I just got back from a 28-minute jog (which now constitutes an easy-going 5k). Today is an easier day. Yesterday was a 5-hill workout… hard. It is a very big hill. Tomorrow, a long run. I’m thinking 15 miles at about 12:30/mile pace, for a 3:07:30. Next week it’ll bump up to 20 miles, same pace.

Precisely 5 months from today, I will set out on my epic 100-mile ultramarathon race from Rome to Assisi to raise funds and attract interest for the various partnerships I have been developing in my fundraiser, The St. Francis 100.

The race is a metaphor. There are many ups and downs, lows and highs, tight corners with no visibility in the dark and fog, and clear, straight, open roads in the full light of day. There are unexpected challenges and lots of predictable pain. There are moments of total elation, a thrilling rush of hope and enthusiasm, the thought that it just might be possible after all… And it is all much slower and longer than you thought.

Even if you just want to make a nominal donation, get in touch, and we will work it out. You have no idea how far $50 goes in some of these places.

At the right time, I will be calling for individual sponsors of each mile. There will be cool gifts, shout outs, interactive elements, that kind of thing. You’ll see.

There is more to come… I am working on a lot. In the meantime, please pray for me!