Today, I’m finishing my first half century hoping the second half goes a lot slower, while still allowing me to contribute. 

I’m thankful for God, family, and friends who love me in spite of all my imperfections. 

I’m still realizing, day by day, how truly amazing God’s grace is.

I’m sure that I have hurt many, as sometimes my youthful ambitions and shortage of wisdom blinded me from seeing clearly, that it is all about people and nothing else. 

I can only hope that I have helped some. 

For the remainder of this marathon called life, I desire to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus who will lead me to the finish line, where the celebration of life, and the race that is run, truly begins.

Until that day, I will continue to run the race to receive the prize, receiving the needed endurance along the way from Him.

Know that you are loved,
gaj

On November 7, 2010, I ran the Marshall University half marathon in honor of my sister, Ramona G. Runyon, and to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).  I logged 420 training miles between July and November preparing for this one race and had to press through painful injury, but that is nothing compared to what my sister and others with lupus go through every day.  I want to thank those who have already donated to this vital cause. 

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.  The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.  

As of today, we have been able to raise $790 in donations to LFA in honor of Ramona.  We need continual research that will produce medical breakthroughs leading to lupus specific medications, treatments and eventually a cure.  I can’t thank those enough who are partnering with us in this endeavor.

Please know that this is just the beginning.    You can find more information on our website at http://LovingGodFellowship.org/lupus .  We will keep that page updated with our efforts.  I hope and pray that more will join us on this journey of love, hope and healing.

Thanks again to all those who have already donated to this vital cause.   As we all utilize our time, talent and treasure in making a difference in our day, many will be helped and we will fulfill our purpose on earth in loving God and people. 

Know that you are loved,
gaj

Thanks to all who have prayed for my tendinitis and those who have supported the cause of running for lupus in honor of my sister Ramona Runyon.

We are raising funds for the Lupus Foundation of America. I expect more donations for the cause to come in the weeks ahead and after taking some time off and letting the tendinitis heal in my feet, I'll be hitting the pavement again for the cause of fighting lupus. It is a terrible disease that impacts many people. Many are suffering. We need a cure!

I was up at 3:45 AM to begin my pre race routine of eating, drinking and stretching.  My pre race breakfast consisted of 2 peanut butter and blackberry jam sandwiches, 2 cups of coffee, 1 banana and a tall glass of milk.

I finished the 13.1 miles in 2:19:23 which is slower than my best time for a half marathon which is 2:02, but I'm pleased with the time since I was running injured with tendinitis in both feet.

It was 25 degrees when I started at 7PM and 35 when I finished.  The Lord blessed us with sunny skies.

Splits:

• mile 1 - 9:56 - I ran this first mile faster than I planned to get warm quick.
• 2 - 10:29 - Warmed up good and had a pretty good sweat going.
• 3 - 10:33 - Tendinitis pain started in left foot.
• 4 - 10:18
• 5 - 11:08
• 6 - 10:24
• 7 - 11:11 - Tendinitis pain in both feet now and extreme in left foot.
• 8 - 10:43
• 9 - 10:33
• 10 - 10:55
• 11 - 10:43
• 12 - 10:32
• 13 - 9:32 - My fastest mile as I didn't want to leave anything in the tank at the end.

I'm thankful to God and the support of my family and friends.  I'm blessed to be surrounded with such precious people.

Keep pressing toward the finish line!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:1-2 ESV)

Know that you are loved,
gaj

Started training in July.

Logged 420 training miles.

Battled hot and humid conditions with over 40 days above 90 degrees.

Developed tendinitis in left foot.

But, now it's time to get it done.

Sunday morning, 11/7/2010, at 7 AM.

Running 13.1 miles.

A half marathon.

To fight lupus.

In honor of my sister.

Will you join me in the cause to stop lupus?

Together, we can make a difference!

Know that you are loved,
gaj

I am running in honor of my sister, Ramona Runyon who has battled lupus for 26 years.  In July of this year I started training to run the Marshall University Marathon on November 7, 2010 to raise funds for the American Lupus Foundation in her honor.

I have not ran a marathon since the fall of 2007 when I completed three marathons in 9 weeks in raising funds for the American Heart Association in honor of my dad, Elmer Johnson and in memory of my good friend Cat Cavazos.  Needless to say, I have had my work cut out for me in getting back into running shape. 

I have battled running in the heat and humidity of central Kentucky all summer and developed tendinitis in my foot just a couple of weeks ago.  The tendinitis will keep me from running the full marathon, but not the half marathon!  I’m going to get out there and press toward the finish line as my temporary pain is nothing compared to the pain that lupus victims go through day by day in their battle against this disease.

Please go to http://www.LovingGodFellowship.org/Lupus and read more about this disease and how you can join me in making a difference.  Always remember that you can do things that I can not do.  I can do things that you can not do.  Together we can do great things!

Know that you are loved,
gaj