Training, fundraising benchmarks, and what God is teaching me through it all

I guess now is as good a time as any to update!  Today has been kind of a big day!
I finished my pre-training on a high note.  I had a very good run this evening.  My time is still slow, but I'm okay with that because I find myself enjoying my runs more and wanting to go longer.  The trick may be to become an evening runner.  Tonight's run was awesome!  It felt cool, had a nice breeze, but in reality was still 90 some degrees and deep in the heart of Texas.  My light went out through my run (good thing I changed my course to a more lit course at the last minute), so I ended up walking more at the end in fear of tripping, but all in all, it felt great.
More importantly, as I ran tonight, people from all over my life continued to donate, and got me to my June benchmark!  So far I have raised $2,000 out of my $10,000.  July is our $3,000 benchmark, and when I meet that I will officially get the link to register for the NYC marathon.  No turning back!
As much as this is a dream of mine, I'm also reminded daily of why I am doing this.  I'm running for the children.  I'm running for those who can't protect themselves.  And in the process, I'm listening to books and podcasts that are teaching me more than I could ever imagine.  My heart is being broken for children all over this world, both across the world and here in my community.  I'm being called to minister to these children in a variety of ways.  Running is just a part of my story.  I'll be sharing the rest of what God is teaching me soon, I just have to wrap up a few loose ends.  All I can say is, it's really exciting!  When God puts something on my heart, God REALLY puts something on my heart!  And right now, that is protecting children near and far.
Thank you for joining me on this journey!  Thank you for supporting me!  Thank you for donating to this great cause!  And most importantly, thank you for praying for me!
(Also, thank you for keeping me accountable and asking how my training's going.  It's because of you that I keep going, because I don't want to look lazy!)
I couldn't do this without you, and for you I am grateful!

Last week of pre-training

Today I began my final week of pre-training!  Next week I begin the "official training" for the NYC Marathon.  Basically this just means that I go from running in minutes to running in miles, and my skipping days are long gone!  But that's okay, because I've tried to not skip many days in this pre-training as well.  Last week I took my shoes on our mission trip.  I only got in 2 good runs, but that's 2 more than I would have if I left my shoes at home!
This month has been tough, because I've had to take time off of fundraising.  I've been out of town the majority of June, but I have faith that it will all work out.  Today I laced back up and hit the pavement.  I had a great run this morning, and am going to finish this season of pre-training strong.  As I ran, I listened to this podcast.  It was a great reminder of why I'm running.  The podcast is called "Happy Hour with Jamie Iverson" and today she spoke with a friend that was on her recent Kenya team.  They were working with Compassion International, but so much of the work is the same.  It was inspiring to hear about where they were, what they were doing, and how me hitting the pavement is changing the world!  Yes, it may have been a different organization, but they are all so similar and really just are bringing Jesus, health, and healing to the world, and I'm so happy to be a part of that!
So far I have raised $1243 for Team World Vision.  My goal is $2,000 in July, but I have to raise $3,000 by August to get the official registration link.  I believe it is going to happen, so please keep praying for me!  I've hit a few road bumps in fundraising, but some people are stepping out offering help, so I'll be meeting with them now that I'm back.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!  It's happening!
To donate and/or see my updates, please check out the thermometer on the right side of this page!

Today's view from my run.  See the precious deer on the right?  They were all over the park this morning!

Can I do it? And other doubts.

I'm having a bit of a freak out moment this week.  Did I take on too big of a goal?  Can i actually raise $10,000?  Can I actually run a marathon?  I'm not in the same shape I used to be, what if I fail?  What if I took on too big a dream?  What if I disappoint everyone?  What then?
What if I don't finish?  What if that van picks me up because I'm too slow?  Why isn't my time what it used to be?  What if I don't even raise enough money to get there in the first place?  What then?

I'm freaking out.  It's Summer.  For everyone else, summer seems to be about health.  For me, it's when I'm the unhealthiest.  As hard as I try, I can't always get a run in when I'm on a mission trip or at camp.  And eating healthy?  It's really hard when sugar, sweets, and fried food is being thrown at you from every angle.  I'd love to enjoy the farmers market and cook a healthy meal for myself, but the reality is that I'm stopping at Whataburger on road trips to and from youth events.  I feel so gross.
I was finally able to run this week, and my pace is the slowest it can be to finish the marathon.  That means, that I have to stay consistent or speed up for the next 20 some miles!  Usually there's room to slow down, but that's not the case here.
So, I'm freaking out.  I'm trusting God that I'm going to be able to raise the money, but honestly, I'm scared.  I need a big idea that pulls from the community, and not just people I know.  I've talked to a few restaurants, but even then I would have to sell tickets, and I only know a small group of people in SA.  Does anyone have any grand ideas?  My old house was the perfect place to have a garage sale, but I don't know if anyone could find me here.  What's something that you've seen done in the past that could be an epic fundraiser?

Really, I just need prayer.  Prayer that it all works out.  Prayer that my training gets stronger, that I get healthier, and that each run gets better.  Prayer that a big fundraising idea will come my way, and that it will be something I can do.  Prayer for these summer months that are busy and stressful, may I find time to train and to share my story with those around me.  God is in control.  For one reason or another, I am on this journey.  My plane tickets and room are reserved.  I'm going one way or another.  But I'd really like to be there to run.  I'd like even more to finish.

It's not about me, it's about the children.  It's not about me, it's about the children.  It's not about me, it's about the children.

Time to change my focus.