The Finish of a crazy idea

I wrote this October 11, 2010:

After months of preparation and training, I stepped on the course to run the Chicago Marathon. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish.

As I was walking with a new found friend that day just before mile 16, I tried to convince myself I could keep going and she tried to convince me as well. I knew something not good was going on inside my body from about mile 13, but had tried to ignore it. But when she asked me again, I knew my body was clearly telling me I needed to go to the medic tent. Apparently, I was dehydrated and had the beginnings of “some type of heat illness” per the doctor at the medical tent just after mile 16. When they were finally able to get my blood pressure it was 94 over 42, pulse was 64 and my body temp was 94. What does all that mean? I really have no idea other than it was low and it meant I shouldn’t finish the race.

I would be fooling myself and others if I said I wasn’t disappointed. I could attempt to figure out why it happened when I thought I did everything I needed to do to be properly prepared. I could probably come up with several things I might have changed to keep the inevitable from happening; however, none of that will make any real difference.

Here’s what I do know: I did everything I knew to do to run that race. I know that nearly 2000 of the 38,000 runners dropped out of the race as well. I trained hard and had runs of 21 and 23 miles at home which means I was completely capable in other circumstances to run a full marathon. More important than anything else I know; my marathon attempt was for the glory of God.

Instead of me doing something which glorified God, He was glorified in the compassion, love and support of the people who lifted me up after such a disappointing finish. He was glorified in allowing this bullheaded woman to make a sensible decision and stop when my body had enough. He was glorified in over $800 donated to World Vision and more donated for my expenses in Chicago. And I hope He was glorified in the work and effort I put forth.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Thank you for helping me walk through this adventure.

Doing it for God’s Glory!

LaVonda

Chicago Marathon, here I come!

So, this time Sunday, I will have run the Chicago Marathon!

I ask for your continued prayers. Aaron was diagnosed with strep last week and is now on an antibiotic. My concern is that it was 12 days before the race and strep has an incubation of 10 – 14 days; I ask you to pray specifically that I won’t come down with it. I’m choosing to believe it will not be a factor.

I’ve reached the first goal of $500 for World Vision. I had hoped to reach $1310, but I think whatever is given will be absolutely perfect. If you wanted to support me in this endeavor, it’s not too late. I’ve included the address and websites below.

The hotel is booked and the driving plans are made. I’ve done my best to prepare. I’ve trained to the best of my ability. I’ve drank so much water I think I just might float away. I think, physically, I’m ready. In my head, I can say that easily, but then my heart begins to pound just a little faster. I’m so very excited, but terrified at the same time.

I’m praying in the midst of all the nervousness and excitement I remember that it is only through Christ I could have made it this far. When I cross that finish line and do my victory dance (in whatever pitiful form it may be at the time  ) I pray I will remember that it’s not really about me. My hope and prayer is that God will be glorified and His light will be clearly seen through me.

Sunday morning at 7:30am, if you remember me, please pray again.

Trying to Bring Glory to God!
LaVonda

11618 Walnut View Way
Louisville, KY 40299

http://twv.convio.net/goto/lavondah

Donations made payable to or paid directly to World Vision through the website will be 100% World Vision and you will receive a donation letter/statement listing your donation. Donations made payable to me will be used for the race and expenses and any money left afterwards will be donated to World Vision under your name.

16 Days to go!

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13



I began this endeavor in April. The crazy thought that I might want to run a marathon. What seemed crazy then is just 16 days away. April to October seems like a lifetime but 16 days is just around the corner.



I have not done this alone so far nor can I finish it alone. I have received so much wonderful loving support over the past few months. This week I put in a 25 mile run and a 14 mile run. That is the last of my “long” ones. The 25 mile was rough and I walked the last two miles, however everything that “went wrong” can be easily fixed. The 14 mile on the other hand was great! From this point on, the training is easy breezy!



Below is a picture of the type of support I receive when I’m running. This was today. This is just the last of the many times I have been supported. I have had so many people who have supported me in so many ways. Giving me water in the midst of my run is just one of them. I can’t express how much I appreciate all those who have been there for me in so many ways: prayer; calls; texts; emails; financial; advice; other gifts; their presence; water; and so much more.



The marathon is just 16 days away. It’s a bit overwhelming but so incredibly exciting! I ask for your continued support. I so still need additional financial support for World Vision. I definitely need your continued prayers. I keep reminding myself, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.



Hoping to bring glory to God,

facebook.com/lavondahorrar
http://twv.convio.net/goto/lavondah

4 weeks until race day!!

The marathon is 4 weeks from yesterday. My training is going pretty well even while working full time for a few weeks. I ran 22 miles today. I wanted to run 23 but there was this portion of Bardstown Rd which didn’t have sidewalks and it was very busy. I decided to ask Ryan and Sarah to give me a ride to the sidewalks further down the road instead of just a drink. That took away some mileage, but it was definitely safer.

Today was probably the worst long run I’ve done thus far. I had some kind of stomach thing going on which caused lots of delays and discomfort. I ran it slower than I have run any of my longs runs. Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve finished if it were not for Ryan and Sarah being so encouraging. And a new running friend, Wendy, doing the same in the beginning. But, I finished it. There is a certain amount of pleasure which comes in completing a goal. 

I’ve received about 30% of the goal World Vision set when I signed up to help them bring clean water to Africa. Several of my friends have supported me in this fun, tiring, painful and wonderful endeavor; thank you all!

Please keep me in your prayers. I’m working fulltime for another week. The hours are early morning hours and I usually run in the mornings, which makes it difficult to get my training accomplished. Also, please pray that I will receive the sponsors I need.

Thanks for everyone’s support so far!

LaVonda

You can also find some information on my World Vision page http://twv.convio.net/goto/lavondah. You can also find me on Facebook and I have made notes and an event concerning my running www.facebook.com/lavondahorrar.

MapMyRun.com | View 20 To 930 Building in Jeffersontown, Kentucky

MapMyRun.com | View 20 To 930 Building in Jeffersontown, Kentucky

This was a great run. Probably because I had some wonderful support this morning!

MapMyRun.com - Regular Run: 4 on 06/09/2010

MapMyRun.com - Regular Run: 4 on 06/09/2010

Let it begin!!!

Yesterday was supposed to be my first day of training, however I had/have a sick dog so I didn't run...ugh!!! However, I got back on the schedule today and intend to make up for yesterday this week.

My first official marathon training run! 6 miles

Official marathon training begins in less than two weeks!!!

I've talked to a few folks in town who may support me personally. I'm creating a training shirt I'll wear with logos of local businesses. If you're interested in supporting me and my endeavor to support World Vision and their cause to bring clean water to Africa, it would be greatly appreciated.

There are several ways to do this:
1. A tax deductible donation to World Vision submitted online by going to http://twv.convio.net/goto/lavondah
2. You can also give a tax deductible cash donation to World Vision by giving it to me and must manually enter the information. Just contact me via email (lavondalou@yahoo.com) or facebook.
3. If interested, you can also support me with a cash donation. Anything I receive above my expenses for the Chicago Marathon will be given directly to World Vision.
4. You could be part of the businesses I'll be advertising on my training shirt while running. I'll be submitting that to be printed within 1 1/2 weeks.

There is no minimum (or maximum :-)) to support this endeavor. Please note in your information if you would prefer that I not list your name as supporters.

Please keep me, my training, my family and World Vision in your prayers for the next few months! Thanks for your support and encouragement!

I run to stay healthy and I've been running for about 8 years now. I did my first half-marathon in 2007. While training for my first half-marathon, one of my neighbors at the time, an avid runner, was giving me advice. In the process he said it wouldn't be long until I had the bug to run a full marathon. I told him in no uncertain terms I would never want to run a full marathon…

On October 10, 2010, I will be running my first full marathon. I will be running for Team World Vision 26.2.

This blog will provide a place for me to let those supporting me see how my training and fund raising is progressing. Hopefully, it will also be a place for those to encourage me when I need it or hold me accountable when I’m not doing what I should. I give full permission to any of my friends who check it out to let me know when I’m slacking off!

I'll try this for a bit and then determine if it's easier to simply post it on facebook. We'll see.