The completion of the first 20+ mile run of my training program
marks the start of crunch time for the 2014
Marine Corps Marathon. The race is a few weeks and a couple long runs
away. This is the perfect time for me to
reaffirm my goals and dedicate this year’s race.
I am happy to announce that I dedicate my efforts in the 2014
Marine Corps Marathon to Reverend Jennifer Durant. Jennifer is the
Associate Rector at the Church of Our Saviour in Charlottesville, VA.
I met Jennifer in 2011 when she joined the church clergy. Soon after joining our church,
Jennifer announced her diagnosis and started her battle with amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS). I have seen first hand the impact
of this disease on her and her family and the courage required to fight it.
I am impressed with Jennifer's openness about her battle, her commitment
to maintain connections in the church and community, and her drive to continue
her ministry. These same attributes are required to complete a marathon
and I will use Jennifer’s example as inspiration as I run this year.
Jennifer and her supporters formed Team Durant to create awareness
and raise money for the battle against ALS.
I am excited to run this race in support of Jennifer and Team
Durant. Other
members of Team Durant plan to participate in the Richmond
Walk To Defeat ALS the same weekend as The Marine Corps Marathon. I encourage you
to support Jennifer and others battle ALS, please visit Team
Durant Funding Page and ALS
Association to learn more about how you can help.
On a personal record (PR) note, my goal for this race is to
improve on my time from last year and target 4:15 completion time with a strong
confident effort throughout the race. I continue to chase a sub-4 Hour PR,
however I think I am one training cycle and flatter course away from obtaining
it. I completed my first 20+ mile run this past weekend. I
successfully mentally broke the run down into 5 mile blocks and felt strong
even after the 15 Mile mark. With continued focus and dedication to my
training plan I expect that I will achieve my goals for this race. Register for updates on with MCM Runner Broadcast Service if you are interested in following me during the race.
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