PKD Foundation

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

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

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!

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?

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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!