Run 4 Life, Run 4 Love!

Chicago Playlist

2018-10-04T10:45:00.001-05:00

Ready for Chicago! Well, as ready as I'm gonna get. Here's some fun for you young kids. My playlist. Recognise any of the tunes?

Mama Told Me (Not to Come)	Three Dog Night
Celebrate	Three Dog Night
Windy	The Association
Along Comes Mary	The Association
Kicks	Paul Revere & The Raiders
Indian Reservation	Mark Lindsay & Paul Revere
Have It All	Jason Mraz
Back To the Earth	Jason Mraz
Sharp Dressed Man	ZZ Top
Hearts Beat Loud	Keegan DeWitt & Kiersey Clemons
Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars)	Mark Ronson
Roar	Katy Perry
Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)	Maroon 5
Bills	LunchMoney Lewis
Make Some Noise	Chuckie & Junxterjack
Africa	Toto
Hold the Line	Toto
Thunder	Imagine Dragons
Thank You for the Music	ABBA
Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)	Andy Grammer
Despacito (feat. Justin Bieber)	Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee
Macarena (Dance Radio Edit)	2 Locos In a Room
Cups (Pitch Perfect's “When I’m Gone”)	Anna Kendrick
Story of My Life (Workout Mix)	Power Music Workout
Down	Marian Hill
You Gotta Move	Bluegrass Revival
Wipe Out	The Surfaris
Wildfire	The Nylons
Wild Thing	The Troggs
Wild Honey	Hugh Laurie
Wide Open	Bluegrass Revival
Whole Lotta Love	Led Zeppelin
When You Got a Good Friend	Eric Clapton
When I'm Sixty-Four	The Beatles
West Coast Poplock	Ronnie Hudson And The Street People
We Will Rock You	Queen
We Run the Night (feat. Pitbull)	Havana Brown
Walking the Plank	Rocket to Memphis
Walking the Dog	Fun.
Walking On Sunshine	Aly & AJ
Walking On Air	Katy Perry
Walking In A Hurricane	John Fogerty
Walking Down the Right Path	Slav'in David & Loose Gravel
Walk of Life	Dire Straits
Walk Around Time	The Robert Cray Band
Use Your Love	Katy Perry
Unchain My Heart	Hugh Laurie
Twist and Shout	The Beatles
Tutti Frutti	Little Richard
Traveling Riverside Blues	Eric Clapton
Travelin' Band	John Fogerty
Tortured, Tangled Hearts	Dixie Chicks
Top of the World	The Carpenters
TKO	Le Tigre
The Thunderer	Band of the Grenadier Guards
Thrift Shop (Clean Radio Version)	Cosmic Clean
Tendencia	Birracga
Telescope (feat. Hayden Panettiere)	Nashville Cast
Take Another Road	Jimmy Buffett
Sunshine (feat. Reggie Watts)	Flight Facilities
Summer In the City	The Lovin' Spoonful
Stranger to My Happiness	Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Stomp Dance	Brulé
Stayin' Alive	Bee Gees
Spirit In the Sky	Norman Greenbaum
Smoke On the Water	Deep Purple
Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)	Twisters
Shake Your Money Maker	George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Running On Empty	Jackson Browne
Running	Goapele
Rollin' & Tumblin' (Acoustic Version) [Live]	Eric Clapton
Rocky Mountain Way	Joe Walsh
Rockin' All Over The World	John Fogerty
The Road's My Middle Name	Bonnie Raitt
River Pulse	Anoushka Shankar
Rattlesnake Highway	John Fogerty
Racing to the Red Light	James McMurtry
Proud Mary	John Fogerty
Poverty	Culture
Poverty	Cocoa Tea
Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: March No. 1 in D	London Symphony Orchestra
The Pascagoula Run	Jimmy Buffett
Para Mi	Little Exuma
One Toke Over the Line	Brewer & Shipley
One	Three Dog Night
On the Road Again	Canned Heat
Old Time Rock and Roll	Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Oh, Pretty Woman	Roy Orbison
O Comandante	Brass B
Night Train to Memphis - Original	Jerry Lee Lewis
Never Been to Spain	Three Dog Night
Kiss Him Goodbye	The Nylons
Music Man	Elton John
Move On Up (feat. Bono & John Legend)	Angélique Kidjo
Mony Mony	Tommy James & The Shondells
Money for Nothing	Dire Straits
Miles and Miles of Texas [feat. Ray Benson]	Asleep At the Wheel
A Message To You Rudy	Grant Phabao, Carlton Livingston
Maniac	Film Musical Orchestra
Mama Told Me (Not to Come)	Three Dog Night
Magic Carpet Ride	Steppenwolf
Lowside Of The Road	Tom Waits
Low Down And Dirty	Luther Allison
Love Is Eternal Sacred Light	Paul Simon
Love God (And Everyone Else)	Al Green
Living In America	James Brown
Livin' On a Prayer	Bon Jovi
Lil' Jack Slade	Dixie Chicks
Life In The Fast Lane [Live]	The Eagles
La Grange	ZZ Top
Kiss of Fire	Hugh Laurie
Kiss Him Goodbye	The Nylons
Jump	Countdown Singers
Juke Box Hero	Foreigner
Judy In Disguise (Original 45 Version)	John Fred & His Playboy Band
Joy to the World	Three Dog Night
Joy	Lucinda Williams
Joshua	Bobby McFerrin
Jockey Full of Bourbon (Live)	Joe Bonamassa
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me	Billy Joel
In The City [Live]	The Eagles
In Love Again	Running Songs Workout Music
I'm Walking	Ricky Nelson
I'm On Fire	Bruce Springsteen
I Walk the Line	Johnny Cash
I Think We're Alone Now	Tommy James & The Shondells
I Shall Be Free	Kid Beyond
I Love Rock 'N Roll	Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
I Let the Freight Train Carry Me On	The Delmore Brothers
I Just Wanna Run	The Downtown Fiction
I Gotta Feelin' / Don't Stop Believing	Undercover Manchester
I Feel Lucky	Cowgirlz Dance Band
Hot Rod Heart	John Fogerty
Hot Blooded	Foreigner
Honky Tonk Women	The Rolling Stones
Homenaje Al Beny (Castellano Que Bueno Baila Usted)	Gente de Zona
Happy (From "Despicable Me 2")	Pharrell Williams
Green Tambourine	The Lemon Pipers
Good Vibrations	Beach Boys
Gonna Fly Now (Theme from "Rocky")	Bill Conti
Gone, Gone, Gone	Colin Farrell
Gloria	Van Morrison
Gettin the Spirit	Blind Boys of Alabama
Get Right Church	Rev. James Cleveland
Get Over It	The Eagles
Get Behind The Mule	Tom Waits
Follow Your Arrow	Kacey Musgraves
Flashdance	DJ Sweat
Fanfare for the Common Man	London Symphony Orchestra
Fame (Remastered)	David Bowie
Eye of the Tiger	Survivor
Eli's Coming	Three Dog Night
Down On The Corner	John Fogerty
Don't Worry, Be Happy	Bobby McFerrin
Don't Stop Believin'	Journey
Crimson and Clover	Tommy James & The Shondells
Cold As Ice	Foreigner
Chinese Cooking	Dragon Tongue Squad
Chain Of Fools	Aretha Franklin
Chain Gang	The Nylons
Celebrate Good Times	Rudy Giovannini & Strato-Vani
Cavern	Liquid Liquid
Cakewalk Into Town	Taj Mahal
Bright Sunny South	Alison Krauss & Union Station
Born to Run	Bruce Springsteen
Born to Be Wild	Steppenwolf
Born On The Bayou	John Fogerty
Boom Boom	Big Head Todd & The Monsters
Black Magic Woman	Santana
Bittersweet Symphony	The Verve
Bend Me Shape Me	The American Breed
Bad to the Bone	Countdown Singers
Bad Moon Rising	John Fogerty
Bad Bad Boy	John Fogerty
Back For A Taste Of Your Love	Jonny Lang
Another One Bites the Dust	Queen
Alligator Stroll	Josh Turner
All the Time	Bahamas
All About That Bass	Meghan Trainor

PKD Foundation

2018-09-18T11:51:00.001-05:00

I know you're busy and likely face multiple fundraising opportunities every day. Know that I wouldn't be asking you if I didn't believe this to be an endeavor worthy of your time and money. I have been blessed with friends who share their passion with me and together we try to fan the flame of compassion and giving back. One such friend is Ken McLaughlin, COO of PKD Foundation.

PKD Foundation is the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and to improve the lives of those it affects.

To raise awareness of the work of the PKD Foundation and to raise funds for their work, I am participating in the 2018 Chicago Marathon Sunday, October 7.

My goal? To cross the finish line before they close the course.

My goal? To raise $1400.00 for PKD Foundation.

Running the Chicago Marathon is my modest effort to support a worthy cause that impacts family, friends and neighbors.

As you know, I receive no funds for this effort, only sore muscles. I have no sponsors. I will pay my own way to the event. Lynn and I will contribute to the PKD Foundation ourselves.

While living in Seoul, on one bright cold Saturday I decided to see how long it would take me to get downtown by way of Yongsan and Seoul Station. This route allowed me to trudge my way up towards Gyeongbokgung Palace, saluting Admiral Lee Sun Sin as I went by.

As I rounded the corner, I smacked into 12 buses of military police falling into formation on the sidewalk. No where to run. No place to hide. I decided to barge ahead, sidestepping the body shields, helmets, batons, etc. lying in the path as equipment being unloaded was transferred to the waiting lines of way too young boys ready for Saturday afternoon embassy duty.

Three buses into the morass, they became aware of a foreign presence. Six buses down, they started to part the way for me. By the time I passed the tenth bus, the kids--soldiers- were giving me the high five. Finally reaching bus 12, I tried to hit the intersection before the light turned. No luck. I stopped. Catching my breath, I turned around to find twelve busloads of young men all looking my way.

Awkward moment… I grinned and gave them the thumbs up. The kid in front of me saluted. They all started laughing and clapping and going back to whatever they were doing. An officer at the end of this line asked me why I was running. I told him I was training for a marathon in which I was raising funds for an international organization working to eliminate extreme poverty. We talked for maybe half an hour (he was improving his English, I was working on my Korean!) Just before I ran off, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a handful of bills (10,000 won. There were four of them. About $40 USD) and handed them to me.

It has been great fun get the reactions of friends who can’t stop laughing at the idea of me waddling across the finish line, athletes who understand the sacrifice one must make to train for a marathon, and children who giggle (or soldiers who laugh) when the funny looking foreigner comes trudging around the corner. When asked, I always have time to interrupt that so important “training run” to share that I am training to a race in which I hope to raise funds for my chosen cause (or the race “cause”).

I have often been humbled by strangers on the street in far away places who have given me money—cash—right there on the spot, because they wanted to support causes (eliminating poverty, stopping human trafficking, disaster relief, medical research—to name a few.) My sacrifice for such causes is minimal.

The PKD Foundation promotes research, education, advocacy, support and awareness on a national level, along with direct services to local communities across the country. The stories of persons served by PKD Foundation often express the sacrifice that is made be loved ones to ensure a life worth living. Their sacrifice is real. Significant.

Please support my efforts to raise money for this great cause by donating to my Fundraiser at https://pkdfoundation.salsalabs.org/2018bankofamericachicagomarathon/p/garylogansfundraisingpage.

Thanks.

Sunrise

2018-09-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

This past year my body/psychic has been in rebellion at the idea of falling out of bed before 6:00 a.m. But here I am watching the sun rise over the Bass Pro Lake after running seven miles from home. Now, why would haul my a—out of bed at 4:30 to go run?

Friendship. I am fortunate to know folks from down the street to Korea and back that I consider my friends…folks I would do anything for—simply because I admire, appreciate, value, who they are. I would even run a marathon for some of my friends. And that’s why I am up at this …… hour.

My friend Ken McLaughlin is COO of PKD Foundation. He “invited” me to run the Chicago Marathon to raise awareness for those who provide treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and to improve the lives of those it affects. This happens through promoting research, education, advocacy, support and awareness on a national level, along with direct services to local communities across the country. And, of course, this does not happen without money. So, the Marathon effort on my part is to also fundraise for the PKD Foundation.

Please support my efforts to raise money for this great cause by donating to my Fundraiser at https://pkdfoundation.salsalabs.org/2018bankofamericachicagomarathon/p/garylogansfundraisingpage.

It's A Dog's Life

2018-03-12T17:06:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid I used to run with my dog Ginger up to the Winningham mailbox and back just for the fun of it. I wasn't very fast, but it gave Ginger and I a chance to avoid the evening chores for about 20 minutes and to enjoy each other's company. She heard all my stories of the events of the day, licked my face to assure me that I was loved, and generally kept my psyche on uneven keel. On our return run, we would climb through the fence at the corner and chase the cows in for milking.
Even though I haven't really run with a dog for 50 years... and I'm slower now than then!... running still keeps me on an even keel. Here's this week's post for my training for the Bentonville Half 8 April. Wanting to put the spotlight on my old alma mater!

Celebrating Gentry Pioneers!

2018-03-01T15:16:00.004-06:00

Fist training run for Bentonville Half.
I'm not gonna be ready.
Enjoyed the holidays way too much!

Fifty years ago, I graduated from Gentry High School in Gentry, Arkansas... that was hard to write... I can't believe fifty years have gone by so quickly! My little town is not so little anymore. It is buzzing with energy and potential! Even though I have not lived there since 1968, I am so proud to say that I am from Gentry! The wonderful people of that community so many years ago lovingly molded and shaped me. My values, my beliefs, my character, my central core. All were influenced by the pioneering spirit of neighbors, small business owners, church pastors, community leaders, teachers, coaches, school administrators and, of course, students and childhood friends.

So, I want to in some small way celebrate Gentry and give back. I am running in the Bentonville Half Marathon on Saturday April 8, 2018. I am hoping to raise funds for programs supported by the Gentry schools and the Gentry United Way. And, of course, finish the race... and not finish last.

Since this is my first post for this race, I hope to share more in the coming days!

A New Christmas Tradition?

2018-03-01T15:01:00.004-06:00

Well, it's a wrap. Nine half and two marathons for 2017. Plus some 5k's, 10K's etc. thrown in for fun. I don't know how many years I can keep doing this, but have seven half's and one full lined up for 2018.

Every year since we have been married, we have placed a hat on the Christmas tree. (Short story: we were so poor our first Christmas together, the tree was a scrub that fit on the kitchen table and all ornaments were hand made. The tree was topped with my "cowboy" hat since Lynn had married a farm boy from Arkansas.) In the 40 plus years since, the hat identified with a significant event of the year (baby bonnets, grand baby bonnets, race hats, vacation hats, kids sports hats, yada, yada).

This year marks the first time I have run more than one marathon in the same year--and with the half finisher medals--too much for the family tree (usual there is only one or two to place on the back side!) So, the runs got their own tree. What a hoot.

If we do it again, I am going to make it a family tradition and have everyone put all their finisher medals on it. I think that would be pretty cool...

Thanksgiving 2017

2018-03-01T14:44:00.000-06:00

Since 1992 some or all of our family has, more often than not, participated in the annual Turkey Run on Thanksgiving Day. Great way to work up an appetite. Also a wonderful way to connect with friends and express gratitude for all of life. This year has brought tender moments with grandchildren; amazing adventures in far away places (Machu Picchu for one); awesome time with community volunteers (sorting socks, serving meals, painting schools); opportunities to support worthy causes around the world through Outreach International, water.org, and HealthEd Connect; challenging running trails; and lots of love! I am grateful for a life well lived!

NYC MARATHON 2017--What a RUSH!

2018-03-01T14:32:00.001-06:00

The New York City 2017 Marathon was un like anything I have ever experienced! The energy of the race was amazing. Each of the five boroughs had a unique personality! Running through Brooklyn and Queens was such fun (see the videos below). To arrive by 8:00 a.m. at the start area under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, I had walked, ridden the subway, ferried, taken a bus, and jogged only to wait until my wave’s start time of 11:00 a.m. I finished at dusk in Central Park. In between was sun, rain, wind, fun conversations, cheering crowds, music, beer, potholes, drama, costumes, and on and on.

We stayed with dear friends (actually BFF of my daughter) Kevin and Jennie Macfee and their daughters Eloise and Sara Kate. They were not only such gracious hosts, but fun every day we were there.

We raised $$ for Outreach International in supporting the eradication of extreme poverty. OI is an amazing organization with an outstanding reputation for making a difference in our world.

Arrived at start area three hours before the start....

Jennie, Sarah Kate, Eloise and Kevin surprised me with this notice on the apartment door!

Looking for a dry hat!

Just finished and still standing!

Yes I did!

Great to be out when the city wakes up!

Last training run in Central Park

Can't wait to get on with it!

40,000 are already running. We are about to start!

My kind of group!

I loved the energy of Brooklyn!

On of the many musical stops along the way!

Pre-race carbo loading-only way to go!

The NOLA Jazz Half: A Street Party at 7:00 A.M.

2017-12-20T16:41:00.005-06:00

I knew I was in for a different kind of race when I arrived at Lafayette Square around 6:30 a.m. in the dreary drizzle of rain to find runners outfitted in every imaginable halloween costume. While everyone was in the party spirit and "on top of the game" for having a good time, no one seem to know much (or care) about how to race. Several hundred of us are milling around in the park at five minutes to start time. A guy with a bullhorn walks up to the start line in the street and yells, "If you think you are a fast runner, come on up here to the line. If you are just here for the party, get behind the folks up front." And we are off! This has never happened in 20+ years of my showing up for a race! While the runners were quite colorful in the fanciful running gear, the neighborhoods we ran through were too. NOLA is a fascinating mix of Old South charm and New Urban sophistication and eclectic ethnic diversity. It was an enjoyable weekend!

If This Isn't Your Race to Run, Volunteer!

2017-12-20T16:08:00.001-06:00

Volunteering is a part of my life. Soup kitchens, painting school hallways, ringing the Salvation Army Bell are all activities I enjoy. I find volunteering to be a rewarding experience. A lot of community events rely on the presence of unpaid volunteers. Races have become important fundraising events—a large portion of proceeds is often donated to local businesses and charities—and unpaid volunteers play an important role in how everything comes together.

So, when my fall race scheduled showed I would be running just before and after the annual Kansas City Marathon, I decided to help out. Showing up before dawn to set up table of bananas, apples, and oranges; stack cases of water bottles and hang rows of finishing medals was energizing as the 8000+ crowd gathered a block away around the start line. Many of us stopped long enough to be on the sidelines when the opening gun went off. Then back to the detail of end of race organization! Handing out goodies at the finish line allowed me to greet running friends, often along with their cheering families. I am grateful for the amazing crew of volunteers that make any race possible and this day was no exception!

My Favorite Race of 2017

2017-12-19T11:30:00.002-06:00

I got a call on Wednesday from my daughter. "Hey, Ava and I are running in her school's 5K this Saturday. Want to join us?" Well, sure.

Only, I'm working. And when you own your own business and take the work when you can get it, well, you take it. BUT. This is my grand-daughter and, as a minister who spent forty years putting everyone ahead of his personal family for the church family--well, I decided that when I retired from full time ministry, I would no longer do that. So. The client was very gracious in re-scheduling.

And on Saturday, off to Prairie Village I drove! Kelly, who had been so laid back in Lima, was like a tough mudder personal trainer with Ava. "You can do this!" "Keep those legs moving girlfriend!" "Feel the burn!" "Just a little further!"

I was so proud of both of them! 38 minutes for a 5K for a seven year old is pretty dang good! Can't wait until Ava and Kelly are crossing the finish line with me in some race on my 80th BD.

Running the valleys (and hills!) of Asheville NC

2017-12-19T11:11:00.001-06:00

A week after returning from Lima Peru, we traveled to Asheville to participate in a half marathon. The highlight of this venture was visiting with Paul and Beth Sears in Franklin. Friendship with the Sears family goes back to when we lived in Denver Colorado in the 1980s. They are such a creative,

energetic, witty, fun-loving couple who have overcome life's struggles and tragedies at every turn. Even as Paul continues to face the challenges of devastating cancer, he lives each day with hope and joy. Our visit with them was too short.

After a dismal 6:16 finish in Lima, I managed a 3:02 time for the half, but did place third in my age category. Whats the lingo? lol? Not my best effort, but I'll take it. We did love the street music in Asheville. Very entertaining!

LIMA 42K: What a Run!

2017-12-19T10:44:00.003-06:00

Lima, Peru is a beautiful city full of energetic, creative, friendly people with wonderful

neighborhoods and public places! Having a father--daughter vacation was fantastic. I could not have had a better travel partner! We were able to experience (although briefly and admittedly, the tourist view) the rich cultures of Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in a whirlwind trip that culminated in my first ever getting lost on a race course.

Kelly and I were so impressed by the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire expressed in the ruins of Machu Picchu. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, it truly is an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. We both agreed that spending a couple of weeks hiking the trail and exploring the region was now something we wanted to do!

Lima ia a city with rich historical and cultural wonder. In addition, it is becoming an international foodie Mecca and we shared in some fabulous post-race meals!

Now on to the race. Fantastic group of 2500+ international and local runners. Well planned and organized route and race -- except for street signage directing you on the route. While fleet-footed Kelly had no problem as she moved with the pack, I, on the other hand was left pounding the pavement behind the pack, but ahead of the walkers. That means that after mile 18, when the race route took a turn in direction, there was nothing there to indicate which way to turn. The route was now open to the public (I was about four hours into it) I was lost.

The upside? I ran through some great little neighborhoods in the poorer sections of the city, at one point attracting stray dogs and active children running along side of me. I finally came upon a busy intersection where a policeman was directing traffic. I pointed to my race bib and asked him which way to go. He pointed in a new direction, and I was off once more. When I rounded a street corner and found a sign the said 40K, I knew I was back on track! As I looked down at my watch, my runkeeper app indicated I had gone 28.3 miles so far.

As I neared the finish line, I could see the race crew beginning to disassemble the barriers and stage. No other runner was around. As workers and stragglers saw me coming in, they began to cheer. I saw Kelly at the finish line cheering me on. As I crossed, I was met by the race director, and local TV and newspaper journalists. I was the last one in! I fessed up to the race director that I strayed from the route and should be disqualified, but that I knew I had gone at least 28 miles to get there (by now, the watch battery was dead). He laughed and said not to worry. He was just glad I had arrived. So was I!

All of this was to support water.org. Water.org works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through access to small, affordable loans. There is both a need and demand for these loans, because when people have access to safe water, they get time back to go to school, earn an income and take care of their family. It changes their world. Peru is one of the places where water.org make a difference! Running for water! It was worth every mile!

Mighty Moms!

2017-05-10T16:55:00.002-05:00

In this video, Edna revisits her previous daily journey to collect water. It is for moms like Edna that Water.org created WaterCredit. As a result of WaterCredit, Edna was empowered with the funds needed to construct a water tap at home. This meant more time in her day to work. Now, she can afford to send her daughter to school. Soon, Sarah will graduate high school. Sarah looks forward to being the first in her family to ever attend college

Support Sport

2017-05-08T10:39:00.002-05:00

Baseball: An Alternative to Gangs in Nicaragua from Outreach International on Vimeo.

If nothing else, kids in the United States and Nicaragua have one thing in common: they love baseball. That's right, America's pastime is also the official national sport of Nicaragua. And what's not to love? When baseball season rolls around each year, it brings warm weather, fresh air, exercise and comradery with it. Even as a spectator, it's hard to complain about the perks of hotdogs and peanuts at the ballpark.

In Nicaragua, it's common to see kids playing baseball with sticks and rocks. (When you don't have enough money for equipment, you get creative with your resources.) It's no surprise that hurling rocks at one another is a dangerous way to spend an afternoon, but for the love of the game, they keep playing.

On May 21, my daughter Kelly and I are running in the LIMA Marathon in Lima Peru to support and fundraise for Outreach International.

This great organization is completely transparent, effective, and efficient in their use of funds. Our family has been supporting their work since the mid 1980’s. Staff and volunteers are involved in causes that share our own passion and compassion.

Running a race on their behalf is such a small thing. Yet, with your help and support, my waddling along can make a BIG difference in the lives of children, women, men, villages, communities across the globe!

Empowering Women, Enabling Health in Nepal

2017-05-08T09:58:00.002-05:00

From HealthEd Connect: “Being a health worker in Nepal is no easy task. In addition to the challenging terrain, Maoist threats, and tough living conditions, women must find time to serve as volunteers in their communities. Many heroic women, however, do just that.

Sandwiched between China and India, the tiny Himalayan country of Nepal is listed as one of the poorest countries in the world. At the community’s request, Health Worker training was initiated in Kathmandu in 2000 with women coming from villages high in the Himalayas to attend the sessions. Most of the women were Hindu; a few were Christian. All, however, were resolved to bring better health care to their communities.

At the end of the first training, one of the attendees who had been especially attentive came up to express her appreciation. She had only 2 years of formal schooling, not an unusual occurrence since half of Nepali women are illiterate.1 It was apparent from her calloused hands that she was no stranger to guiding plows behind water buffalo in the rice fields. Her simple but profound statement was this: “I can’t believe that someone with my low-level of education has been entrusted with such valuable information.” She expressed well the seriousness with which most women take their volunteer roles as health workers.

The community health worker (CHW) program is now registered with the government as Hope for the Himalaya. The CHWs provide first-line primary health care in remote villages, many of which are located several hours from the nearest road, by weighing and monitoring babies and pregnant women and arranging transportation to the hospital for those who need more intensive care. The health workers make the trek to Kathmandu every two months to deliver reports regarding their health activities.”

My daughter Kelly and have friends in Nepal. Two years ago, in running the Stockholm Marathon I supported the work of Heart to Heart in their efforts to provide relief for the devastating earthquakes in the area at that time. Supporting the efforts of health focused organizations around the world is so important in working to alleviate extreme poverty. Kelly and I are supporting HealthEd Connect by running in the Lima Peru Marathon May 21. If you would like to support the work of HealthEd Connect, donate here.

Edita

2017-05-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

From water.org “She seems unassuming; however upon conversation with Edita one will discover the quiet confidence that drove her to bring her family to a place where they could access both good schools and running water.

Edita and her husband started their family in a small village deep in the Andes Mountains. Together with their children, they lived a difficult life. Each day held the need for long walks for water and laborious domestic chores. There were no nearby schools. Edita believed that somewhere, somehow, a better life awaited her family.

With hope and determination, Edita and her husband moved their family to Concepcion Village. Comprised of mostly indigenous Incan people, who largely speak the ancient language of Q’eqchi’, the family felt right at home speaking their native language, among their people. Of even greater benefit – the poor yet developing community offered schools and running water. So close to achieving what they wanted for their new life, next was to find a way to establish a water connection in their home. They didn’t have to look far.

Water.org’s work around the world includes removing the financial barriers that separate the poor in Concepcion Village from accessing the municipal water lines running just under their feet. We empower families like Edita’s by helping them access small, affordable loans that enable them to install household water connections and toilets.

Goal in reach, it was only a few short weeks before Edita turned the knob on her very own tap. And within a few short months, she and her husband will repay their loan with money earned from farm work available to them in Concepcion.

It was with hope and determination Edita moved her family to a better home, and it is with access to safe water she is more empowered than ever to change their world."

This next week, my daughter Kelly and I will be in Lima Peru running in the Lima Marathon supporting women like Edita to change her own world. If you think water.org is worthy of your support and want to cheer Kelly and me on, give here : http://give.water.org/fundraiser/4948/#. THANK YOU!!!

But when you want to be on the couch

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Training Runs

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I admit I am terrible at taking photos while running... and obviously, have no idea how to position them on this page. But here are some of the places I have been getting my training runs in. Essentially all over Independence, Burr Oaks, LBT, south KC and midtown.

World Water Day

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From water.org: Children of all ages in Kanija Village celebrated World Water Day this year by honoring the focus of the day through their artwork. Using pencils and crayons these kids depicted how safe water plays an important role in their lives in Kanija.

In a country where more than 103 million people lack access to safe water, we pause to celebrate the lives that have already been transformed through safe water here in Kanija. Now the children here have the time and health to attend school, and look to bright futures.

Kelly and I are supporting water.org in our running in the LIMA 42K Marathon this May. You can support our efforts and lean more at http://give.water.org/fundraiser/4948/#

Sweet Sixteen

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This Saturday was cold, windy, cloudy and lonely. Lots' of pavement. No traffic! as in foot or bike traffic. Close to my home in east Independence, these suburban trails are easy to access and spend whatever amount of time you want on them.

Little Blue Parkway has an asphalt path from I-70 to 24 Hiway!

Jackson Drive has one from 23rd Street to LBP.

The Little Blue Trace goes 14. miles from Lee's Summit Road to the Missouri River.

And a nice little neighborhood street is Castle Drive off Jackson.

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Me and QT

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I often plan longer runs to include a Quick Trip. The staff are always very kind and accepting of sometimes sweaty two dollar bills offered to pay for a Gatorade or bottle of water.

Better yet, the QT staff at Little Blue Parkway let me get a cup of water from the fountain area at no charge. The restrooms are always clean and it provides a nice five minute break ten miles into a 15 mile run! Here are a few on different routes in city .

Jeanne Jacque Has Water!

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Jeanne used to feel the absence of water in her family's life every minute of every day. And never more acutely than when her children were sick, often because they drank dirty water or couldn't wash their hands.

But not anymore.

"We drink, the children can bathe, they don't get sick anymore," Jeanne says. "Now, if I come by a little money, it isn't spent on doctor’s visits. I can buy a small animal [to raise for food], or better, I can pay for school for the children."

When you give water to women like Jeanne, you give them so much more.

You give health to her family.

You give education to her kids.

You give her the margin to earn money to support her daughters.

You give her hope.

Water.org is committed to developing solutions that most effectively and efficiently respond to the specific needs of each community where they work. Kelly and I are supporting water.org in our running in the LIMA 42K Marathon this May. You can support our efforts and lean more at http://give.water.org/fundraiser/4948/#

Meet My Traveling/Running Buddy Flat Stanley

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My grand-daughter Ava wanted to know if I would take "Stanley" with me on my road trip to Dallas and post some photos for her class project. Stanley and I had a great time!

He even met a friend in Dallas! The two of them traveled together when she was "younger. She's now so old! In the third grade!"

Stanley barely survived a stampede, got all sweaty (so sorry Ava!) out on a training run, got lost in some weeds, nearly lost his head in the sculpture garden, and fell off the fence when seeing the giant eyeball staring at him. Thankfully, I'm letting him sleep in during the half!

Through my adventures with Stanley I probably met a dozen parents, children, and teachers who all knew who Stanley was. So, fun conversations about my grandchildren, Dallas, the race, running a marathon, and raising funds for water.org. One family even said they knew that Matt Damon was associated with water.org. So... Stanley and Matt are famous, but who's that old guy hanging out with them?

Adventures with Ava and Stella