Adios, JoPa

What separates the good from the great is going above and beyond the required...required by your job, the law, etc. I am not surprised that Joe Paterno has been fired. Simply doing his "job" and reporting alleged crimes to his boss was not enough. Surely, a man who strives for excellence on the field would realize that this is also the case off the field, particularly when such a vulnerable group of young people was in the center of the allegations. Haven't we been told since our youth that doing the right thing is not always easy? You may like the man as a coach, and even a person, but please don't defend his actions in this case. I would like to hear some of those rallying behind his decision to simply "report to the AD" as correct defend their position to the alleged victims and their parents.

Crunch time

When we decided to get married in December, I knew it would be busy, but things are getting crazy! While I am feeling very busy, stressed, and often running on little rest, I am trying not to complain (sometimes successfully...). The difficulty is that my teaching responsibilities, grad class, and wedding will all culminate during the same week! Let's just say the honeymoon will be greatly appreciated!

1/2 marathon - check!

Today, I ran my first 1/2 marathon! I am tired and very sore, but it was totally worth it. I ran with 37 other runners/walkers in the half and full marathon events. Together, we finished our races and also raised over $55,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! It is a great feeling to be giving go a great cause while also working toward a personal goal. Thanks to everyone for their love, prayers, and support. Until last May, I had never run more than a 5K, now I can say I have run 13.1 miles! Pretty amazing. :)

I reached my goal!

Wow! So I actually surpassed my goal of raising $1250 for the LLS, and once my last 2 checks clear, I will have raised $1290!!! I am so overwhelmed by the generosity and support I have received from friends and family. Through close friends, family members, anonymous donors, college acquaintances, or even pop can collections, it all came together in a short 2 month span! Of course, I will still be collecting money until mid-September, but it feels great to know that I have reached my goal! It seemed very daunting at first, and I am just amazed by God's faithfulness and provision.

Kyle is still raising money for his run, so if you are interested in giving generously to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, click here!

thank you

I don't know how many people actually read this (I have an idea from my feed, but that's all), but I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I am so encouraged by the generosity and support friends and family have shown me as I work toward my goal of running and raising money for the LLS. I have already raised 95% of my goal, and it has not even been 2 months! Thank you so much if you are reading this and have contributed. Even if you haven't contributed, I thank you for your prayers and support.

Last weekend I also had an encouraging training session...I ran 9 miles in about an hour and a half! 10 minute miles are not fast, but just being able to keep running and to run that far and still feel good was great. Last night I ran a slow 8 miles, but I am so thankful for injury-free training and that I am seeing progress in my endurance. This weekend I am running the Coast Guard 10K in Grand Haven with my friend and bridesmaid Kate (and with Kyle, but not really with him because he will be smoking by everyone). I am looking forward to a good run and another milestone as I complete my first official 10K race.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/GrdRpd10/mdecorte

giving

As I continue in my endeavor with Team in Training and the LLS, it has really made me consider my own giving. There is something humbling about asking people for money -- whether it is for yourself or to give to someone else. While I know that all $1250 (or more!) that I earn will go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, it is still hard to ask people directly for money. Money is so precious to people, and we tend to cling tightly to it once it is in our possession. In general, most of us still tend to spend it on things that are not incredibly meaningful or necessary...Just this week alone I spent $5 on lunch when I could have packed my own, $4 on a milkshake when I could have skipped it, $8 on Starbucks treats, $5 on fancy lotion, and now lots of dollars on a honeymoon (which almost goes into the necessary category ;) ). However, when it comes to giving, I don't always give as generously as I spend on myself. I am far more reluctant to hand over money when there isn't something tangible I am getting in return. I am more likely to ignore requests from charities, church, and individuals who need it so I don't have to feel bad when I am not tithing enough. I pray that through this experience God continues to teach me what it means to give with a generous heart.

With those thoughts in mind, I am even more grateful to those who have kindly blessed me and the LLS with their generosity throughout this process. With only $130 more dollars, I will meet my goal of $1250 in just a few short months.

Thank you!

HOT!

So, it's pretty hot outside...which means if I resist my alarm for my early-morning runs, I have to wait until right before bed to get my miles in...it is really a battle of heat v. sleep every morning! I was suppose to run 6 miles on Saturday, but because I waited to late in the day, I only did 5 again, and that was with a few minutes of walking. It stinks to feel like I'm not making progress, but I know I need to learn about my body's limits.

I am continually encouraged by the generosity of my family and friends. I have received donations here and there from people when I least expect it, and I am so grateful! I am still hoping to line up some fundraisers with local businesses, but it's amazing to see people step up and help out such a great cause. I find it difficult to ask people for money, but I have to remember that it is not for me, but a greater cause that truly does affect so many of us.

Sometimes the miles and dollars all seem daunting, but I know I can do it with baby steps. When I break it down, I know that if people even donated as much as a cup of coffee or a few gallons of gas, it would all add up eventually. If you are reading this, please consider clicking here to make a donation, big or small. Every little bit helps fight blood cancers like Leukemia & Lymphoma.

God Bless,

Melissa