14 September 2007

It's definitely possible that my legs are completely partially ready. Maybe.

Who knows what will happen on my last long run tomorrow. I sure don't. I feel like it's going to be a good one. We shall see. In the meantime, I figured I'd post a letter I'm sending out to raise funds for this fall's campaign. I thought you might enjoy it! And if you're motivated as such, click on the link on the right and help us out! It's a great cause! Enjoy...



As you may or may not know, my wife, Ellie, has been slipping up this summer. You see, I have been running marathons for a couple years now, and Ellie has caught a bit of the running bug—although she’d never admit it. Recently, in an unexplained momentary lapse of judgment, she agreed to take part in a 50 Mile Relay Run with me this Fall…
On October 20th Ellie and I will team up for a 2-person relay in the Door County Fall 50 Mile Run ( www.fall50.com ), a run from the northern tip of Door County, Gill’s Rock, to Sturgeon Bay. As you can see from the map on the left, we won’t exactly be taking the most direct route from start to finish, either.

But that’s not all! In less than a month’s time, we’ll also be completing one half marathon and two marathons. On September 23rd, Ellie will be running the Quad Cities Half Marathon, and I will be running the Quad Cities Marathon. On October 7th, I will be running the Chicago Marathon (with Ellie acting as “Head Cheerleader”).

Several people have shared their thoughts that we may have taken on a bit more than we can handle. You know what? They’re probably right. But we are inspired by our dear friend, Brock Hansen, and he keeps us moving.

Brock has a genetic disease known as Neurofibromatosis (NF2) that causes tumors to grow throughout his body. Ellie and I run these races for the Children’s Tumor Foundation (http://www.ctf.org/) in hope of finding a cure for this disease. I am hoping to raise $7,555 in honor of Brock this year, and every cent helps! Oh yeah…if we’re able to reach that goal, Brock and I are shaving our heads. Completely. Ellie always joked about my ears being kind of big. Without any hair they’ll be like sails!

I’m not sure if I’ve ever really experienced a “Runner’s High.” In fact, I’ve run a LOT of miles without enjoying any of it! But I think that’s what keeps me coming back. You see, “pleasure” isn’t found in the absence of pain. It’s found along the way, after you’ve been through the “valleys.” That’s one lesson I’ve learned from Brock. While he’s been through a lot (30 surgeries and counting), he still has a laugh that’s as contagious as it was during our days in high school.

Please help us to “Solve the Puzzle” of NF2 and help to find a treatment and a cure for this disease.

Ellie and I run for NF. Brock lives with NF. You can help cure it.

Please use the enclosed envelope and donation slip, or visit www.active.com/donate/run4brock
God’s Blessings,

Nic and Ellie

2 Corinthians 12:10

1 comment:

Tri+Umph said...

Nic, I admire your running towards the cure of NF2 and I hope my donation will at least make a small difference.

Best of luck on your long run tomorrow; I'm only planning a shorter run to test out my healing hip. This thing is starting to make me nervous!