Chicago Summers

My wife loves to tell me how great the west coast is, the proximity not only to the ocean but to the mountains, deserts, and everything else you could want from the outdoors (okay maybe not the desert). I've told her one near-death experience out there is good enough for me (I went repelling into a pitch black 80 ft. mine shaft right before we got married, no joke - almost died). No, for right now I am very content with safe summers here in Chicago.

This past weekend I tackled my longest run ever! I was shocked when I looked down at the stopwatch after finishing my run and seeing: 1:57:24. I was like, "I've been running for nearly two hours?!" What, am I crazy?! I was actually pretty nervous leading up to the run, not sure if I could do it; and for those that don't know, I am not a distance runner. The extent of organized running for me never surpassed 100 yards and to be honest, I never made it that far in a single play - so there you go. Football, Mom, Football.

A friend asked me what I could possibly be thinking about for two hours while I'm running. While Chicago's gorgeous lakefront never gets old; the sailboats on the lake, the museums, beaches and volleyball games, and the feeling of summer - I find myself noticing kids more along my runs. I see them riding their bike or playing in the sand and I wonder how our son would enjoy those things. It's an exciting thing to say the least, and I feel like I am finally realizing that I will be a father in two short months!

While I could go on about setting one's mind to something and comitting oneself will bring great rewards (because trust me, I'm a believer), I have to say close today by saying that I am reminded every time I run how fortunate I am to have the life I do. Living in a third world country for two years changed my life and taught me how to enjoy the simple things. I married my wife because she too, appreciates the simple things - great friends, sincere relationships, a comfortable home, the outdoors, and a good book. It may not work for everyone but it works for us. I'm grateful for the ability I have to run, breathe, and enjoy the sights and sounds that surround me. I can't wait for the day when my son will realize these great blessings.

Oak St. Beach, Mile 3

Ohio St. Beach, right after the bridge, mile 2

Facing south at sunrise

"Kick-Off Celebration"

Welcome to The Extra Mile and a sincere thank you for visiting this blog. You are here because I, a family member of mine, or a friend has asked that you support my efforts in giving back to the children's hospital that will be taking care of my son during the first few weeks of his life.

The purpose of this blog actually is three-fold: 1. To give each visiter a better idea of what Children's Memorial Hospital is and why I feel the need to be a part of their marathon team 2. To provide you with my personal progress both physically and emotionally as I train for my first marathon and prepare to be a father, and 3. To be a partial record that my family, especially my son, can reflect on years from now.

So please feel free to follow along as I give updates of my training, my thoughts along the way, and the progress of the fundraising. I have a goal of $600 by race day, October 11, 2009. I'd be grateful to anyone who wants to contribute to what I believe to be a truly great cause.

So Thursday night was my first interaction with Children's Memorial Marathon Team and the Children's Memorial Foundation that heads the fundraising. Heather and I made the 25-minute trip on the Red Line (one of Chicago's subway lines) to the other side of town where we will be spending quite a bit of time with our son come this fall.

I must say, it was an awkward feeling making the trip up there to the hospital. I guess the anxiety of the unknown and this new found relationship with Children's Memorial is taking some getting used to. I'm grateful though. I've always seen ads about awareness for this, and supporting a special cause for that - and my thought was always, "What a great organization, but I'm grateful I don't know anyone who's gone through that." I do have a cousin whose leukemia has been in remission for last couple of years, learning of her condition was really hard to face; but there's no avoiding my son's transposition. I'm there, I'm a part of it. I have gained a much greater appreciation for those that are involved in selfless service and non-profit organizations.

The highlight of the evening was our tour of Children's Memorial Hospital. We walked through the wing where our son will have his surgery and where he'll spend his time recovering. I couldn't avoid the knot I felt in my throat as I walked the halls, seeing hope in the eyes of the patients and their families, seeing the care and love of the doctors and nurses, and knowing that in two and a half short months, my wife and I will be on the other side of the glass.

All we heard Thursday night were thank you's for joining the team and being willing to help raise money for the foundation, but I felt the sincerest gratitude for an organization that I believe truly realizes the needs of not only individuals, but their families. I hope I can in some small way, give back to them because of the love and care I know they will give our son when he is there.

As for training: I've been thinking about my 14-miler all week. I'm excited! I haven't run this far ever! My body is terribly sore from a hard run I had earlier this week. As for Friday, I've got a nice 5 miles that should keep me loose. I'll let you know how Saturday goes when it's over.

Please check out this video that talks a little bit about the Children's Memorial Marathon Team and the Chicago Marathon. It's last year's video, but is relevant nonetheless.