1,702 miles and into Indiana

[Mark Wagner]

Hello Everyone. Today I ran my last long run of my training, before the marathon. (13.6 miles) My longest run between now and the marathon (October 12) will be one 9.5 mile run, 7 days before the race. Everything else is under 5.5 miles now. Yahoo! Now it is time to kick back and start eating lots of pasta for the carbs. I have to tell you, I am really sore and need the rest now. This month alone I have put in 119 miles, and will add about 10 more before the month is out.
So far over $2300.00 has come in, and I expect that to keep climbing up to the marathon. I recieved an endorsment from a olympic medalist from Ethiopia today, along with a picture of he and wife at their wedding. She is also one of the top marathoners in World. He personally won the marathon in Austrailia. World Vision in Canada is also trying to get some media attention to this run and support for their efforts to help widows and orphans affected by HIV/Aids in Zambia.

http://www.worldvision.org/worldvision/comms.nsf/stable/runforhope?OpenDocument&cmp=EMC-V1S658230691

I requested (and truly in humbleness not for myself) that as I cross the finish line it be mentioned about my heart valve. My hope is that other heart patients realize that heart surgery is not a life ending procedure, but a beginning of learning to live. We can sit around and feel sorry for ourselves and whine, or we can regroup and say, "Okay God, I'm not sure why you allowed this to come into my life, but your ways are higher than mine, so what do you want me to do with it?"
I really like how Lance Armstrong handles medical setbacks. He looks at the surgery as just part of the training.
My web site
http://hometown.aol.com/beatfeet26pt2/myhomepage/index.html

Take care all. God be with each of you. ... Mark

 

[Ross]

Great job thus far Mark!

I'm counting the days off until the marathon. You'll do just fine. Hang in there and keep inspiring the newcomers here. Many are concerned that they won't be able to run or do anything that they used to do. You certainly help prove that theory incorrect!

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Mark,
Keep up the Great Work. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Best of Luck at the Marathon!

Dave
__________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[KimC]

Mark,

Amen to your sentiment. We can't question the ways of God. His wisdom is unfathonable. I trust that whatever happens, it is for the good.

You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing.

Peace,

 

[BillCobit]

Good luck, Mark!