1:45 in Denver [ALTITUDE])
June 24-30: 30 miles (14 long run, 2 miles speedwork)
June 10-16: Real UH OH...only 13 miles. [Roadtrips and feet] I'll get back...
June 17-23: 25 miles (12 mile long run, 1.5 mile speedwork) & 30 min water jogging
June 3-9: UH OH... 18 miles (including 10K race). Feet and hip starting to hurt...
May 27-June 2: 31 miles total (13 mile long run, 3 miles speedwork, 3 miles tempo)
May 20-26: 28 miles total (12 mile long run, 2.75 miles speedwork, 3 miles tempo) |
