Lisa Smith-Batchen

Did you know?

2011-10-30T14:02:00.002-06:00

Dear Beautiful friends!

Tue. Nov. 1st I will join my very good friend Jason Lester
who will begin a 306 mile run across Death Valley in an
effort to raise funds for Operation Blessing's Clean Water program. This
is a cause that I am passionate about and I know that many of you are
as well. I am sure that you have heard the facts before: Every 20
seconds a child dies either of thirst or a water-borne disease. One
billion people on this planet lack access to safe, clean water. The
devastation is staggering. The cost in human lives, each life so unique
and precious, is unfathomable. The tragedy and wrongness of it cannot
fail to stir the hearts of those who seek justice, love mercy and
earnestly desire to be a part in making this world a better place for
future generations.

In 2008 I was the first person to run the 306 miles that Jason will follow the same foot steps! How wonderful for me to be the lead crew chief and help Jason accomplish the same dream I dreamed about!
Many of you know that I run for a purpose and that purpose is for orphaned children!
Many of you made very kind donations while I was running 50 miles in all 50 states, Running Hope Through America..a great deal of the funds raised have gone to continue feeding children all over the World, building a school in Ethiopia and India.
Jasons 306 miles will help raise money for Operation Blessing's Clean Water program but the best news of all is the money raised will complete a water treatment plant at our mission in India!
Can you imagine drinking dark brown water full of who knows what?
The next time you take a drink of water think about how fortunate you are, how blessed we are.

Over the past several months Jason and our team have been very focused on
raising awareness and funding for Operation Blessing's Clean Water
program. Won't your join us!!!!

Official Website: www.H2OPE2011.com

Did you know...

* More than 1 billion people worldwide do not have access to safe water. Three
times that number lack access to proper sanitation.
* 3.575 million people die each year because of water-related disease
* The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives than any war through guns
* People living in slums pay 5 to 10 times more per liter of water than wealthy people
* An American taking a 5 minute shower uses more water than a typical person in a developing country use in a whole day
* Diarrhea remains the 2nd leading cause of death among children under five
globally. Nearly 1 in 5 deaths is due to diarrhea. It kills more young
children than aids, malaria and measles combined.
* Every 20 seconds a child dies from a water related disease
* About 80% of sewage in developing countries is discharge untreated
* Less than 1% of the world's fresh water is readily accessible for direct human use
* Average American uses 100 gallons of water per day
* Average African uses 12 gallons per day
* More than half of the all wells delivered by aid fail and fewer than 7% are well maintained
* Only 62% of the world's population has access to improved sanitation -
defined as a sanitation facility that ensures hygienic separation of
human excreta from human contact.
* In just one day, more than 200 million hours of women's time is consumed
for the most basic of human needs - collecting water for domestic use.
This lost productivity is greater than the combined number of hours
worked in a week by employees at Wal*Mart, United Parcel Service,
McDonald's, IBM, Target, and Kroger
* Children in poor environments often carry 1,000 parasitic worms in their bodies at any time.
* In the developing world, 24,000 children under the age of five die every
day from preventable causes like diarrhea contracted from unclean water.

Book Review: Hillenbrand's "Unbroken" reveals real-life heroism

2011-06-06T23:31:00.000-06:00

Louis Zamperini would swipe the food, stealthily, and then run like hell. He ran from the cops; he ran from the store owners; he ran from angry residents brandishing guns. The notorious street tough outran them all. He'd steal any food he could get his hands on; he was always staging pranks and getting into fistfights. Friends and neighbors didn't expect him to live beyond his childhood years. And on numerous occasions, they were almost right.

The son of Italian immigrants growing up in Torrance, California, Zamperini was perpetually in hot water with authority. He was often escorted home late evenings by the police. Probably few, if any, of those who knew him expected the delinquent to grow up to become an Olympic athlete and one of America's greatest distance runners. Certainly, no one expected him to become a WWII bombardier, plane crash survivor, POW, and survivor of post-war turmoil.

But, that's exactly what happened. Laura Hillenbrand's extraordinary book, "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption," chronicles the incredible life story of a man who lived through one catastrophe after another and still emerged with his dignity and humanity intact.

It all started when his brother made him join the high school track team. Zamperini hated running, but after rigorous training, he soon realized he had the gift of speed. Running provided him the perfect outlet for his aggression; instead of using his fleet feet for mischief, he was now setting national and world records in the sport. He ran the mile in 4 minutes and 21.2 seconds. Everyone expected him to be the first person to break the 4-minute mile.

In 1936, he ran for U.S. Olympic team in the 5000 meters in Berlin. Although he finished in eighth place, his final lap time of 56 seconds, an unprecedented time for a final lap of that distance, caught the attention of many people, including that of Adolf Hitler, who watched in his stadium balcony. The two met face-to-face. "You're the boy with the fast finish," Hitler told him while shaking his hand.

War ended his running career. Zamperini enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941. One day, his plane experienced mechanical difficulties and it crashed into the ocean. He and his crew spent 47 days adrift at sea. They lived off albatross and fish they caught; they were shot at from above by Japanese bomber planes; they were hunted from below by sharks; they were nearly swallowed whole by a sea storm. By the time the Japanese Navy found them and took them to their prison camps, the men were emaciated shells of their former selves.

All of this is told in remarkably fast-paced and thrilling way. Hillenbrand, who also wrote "Seabiscuit," manages to give her readers the hard facts of history while fleshing out an absorbing and entertaining story. She avoids embellishing the facts and getting too carried away with the poetic license that biographers sometimes take when filling in the gaps of historical records. Nothing that is written in this book, she tells us in the introduction, is unsupported by historical evidence. She didn't make it up.

She didn't need to. The truth is incredible enough. Not many could endure what Zamperini did and even live to tell the tale. He is a shining example of true heroism. His is a story of how an ordinary kid from a troubled background can grow up to achieve extraordinary things. A tough and resilient man, Zamperini is still going strong. At 93 years-old, today he travels around the world giving lectures. The fast kid from Torrance is still as spry as ever.

Training Time: A Poem

2011-06-05T08:21:00.002-06:00

I'm signed up for a race,
But, I haven't been training,
No speed work for pace,
No long runs - How utterly constraining!

The days go by,
The race draws near,
This ain't no lie:
I'm plagued with FEARS!

When you have a list full of chores,
Training time's hard to find ready,
A family to cook for,
A job to hold steady.

Iron clothes,
Make the bed,
Shop at Lowe's
Clean out the shed!

Oh! My head is spinning;
Much to do before bed,
This stack of chores isn't thinning.
Is this what it feels like to be brain-dead?

Must wash the dog,
Must feed the cat,
Must walk the bird -
Wait... I don't have a cat. And walk the bird? Oh, dear. My mind's turned to sap!

Don't get me wrong,
I'm not complaining.
My life's a jolly song,
Quite entertaining!

I love my kids,
Love my hubby-boo!
Love our dog Skip,
Even when, on the rug, he poos.

So I can't train for hours at a time -
Big flippin' deal.
I have confidence this race will be mine,
Even if it's last place I steal!

Truth is, I wouldn't change a thing,
About this crazy, hectic life of mine
Life's so sweetly full I could sing...
And if I belt out of tune, hope you don't mind!

You can't put life on hold just to go run.
Why that would just suck!
And ultrarunning should be fun.
So, soon I will stand on that starting line, training or none... Wish me luck!

"Walking the Gobi," A Fascinating Portrait of a Land, Its People, and the Power of Human Determination

2011-05-29T19:11:00.003-06:00

Helen Thayer was 64 years-old when she and her husband Bill set out to walk 1,600 miles across the Mongolian Gobi Desert in the middle of summer. He was 74. They battled scorching 126-degree heat, ferocious sand storms, deadly scorpions, dehydration, and dangerous drug smugglers.

With no support team, sponsors, or radio contact, theirs is a story of pure adventure. Traversing the hostile Mongolia-China border, leading two charismatic camels named Tom and Jerry, the Thayers could not have imagine the magnitude of the beauty they would encounter on their epic journey.

Helen was no stranger to hostile natural environments. At the age of 50, she became the first woman to solo trek to the magnetic North Pole, pulling her own sled without resupply. Born in New Zealand, she has become a world-reknowned explorer and motivational speaker.

Twice she has kayaked 2,200 miles in the Amazon. She walked 4,000 miles along an ancient trade route in the Sahara. She has lived alogside and studied the Canadian wild wolves of the polar sea and has been named “One of the Great Explorers of the 20th Century” by National Geographic Society and NPR.

Despite her long list of accomplishments, there had always been one dream Helen never gave up on. When she was in grade school, her teacher fascinated her with stories of the Gobi. She imagined the rugged bueaty of the land and its people. Instantly, she knew she had to go there.

That she held on to that dream for so long speaks to her determination and indomitable spirit. Just a year before their scheduled trek, Helen was involved in a serious car accident. The doctors told her she might never walk again. But, this did not stop her. Still recovering from her injuries, she set out to realize her goal of crossing the desert on foot.

"Walking the Gobi" is an absorbing book. It works on a couple of different levels. On the one hand, it is a wonderful introduction to the cultures of the Gobi. In the fashion of all good travel writing, Helen's observations of the land and the people who inhabit it are insightful; they instill within the reader a deep sense of appreciation for the power of the natural elements.

She does not condescend or pretend to fully understand the ways of the desert or its nomadic peoples. Rather, she approaches her subject matter with a genuine sense of awe and interest. Her prose is clear and precise, but still infused with passion. Readers sense in her a great, wise old teacher.

The book also works as an example of human determination. Here is a woman who has defied preconcived limits of age and physical endurance. She also defied what is traditionally expected of her gender - border patrol authorities in Mongolia were frequently hesitant to deal with a woman and rape was a major concern if she was impriosned for crossing ilegally into China. But, Helen Thayer accomplished her lifelong dream and now we are givin a fascinating glimpse of a land and people we know little about.

Courage in the Face of Adversity: The Story of America's First Openly Gay High School Track Coach

2011-05-27T22:32:00.006-06:00

I received the following book review from a friend. It sounds like a great read.

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Eric Anderson knows the meaning of the word courage. In 1993, at the age of 25, he came out to his high school track team and the community of Huntington Beach High School in Orange County, California. In doing so, he became the first openly gay high school coach in America. His book, "Trailblazing," chronicles the often painful and devastating ordeals he faced in coming out. It's a remarkable story about courage in the face of adversity.

Coming out is a affirmative act of self-proclamation. It's a conscious step towards living life on one's own terms. When someone come's out of the closet, they are saying to a heteronormative and homophobic society, "I am here and I am not ashamed of who I am." Gay and lesbian men and women need to come out if they hope to achieve a higher level of personal and spiritual fulfillment. This is important to remember when reading Anderson's story.

Before he came out, he was plagued with headaches. The stress of keeping his secret hidden caused him severe migraines and ulcers. He worried constantly that friends and family members might perceive him as gay. Some straight people might not understand this. Social norms allow them to express their sexuality freely without fear of backlash. Gay people don't always have this luxury.

Sometimes coming out can mean being socially ostracized, getting fired from your job, being teased and made fun of, and in some cases, even killed. Imagine for a moment the pain and anguish of having to conceal something so innate and fundamental as your own sexuality - having to be constantly aware of who you look at, how you look at them, what you say, and the way you say it.

Anderson knew he would face backlash. But, he came out for a couple of reasons: first, he couldn't continue to live a lie, and second, he wanted to help closeted students not feel so alone.

It is touching that those who supported and stood by him most were his track team members. They accepted the news of his homosexuality as a non-issue, and thus, they had the most mature reaction out of anyone in the community. Even the parents of his students stood by him.

But, in the homophobic world of high school athletics, Anderson's happiness was short-lived. People keyed his car. Students tagged the word "faggot" on his team's bus. They harassed and bullied his straight team members for being on the "gay team." On one occasion they even assaulted and broke the jaw of a team member. All the while, the school administrators turned a blind eye to these injustices. It's telling that before allowing a new member to join his team, Anderson had to make sure to warn the prospective runner and his parents that daily harassment was almost inevitable.

"Trailblazing" is a thrilling and inspiring book and one of the best running books ever written, not least because it's more about courage than it is about running. Eric Anderson led his team to victory on the track, but their real victory was off the track. They proved that courage, friendship, intelligence, and humor can overcome hatred.

We are all a hero to someone

2011-05-18T21:22:00.003-06:00

In real life, no one ever sets out to become a hero. Certainly, the world is filled with men and women who could be described as heroic. But, no one ever says to themselves, “that’s what I want to be!”

Comic books and movies teach us that heroism arises from great acts of gallantry, daring feats of strength that can change the world. Needless to say, real life heroism seldom resembles this mythology. The caped and masked figures that populate our fantasies are, if nothing else, merely indicative of the feelings that heroes inspire within us.

Heroes make us feel good about ourselves. They make us believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome the greatest of obstacles. We revere and admire heroes, and rightfully so: they do what takes courage. Strength, both physical and metaphysical-spiritual, becomes a sought-after trait.

Anyone can be a hero. Our communities are filled with people who are doing extraordinary things with their lives. We don’t read books about them and we don’t see them in the news. Their acts come from a place of pure selflessness. They are not doing things to become famous or to make money; they don’t seek attention.

Prior to writing this, I asked some of my friends who they consider to be their heroes. The responses I got were quite telling: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents. Next-door neighbors, priests, military men and women, teachers, coaches, students, firefighters, and police officers. Ordinary people. These are the real life heroes we look up to.

What do we see in these people that’s worth admiring? I submit that it is altruism. It’s the willingness to do good for others and for society despite personal hardship or pain. These people make a difference in the world with their small, but powerful acts of kindness, mercy, and compassion. They make us see the good in humanity and they inspire hope for a better tomorrow.

On January 18, 2011, my friend and personal hero, Balei Chinski, passed away from a burst brain aneurysm. She was in a coma for five days. She spent 47 days in ICU and had 5 brain operations. She was only 16 years-old. But, Balei will never be forgotten. Those who knew her and who heard her story were empowered by her courage in the face of suffering and death. Her strength could move mountains.

Take the time to look around and acknowledge the heroes around you. They are out there. And they are changing your world. Take an interest in their stories. Listen to their motivations. You may just be inspired to head out and perform your own act of goodwill for the betterment of society.

The Quiet Determination of True Commitment

2011-05-11T08:03:00.005-06:00

"If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you." -Clint Eastwood as Eddie Dupris, "Million Dollar Baby" (2004)

What does it mean to be determined? When we think of a goal - whether it's running a marathon or losing a bit of weight - we tend to think of the payoff first. We visualize ourselves crossing that glorious finish line or finally slipping into that sexy two-piece bikini and heading to the beach. Our minds become set on the glory of success. And that is fine. It's good - necessary even - to envision the accomplishment. But, it takes more than wishful thinking to attain any worthwhile dream. Hard work and determination are the paths to realization.

So what does commitment look like? In movies, we see heroes fearlessly charging into war, teeth bared and muscles bulging, the volume of the soundtrack cranked up to a frenzied intensity. Or we see the captain of the high school football team valiantly taking his team to the championship game, crowds cheering on the final dramatic clash of competitors. By Hollywood standards, commitment is a dramatic grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it kind of showdown where true endurance is forged in fires of battle.

But, real commitment is not nearly as loud as all that. Real commitment is silent. It is not attention-seeking nor is it boastful. It does not put on a show for the world to see. That's why I love the movie "Million Dollar Baby." The main character, a female fighter named Maggie, is an underdog in many ways. She comes from a poor background. Her mother a selfish and ignorant woman. Maggie dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She is willing to work hard to make this happen.

There is a wonderful montage in the movie where Maggie shows up to a run down little gym and practices her moves on a punching bag late into the night. It is a quiet scene. It gives you a sense of the depth of the commitment of this athlete. Here is a woman who is determined to make something of herself. There is nothing showy or ostentatious about her.

Ever notice how, in a gym weight room, the lifters who grunt and snarl loudest through a workout tend to have the worst form? The dramatics they put on are all show. The quiet determination that characterizes the truly committed rarely goes noticed in our society. That level of diligence is to be commended because it takes courage and a certain depth of the soul. The people who have it are the true heroes. They are the ones who get the biggest payoffs.

"Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons" by Byron Powell

2011-04-29T15:18:00.002-06:00

I received this letter from Byron Powell today about his new book, "Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons." Byron is the Editor-in-Chief of iRunFar.com. You can find his book here on Amazon.com.

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Dear friends,

We’re all part of the running community that greatly adds to our enjoyment of running. While those of us who’ve discovered ultramarathons have been able to learn from those around us, there’s yet to be a comprehensive guide to training and racing ultramarathons to fill our community’s need. That’s why I’ve spent the past year and a half working on Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons. More than a dozen others, who represent the top ultrarunners and experts, also recognized our community’s need and graciously contributed to make book as helpful to you and your friends as possible.

By reducing ultrarunning’s steep learning curve, Relentless Forward Progress aims to have you or your friends spending more time enjoying running and its camaraderie and less time suffering unnecessarily. If you want to inspire others in our community of runners who might be looking for a new running challenge or to ease the path of those who have already started their ultramarathon journey, please get the word out about this book.

Here are some easy ways to enjoy the book as well as to help other runners learn of this new resource:

*Order Relentless Forward Progress today. (Go nuts and order a copy to help a friend!) Know that a big surge of initial orders will catch the eyes of both bookstores and the media, which will help give even more runners access to the book.

*Mention the book on Facebook or Twitter.

*If you have a blog, write a post about Relentless Forward Progress.

I’m so thankful to have the running community be such a big part of my life. Today is the book's official launch day and it's one of my happiest days in that this once in a lifetime accomplishment (or least one that feels that way) is something that benefits our tribe. It’s my hope that you’ll pass this news along to anyone you think would benefit from the book. Please let me know if there’s any thing I can do to help you or those you care about.

Happy trails,
Bryon Powell
Editor-in-Chief, iRunFar.com
Author, Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons

Living Life to the Fullest: A Collection of Inspirational Poems

2011-04-26T16:22:00.008-06:00

The following is a collection of some of my favorite poems about living life to the fullest.

Three Airs for the Beggar’s Opera, Air XXII
by John Gay

Youth's the season made for joys,
Love is then our duty;
She alone who that employs,
Well deserves her beauty.
Let's be gay,
While we may,
Beauty's a flower despis'd in decay.

Let us drink and sport to-day,
Ours is not tomorrow.
Love with youth flies swift away,
Age is nought but sorrow.
Dance and sing,
Time's on the wing,
Life never knows the return of spring.

Life
By Charlotte Bronte

Life, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day.
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?

Rapidly, merrily,
Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly!

What though Death at times steps in
And calls our Best away?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O'er hope, a heavy sway?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair!

Life Is Fine
By Langston Hughes

I went down to the river,
I set down on the bank.
I tried to think but couldn't,
So I jumped in and sank.

I came up once and hollered!
I came up twice and cried!
If that water hadn't a-been so cold
I might've sunk and died.

But it was Cold in that water! It was cold!

I took the elevator
Sixteen floors above the ground.
I thought about my baby
And thought I would jump down.

I stood there and I hollered!
I stood there and I cried!
If it hadn't a-been so high
I might've jumped and died.

But it was High up there! It was high!

So since I'm still here livin',
I guess I will live on.
I could've died for love--
But for livin' I was born

Though you may hear me holler,
And you may see me cry--
I'll be dogged, sweet baby,
If you gonna see me die.

Life is fine! Fine as wine! Life is fine!

Untitled
By Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Day 1: Let love carry you through

2011-04-19T15:01:00.009-06:00

“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” -Mother Teresa

It was a crisp, beautiful day in the Tetons. The sun was burning white hot in the endless blue winter sky. Wray Landon and his friends Nate and Brady skied to the summit of the South Teton. Wray looked down at his watch. It was 11:25 am. A good way to spend a Sunday morning. Nate and Brady were behind him as they descended the southeast face of the peak.

Suddenly, the snow gave way under Wray's feet. A two-foot crown avalanche ensued. His friends watched, helpless, as Wray was swept over a 15,000-foot cliff. It was February 21, 2010. "Big Wray," as he was known to his family and friends, was just thirty years old.

When I received the news of our friend's death, I was shocked; I stood frozen, unable to move or think or comprehend why this happened. I couldn't believe he was gone. No one in our town could believe it. My 7 year-old daughter felt the impact of his death, too; she had a very deep connection with Wray and still maintains that bond with him in memory and in prayer.

Driggs, Idaho is a close-knit community of about 15,000 people. The small town is nestled between the Tetons and the Big Hole Mountains. People here care about each other. We love each other. We are are a family. The news about Wray was a devastating blow.

During my run through America, I received a message from Wray's mother. "As the end draws near and things get difficult, as they will, Wray will pick you up like wings of an eagle and carry you to the finish." Her words haunted me. I read the note over and over again.

On the last day of my run, as I made my way into Victor, Idaho, it seemed as if the whole town had come out to see me home. Crowds of people lined the way to the finish. It was an awesome sight. Suddenly, the skies roared to life. The clouds darkened. Thunder clapped in the horizon. The wind whipped, a furious sound. It started to pour. People suggested I stop running. I refused. I wasn't scared of the weather. It felt like a party to me. The skies were rejoicing. Sister Marybeth turned to me and said "Lisa, listen to that thunder. God is bringing us home with a boom!"

Despite my broken foot, the throbbing pain, my spirits were flying. As I rounded the corner for the final stretch, I could see my family in the distance. There was the finish - just ahead.

And then... I can hardly describe what happened next. As I ran to the finish line, I felt the full force of the wind at my back lift me up and hurl me home. My feet were hardly touching the ground. I was running so fast; no one could keep up with me. I was soaring!

I felt him. Right then and there. It was Wray. He came out to see me run. His spirit was as big as the mountains, and he was carrying me to the end. Along the way, I kept telling people, "It's Wray! It's Wray"

As I broke through the finish tape, the clouds parted and a dazzling ray of sunlight fell right over the scene. I looked around. My daughters were there. Little Annie made the finish line tape. My husband, Jay, who had run the last five miles with me, held me in his arms. People were cheering. My heart was overflowing with love in that moment. I couldn't stop crying. Just thinking about it today makes me feel so overwhelmingly loved and blessed.

I hope that you feel the same kind of love in your life that I felt on that day. I hope, for just one moment, you can experience that sense of awe and humility and realize how rare and precious a thing is love. It's what makes life worth living. It's the reason we go on and endure.

One year ago today, I set off to run 2,500 miles across America. But, running was the least important part of the project. Run Hope wasn't about setting distance records or becoming famous; it wasn't about ego, money, or recognition. It was about allowing love to enter your heart and touch you and everyone around you. It was about making a difference with the most powerful weapon we have: our hearts.

Day 2: The importance of good sleep

2011-04-18T14:04:00.004-06:00

"Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleave of care
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast."
-William Shakespeare, Macbeth

As we drove from state to state, sleep deprivation became a real concern for me. The bed in the back of our bumpy little RV camper was hardly ideal for getting a good night's rest. After a day's hard run, I would retreat to the back of the camper and try to get some shut eye, only to be awakened by the racket of the engine as we clanked our way across the country. If you've never experienced prolonged periods of sleep deprivation, let me tell you, it is torture. I don't mean that in a cute or funny way. No joke, it is literally torture.

Sleep deprivation has been used as means of interrogation by governments around the world. The British government employed this technique to interrogate people in the 1970s until it was deemed to be inhuman and degrading treatment, in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The KGB kept their political prisoners awake for days on end as part of a grueling interrogation process during World War II. The United States has come under fire recently, accused of torturing prisoners in Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq with sleep deprivation.

When a person is deprived of sleep for prolonged periods of time, it is an intensely stressful ordeal. Hallucinations, paranoia, and disorientation result.

Do not take your sleep for granted. We are fortunate enough to have warm beds to go home to at night. Many people don't have that luxury. Count your blessings and take full advantage of opportunities for rest. Work hard, yes, but do not neglect to sleep. Treat your body with care and respect.

Day 4: Think of those in real need

2011-04-15T21:06:00.006-06:00

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears." -Cesare Pavese

Sister Mary Beth taught me the incomparable joy of running for a purpose, running for a something besides personal gratification. Helping others became the motivating force behind all my athletic endeavors; indeed, it became the driving philosophy of my daily life. People run for many different reasons. Some people run to lose weight. Others run for peace of mind. I run to help the less fortunate. All the money raised during Run Hope went to - and continues to go to - AIDS Orphans Rising. My focus was on helping children.

During my run, I couldn't help but think of the thousands of children out there with no home and no one to look after them, no one to hold them when they got scared, no one to tell them how wonderful they are and how much they are loved. No one who cared. But, I did care. I aimed to provide these children with food, clothing, shelter and educational opportunities. To give hope. This was my mission, pure and simple, deep and true. It continues to be my mission.

Ego had nothing to do with it. In order to complete Run Hope, I had to rid myself of all conceits. The project was so much bigger than myself. It was about selflessness, about giving to those in need. It was about love.

To pull myself out of difficult situations, I simply thought of the millions of people in the world who were suffering so much worse than I was. My pain was nothing compared to theirs. I consider myself a blessed individual. I have a loving family, caring friends, food, and shelter. For many, these things are luxuries.

The next time you think you can't go on, think of those who are suffering in the world - those who have no food or water, no one to care for them . Find the strength to endure. Offer up your sacrifice in honor of those who do not have the same opportunities and advantages you do.

Day 5: Trust yourself; you're stronger than you know

2011-04-14T15:26:00.004-06:00

“You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.” -Rosalynn Carter quotes

There were moments during my run last year when my faith was sorely tested - my faith in my own ability to endure. Never in my life had I done anything of the same scope and magnitude as Run Hope. The idea of running 50 miles day after day for over two months seemed, at times, an overwhelming task.

To prepare for the project, all I did was walk around my hometown of Driggs, Idaho. I threw in some weekly workouts to strengthen my core, but I hardly did any running. Knowing that my body would eventually get used to running such a high daily mileage, I did not want to get into endurance-level shape prior to the start of my journey, only to be overtrained midway through and suffer some kind of overuse injury. Better to start off in good shape, but not in great shape, and gradually get fitter as the run progressed.

Did I mess up by not training harder? The thought may have crossed my mind, but I quickly tossed it right out the window. I knew it wasn’t true. In reality, walking and core exercises were just the tip of the iceberg. My whole life had been preparing me for this run. It honestly felt like I had spent my entire athletic career training for this.

Thinking back to all the tears, all the sweat and blood of all my previous athletic endeavors, I realized a simple truth that filled me with a tremendous sense of courage: no matter what happened, I was and always would be me. An obvious fact, sure. But there was profound comfort in it; in difficult situations, it helps to remind yourself who you are. I knew what I was capable of. I was a person who loved deeply and was loved. My power was within.

The next time you question your ability to endure, keep strong. You are so much stronger than you know. Dig deep to pull out of yourself that inner strength that will get you through the darkest of times. Have faith in yourself, and continue on! Eventually, you will see the light!

Day 6: Get Inspired, Stay Motivated!

2011-04-14T13:30:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it helps to look at the extraordinary accomplishments of others to stay motivated. This book will surely provide such inspiration:

Marshall Ulrich launches new book, RUNNING ON EMPTY, with monster giveaway: more than $30,000 in prizes up for grabs!

IMPORTANT: This will expire just after noon on Sunday, 4/16. Don’t delay!

Have you ever thought you might lunch with a rock czar in a tree house? (You read that right; explanation forthcoming.) Zip up a scenic mountain trail on your one-of-a-kind, cherry-red, custom-built Tahiti Skyhawk motorbike? Cruise the Galapagos Islands at sunset and watch the fiery sky back-lighting the silhouettes of six-foot tortoises? Or enjoy the Colorado mountains with two world-class athletes committed to showing you an extremely good time?

Now you can. Or, if you just want tons of top-of-the-line outdoor gear, expert advice on everything from relationships to real estate to running form, and access to the private logbook covering a successful summit attempt on Mt. Everest, you can have those, too.

Here’s how you can have all of that as a BONUS when you get your copy of the hot new book by Marshall Ulrich, RUNNING ON EMPTY, today: http://www.marshallulrich.com/blog/book-on-sale/

Day 7: Patience vs. Laziness

2011-04-13T14:12:00.004-06:00

“Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength” - Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

By the time I got to Rockville, Maryland, I felt like I was dying. My legs were killing me. My body ached. Things just weren't clicking. I wasn't getting into the groove of it. It seemed the Endurance King himself had been wrong.

My good friend, Marshall Ulrich, had said that the first ten states would be especially tough. On the eleventh day, he informed me, I would fall into the routine of the journey and things would start to get easier. He should know; in 2008, at age 57, he completed his 3,000 mile run across America in just 52.5 days, breaking two transcontinental speed records.

Marshall knew that at some point the body learns to adapt to what you put it through. When you run 50 miles a day, everyday, your body needs time to process the abuse you are subjecting it to. Eleven days. That was the magic number. Well here I was: state eleven. Maryland. What the heck was the problem? Why weren't things working out?

Instead of giving in to despair, I stuck with it. I kept running, always focused on the task at hand. Gradually things started coming together. My body eased into the run. By state fourteen, I felt so fit, so in-shape. My body was rejoicing! I was hauling butt; the road was flowing beneath my feet, the wind was whipping through my hair. I felt so alive. Marshall knew his stuff.

Very often in life, a little patience goes a long way. When things aren't going your way, it helps to stay calm and wait - not a passive waiting, but a proactive one. Persistence will pay off and get you the results that lazy hopelessness can never provide.

Day 8: The sweet benefits of adaptability

2011-04-12T16:02:00.005-06:00

“Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt. Only by being open to change will you have a true opportunity to get the most from your talent.” -Nolan Ryan

When I set out to run 50 miles in 50 states in 62 days, I had a particular nutrition plan in mind. I've always been mindful of what I eat. During the run, I had planned on relying mostly on good, whole foods. Avocados, tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables. It was important for me to try and avoid relying on junk food for fuel.

I stuck to this regimen for the first few days of Run Hope. Before long, I had lost about ten pounds and I felt utterly exhausted. My fueling plan clearly had to be adjusted. Guys like Dave Horton have championed simple sugars as a means of fueling especially long runs. Processed foods, candy, and baked goods are all made out of tasty junk - sprinkles, powdered sugar, sweet doughs - that has little to no nutritional value. But, these foods are dense with calories and are perfect for providing a surge of energy for prolonged physical activity.

When I downed my first doughnut, I felt the difference almost instantly. Like Popeye the Sailor Man, I was rejuvenated, restored, brought back to glorious life! By the time I got to the milkshake, all was just peachy. Soon, word got around that I ate doughnuts. Before long, people - complete strangers - were bringing me boxes and boxes of the sugary confections!

I still relied on whole, healthy foods for fuel, but I had to incorporate the calorie-dense junk food for that extra needed energy. In life, as in running, adaptability is key to progress. Often times, curve balls get thrown our way. Things don't work out as we originally expected. Our circumstances change in frightening and unexpected ways. Rather than throw up our hands in defeat, we have to be able to find creative solutions to the problem. We have to be willing to stray from the beaten path. Eventually, we will find ourselves back on the road towards success.

Day 9: Sticking to your singular vision of success

2011-04-11T13:45:00.007-06:00

On April 19, it will be exactly one year since I started Running Hope to America. This time last year, I was preparing to take the first steps on my 2,500 mile run through the United States. It's incredible to think that one whole year has passed since that glorious summer, one of the proudest personal and athletic achievements of my life.

Being able to use my gifts of endurance to help to the less fortunate was a sublime experience, an undertaking that fulfilled a lifelong passion. As you know, the work is not yet over; the work is never over.

Run Hope has started a wave of charitable undertakings. It has inspired others to take on their own endurance challenges all in the name of helping others. The project is so much bigger than I could ever have imagined. My little feat of endurance last year was just the start of what I hope becomes the most profound humanitarian act of my life.

In commemoration of the anniversary of Running Hope to America, I will be posting daily thoughts here on my blog, meditations and musings meant to inspire you to take up your own challenge - athletic, professional, academic, personal - in the name of helping others.

Today's inspiration is posted below:

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"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."
-John Wooden

When I first came up with the plans for Run Hope, I was met with criticism. Upon showing people the 62-day travel schedule I had drawn up, the first response I got was, "That's crazy!" People that I knew, whose opinions I respected and trusted, told me the whole undertaking was impossible. That it couldn't be done.

But, not once did I sway from my vision. I was prepared to do anything to achieve my dream. If they didn't believe in me, then that was too bad. I would not stop. I was willing to hop in a van and do the whole run on my own if I had to.

It's not that I didn't care what they had to say. I value others opinions greatly. But, sometimes its necessary to get rid of unnecessary distractions. No matter what your goal is in life, you have to be prepared to block out the external influences that distract you from what needs to be done. This can be quite difficult and you will find yourself sometimes questioning the feasibility of your dream. No matter what, do not stop. Be strong. Arm yourself with a singular vision and go for it.

Breaking Ground: An Interview with Humanitarian and Endurance Athlete Jason Lester

2011-03-29T00:25:00.008-06:00

Jason Lester, 37, is the 2009 ESPY Winner for Best Male Athlete with a Disability. At the age of twelve, he was in a car accident which left his right arm paralyzed. Since then, Jason has excelled in the realms of triathlon and biathlon, competing in Iron distance triathlons and Ultraman competitions around the globe. He is a firm believer in using his athletic abilities to raise money for worthy causes. His book, "Running on Faith: The Principles, Passion, and Pursuit of a Winning Life," has been hailed by The Christian Critic as "truly remarkable, proof of what dedication, heart, and a never-say-quit attitude can create.” I had the opportunity to interview Jason about his upcoming charity run in August, entitled H2OPE 2011: Badwater for Clean Water. The 306 mile course will start in Las Vegas, make its way to Badwater in Death Valley, and then wind up to the top of Mount Whitney. Jason will be the second person to ever run the course. Lisa Smith-Batchen made the grueling journey in 2008. All donations Jason receives will go towards building clean water wells and cisterns in rural areas and villages in the Philippines, China, Africa, and India. Jason lives and trains in Hawaii.

Jason, what got you into ultrarunning?

I did the whole Iron distance triathlon circuit a few years ago when I started doing long distance triathlons. Living in Kona, Hawaii, I kept thinking to myself, “There’s got to be something longer than the Iron distance,” and sure enough, right in my backyard was the Ultraman. I dove into that in 2008. I did the Ultraman Canada and then I did the Ultraman Hawaii, which is the World Championship race. I ended up doing about five of those. Then, I just started trying to step it up with stuff that was a little longer, a little more challenging mentally and physically. Last year in May, I did five Iron distance triathlons on five of the Hawaiian Islands in five days: the EPIC5. We are actually getting ready to do it again this May. I did the HURT 100K in January. I don’t call myself an ultrarunner. I call myself an ultra endurance athlete because, for me, it is all about the challenge as opposed to any set distance.

How did you do at the HURT 100K?

It was, mentally, one of the most challenging events that I’ve ever done. And this is coming from someone who has done several Ultramans and back-to-back Iron distance triathlons. With 20,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, it was absolutely grueling. I think 120 people toed the start line and something like 30 people finished. I had some knee problems in the beginning. I think it was just the ups and downs on the trail that did it. It had rained for like three days straight. The trails were really muddy, so I was just slipping and sliding all over the place. They even had ropes hanging off the side of the mountain so you could pull yourself up. It was like the world’s toughest trail hike. It wasn’t really a run. But, I wanted to see what it’s like to be on your feet for 24 hours, to get a feel for some of the pain I will be going through doing the Badwater course. It was a test run. Mental preparation. I definitely got a feel for what it is like to be out there all day and all night.

Were you athletic as a kid?

I grew up playing baseball and football, starting at five or six years old. I didn’t get into running until I was 15 years old. I had lost my father to a major heart attack. He was 39. I really freaked out. I remember thinking to myself, “That’s probably the route I am going to go down if I don’t change my lifestyle.” When I got into high school, I played baseball and football, and every time we got in trouble, our coach would make us run. But, I hated running so much. I just hated it. I hated being out there. Little did I know, I had a gift for it. In my sophomore year, my baseball coach told me, “You should probably go try out for cross country.” In my junior year, I tried out for the team and I carried it on into college. I ran my freshman year of college. I wasn’t the best runner. I wasn’t the fastest. But, I stuck with it. That’s when I found the sports of biathlon and triathlon. I shifted over from running into the tri world.

How old were you when your arm was paralyzed?

I was twelve years old. It was 1986, Halloween night. We had just finished trick-or-treating and a lady ran a red light. I suffered 21 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and my right arm was paralyzed. The very next year was when I lost my father. It was a very trying time in my life. Running was actually my savior. As a runner, you have a lot of time to think. A lot of time to be by yourself. Running afforded me time to try and solve this puzzle, this life puzzle.

Talk about what it was like being the ESPY Winner for Best Male Athlete with a Disability.

Every year, ESPN selects the top athletes in a given category. Then, it’s up to the fans to go online and vote for them. It’s sort of like the Grammy Awards or the Oscars for sports. When I saw my picture on the website, I kind of freaked out a little. What got me nominated was doing the Ultraman World Championship the year before. I couldn't believe I was nominated. Here I was, just doing something I had a passion for. I had no idea that the whole world was watching this accomplishment and had voted me in. It was such an honor to be selected and to get to go to Los Angeles and be among the top athletes. On top of that, to not only be nominated, but to win, was a very humbling experience.

The title of your book is “Running on Faith.” Faith and God obviously play a big role in your life and in your athletic endeavors. How does running play a role in your spiritual life?

I always say that I feel connected to God the most when I am running. A lot of people think that the title of my book means that it is a running book. It really isn’t. All my life, ever since I was a young child, my fuel, my desire, my energy has been my faith; it comes from my personal relationship with God. I have faith that I was put on this earth for a purpose. I have faith that when I get to the start line, I will make it to the finish line. We all have the opportunity to pull from whatever sources we want to pull from. A lot of times when I am out there running, I honestly don’t understand how the human body is able to accomplish what it does. But, it’s my faith that God is using me as a vessel when I am running to accomplish good things for good causes. That’s what gets me up every single morning, gets me out there to train for four or five hours a day: knowing that I have been called as an athlete to share the love that God has for us, knowing that I am doing this to help other people.

Do you profess a particular religion?

My belief is the Christian belief system. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But, I try not to structure my life around organized religion. I am very open-minded to all beliefs and to all religions. I love everybody. Whether you are Mormon, Jewish, Buddhist, or whatever, I want to learn about you, I want to love you, I want to meet you to eye to eye; I want you to accept my belief system just as I accept your belief system. I honestly believe that we are all searching for the same thing. I believe that we are all trying to find peace and understanding of why things like Japan happen and where we go when we die, things like that. That is something we all have in common, regardless of the differences in belief systems.

You’ve stated before in interviews that you didn’t create your own testimony, that it was something that was given to you. What do you mean when you say you don’t create your own testimony?

I am a firm believer that we have complete control over our destiny. That is by choice. The choices we make in life. But, if you look back at my childhood and my teenage years, whether it’s losing my mom and dad or suffering through the accident, a lot of people look at that and say, “You got dealt a really hard deck.” But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. All that made me the man I am today. I didn’t create my testimony. It was something that God gave me, so that I could go back out into the world and give back to others. That is why we have a testimony: so that we can share with others what we’ve been through and how we’ve been able to persevere.

How did you come up with the idea of running 306 miles, from Las Vegas, through Death Valley, and on to Mount Whitney?

My coordinator for my Never Stop Foundation, Amanda, and I had been brainstorming for ideas for my next run. We decided I would do Badwater in July to raise awareness of the water crisis. Amanda reached out to Lisa [Smith-Batchen] as a crew leader. Lisa told her, “I know all about Jason; he is amazing.” I told Amanda to get us on the phone together so we could talk. Within the first five minutes of that conversation, you could just feel God’s presence. She said, “You know, a lot of people do Badwater. I don't want to take anything away from their accomplishment; I am going for my tenth Badwater. But, why don’t you do something that is amazing, something most people don't do. That’s who you are, Jason. Everything you do is epic. You don’t do what others do. You’re a leader. You’re not doing things for yourself. You have no ego attached to these things you do.” She was taking the words right out of my mouth. I don’t have any ego attached to anything that I do, whether it is writing books, finishing races, or making public appearances. My ego is totally detached from everything that I do. My goal is to give back. If I can do something amazing in order to bring awareness to a worthy cause, I will run a 1000 miles if I have to. I don’t care how far I have to go. That is when Lisa told me, “Let me tell you about something that I did, I am the only person in the world to have accomplished it.” That’s when she told me about the 306. She said, “If my ego were attached, I wouldn’t want you to do this because I am the only person to ever do it. Why would I want another athlete to do it? But I really believe in who you are and what your cause is. I really believe this will bring a lot more attention to your cause than just doing Badwater.” It was just clear as day for me. I didn’t even question it. I was set.

Lisa’s work with charity seems to fit very nicely with your own charity initiatives.

One of the great things about teaming up with Lisa is that her charitable commitment involves helping orphans by building schools and houses. This allows us to go back into the areas where she’s built these schools and bring clean water to those locations. It really excites me. We are doing this work for something she has already laid the groundwork for. All this effort is really for something Lisa has already started. I am helping Lisa, my fellow sister and athlete, on something she has already started. We are actually continuing her mission. We are finding more ways to help her help these kids. I am not doing this by myself. We’re a team and we’re going to do an amazing job together.

306 miles is a long way to go. How do you conceptualize the distance prior to starting a run? Do you think about stuff like that?

In my head, it’s never been about the distance. You can say, “You have to go out and run 100 miles,” and I wouldn’t look at it as 100 miles. I would look at it as Point A and Point B. As far as I am concerned, I have to get from Las Vegas to the top of Mount Whitney. It doesn’t matter if it is 306 miles or 806 miles. I never focus on the distance. I never go to the starting line and think to myself, “This is going to take me 12 hours or 24 hours.” I don’t do that in any event. I think that is one of my strengths, mentally.

How did you become involved with Operation Blessing International?

I did an interview for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) for The 700 Club. They came out to the Ultraman I was competing in. I had already been thinking about doing Badwater for my next run. CBN is partners with Operation Blessing International. One of the guys with CBN was telling me all about what they do and the water wells they are drilling. It really spoke to my heart, how much we take for granted to be able to bathe and drink clean water. I remember looking down at my water bottle and thinking, “I am so blessed.” I immediately started thinking, “I’ve got to help these people who don’t have what I have.” Then, I got introduced to Operation Blessing International. We started developing that relationship.

How long have you been planning this project?

We’ve been working on this project since September of last year. It’s been a long road. And we still have a long way to go. We’re going to get getting a lot of attention for what we’re doing. We need to spread the word and educate people about these issues.

Tell me a little about the clean water crisis and why it is important that people be aware of the issues surrounding the lack of potable water in rural areas in places like India, Africa, China, and the Philippines.

When we started putting this project together, I had been invited to the Philippines to do an appearance for an organization. I was really excited about going over there. One of the things that kept coming up in our discussions before leaving was problems with their water systems. My heart is with the youth in these situations. I think it goes back to my childhood. I think to myself, “Here I am. All the struggles and challenges I went through are nothing compared to the challenges that these kids go through.” Anybody who looks at my life says, “Man, you really had it rough.” But, when I think about what is going on in the Philippines and other places, I realize these kids really have it rough. When I asked Operation Blessing International where they need the most attention, they told me they need help everywhere. The problem is that big.

Your goal is to raise $1 million. How will this money be used by Operation Blessing International?

All the money that goes to Operation Blessing International is used to bring clean water to these areas of the world. They build wells in these villages and the money goes directly to these places that need it most. If everyone does their part and gives just a little, we can all come together and build an $1,800 well for these people. That can take care of a whole village.

How are you training for the run?

I’ve been training whole life, since I was 15 years old. I just did an Ultraman in November. I built a running base doing HURT. I am up to about 30 hours a week training for EPIC5 that’s in May. I am not concerned about the distance that I have to cover. Not at all. What I am concerned about is the conditions, the weather I will be facing in Death Valley. We are going to go back to Hawaii and do some high altitude training there. We’re going to go out on the Badwater course at least a couple of times between now and August to do some training out in the heat. I’m going to crew for Lisa this year at her Badwater run. That’s going to give me a feel for the course as well. I picture myself very soon in the future on a treadmill with the heat cranked up.

Anything else specifically in terms of heat training?

I’ve been doing sauna training for years. I try to do 10 to 15 minutes to get my body ready for heat conditions. I grew up in Arizona, where running in 120 degree weather was norm. I am not saying I know exactly what it feels like running at Badwater, but I definitely know what it feels like running in an oven with the dry heat. I am sure Lisa is going to be able to give me more ideas on what I can do to get my body ready.

How has your family supported your athletic endeavors, particularly this upcoming run?

I never had a relationship with my mom. I got taken away from her when I was two years old. And I lost my dad at twelve. I don’t have any parents. I have a grandmother that lives back in Arizona. My cousins, aunts, and uncles have all been really supportive throughout my career. I don’t really invite anybody to my races. I am the kind of person that just likes to show up and get it done. I don’t need pom-poms and cheerleaders on the sidelines. I am an actions-speak-louder-than-words kind of guy. I really like to try and stay out of the limelight as much as possible. But, I do have a small-knit, close group of friends, my support system, and they are going to be at my run.

What do you think the most challenging aspect of this project will be?

Sleep deprivation. That will probably be the most challenging aspect of it. I am not too concerned about it, though. But, I do think it will be challenging. I will train to meet that challenge. It’s all about preparing and staying healthy. I have to stay healthy between now and August. Not just physically healthy, but spiritually and mentally healthy, too.

Do you have any doubts or fears?

Well, fear drives us all. Fear is good. Of course, there are question marks, but my heart is so set on this. I feel so honored and blessed that I have been chosen to do something like this. I really feel that Lisa and I are being called to do this, and when you are called to do a mission, there is no failure. There is absolutely no failure. There is nothing that can get in our way to stop us from accomplishing this. So, when you ask me if there is fear, I say, yes. Of course. Fear drives the mind. But, am I worried or concerned? No. Absolutely not. I feel very much at peace. I am happy. I am excited. I am smiling.

When you get to the finish at the top of Mount Whitney, how do you think your life is going to be changed? What will be different?

Nothing is going to change. The only thing that will change is that we will have accomplished what we set out to accomplish. But, that finish line is actually the starting line. Nike has a great motto: “there is no finish line in life.” I’m going to take finishing the 306 as a chance to start another 306 and then another 306. We have a lot of work to do. I am very passionate and my heart is filled with so much joy at the chance to help people. We aren’t just cutting a check to Operation Blessing International. We are actually going over to these countries and we are going to get hands-on experience at building some of these wells. We are actually going to build a well. That is what is going to be the pinnacle. The pinnacle is not going to be the top of Mount Whitney. The pinnacle is going be able to go over to Haiti, or to be able to go over to the Philippines and grab that shovel and break ground with those engineers and help them to drill wells. That’s where we actually get to see the money put to use. And even that will be just a start. We have an opportunity to build hundreds of wells.

Jason, thank you so much for talking with me today. Best of luck as you train for the run. I look forward to hearing about your epic journey as you fight for this worthy cause.

If you would like to learn more about Jason Lester or make a donation to his run, visit his website at www.jasonplester.com, or click here.

If you would like to purchase Jason's book, "Running on Faith," click here.

The H2OPE Project is managed by Jason's Never Stop Foundation. They are currently seeking sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring Project H2OPE, please visit www.neverstopfoundation.org or click here.

Family Matters: The Incomparable Joy of Togetherness

2011-03-21T18:13:00.004-06:00

When I was eleven years-old, I nearly lost my left hand in a lawnmower accident. I can close my eyes now and remember it all so vividly. The doctors told my parents that they would try to reattach the fingers, but that they may have to go back and remove them if they did not reattach properly of if an infection took hold.

“Even if the procedure does work,” they warned, “she may never have full use of her hand again.”

I was conscious during the surgery. I remember screaming as loud as I could. I was terrified they were going to cut off my hand.

“Don’t cut it!” I yelled. “Please! Don’t!”

The doctors did an amazing job repairing my hand. I remember the faces of my family as they gathered around my hospital bed, kissing me, consoling me, telling me how much they loved me. I can see the face of my brother, Stephen. His blue eyes radiated love. What would I have done without that love? Where would I be today had my family not been there for me?

Last year, I was sitting in a hotel room in New York City with Sister Marybeth, right across from where we were going to be on the Today Show the next morning. It was three days before the start of Run Hope. Traffic was humming away outside. My heart was buzzing. I told Sister Marybeth I was going to call my brother, Stephen, who now lives in New York and works as a writer and artist. It had been over eleven years since I last talked to him.

When we were kids, Stephen and I were very close. We played and hung out together. He was incredibly smart. In high school, he was always bored with classes, finishing books long before the rest of the class. He loved sports and was very good at ice hockey.

We were similar in many ways and so different in others. But, our bond was incredibly strong. When I ran my first marathon, I was so afraid that I wouldn’t make it to the finish line. One week before the race, without any training, Stephen announced he was going to sign up and run it with me, just to support me to the end.

Eleven years is a long time to live without your brother. It broke my heart that he was not a part of my life. In all those years, I called and left messages, sent cards and letters, but never got a response from him. I desperately wanted to hear from brother.

“Let’s pray about it,” Sister Marybeth said as I moved to pick up the phone.

The line rang and rang. I waited nervously. Then, his voice message came on. I recorded my message:

“Stephen, it’s me, Lisa. Please return my call. I’m in New York and I’d love to see you or talk to you.”

The line clicked out and it was over. I can't discuss it all right now, but in the book I am writing, I will go into detail about why Stephen left our family life for so long. All I can say is that when my brother showed up in Central Park for Run Hope on his roller blades and then ran three miles with, I was overjoyed. I felt like we were kids again. My heart was filled to the brim with love, just like it was that day in the hospital, when I was just a scared child looking up to my family for comfort.

While in New York, Stephen and I talked and laughed and shared in the joy of being together. Eleven years of waiting just dissipated. It was no longer important. I didn’t care about the whys. With my brother back in my life, all I could feel was happy.

Stephen and I understand each other. Our connection is deep. I can share absolutely anything and everything with him. Our reunion was cleansing in many ways. Forgiveness healed our hearts. New York marked the start of a new beginning, a new chapter for both of us and for our whole family.

Run Hope was a family project. It wasn’t just about running. It was about gathering together as a singular, powerful force to make a difference in the world. My mother and father came out to see me. My husband and my children. My sister and my brothers. Old friends whom I hadn’t seen in years. Aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, my in-laws, students. All came out to support me. They guided me through the most challenging project of my athletic career. They believed in me. With them by my side, the impossible became possible.

George Eliot once wrote, “What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” She may well have been talking about family, because there is no deeper, more meaningful connection than the one we have with those closest to us.

Flexible Persistence: Finding New Ways to Reach Your Goal

2011-03-17T16:21:00.003-06:00

I recently received a letter from one of my coaching students who dealt with an injury in an optimistic way. He explains in his letter how I inspired him to view his situation in a positive light, providing him with the opportunity to maintain his fitness in other ways than running:

I'm not sure if I ever thanked you for your patience and expertise in dealing with my injury a few months back but thank you. I can appreciate that what I dealt with wasn't serious as far as injuries go but typically in the past, if I encountered an injury (i.e. muscle strain or pull), I would rest (i.e. do almost nothing except rehab exercises), do some rehab (probably not as much as I should) and slowly work my way back to doing what I was doing when the injury occurred (months later I'm only getting back to where I started). However, in working with you it has changed my perception on how to deal with injuries (i.e. I may not be able to do "X" but I can still do "y") and I was able to maintain fitness and not waste months due to inactivity that normally accompanied them. I can honestly say I my fitness would be no where near what it is now if not for you. I realize that an injury while certainly an inconvenience to my goal(s) doesn't need to be an abandonment of those goals it just means I may need to change the path I take to get there. Your current situation (yet another perk of your situation – teaching others by leading from example) was also inspiring as it made me realize things could be much worse and despite your struggles with you foot you still spend each day finding ways to improve yourself and those around you and there's no reason I can't do the same.

I love that line: “I may not be able to do “X” but I can still do “Y.” It is something I have been telling myself since I broke my foot in Texas during Run Hope. We can always do something. We are never absolutely stuck. No impasse is insurmountable. There is always hope.

When I decided to run my tenth and final Badwater Ultramarathon over a year ago, I had no idea that my injury would slow me down to this degree. But, I try to make the best of my circumstances. I can’t run, so I walk. Today I did 2.5 miles and have done 1.5 hours of weights and core work. Progress is slow and steady. I may not be able to run just yet, but I am gaining strength in my foot and legs. I am working on other aspects of fitness, confident that I will be ready for Badwater when race day arrives.

Think about what obstacles are holding you back from achieving your goals? What can you do to overcome those obstacles? What alternative routes can you take to get to where you want to be? Sometimes, all it takes is a little creative thinking. Be persistent, but also learn to be flexible with your plans. Soon, you will reach the gold!

The Challenge of Lifetime: Continuing the Selfless Journey of Run Hope

2011-03-10T20:09:00.004-07:00

"Give, give, give and when it hurts keep on giving." -Mother Teresa

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

Almost one year ago, on April, 19, 2010, I stood in a little park in Morristown, New Jersey, ready to run the first 50 miles of my 2,500 mile journey through America. Many people showed up that day. Old friends. Runners I had coached years ago. The media. A beautiful circus of people! It seemed no matter which way I turned, someone was calling my name or pointing a camera at me or at Sister Marybeth. I was a racehorse ready to run!

"Why are you doing this," an interviewer asked me. For a moment, I was at a loss for words. I couldn't process fast enough all the things I was feeling. I glanced over at Sister Marybeth, dressed in her full black habit. Part of the order of the Religious Teachers Filipini, Sister Marybeth had to wear a black wool tunic and headpiece at all times, even while running. I noted my friend's blue Pearl Izumi running shoes. The Running Nun. I smiled to myself: it felt so good to know that Sister Marybeth was with me, supporting my wholeheartedly. She would be embarking on her own journey, running 20 miles a day. It filled me with resolve and a sense of peace.

"I'm running for orphans all over the world," I told the interviewer. "There are over 64,000 orphans right here in America."

Sister Marybeth taught me the incomparable joy of running for a purpose, running for a reason other than personal gratification. Helping others became the motivating force behind my athletic endeavors; indeed, it became the driving philosophy of my daily life. People run for many different reasons. Some people run to lose weight. Others run for peace of mind. I was running to help the less fortunate. All the money raised during this project would go to two charities: AIDS Orphans Rising and the Dreamchaser Foundation, which also helps orphans all over the world. My focus was on helping children. Everyone, especially children, deserves a life of dignity and grace. A fighting chance.

Immediately, I thought of my own two daughters. Little Annabella and Gabriella. When I envisioned their beautiful faces, I couldn't help but think of the thousands of children out there with no home and no one to look after them, no one to hold them when they got scared, no one to tell them how wonderful they are and how much they are loved. No one who cared. But, I did care. I aimed to provide these children with food, clothing, shelter and educational opportunities. To give hope. That was my mission, pure and simple, deep and true.

One million dollars. That's how much money I wanted to raise. It was an ambitious goal. Several people told me it couldn't be done. But, I had faith. I had thought about it long and hard. I kept turning the number over and over in my mind, feeling its contours like a stone in hand. One million dollars. It seemed so possible. My logic was this: if I got the word out about my project to a million people, and each of those people gave just one dollar, I would reach my goal. Pretty simple. One dollar didn't seem like such an impossible thing to expect of people.

Even today, a full ten months and 22 days later, it seems so possible.

During Run Hope, I learned so much about suffering. My definition of an “orphan” expanded as I educated myself on the socio-political issues surrounding human misery. War. Genocide. Torture. Disease. Poverty. All were of direct concern to our mission. Even beyond those issues, our mission grew to include extending love and kindness to any person in need of help; I wanted to reach out to every man, woman, and child, who is without family or loved ones to care for them; the poor and the homeless, the abused and oppressed, the sick and the dying.

Please do not make the mistake of thinking that these problems are far removed from our own environments. We don’t have to look very far beyond our own hometowns to witness the tragic circumstances so many people endure on a daily basis. If we simply open our eyes, we will see the suffering around us.

On January 18, 2011, my friend and hero, Balei Chinski, passed away after being in a coma for five days following a burst brain aneurysm. She was just sixteen years-old. Balei spent 47 days in ICU and 5 brain operations. In her final days, she was so weak that it was difficult for her to even talk. She would scream out in pain because her head hurt so much.

Her mother, Cheryl, watched her little girl go through operation after operation, hoping things would change for the better. She watched her baby endure so much pain. "I am tired of fighting, but you know I will," Balei assured her mom.

Cheryl lost her job. As a single mother, this was a devastating blow. She spent all her time by her child's hospital bedside. Soon, her and her three other daughters became in danger of losing their home. They had hardly a dollar to their name. Without the help of the community, their situation would have been hopeless. So many people reached out to help, and they provided Cheryl and her daughters with the light of hope in the darkest of times.

My friends, this is the power of love. It is the mission of Run Hope. What I did last year - running 2,500 miles through America - was just the tip of the iceberg. A drop in the bucket. There is so much more to be done. But, I can’t do it alone. I need your help. Together, we can truly affect and make a difference in someone else’s life.

This doesn’t necessarily mean giving money. If we all would just allow compassion to enter our hearts and learn to view the world in a different way, then we can be an example of good will to others. Learning to live selflessly is a lifelong process. We have to start somewhere.

As of today, Sister Marybeth has reported that we have raised close to $700,000 from Run Hope. Everyday, money is coming in. Our hope is that by April 19, 2011 - one year since the start of the run - we will reach one million dollars. We are so close. People all over are doing their part to help. On September 1, 2011, my friend Sandra Powell will continue the Run Hope mission by setting across America to break the women's transcontinental crossing record.

I want to challenge you with something, a project. I will do it, too. Over the next week, you and I will reach out to someone less fortunate. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. One small gesture can mean the world, whether it’s volunteering an hour at a local charity, giving a dollar to a worthy cause, or just making someone’s day a little brighter with a smile and a few kind words. There are a million different ways we can make the world a better place. Let’s start now!

Road to Recovery: The Journey of Run Hope Continues

2011-03-09T11:14:00.007-07:00

On March 3, I went into the hospital to have my cast removed. Tears welled up in my eyes when Dr. Mo Brown got it off my leg. He sawed at the rock-hard fiberglass material until the length of it was split in two. Crack. Instant relief! The cool air rushed in, and I was free. With a loud clank, the molding fell away and onto the table. For the first time in months, I was unrestrained. All at once, my depression seemed to melt away. This was the day I had been waiting for. I wanted to run, jump, skip and play. I had even brought a pair of running shoes with me to leave the hospital in.

“Not so fast,” Dr. Moe said. “We need to keep your foot in a walking boot.”

“For how long,” I choked out.

“Six weeks.”

If I closed my eyes, I could relive the moment as if it were yesterday: the baking heat of a Texas summer, the road beneath my feet. I could hear the friendly chatter of the crowd as they ran with me towards the camper. I could see their smiling faces. I was smiling, too. Then, my foot rolled from under me. The pothole was so tiny. Hard to believe something so small could be so pivotal, so absolutely critical in my journey through America. I ran the rest of the states with a broken foot.

For six months after my run, the doctor had me wear a boot or a cast. I thought my foot would heal with time. I never expected what would come next: on Dec. 27, I had to undergo major surgery. They removed the broken bone and repaired the torn tendons. Without my family and friends by my side, I could not have made it to where I am, right here and now.

After the surgery, the foot had to remain completely non-weight bearing. Life continued. Days trickled by. I sat around feeling sorry for myself. A deep depression overtook me. I watched the world go by and I grew somber. I wanted to run but I couldn’t. The bitter despondency of inactivity took hold of my mind. I went from being in the best shape of my life to being in the worst shape. I felt isolated in my sadness. On top of that, the pain from the surgery was so intense. For about five days afterwards, it took all the strength I could muster to simply get out of bed and face a new day.

For those of you who know me personally, this is very unlike me. I remember when I turned 47 years old and got very depressed, some kind of mid-life crisis. What did I do about it? I gave myself a week. One week to get over it and get going. Being still is just not a habit of mine. Neither is feeling sorry for myself. The moment you stop living is the moment you start dying. I choose to live a vibrant, passionate life full of zeal for taking on new adventures and helping others. However, I do believe that sitting still for those few days was absolutely necessary; it gave me time to listen to God. How often do you take the time to just sit still and listen?

Suddenly, I had a revelation. As I sat there in the hospital, staring at the pieces of my split-open cast and the sutures on my foot, I realized I’d had it all wrong. Ever since I finished the run, I had thought of the journey as being finished. In my mind, the mission was over; Running Hope to America was complete. How wrong I was! It hit me that the journey was not yet done. This – this very moment – was part of it. Everything. The surgery. The cast. The boot. It was all part of a life-changing odyssey, something I had taken on willingly in the service of God and his children.

What was I waiting for? My foot might have been useless, but the rest of me was good to go! Over the days, I got really good with my crutches. My upper-body strength improved every week. I worked out on the arm machine to get my muscles strong and toned. I set little goals for myself: first, I wanted to cover 200 yards on my crutches. Then, I increased the distance by 200 yards every other day until, before I knew it, I was up to 2.8 miles. I remember that day, too. It took me an hour and a half to complete the distance. By the end, I was so exhausted. But, I was also very proud. Having goals is so very important for all of us.

Since then, I have made enormous progress. Badwater is in my future. You heard right: this summer I will be attempting my tenth and final crossing of Death Valley in what has been called “the toughest footrace on the planet.” My excitement knows no bounds. The purpose of this venture will be to raise money for AIDS Orphans Rising and orphans all around the world, big and small, young and old. There are so many orphans right here in America alone!

In the end, it’s all about raising money for children. Every person can make a difference. It’s the reason, I can push on. It’s my strength, my guiding star. It’s what Run Hope was all about. There is no greater joy in life than giving selflessly to others. Right now, I am in a boot, but, soon, the boot will come off and I will continue to run for the cause.

My first walk with the my boot took me a full hour to complete. On the road, I spotted 70 cents. Pennies from Heaven, my friends! Do you know how much joy this seemingly insignificant amount of money brings to my heart? Did you know that just six cents can feed a child in many countries. Think about that. It’s a wonderful cause that I am a part of.

You can be a part of it, too. Together, we can make a difference. This year, my wonderful friend Sandra Powell is going to attempt to break the women’s record for the transcontinental run. Sandra wants to carry the torch and continue to raise money for the children. I ask you to open up your heart to the true joy of giving. Donate today by visiting www.runhope.com.

The Amazing Book..Running On Empty!!!!

2011-02-14T12:58:00.002-07:00

Dear friends and family...Marshall Ulrich is a long time friend of mine, he is the person who inspired me to run my first Badwater 135 miles. Marshall's book Running On Empty is sure to be one of the best books you will ever buy and read.
Love to all
Lisa

February 14, 2011

3,063 miles. 52 days. 57 years old.

People drive across the United States all the time, touring the 3,000-plus miles for vacation, relocation, or rite of passage. Every now and then, someone makes the trip on foot, taking a year or more to walk across the great expanse of our country.

Marshall Ulrich ran from San Francisco to New York City in 52.5 days. He was 57 years old and making an attempt to break a world record set by a man half his age.

Completing the mind-bending and body-breaking equivalent of 117 back-to-back marathons, he ran an average of more than 400 miles a week, gained 84,430 feet in elevation, dealt with temps ranging from below freezing to the upper 90s, and crossed 12 states.

Ulrich is a versatile, world-class extreme endurance athlete, not only a legendary ultra-runner but also Seven Summits mountaineer and adventure racer. So although his new book, "Running on Empty," is a memoir mostly about the transcontinental run, it also includes tales and lessons learned from all his athletic pursuits, some painful, some funny, some completely life-changing.

Now, Marshall has given us the inside scoop for you on how to order your copy today. You can also get some valuable "give-aways" we know you'll love by going to http://www.marshallulrich.com/blog/book-preorder.

We've already seen a preview copy, and we know this is something you'll be interested in reading for yourself!

"Riveting--the man has endured more, experienced more, accomplished more than you can imagine."

AMBY BURFOOT, editor at large of Runner's World

"An athlete of astonishing grit ..."

MARK BURNETT, producer of Survivor, Eco-Challenge, The Apprentice and others

"Marshall is The Man. Definitively ... Nothing can stop him, and that gives us all hope, gives us resolve to keep trying."

DEAN KARNAZES, ultra distance runner and author of Ultramarathon Man

"Tempting as it might be to describe him as superhuman, Marshall has fallen and struggled ... His story ... is ours."

ARON RALSTON, author of Between a Rock and a Hard Place and subject of 127 Hours

NEW DREAMCHASERS SCHEDULE!!

2011-01-30T10:11:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone!!

We are very excited to have a new schedule and some new classes to bring a smile to your face for both adults and the kids!

This NEW schedule starts Monday Jan. 31st, 2011.

Teachers at Dreamchasers:
Lisa Smith-Batchen
Patricia Moeller
Jen Fischer
Char Obrian
Dan Strobel
Julia Briggs
Crista Pentz
Wendy Starky

Monday:
6:30-7:30 Strength Training with Nordic Conditioning
9-10: Cardio Core Fitness with a Blast
10:15-11:15 ZUMBA!!
3:30-5:30 Children's Guitar and after school program for punch cards
5:30-6:30 Strength and Conditioning/Cardio
6:30-7:30 POWER YOGA

Tuesday:
8:30-9:30 Begginer Core
9:30-10:30 Cardio Core Fitness multi-level
11:00-12:00 Music class for children
12-1 Midday Bootcamp
3:30-5:30 Children's Dance Classes
6:00-7:00 ZUMBA!

Wednesday:
9-10 Cardio Core Fitness
10:15-11:15 ZUMBA
3:30-5:30 Chidren's Guitar and Art class
5:30-6:30 Strength and Conditioning/Cardio

Thursday:
8:30-9:30 Cardio Core Fitness multi-level
9:30-10:30 Cardio Core Fitness multi-level
11-12 Creative Play for Kids
12-1 Midday Bootcamp
3:30-5:30 Children's Dance
6:00-7:00 POWER YOGA

Friday:
9-10 Stability Ball/Cardio Core
10:15-11:15 ZUMBA

Sat. 9-10 Cardio Core Fitness
10:15-11:15 ZUMBA

Sunday:
9:30-10:30 Cardio Fitness (NO CLASS ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY)

RATES FOR CLASSES:

Adult punch cards: $75 for 10 one hour classes!
Children 11-12 class punch card is $50 for 10 classes

Childcare During adult classes: 1 child $1 per hour. 2 or more children $2 per hour.
Punch cards available for child care.

Children's Dance classes: $120 Pre-registration is required. The classes meet Tuesday and Thursday. If you decide to only come 1 day a week the fee is $60.
This is $10 for 1 hour classes.

Children's Music claases/Guitar: same as the children's dance classes

Children's Art classes: same as the children's dance and music classes.

For questions please visit our web site:
www.dreamchaserevents.com
Or call: 208-787-2077

1ST CLASS IS FREE!!

DREAM BIG!

350 miles for one amazing purpose! Please help if you can!

2011-01-12T14:55:00.002-07:00

Hi friends! Below is a letter from from 3 amazing athletes that I know personally very well. All 3 of these athletes have done so much for me during all of my running advantures. Supporting each other is something that I love about ultra running. The amazing community of people who come together in the face of about all life has to bring. Please take a few moments to read the letter below. Consider making a donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation to support Tony, Chris and Jarom.
100% of your money donated will go to help those in need. I am so proud and inspired of this journey they are taking on!

Running for a purpose...it does not get any better then this.
Thank you...love to all..Lisa

In just a few days we (me, Chris and Jarom) will embark on an epic adventure in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. With the help of Lynne Hewett and others, we will attempt to become the first known individuals to run the entire length of the Caminho Da Fé (Path of Faith) in Brazil, covering around 350 miles (more or less) over a 7 day period (see a map of our planned route here : http://tinyurl.com/48lsduo).

Yet, what is most important is not simply covering the distance, or becoming the first to do so, as our hope and primary goal is not only to become “pilgrims” but to also raise funds and awareness for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an amazing charity that provides opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. You and your friends can still make a donation in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation online at the following link : http://tinyurl.com/ydxpyou. We are still short of our $40,000 fundraising goal, but with one final push we know we can make it.

We will be arriving in São Paulo, Brazil on Monday, January 17. Our anticipated running schedule is as follows :

Tuesday 1/18 – Thursday 1/20 : Run from Cravinhos to São João da Boa Vista (approximately 133 miles), stopping each night.
Friday 1/21 – Sunday 1/23 : Run the Brazil 135 Mile Ultramarathon, from São João da Boa Vista to Paraisópolis, running continuously until we finish.
Monday 1/24 – Tuesday 1/25 : Run from Paraisópolis to Aparecida (approximately 84 miles), stopping each night.

With the help of a SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger, starting on Monday, January 17 you will have the ability to track our progress in near real time using Google Maps at the following link : http://tinyurl.com/4ns88ts – this link will NOT go “live” until we arrive in Brazil on Monday.

The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger will send our GPS coordinates to our Shared Page map every 10 minutes while we are in motion (assuming we are in a location that permits it to obtain a satellite signal), so make sure to check the map often to see where we are and where we have been. The only negative with the Shared Page, but it is not a big negative at all, is that the default setting on the Shared Page calls for it to display the "Messenger Route" by drawing an orange line between each successive way-point recorded on the map. Of course, this can lead to the mis-reporting of our actual route as the line drawn is simply the shortest distance between the two way-points (which are taken every 10 minutes). But, this feature can be turned off by each person accessing the Shared Page - simply right click on any one of the Track Progress messages on the left hand side of the map page and select "Hide Messenger Route," and that will do it. If you want to see a sample of what the tracking will look like, take a look at this link which shows tracking at last weekend’s Walt Disney World Marathon : http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0lGLgzXjoRuibuOkInaqZRFWQPBkn3Egq

In addition, we will be able to periodically send some of you a pre-set “Check-in/OK” or “Custom Message”, notifying you of our current location. When you click on the link in that pre-set message it will take you to a map that only shows our current location. To see the entire bread-crumb trail of where we have been, always go to the main Google Map at this link : http://tinyurl.com/4ns88ts

There are so many people we must thank for this tremendous opportunity:

First and foremost, Chris Kostman, and Mario and Eliana Lacerda. Without their vision and unyielding dedication to ultra-endurance sports, the Brazil 135 Ultramarathon and these types of opportunities would be few and far between. By establishing, developing and supporting events like the Brazil 135 Ultramarathon and the Badwater Ultramarathon, they have created forums that encourage athletes to challenge, and learn from, themselves in epic races in extreme conditions - opportunities that exist nowhere else. They provide a true opportunity to experience the triumph of the human spirit, and for that we are forever grateful.

Clóvis Tavares de Lima and his wife for signing on to support this adventure, and for being one of the founders of the Caminho Da Fé.

All of our sponsors: The Challenged Athletes Foundation, Phix Energy Drink, Drymax Socks and Cleanse Organic.

Rick Gaston for his tremendous work in designing the Running the Caminho Da Fé t-shirt, and Emmy Stocker for all of her hard work in producing those t-shirts.

Finally, of course, we cannot adequately express how grateful and appreciative we are for the amazing support and encouragement of our family and friends, as well as for the many donations that have been made to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Without that support and encouragement, none of this would be possible. You all will be constantly in our thoughts as we progress on a path toward becoming true Pilgrims.

Chris, Jarom & Tony

16 year old friend needs our help!!!

2010-12-27T10:03:00.004-07:00

Dear endurance friends!!!

Please take a few moments to sit down and read this letter, it comes
with a very heavy heart and one I have been thinking about for several days.

On Dec. 28th I will have my foot operated on. During my 2,500 mile run
this summer it broke and a tendon was torn. I have spent 6 months in a
boot or cast to heal it and it has not healed. The lessons continue. I
have been a bit stressed out this part week thinking about being put to
sleep, the surgery and the pain of the foot coming back. It sure is
different for most of us when we are on mile 200 and the pain is something we
can bare because we are the one in charge and in control of it.
We are the ones who allow the pain and know what is needed to "just deal with it"

ALL of you have done absolutely amazing endurance events, you have
endured what most people can not comprehend and what most people would
never even consider doing.

ALL of you inspire me and inspire so many to do and be better at most
everything life has to offer.

ALL of you have such talent to use your body, mind, spirit and soul to
move to places of the unknown.

My good friend Jim Simone who is one amazing endurance athlete
introduced me a friend of his Cheryl (a single mother) and her 4
beautiful daughters. They drove all the way from Chicago and spent a
week with us here in the Tetons.Needless to say if you met this
beautiful family you would fall in love with them as we did.

Balei, Cheryl's daughter who turned 16 on Oct. has been going through
the biggest endurance challenge of her life and she needs our help, her family needs our help..
On Dec. 4th, 2010 Balei complained on a headache and nausea. Hours later she was rushed to
University Chicago Corner Childrens Hospital. Balei suffered a burst brain aneurysm and was in a coma for 5 days
. In critical condition ICU Balie has gone through 3 brain surgery since then and the last one was today.
They discovered the fluid leaking from the brain was meningitis!

Balei nick name is Sassy, she is one of the most amazing, kind, giving,
generous kids I have ever met. She was the one at our home trying to
rally everyone to plays games, go on hikes, dance, sing and just live
life for the moment. I was so impressed with her ability to inspire and
get my 2 daughters to do about anything she ask of them!

The hospital staff says that Balei is the inspiration that keeps them
going right now...even when she is screaming in pain because her head
hurts so much anyone who comes into her hospital room she finds a place
to tell them she loves them, Merry Christmas.

Balie told her mother Cheryl "I tired of fighting but you know I will."

Balies voice is weak and most of the time very hard to understand her at all. I have spoken to her several times in the past few weeks even if they just put the phone to her ear so she could hear what I had to say. What I have said to Balie is that she is my hero, she is my courage. What she is going through and enduring is far greater then anything I have personally ever even been close to experiencing. A hero she is for her undying love, giving and inspiration to fight.

In the past few days, Cheryl, Balei's mother was fired from her job, she is about to lose the family's apartment and they have less then $100 to there name. Cheryl spends every waking moment with Balei and her other girls.

How can so much happen to one person and the family all at once? The
answer may never be known.

This morning I went for a walk at 2 am, I could not sleep thinking about my phone call the night before with Jim..the trials and struggles of Balei, Cheryl and their beautiful family.

It took me 40 min. to walk 1 mile because my foot is in so much pain and the limp has caused my hip to hurt.

Last night we got 1 foot of fresh snow, the sky was amazing. I fell to
my knees in the snow and just starting to cry. I thought about Mother Mary and Jesus...it reminds me of Mother Cheryl and Balei.

Sister Marybeth was the first person I called when I found out I have to have my foot operated on. Her words to me were short, sweet and full of wisdom, as always.

"Lisa, God has something else for you to do right now. Sit quiet and
listen."

It became clear to me this morning that my 2,500 mile run through the
USA was not over. Many more lessons to learn and so many children and
people to help.

I may not be able to run but I can sure continue to help and spread hope.

I am asking for your help! Helping one child at a time, one person at a
time. "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much".

Help Balei and her family win this endurance race, help get the word out to all your endurance friends. Helping Balei helps me, it helps you, it helps all who step forward.

It helps us all come to realize that we are in this together and that we all do make a difference, we can make a difference.

When it is your turn for me to help you...you know I will.

Consider sending this letter to all your endurance friends and ask them
to please consider making a donation of even $10 to help Balei and her
family right now.

The Balei Chinski Relief Fund
c/o
Peoples Bank of Kankakee
315 Main St. NW
Bourbonnais Illinois 60914
Phone 815.936.7600
Fax 815.932.5559
People can send tax DEDUCTABLE donations to the bank or contact them
for more info.

Or you can send a check to the Dreamchaser Foundation 100% OF ALL
MONEY WILL GO TO HELP BALEI AND HER FAMILY

po box 1200
Driggs, Idaho 83422
In the subject area write: Balei

Thank you for your consideration.

May your days be filled with love, joy, hope, faith and wonder

Lisa Smith-Batchen

Dreamchasers Class Schedule Dec 6th- 11th

2010-12-05T19:17:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! All of our classes at Dreamchasers offer FREE childcare while you are taking your class. The only classes with NO childcard are the 6 and 6:30 am classes.
We ask that after your class you help the childcare worker to help clean up the play room area.
Remember the first class is free!
We have also lowered the price of our punch cards to $75 for ten 1 hour classes.
1.5 hour classes are 1.5 punch.
Coming soon is YOGA FOR ATHLETES, ZUMBA and more:)
Happy Holidays!

Here is the class schedule for this week.

Monday Dec. 6th
6:30-7:30 am Nordic with a twist
9-10 am Cardio Core
3:30-5:30 Kids Fitness
5:30-6:30 Mountain Athlete with a twist

Tuesday Dec.7th
9-10 am Ski Fitness
10:15-11:15 Kids Fitness
12-1 Cardio Core/Ski Fitness
3:30-5:30 Kids Fitness
5:30-6:30 Cardio Core/Ski Fitness

Wednesday Dec. 8th
6:30-7:30 am Nordic with a twist
9-10 Cardio Core
3:30-5:30 Kids Fitness
5:30-6:30 Mountain Athlete with a twist

Thursday Dec. 9th
6-7 am Cardio Core/Ski Fitness
9-10 Ski Fitness
10:15-11:15 Kids Fitness
12-1 Cardio Core/Ski Fitness
3:30-5:30 Kids Fitness
5:30-6:30 Cardio Core/Ski Fitness

Friday Dec. 10th
9-10:30 am Big Ball class and yoga

Saturday Dec. 11th
9-10 am Cardio Core/Ski Fitness
10:15-11:15 Cardio Core/Ski Fitness

Attitude!!!

2010-11-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.

~ Chuck Swindoll

November Schedule and much more!

2010-10-28T11:39:00.005-06:00

Hi Teton Valley friends and students!

A link to the November Dreamchasers schedule, and for my massage availability, is posted below. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment please e-mail me at lisa@dreamchaserevents.com

You may click on the link below for the November schedule, or you can copy & paste the following web address into your browser:

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=9gg5broopmfb3r74hdodimrfe8%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Denver
ALL of the classes at Dreamchasers are taught to all levels. We have from off the couch people to professional athletes in the same class!

There is now a 12 noon to 1 pm ski fitness class on Tuesday and Thursday and on Sat. we now have 2 classes. One from 9-10 am and 10:15 to 11:15 am.

1st class for anyone who has never come to Dreamchasers is FREE!

Thanksgiving day: YES..we do have a class!

Some GOOD news: As of Monday November 1st Dreamchaser adult punch cards will go down in price from $90 for ten 1 hour classes to $75 for ten 1 hour classes!!!
If you are behind in paying for your punch cards up until Nov. 1st you will still pay the $90 fee. Once your punch card is all used up your NEXT punch card will now be $75!!!! WOW!

Guess what?? If you run or walk either the 5k or 10k this Sat. Oct. 30th in Victor (Teton Pumpkin Run) you will be able to get 40% off anything and everything in our Dreamchasers store from Nov. 1st - Nov. 6th ONLY. Please be sure to bring your race number with you when you come shopping!

For anyone who is not running one of the races, there is 30% off from Nov. 1st-6th.
Please bring your race number with you when you come shopping!

For more information on how to register for this Saturday's Dreamchasers Pumpkin Run
or other races in our 2010 'Run For A Purpose' race series, you may click on the link below, or you can copy & paste the following web address into your browser:

http://www.dreamchaserevents.com/Races/Local-Races

Lisa's massage availability for November!

Mon-W-F Nov. 1st, 3rd and 5th
Mon-W-F Nov. 8th, 10th and 12th
Mon-W-F Nov. 15th, 17th, and 19th
Mon-W Nov. 22nd and 24th
Mon Nov. 29th

Some Sat. appointments are available.

Something to share with you!
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written..My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Have a beautiful day!
Many Blessings
Lisa

One of the best foods you can eat!!!!

2010-10-24T12:01:00.003-06:00

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82

And the winner is: PUMPKIN SEEDS!!!

Tell us what you do with the pumpkin seeds after you carve the pumpkin?

Blessings
Lisa

Most nutritious vegetable!

2010-10-11T13:24:00.002-06:00

I was thrilled to read an article in this months Men's Journal about
"the most perfect food" sweet potatoes because I eat them all the time!

For many years of my racing I used to bake sweet potatoes and eat them cold!

Now I bake them for my family! My favorite way is to cut them up like french fries, bake them in the oven with a sprinkle of olive oil, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Bake at 350 until for 25-30 min. Yummy!

Another way I love to eat sweet potatoes is to bake them with the skin and then mix the potato with cooked oatmeal!!!

"This year the Center for Science in DC, rated foods for there maximum amount of nutrients and found that the sweet potato is not only the healthiest vegtable, it's also the healthiest food."

Sweet potatoes are 130 calories apiece, they have twice the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy eyesight;tons of vitamin C to help boost immunity;and lot's of potassium, which aids in muscle development and keep your heart healthy!!!

"They also contain about 10 other vitamins and minerals that are crucial to good health, not to mention slow-burning sugars that give you lots of energy without making you fat."

Blessings
Lisa

You can do hard things!!!

2010-10-08T10:11:00.002-06:00

A very good friend of mine sent this to me today and it seems like something most all us should read. What hard things in your life are you holding back attempting or going after?

In life, we are often faced with challenges and opportunities that are difficult and often seem impossible. However, our potential and capacity is amazing. Many times we underestimate or do not realize what we can do. Many times we put self-imposed limits on ourselves and fail to venture to the unknown or dare to do the impossible.

Whether it's fear, a lack of confidence, complacency, or other reasons, we often hold back and do not push ourselves. For some reason, somewhere along our life journey, we begin to believe we cannot do hard things. You can do hard things. We can do things that are beyond our own wildest imaginations if we allow ourselves to believe and try.

So what rewards are we missing because we are unwilling to do hard things? And why do we deny ourselves of the incredible sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from achieving difficult tasks? Our potential is great and each of us has the capacity to do great things. Let's stop holding back and start believing that we can do hard things!
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING!!!!

Part 1 of the Finish Line of Run Hope!

2010-06-26T11:27:00.009-06:00

Hello wonderful friends! I am still having a hard time putting many things into words. It will take a few more days. I am still coming back from the lack of sleep. I still wake up at 4:30 am and find myself running in my sleep! My hearts yearns to continue running but my soul could not be with more peace, love and amazing joy being HOME!!! My family is here, my children are so wonderful. I still can't find the words to thank so many people ALL over America for all you have done for us. Our mission was complete and many children will have a much better life because of all of you. Below is the prayer that was read at the finish line of Run Hope. Pastor Ian Noyes wrote and read it to the crowd and it brought myself and so many to tears. I am left with unspoken words for now but can't wait to share our journey with you.
God Bless and love you all
Lisa Smith-Batchen
http://www.runhope.com/ YOU CAN STILL AND CAN ALWAYS MAKE A DONATION!!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD

**Gracious God, there are none whose lives and hearts you do not see.
With love and compassion, you stand alongside the vulnerable and the broken...and you have made us to do the same - to join our lives to your purposes that healing and justice might more and more characterize the world you have made. Tonight we give you thanks for a team of people who have answered your call to address the needs of vulnerable children throughout our nation and the world. We thank you especially for Lisa who has with every mile born their loss and pain in her own body. We thank you for her commitment to share in your heart for orphans. We thank you for her tenacity, her endurance, and her reliance upon you for strength and comfort throughout these past two months.
And we thank you for the witness of this team to run hope through America.
For Sister Mary Beth..., for Mike and Julie Smith... and Mike Evans - for their tireless efforts to support, encourage, and facilitate this amazing achievement, for the countless and often thankless ways that they and others worked behind the scenes to make this possible.
We thank you for the hundreds who ran with Lisa to raise awareness about vulnerable and orphaned children, and we thank you for the thousands more who have been touched by Lisa’s passion and commitment. We pray now for fruit to be brought forth from these seeds that you have sown in human hearts. We pray that you would continue to be at work in us tonight to join this effort to bring hope to children who know little of home and less of family. Gracious God and Father be a Father to these children and awaken us to how we might also play a role in your work to heal and redeem and comfort.
Lord, we thank you for Jay and for Annabella and Gabby, who released Lisa for this
purpose these past two months. We pray their time together now would be all the sweeter for this season of absence. Deepen their relationships we pray and bless them. Heal Lisa’s foot and mend her body. Grant her sleep and rest from weariness. May she find peace in knowing that you take pleasure in her, your daughter, who has spent herself for your glory.
We celebrate Lisa tonight, but we also celebrate you who have gifted her so, and we pray that you would help each of us discover your call upon our lives. Help us to know your steadfast love and your purpose for each one here that we too might grow in compassion and give ourselves also to love one another with great abandon. Indeed, with you all things are possible and you promise that those...
who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
What an example you have given us tonight of one who has lived this hope.
Be glorified tonight we pray. Amen.

RHTA Hawaii

2010-06-15T13:09:00.004-06:00

State 44 Hawaii completed in the shadow of Diamond Head on Waikiki Beach! Bob MacCallister and his HURT (Hawaii Ultra Running Team) members did a terrific job crewing Lisa and Sr. Mary Beth. They were like a NASCAR pit crew! They provided all that Lisa needed and got her out and running again before she even realized it! It was Lisa's fastest day so far. Perhaps Magic Island put its spell on RHTA! What a great place to run- that day there were 3 weddings, a run for Autistic children and a parade for King Kamaima- all on Magic Island.

My 48 hours on the Island of "Run Hope" by Tammy Brown

2010-06-11T13:10:00.011-06:00

It was an adventure. I had a great time for two states with Mike Smith, Mike Evans, Lisa and Sister Mary Beth.

They live like sardines in that RV. I had always thought that it would be so much fun to travel that way, and it was for 2 days. But 62 days?

I showed up at the airport in Phoenix to meet Sister MB and Lisa at around 10:30 pm. Lisa was walking like she had been riding a horse for a week. They were both absolutely exhausted after 50 miles in Utah that day, then the flight to AZ. We made it to the hotel in time for about 4 hours of sleep, which they informed me was a long night of sleep for them. They were so grateful to sleep in a bed that wasn’t moving down the highway at 70 miles per hour. (Eventually, I would understand)

We arose at 4:30 am and headed over to the Freelife Headquarters in Phoenix. Colleen Rossi the AZ Captain was so helpful and wonderful. What wonderful, generous people that we spent the day with. Thank you everyone at Freelife! So after an interview, greetings, a prayer and quick route review, we were on our way! Smiling and only sweating a little, at 6 am and 90 degrees. The route was a concrete sidewalk through what I consider a busy street. Very little shade, very hard hot surface. Great camaraderie with the fun "Jule" people, Colleen, Eric, Robyn, Brian, Brennan, Scott, The fun "Chi" shirt guy, (sorry) and all the other people who joined in that day. I was about to experience what they had been doing for the last 40 days.

Lisa , Sister MB and the duo-Mike’s were amazing. Sister MB pounded out 20 miles in her black habit, then spent the rest of the day taking care of other people. Always helping others. Every time even I would come near the RV, Sister MB or Mike would ask if I needed anything. So nice. Mike Smith works all day long, keeping things going. Lisa has a long, long day. She starts off with a fast limping gait in her croc’s. Big smile on her face. The 15 of us on her tail can hardly keep up with her limping start. She changes shoes and grabs quick snacks during the day. That beginning limp evolves into a healthy run. I am amazed at Lisa's running. She visits with many people on the route, returning calls and messages too. She is trying her best to maintain the project as well as her family, life and business at home. She is the ultimate multi-tasker, all while completing her daily 50 mile ultra marathon. With 10 miles left to go, she turns on “her jets” and quickly finishes the final 10 miles while she is in her zone. She completed 50 miles, press, meeting people, visiting, resting and fueling all by 6:30 pm, and is rewarded with an ice bath. We had a wonderful party with the “Jule” people at Freelife and eventually we were on the road. I am sold on the products, especially the energy one! We stopped for a fast food dinner and were on our way to Las Vegas. We were in for a long drive.

We were riding in what I will now refer to as the “SS Jiffy Pop”.

I had watched the movie “UltraMarathon Man” in which Dean Karnazes runs a marathon in every state over 50 days. Pretty cool movie, amazing, inspirational feat which Dean completes with style. He raised funds for children and other projects. He is amazing, has inspired so many people. As a bonus to the movie viewers, Dean looks pretty good with his shirt off. I have to smile when I think of the differences in the ways that Lisa is traveling and the way UltraMarathon man traveled. If you get a chance….check out the luxury bus and private jets that he and his crew traveled on. There was almost no chance of shaking out a dental filling while traveling on Dean’s bus. The Run Hope Crew may need to see the dentist when they return home.

Anyway, the RV is great but it is loud and very bouncy. There is not much sleep had while driving after the runs each day. Sister Mary Beth was so kind to make a space for me on her bed. I had to laugh at first while my heart was in my stomach as we hit each small bump. One of my favorite memories of the trip will be enjoying the beauty of crossing Hoover Dam at 2am. Sister MB and I were like two little girls, it was an amazing sight all lit up and so quiet.

We arrived in Las Vegas around 3 am, parked for about 2 hours and tried to sleep. I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I remember is seeing Sister with a pillow over her head, leading me to believe that I may have been snoring. (So, sorry!)

We got up, and met Ernie Rambo to start our day in Las Vegas at 5:30 am. Ernie and all the LV people were wonderful. We met great people! Thanks to everyone who came out! The route was again a concrete path, but no traffic to fight through. It was nice, but another hot day in the high 90’s. My favorite miles were a few miles that we ran through KMART and Lowes. I seriously thought we might be arrested. What a sight and smell we must have been. Our pace through a busy Kmart was pretty impressive! We also did many miles around an indoor parking garage. It was a fun, but long hot day. I developed some blisters, which slowed me down, and I eventually wimped out in hopes of saving my feet for the following week in Montana and Idaho. Sister MB powered out her 20 miles with her usual smile and cheer. Lisa collected several dollars in change from the road over the day and ran her last few miles hard. My feet were really sore and I was assessing my damage when Lisa finished. She sat down and took off her shoes and socks. She too had new blisters, but she still had 400 miles more to go! Again, I realized……It was all relative. I could limp home and complain. She would be doing it all again the next day! Just like the movie GROUNDHOG DAY.

We had a quick ice bath, which felt great to me. Lisa had a much-needed massage from Rudi an 83 y/o massage guru. At around 7:30 pm it was time for “Jiffypop” to start heading to California.

I was done, time to go to my cozy hotel bed and a glass of red wine. Hugs all around then the crew went bouncing down the road. They all look so tired, they work hard. 9 more days, and they will be done. Only 400 more miles to run.

It is all relative. “Almost done” means that Lisa only has to run the distance between Driggs Idaho and Polson Montana.

God speed SS Jiffypop!

Thank you so much Run Hope Crew. Without Lisa, I would still be whining and not be running let alone covering 80 miles in 2 days!

This project is not about the running. It is about helping kids around the globe. I was able to spend time talking to Sister Mary Beth about the children that she works with all over the world. The orphanages can feed a child with 6 cents per day! I can help 58 kids per day if I give up one latte. (SMB didn't tell me that, I just really needed some coffee at the time). Talking to Sister MB makes it all real, she is the real deal. Her life is dedicated to helping children. Lisa and SMB are a great team fighting for kids, they just do it best with running shoes on. They "Just Do IT".

Lets donate if we can! How about the loose change that we can find in our drawers, cars, or more! Let’s help these kids.

Hope to see you all in Montana next Thursday June 17th!

Tammy

www.runhope.com

RHTA 42nd State Las Vegas, NV

2010-06-10T15:11:00.007-06:00

Pictured above Riley and Richard (barefoot) running the last lap with me.

Thanks to Ernie Rambo our 42nd state run in Las Vegas was a great success! Thank you to all who came to run. Also, thanks to the people who stopped by to greet and wish Sister Mary Beth and I good luck with the project.

I’ve always said that when I have people around me that I know and that understand the experience and can give me my space, it changes my whole attitude and keeps me energized and motivated. This was certainly what happened in Las Vegas!

I was able to do my last laps so quickly because Richard was running ahead of me, and I would just kept listening to the patter of his bare feet to keep the pace.

Richard said that during the last laps he kept listening to my feet hitting the pavement that helped him set the pace!

I am so grateful for a massage given to me by Rudi! He is an 83 year-old master's division Olympian sprinter who also has given massages to Jack LaLane!

Thank you all for your prayers and kindnesses to me and the Running Hope Through America team. Continue your prayers as we quickly are approaching the end.

Love,

Lisa

What Will It Take To Finish?... A Lesson In Selfishness

2010-06-08T22:42:00.003-06:00

Hi All --

Just to let you know, our new RHTA website is also a place for me to blog. Because of that I've been neglecting this blog... sorry for any confusion.

Thank you to all of the people who have come out to run with me, thank you to all the supporters, media, captains, friends and family – especially my girls who are on the RHTA team back home with their wonderful father and grandmother.

As some of you have read in my recent posts, I’m learning how to think about myself. I’m not saying that I’m a saint; it’s more of a selfish thing, really. I simply don’t know how NOT to be professional when people are around me and I’m in my element – running. I feel like I have to keep up with them, or slow down with them… I just feel like I must be near them. However, I am reaching the end of my rope.

I love that quote by Theodore Roosevelt: “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” This is exactly how I feel right now. My knot requires absolute focus… and my focus requires space. My foot is in pain, my knee is in pain, my body aches. Most days my spirits are high, but it’s a crap-shoot – I never know what the day will bring.

So, from now on, with only two weeks left before the big finish line in Idaho, I am learning the Art of Selfishness (which is actually a great book by David Seabury).

I am promising myself that next time someone wants to run with me for 25 miles and talk to me the whole time, I’m going to say, “I appreciate you, but NO”. And, next time someone wants to give me advice on how to raise my children while I’m running and already upset about missing them, I’m going to say, “I understand your concern, but NO”. And next time someone would like advice about their running form for a full ten miles while I need to focus on putting one foot in front of the other, I will say, “Trust your body, I have to focus on mine… and NO”.

People that know me, know that the last thing in the world that I want to do is appear unprofessional and/or unkind, however… the finish line and goal of RHTA is more important than any one individual at the moment… especially me.

I do worry about how people will view me. But, at this point the pain and journey takes precedence over almost everything else.

Will everyone understand? Will they get it and allow me my space to keep my pace and do my 50 miles everyday? I wish I could be sure.

“Anybody who's ever mattered, anybody who's ever been happy, anybody who's ever given any gift into the world has been a divinely selfish soul, living for his own best interest. No exceptions..”

–Richard Bach

Hmn… I’m going to have to work on it a little then.

Love,

Lisa

Our life these days on the road to HOPE

2010-06-01T16:56:00.009-06:00

As St. Paul says, suffering leads to endurance which leads to hope.

Our experience these days we have come across many people who are suffering. Some externally who have suffered physically and many who are suffering internally, either from the death of a loved one or sickness that has ravaged their families.

But all, even though they are suffering they give us hope from their endurance.

My long time friend Dan Jensen who had his leg blown off when he was 21 from stepping on a land mine in Viet Nam came to run all 50 miles.

Lisa and Dan ran the Marathon des Sables together 13 years ago and Dan gave Lisa great strength during this run as she watched him run with one leg. Having two legs certainly put it all in perspective! This man is more than extraordinary, he has something so special that it can't be put into words.

On Nov. 5th last year Dan lost his beautiful wife Robin to brain cancer. Lisa found about this as she and Dan ran together in North Dakota. Lisa was very quiet all day and in such a somber place. She wanted to run the last 3-5 miles alone. Once the day was over Lisa had an out pouring of emotions thinking about Dan, Robin, their children and most of all the amazing love they shared for 35 years of marriage. Dan and Robin were always together at all the races and the joy they shared for life and love was always such a bright light for everyone. Lisa ran in Robins honor all day long and we will continue to do so as we run through the rest of America.

Suffering comes in so many forms these days, it puts life in perspective and reveals more than Lisa can bear at times. Her feet hurt but what is this in comparison to someone who has lost a spouse or a child? So many have lost jobs, homes and come to Lisa and Sister Marybeth to ask for prayers of hope.
Lisa said, "I am not suffering so others can have a better life". "I am suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually by choice to help others." At the end of the day I get a shower and a meal and perhaps a bed. At the end of the day so many have none of this.

We all have our sufferings at this very moment. What will you do about yours today? How can we help each other through to a newer and higher level?

Lisa has been helped by so many along her journey of HOPE.
Dan, Roy, Dale, Albert..all who have come to share their stories about suffering and stories about how they have or are getting through to the next level.

Taking an ice bath is NO fun you know, but it helps the suffering from the day on your feet.
Try it, you may find some wonder yourself in the cold hitting your skin!

We are praying for all who are suffering in all ways. Emotionally, physically and spiritually.
You will forever be in our hearts and on our minds as we continue our run through America for the children of the WORLD.

Love you all
Team Running Hope
CHECK OUT THE NEW WEB SITE
www.runhope.com

It's a Beautiful Day In Green Bay!

2010-05-30T02:09:00.005-06:00

What a day it was in Green Bay on Friday...

We couldn’t have asked for a better day: Perfect temperature, not too humid, lovely run along the lake, and great energy and enthusiasm from everyone! Media came out to cover our efforts, which is always a blessing. The entire school of Wisconsin International came out! I ran about two and a half miles with them.

My running buddy, Roy Pirrung, came out as well and ran with me. He fed me inspiration and empathetic words for miles, and it was such a joy to be around him… Thank You Roy!

Sometimes, I feel that there can be a great distance between the rest of the world and me. The professional in me automatically separates in order to be able to handle the intensity of the task at hand. I think that sometimes it’s difficult for people who aren’t pro-athletes to understand the amount of stress and strain that must be overcome to complete a task (such as, say… running 2500-miles in 62 days).

But, I really felt that Roy understood. And, whether I’m correct or not in thinking this, I felt better for having someone around that I felt understood me to my core.

I felt exceedingly well. I’ve come through a major hurtle, not only on this journey but also on the journey of my life. God is testing me to my bones, and has provided clear answers to my questions through lessons: I’ve learned how to ask for help, how to say I’m not feeling well, how to stick up for myself, and most importantly, I’ve learned to accept situations and consequences as they are.

This was a day that I needed for me. I feel thankful, blessed and loved in this world again!

Love

Lisa

BE A PART OF THE CELEBRATION TO WELCOME LISA HOME!

2010-05-27T09:49:00.006-06:00

Here in eastern Idaho, in breathtaking Teton Valley, we’re ready and anxious to welcome Lisa home. She’ll run in our neighboring Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Friday, June 18th with eagles soaring overhead leading the way and her human supporters lining the streets of Teton Village to cheer her on.

This will be a very emotional day for Lisa given her close ties to the Jackson community and the many close friends she and her husband Jay call their own in this iconic western town. However, nothing will compare to the Idaho welcome we’re throwing for Lisa, her running companion Sister Mary Beth and her on-road support crew, a team that’s been as critical for Lisa as her shear grit.

I wrote a blog on Lisa Smith-Batchen a few weeks ago...

Anyone who sets out to run 2,500 miles across America; 50 miles in 50 states in 62 days to be exact, kinda deserves a blog... and so much more. Wouldn’t you agree?

Anyone who knows Lisa personally, as I do, is inspired by her athletic resume. But seriously, 50 miles a day, almost every day?!

I’ve been thinking about Lisa’s latest conquest a lot lately but it’s hard to wrap my head around it. How could anyone, even someone as talented and committed as Lisa, achieve this insurmountable goal? I got part of my answer today on the phone as Lisa said, “it’s one mile at a time, and sure, while some days I feel desperately in need of God’s help, it’s my faith that sustains me."

"Everyone has their share of misery and feelings of helplessness; we just need to all find that inner strength, and be committed,” she continued (Haltingly. She was of course running as we spoke).

Committed she is, “Running Hope through America,” is a shared crusade to raise $1,000,000 for children; orphans, foster children and the homeless around the world. Visit www.runhope.com for information and more importantly, to donate, to the organization and the reasons why Lisa and Sister Mary Beth continue to run and run and run.

Early Saturday morning, June 19th, Lisa will don her worn running shoes for the last day of this journey and weave her way through idyllic Teton Springs Resort in Victor Idaho. Join her for a loop at .85 miles on a pedestrian path she has followed many times before (her 80 miles “80 for Haiti” run being the last) followed by a 8.5 mile trek through the quaint town of Victor and finishing at the historic Spud Drive-In nestled in Driggs, Idaho.

The party at the Spud promises to rock the Tetons! At this historic venue we’re pulling out all the stops for kids, and adults who want to feel like kids, with all the joy and raw emotions that will undoubtedly be in everyone’s heart & soul as Lisa crosses the finish line. We’ll laugh, sing, and cry, not just for Lisa but for ourselves. Safe to say we’ll all feel like we’ve completed our own journey of sorts, filled with an inner peace that somehow we’re all witness to something pure, and good and real. As Lisa will attest, it’s for the children... it’s all about the children.

Lisa will rest her weary head at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa this night, surrounded by friends, family and admirers. Sunday morning we’ll wake in the shadow of the Tetons, sip coffee on the green grass in front of the lodge with Lisa, Sister Mary Beth, friends and family. We’ll give thanks for all of our blessings and reflect on this one journey complete but imagine the many more to come. Won’t you join us? Lisa would relish having you there.

Teton Springs Lodge & Spa has set up a special arrangement for your visit. Call the nice people at 877.787.8757 – www.tetonspringslodge.com and mention “Friends of Teton Springs.” For party details, visit www.runhope.com. Hurry Lisa, we’re waiting!

Love You Always,

Suzie Bichon

Big LOVE in the Windy City!

2010-05-24T11:55:00.008-06:00

The compassion that I have for myself has grown through this process. It seems like the more open I am to accepting my own pain and suffering the easier I can deal with it. I've learned to say my feet hurt, but somewhere else in the world someone's feet hurt more. I've learned to say I'm feeling upset, but someone else may be losing a loved one to hunger, AIDS, or another tragedy. The more I accept my pain, the more I can relate to others, and the more I learn from my beautiful life that's a shared work in progress.

Speaking of shared...

Chicago was Magic! Such incredibly positive energy! I had a substantial break through with a faster walking and running pace; we smoked the last 10 miles and clocked a 7:40 mile 48. My feet are feeling better and my emotions are in great form!

Many family members and old friends spent the day and really lifted my spirits! Chicago was very Hot & very Humid. Thank God for the lake breeze in the Windy City!

God answered our prayers and granted us a perfect day full of love, light and beautiful people. I am honored to run all day with our state captain and fellow ultra runner Adrian Belitu who's remarkable energy made my heart sing. He lifted me up with positive encouragement, recognized my sense of purpose and renewed my hope. God's love surrounded us today and it felt so pure!

Blessings,

Lisa

Read All About It!

2010-05-23T16:47:00.001-06:00

Today's ARTICLE in the Chicago Tribune!

What's Your Gift? Just do it!

2010-05-22T00:24:00.011-06:00

It’s day 27 and it’s been quiet today. As requested, people have given me some space for the past couple of days allowing me to breathe and get out of my despair on my own.

Today’s a new day and I’ve come back from the darkest dark that I’ve ever experienced in my life. I never gave up the faith and hope, but at times like these you can’t help but question it.

I’ve run marathon after ultra marathon, like the Badwater Double and the Marathon des Sables, but nothing has been as challenging as this. What makes it worthwhile is remembering all the people that can benefit from this – just a little bit of sacrifice on my part and others will have food in their bellies and options for life. It’s a small price to pay.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster so far, and I don’t doubt that it will get any easier – although one does hope. One minute you feel like a peaceful warrior moving through space and as soon as you start feeling great about it all, you get smacked down to the ground again.

Thank God for Sister Mary. If she prays for my feet with Holy water, my feet are going to feel better! So, I have to keep my faith with her around; we agreed that I am allowed to ask questions if I want, they’ll always be answered!

Why are the wisest people around me right now children? I get the most inspirational, real, heartfelt and connected words from children. Two little sisters showed up with a sign in Kentucky the other day, saying something like, “Go Lisa!” Everyone knows that that day was a very challenging day for me. I was feeling horrible, things weren’t going well and I was on the brink of a breakdown. I thought, God, if you really want me to do this you have to pull me out of the darkness some way, some how.

A little while later the six year old came over to me while I was crying off in a corner somewhere. She said, “What’s wrong?”

Of course normally I wouldn’t show my emotions, especially to a six year old. But I responded with a question, “What do you do when you feel so down and out that you feel like you just can’t keep going?” She answered back, “Well, you made a commitment to help the kids, right?” “Yes” I said. To which she responded, “Then, I think you’ll be a little tired, but I know you can do it.”

I went up to the girl later and told her, “You have no idea how much you inspired me today… Thank you!”

Moving out of despair is not always easy. Our minds can become clouded, our bodies fatigued, our emotions will say NO to every offer of help. But, after the other day I’ve made a commitment to myself to be open to receiving help and advice, especially from children!

One word, good or bad, can change the path of your moment, week, month, year or life. Don’t ever assume that your words don’t mean anything. The smallest ripple in the sea can create a title wave. Greet people with a hug, a smile, say I love you, inspire them to have a better moment somehow.

When people feel inspired, their true gifts shine through. Those gifts can benefit millions. So never assume that anything you do is small and insignificant. Sometimes we need reminding of how amazing we are. You can remind me, and I will remind you...

Then we can take our gifts and spread them as a force of good across the planet to heal and help wherever necessary!

I’m doing my thing. Are you doing your gift? Do you even know what it is? Please find out and, as one of my sponsors says… Just do it!

With Love,

Lisa

More than Half Way Done!!!!

2010-05-20T20:14:00.001-06:00

CORRECTION!!

2010-05-20T10:39:00.003-06:00

Just a quick correction to the last post. I would not have bothered but it's a neat story. Good Shepherd School (below) was actually not having a coincidental fire drill as Lisa came by. I (Ashley) had called them (as planned early that morning without Lisa knowing) to let them know when Lisa was coming by, as the school was along the route. They fire drilled all of the kids out of the school FOR Lisa because they wanted to cheer her on as she was running through Frankfort, Kentucky. We are so proud of her and happy that we got to be her halfway mark! Thank you Good Shepherd School for your support, and for asking Sister Mary Beth to speak to you about our cause!

RHTA Day 25 Frankfort, KY

2010-05-19T13:10:00.002-06:00

Memorable Fire Drill!
Good Shepherd School was having a fire drill just as Lisa and Sr. Mary Beth were passing by. What encouragement and great rounds of applause! Today Sr. MB spoke to the children of Good Shepherd School about the orphans that she and Lisa are trying to help.
It was a great day to run. Plenty of cloud cover in a peaceful beautiful city!

God, Give Me Grace... in Memphis

2010-05-18T17:46:00.013-06:00

Today we’re in the 24^th location, Memphis Tennessee, on the journey of Running Hope Through America. We’re at the largest urban park development in the US, Agri-Center International.

It took 14 states to get into a rhythm and by the 20^th state, in Louisiana, I thought I was in great shape. All my aches and pains went away, and it was a significant milestone that my family, team and I celebrated. I guess I was wrong…

Over the weekend I got hit with fatigue, pain – both emotional and physical. Now I have to dig deep into the well of my personal process that I thought had dried up a while ago, thinking I had everything figured out. So, I have to ask myself, “What else is there for me to learn?”

Sister Mary Beth says that this journey, for me, is like the last year of a nun’s novitiate. She says that it’s this year that tests you the most, and the year that shows how attached you are to your ego. “Ego? I don’t have any ego about this,” I said. But after thinking about it, I know she’s right…

People come out for a day, maybe they’re marathon runners that have done 20 or 30 miles, and they are so excited that they get to do their first 50-mile run with me.

My feet are killing me, the balls of my feet especially, my legs, and my hips. With people around I feel like I have to perform – I’m a professional athlete after all. If you’re up ahead of me, I have to keep up with you, if you’re behind me I need to stay behind. I want people beside me when if we’re running together. And, I don’t want them to see the pain that I’m feeling inside.

Someone said, “50 miles? How hard can it be?” People forget, this is not a 50-mile run, this is a 2500-mile run broken down into 50-mile segments. They also forget that I’m doing this almost every day. They get to go home, relax, watch a movie, be with their families and recover the next day. I miss my children a lot, and after a hard twelve-hour day of running when I need them most, I get to try and relax in a bumpy, uncomfortable RV without them.

So, because of all of this I need to be left alone… just for today. I know that I have to take this breath by breath, one foot in front of the other… just keep moving forward, with Love.

My friends from Trinity Cross, Brian and Coleen Rossi, came out to Dallas on Sunday. What a day that was! When he showed up in his wheelchair and reached out to put his arms around me for a hug he said, “I can feel your pain”. I said, “Brian, my legs hurt.” He said, “Mine do too.”

This 13 year-old kid has been through so much more than most adults, he really does understand. He says, “I don’t know why God chose me for this, but he did; and to do this Run, he chose you.”

So many children and people in the world are suffering, and they do it with dignity and grace. I feel like I’m not doing that well today, or yesterday. I’m not suffering with grace, I feel tortured. But, Sister Mary Beth is the divine force behind our effort. She’s amazing, and I’m so lucky to have her by my side. I truly don’t know what I would do if she wasn’t here.

Our goal is a great one, $1,000,000 to save lives, feed children and make their lives better! I am most certainly grateful that people show up to run, it makes our effort come alive! But, PLEASE lovely supporters… remember this is a fundraiser! If you show up, please give something for the cause.

And… for the record: I never realized it was going to be this hard.

My orthopedist says that I can’t run today, or tomorrow… so I’m walking and jogging a little.

Thank you to all the people that support RHTA, please come and joint the race one day in your city if you can. Give what you can and show your support, help us to achieve a goal that will change the lives of thousands.

Love,

Lisa

RHTA 24th State Memphis, TN

2010-05-18T10:43:00.006-06:00

Beautiful cool humid free morning at Shelby Farm Park here in Memphis. No sign of Elvis!

24 miles down in the 24th state! Lisa is moving at a steady pace but fighting fatigue and foot pain.

Tarrell, a young woman from the Orphan Foundation, came out to thank Lisa for all the good she is doing for the orphans.

Lisa's Uncle Monty and Cousin Ann also

dropped by to wish Lisa well on this venture.

And Vanessa, a free lance writer for Runner's World, interviewed Lisa and Sr. Mary Beth and did a few laps before leaving.

She feels very hydrated and raring to get to the end of this day. On to

Kentucky tomorrow.

How we KNOW Lisa is running 50 miles and fundraising

2010-05-14T18:57:00.002-06:00

Thank you all for the comments, they are appreciated. God Bless you all.
To get the 50 mile distance each day we have a state leader who is marking a course for us. Most are an out and back or a loop.For the first several states Lisa did not even have a watch she only ran and walked on her best effort and we all marked the laps. It became clear that Lisa was running extra miles most days because even running to get the bathroom 1/4 mile in Central Park should count. Every step counts! In Maryland Lisa ran 52 miles and it was 97 and very humid. The courses have been googled and calculated the best people can and Lisa now wears her own brand new Garmin 310 that holds a charge for 20 hours. The Garmin is very accurate as far as we can tell with the distance, mileage and pace of each mile.This is not a race, this is not a world record attempt. To bring Guinness world book on board costs a great deal of money.At the end of the day Lisa's Garmin says 50 miles and when it says 50 miles......then we celebrate. This is one very difficult undertaking Lisa is doing. She is suffering with great sacrifice for many children and if anyone knows her heart,her desires it is God.For many days people ran all 50 miles with Lisa..all wearing a Garmin. This became exhausting and left me with great concern for Lisa's well being. Talking and listening all day is difficult although we are full of gratitude for all those who are coming to support. They are coming to be inspired but they are also inspiring Lisa and our team.We have Lisa now doing the first 15-25 miles with all those who show up. Then we send her off for 5-10 miles on her own and with her music. She then does all the last miles with many people or Mike on the crew. Pray she can continue to do this amazing run for the children, it is all for the children.
I am the one who has kept track of all the money raised over the last 18 year's with Lisa's running and the total is 4.5 million just as she says it is. You may consider coming to visit some of the places where the children are.If you have any questions you may also call me directly.916-202-6382 If anyone would like to match what Lisa has accomplished with her efforts we would love to have your help. $1 does make a difference. www.runhope.com
God Bless you
Team Running Hope and Sr Marybeth Lloyd

RHTA N.Little Rock, Arkansas

2010-05-14T13:46:00.004-06:00

Sleeping under a bridge usually does not

have good conotations with it! But Lisa and her crew had a great night under the bridge in

N.Little Rock, Arkansas, near the stadium! We were able to park adjacent to the riverboat, Arkansas Queen. The running trail is beautiful and follows the river for miles with the availability of taking a bridge to downtown.

Thanks to Patrick, Sr.MB was able to attend the noon Mass at the Cathedral and see how life is here in downtown Little Rock.

Lisa has a few more miles and we will be on our way to Tulsa, Oklahoma!

Thanks for all of your help and support. Please ask your friends and relatives to go to

www.runhope.com to see how they might help the children.

RHTA Getting in Order

2010-05-14T13:39:00.003-06:00

May 13th was used as a day to get all in order...even the rv...an awesome taks in 90+ weather and humidity in Louisiana...arrived late that night in North Little Rock, Arkansas on the Arkansas River. Thank you to all the sponsors that have given us all the shoes, shirts, socks, salt, monetary support,etc. to keep the run going...God bless you all.

ps send your friends to www.runhope.com

20 States and 1,000 miles

2010-05-13T14:01:00.007-06:00

Hello wonderful friends and supporters of Running Hope To America. Lisa has run and walked 1,000 miles. The past 4 days have proven that Lisa is getting in shape as each day goes by.
The plan for Lisa all along was to be in shape, strong with core work and start this journey in shape but not in great shape. Seems crazy right? Lisa's thoughts were that she would be in shape by state 20, 1,ooo miles in the 2,500 miles. If she would have been in great shape she would have been over trained by state 20. It has proved to be working! Lisa ran her very best so far yesterday in Louisiana where she was surrounded by her family. What a joy to watch how this has all come together and how the plan Lisa made for herself physically, mentally and spiritually is working. The past week has been cold and then very HOT and HUMID..the worse the weather, the worse the conditions the better Lisa runs and walks. Really something amazing to watch. Lisa is now able to walk between 13.5-14 mph all the time and a 9 min. mile run seems easy. Most days it takes 10 miles of good walking to recover from the day before. In Louisiana Lisa knew it was going to get very hot and humid and was able to run and walk well the first 20 miles which blew us all away! The focus, determination and the power behind this project has blown us all away. The love, support and generous giving of people all over the USA has simply been touching. People are so good, we just need to step out and ask for help.
Many have asked about blisters??? what blisters? Lisa started with 3-4 small blisters but now has no blisters. Sister Marybeth prays over Lisa all the time and the magic between these two women is something extraordinary. The love of children and the will to suffer to see that others have a better life.
Sister Marybeth is running 20 miles each day. People from all over are coming to run and walk with both Lisa and Sister Marybeth. Lisa has asked that all who are coming to run with she and Sister to know that after the first 15 miles she will need space and to be on her own. It has become very difficult many days to deal with the heat and all the sleep deprivation that talking and even listening becomes draining. If you have questions for either Lisa or Sister Marybeth please ask them in the first 15 miles, when they take a break or at the end of the day. You can also post questions on the Running Hope To America facebook page.
We are so, so thrilled and inspired that so many are coming out each day in each state. Your support is beautiful and we are so blessed and thankful. If your goal is to run 50 miles with Lisa please know that after 15 miles you will need to either run ahead or behind Lisa on the course.

Right now on the road Lisa and Sister Marybeth are only getting about 4-4.5 hours a sleep each day. A day looks like this:
4:30 am wake up
5:30 start and then continue all day for 12-14 hours with few breaks for ice bath.
8:30 pm eat dinner, shower, stretch and get ready for the next day. Drive to the next state,
Lisa is not able to sleep well at all in the RV with the moving so she falls asleep around midnight when we arrive to the next state. There are some long drives ahead of us. We ask you all to pray for the safety of the crew, that we can stay on schedule and that we continue to get the word out about the orphans.
We are still in need of a few hotel rooms along the way, plane flights to Hawaii and Alaska. If you can help or know anyone who can please let us know.
Below are some photos from the run..The one of Sister Marybeth and Lisa is at the 1,000 miles!!!!
God Bless and Love you all.
Team Running Hope!

RHTA Vicksburg, Mississippi

2010-05-11T14:18:00.002-06:00

Great early start with a run along the Mississippi River then on to the Vicksburg National Civil War Park. And to make the day even better Lisa's mom, brothers, Aunt Nancy, Cousin David, and other friends showed up to cheer Lisa on! About 5 miles left for today then on
to Calhoun, Louisiana!

RHTA Birmingham,AL TV Coverage

2010-05-10T14:50:00.003-06:00

Here is Lisa being interviewed by ABC News Channel 33 -- will air between 5-6 pm tonight in Birmingham! With her are her niece, Hannah and her cousin, Maddie who came to cheer Lisa on!

RHTA Birmingham,AL

2010-05-10T14:41:00.003-06:00

Prince Whatley and the Elks provided a great course, and great support to Lisa and all the runners. Lisa has 11 miles left, raining a bit right now- but she will finish.

Elks Tent full of good food, drinks

and special treats for all runners.

Progress to Date...850 Miles!!!

2010-05-10T06:17:00.001-06:00

The WHOLE East Coast is finished!!!

RHTA Panama City, FL afternoon

2010-05-09T13:57:00.005-06:00

Afternoon in Panama City has been good for Lisa and Sr. Mary Beth- Lisa has about 15 miles to go and Sister has finished her 20 miles for the day. The gentleman picutred here has run more than 300 ultramarathons and came out to run with Lisa today.

Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

Please send your friends to

www.runhope.com

RHTA Panama City,FL

2010-05-09T11:36:00.003-06:00

Panama City, FL great course...Lisa's moving well....good breeze, not too hot...

some slight stomach discomfort...

great interview Local Channel 13 WMBB (World's most beautiful beaches!)

Happy Mother's Day to all.

Why not help the orphans that have no mother

go to www.runhope.com

CELBRITY UPDATE #4: Partying Hope Through America

2010-05-08T12:24:00.004-06:00

Yes, it's M here again, with your celebrity update.

Like many celebrities, Lisa likes to party hearty. And Sister Mary Beth? Don't even ask. If I had known about how she parties I would have put a line item in our production budget just for bail and hotel damage fees.

What's that? You thought Lisa was doing this out of the goodness of her heart? I'm afraid not. No, Lisa is doing this for the finishing shindig(s) hosted by our sponsors at the Spud Drive-In and Teton Springs Foundation.

On the Big Last Day of RHTA, Lisa will begin her run by doing loops at the Teton Springs Lodge & Spa; for those of you who participated in the "80 for Haiti", you will be familiar with the course. To get the full RHTA experience, we recommend staying overnight at Teton Springs on the 18th so you can wake up and join Lisa as she starts her laps at 5:30 AM the next morning.

After 44 miles or so around Teton Springs Lodge, Lisa will do her last miles from TS to the Spud Drive-In. And there the partying shall commence.

Yes, it's a come-as-you-are humdinger at the Spud Drive In, with a RHTA highlight reel being shown on the Spud's Only-One-in-the-Entire-United-States-of-America digital projection system.

Then after folks get all sorts of crazy, they can stumble back on over to the Teton Springs Lodge and get in a disco nap before hitting the Teton Springs Running Hope Through America brunch the next morning.

It's going to be a grand time, but I suggest you start making your reservations now. (No reservations needed for the Spud; Brunch tickets will be available shortly; to book rooms at Teton Springs, call 877-787-8757 or visit www.tetonsprings.com.)

And listen- do us a favor. If you see Sister Mary Beth doing keg stands, don't encourage her behavior, all right?

RHTA South Carolina 2 The Face and feet of 50

2010-05-08T10:41:00.003-06:00

Jen Vogel helps Lisa before the final 10 miles.

RHTA Atlanta, GA

2010-05-08T10:38:00.003-06:00

John Ross and all at Big Peach Running Company provided a great crowd, course, food and love to help Lisa finish her 50!

RHTA South Carolina

2010-05-08T10:35:00.003-06:00

South Carolina-- Ermo-- beautiful people, clubhouse, hospitality, course -- hilly, hot and humid

but done! Good friend Scot Smith aka Smitty arrived at the best moment!

Happy Birthday, Jay!

2010-05-06T15:29:00.002-06:00

Ermo,SC Day 15 RHTA

2010-05-06T08:14:00.003-06:00

What a great crowd of runners and well wishers

out here to run with Lisa on such a lovely morning.

After a prayer with Sr. MB we were all off for the first 5 mile loop.

Warming up, it is about 10:30 am Lisa is past mile 20 and moving

along...pray she holds up in this humidity and heat.

Have a great day- God bless you all.

Real Christians SC

2010-05-06T08:09:00.004-06:00

What a great day we had in North Carolina- Great folks all

throughout the day!

Sometiimes at the end of the day after running 50 or walking 20 miles

you need a good friend! Pictured above is a wonderful couple

that offered their home to us for a shower!! Nothing better.

Day 14 done - 700 miles completed...on to South Carolina.

Remember to help the children. If each person does one thing...

like email all your friends to goto http://www.runhope.com/

life could be better for many children.

God bless you all.

RHTA Raleigh,NC

2010-05-05T13:41:00.003-06:00

Early 5:30 am start at Lake Johnson Park here in Raleigh,NC! Donna Summit, NC state captain found us a perfect trail and a good group of runners who were here to greet and run with Lisa...it is now 3:48 pm..12 miles to go in a hot, humid park and 4 runners remain with Lisa...lots of visitors and well wishers have stopped by. Patty O'Donnel VW Alum and her family came to cheer Lisa and Sr.MB.

The run is all about the orphans! Pictured here are some little adopted children who came by to wish Lisa luck. Please help us to help the orphans - goto www.runhope.com and do some good for a needy child today! God bless you all.

Progress to Date...650 Miles!!!

2010-05-04T18:59:00.001-06:00

2010-05-04T11:28:00.005-06:00

Well, the first days are the hardest days,

don't you worry anymore

When life looks like Easy Street,

there is danger at your door

Think this through with me

Let me know your mind

Wo-oah, what I want to know

is are you kind?

-The Dead, Uncle John’s Band

Hi Guys,

This is Colleen and I just spoke with Lisa on the phone. She’s in Virginia and was logging miles with our dear friend, Anne Marie Deale. Remember Anne Marie? Lisa helped Anne Marie make a dream come true back in November 2008 when they finished Ironman Arizona together.

Lisa seems to be adapting to life on the road – and on her feet – really well. She said that life can be boiled down to a few tasks each day…getting up and dressed, meditating for the day’s start, eating, and seeing that the word gets out so people will join the walk and help the cause. Lisa and I have often spoken of the beauty of distilling life down to its simplest forms and while the logistics and the planning and execution are incredibly intricate…the trick is to keep it simple and get ‘er done!

They say the first days are the hardest days…and I get the sense from talking to Lisa today that she has crossed over this divide. A big milestone, for sure.

So today, Lisa and her awesome crew are in Virginia and tomorrow they’ll be hitting Raleigh, NC.

At the end of the day, it will be 650 miles down…

…and the completion of 13 states.

WOW!!!

Keep on keepin’ on

cw

Running Hope Update from Lisa and Sister Marybeth

2010-05-03T11:17:00.009-06:00

Hi everyone....Lisa and Sister Marybeth here! Well we have 12 states down, 600 miles!!! The first 8-10 days were very hard with trying to get into a plan with Lisa and the crew...and things are coming together. Lisa has very sore feet, sleep deprived but in great spirits! Sister MB is doing 20 miles each day. Lisa says that this is harder than she thought it would be but now after 12 states she is feeling better about her running....It has now become a full time job. Wake up 4:30 am and start walking at 5:30 am. It take 10 miles to recover from the day before. At 10 miles Lisa then starts into her run walk plan. At 20 miles take a break and ice feet. From miles 30-40 are hard each day emotionally when so sleepy!! Each day Lisa is running and walking very well from miles 40-50!!! The main foods are Damascus wraps with turkey and cheese. Avacoadeos, tomatoes, blue chips. Peanut butter and jelly, watermelon and oranges and yes...Dunkin Donuts!!! Lisa did not want to eat refined suagr but seems to need it! Drinks of choice right now are Hammer Heed, Nuun Juel, Organge Juice and any kind of Juice with calories! It has been very hot the past few days so we are thankful for Salt Stick and enduralytes...Lisa has needed in 1 salt stick an hour and 3 enduralytes every 30 min. 97 degrees with humidity in Maryland!!! We are so thankful to all those who are helping on and off the road and to all those who have come out each day to support us. Please continue to help get the word out..this is all about awareness! $1 from 1 million people...we can do it with your help!
Join the Running Hope To America Facebook Page. "alone we can do so little, together we can do so much"!
Each day Lisa is finding that she needs to have time to herself. Time to draw into the energy that is needed to complete each day. We ask that if Lisa ask to have space, run or walk alone that we all honor this. At times it has become difficult to keep on her pace when talking to others.
What would be best if you are going to come and join us is to meet Lisa at 5:30 am at the start of the day and walk the first 10 miles with her or come later in the day when she has 10 miles left.
If you plan to run the entire 50 miles we ask that you run ahead of Lisa on the course and even lap her if needed:) Getting into the mental focus of 50 miles a day and talking has become hard at times. We are so thankful to and for all of you.....God Bless you and lve you all.
www.runhope.com
Why don't you all go and run 1 mile today, think about 1,000 kids and make a $1 donation!

CELEBRITY UPDATE - DAY.... WHATEVER.

2010-05-01T15:42:00.003-06:00

M here again with this update:

IT. IS. HOT.

4 days ago we were in a "winter weather advisory" in Pittsfield, VT. It rained which became sleet, which in turn became snow, which piled up a good 10 inches by morning.

But noooooooooo.... just a few states later, here in Maryland, it's 92 degrees. Oh, how we suffer. I mean the crew, of course. After all, Lisa gets that nice breeze from running, right? She should realize how lucky she is.
Yes, more paparazzi showed up. I'm sure they were looking for me, because they asked where the Athlete was. But Lisa was wearing sneakers and running shoes, and I was in the RV eating a donut, so they probably thought that Lisa was the Athlete. Really, I didn't mind. I'm not the kind of girl that needs to hog the spotlight. After all, it's the little people who helped get me to where I am today: in the RV.

Tomorrow we're off to Martinsburg, WV to run at the Martinsburg High School Track. I've got a following among the pre-teen set (mainly in Japan) so I'm going to brace myself for the onslaught. I swear, those girls can scream so loud when I pass by! Maybe I'll put Lisa out there as a decoy again tomorrow. After all it worked really well today-- no one even noticed me.

And I got to eat an extra donut.

Almost 500!

2010-04-30T10:46:00.004-06:00

At the end of the day, Lisa will have reached 500 miles! Wow! She's been saying it will get easier after the first ten days according to what she's been told. We shall see right?!

Yesterday was a beautiful day in State College, PA. Lisa's pace was quick and she did great! Our State College friends were amazing! Sherry Tirko, a former coaching student of Lisa's in high school, housed us at her home about 25 minutes from Penn State. State Captain, Elizabeth Desser was there bright and early to meet us. The PA team was amazing! They brought food, drinks, hung inspirational signs around campus for Lisa while she was running, and were ready and willing to help us out in any way. What a great team! Thank you Team PA!

Here is a picture of Lisa and the crew in front of the RV in PA!

400 Miles down!

2010-04-28T13:39:00.004-06:00

Lisa has 400 miles down! Go Lisa! She ran the last 50 in the cold and snow up in Pittsfield, Vermont. We are now on our way to State College, Pennsylvania (where it's supposed to be warmer and sunny...what a difference!). Our time in Vermont was at Amee Farm and the Desena's took such good care of us! Courtney Desena housed us in a BEAUTIFUL guest house at her home and cooked a delicious meal for Lisa and the crew. What a treat it was to stay with them. Lisa had a massage this morning and feels SO much better. We are incredibly thankful for all the help we have been getting. I continue to say that but we are just so grateful! Below is a picture Lisa took on her run yesterday in Pittsfield.

Snowing and Killington!

2010-04-27T11:43:00.001-06:00

Lisa took this photo this morning at Killington on her run! She is now running outside in the snow!

Vermont

2010-04-27T10:14:00.004-06:00

Lisa is running in the rain today in Vermont. She's a trooper and keeps on going no matter what! We are at Amee Farm and what a great place it is here. It's too bad the weather isn't better because it's absolutely beautiful here and we are staying at an amazing place. The Desena's are putting us up in their guest house and it's wonderful.

I'm posting a picture of Lisa sporting her Injinji gear with the Ipod in hand! Wishing it was as sunny today as it was in this picture!

Portsmouth

2010-04-26T13:34:00.002-06:00

It's a gorgeous, sunny day today here at the beach! Lisa is doing great and we have such amazing people here helping us. Frank is providing us with dinner tonight and has been so giving to us all day with whatever our needs might be. Sherpa John is our captain here in Portsmouth and he's been so great to hang out with us all day and also help with anything we need. What great people we have had with us on our journey. Frank's daughter donated her First Communion money this morning. How cute is that?

Have I mentioned how beautiful the beach is? There are shells along the beach, and Lisa is looking forward to sitting in the water after her run. The cold water will soothe her muscles, and walking/sitting in the sand will be great after a long run right?

In Portsmouth today at the beach!

2010-04-26T04:49:00.002-06:00

To the right is Lisa and Sister Mary Beth at Jamaica Pond in Boston, Massachusetts. Isn't it beautiful? They walked/ran this path around the pond all day that day.

Yesterday, Lisa suffered some pain in her right shin. We iced her up and took as good of care of her as we could. Her route was a bit hilly so we adjusted it and recalculated to make it better for her leg. We had the most giving people with us yesterday and were well taken care of. We had hotels sponsor us. The Hilton here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire where we are running today gave us two rooms for the night, and were overly kind to us providing whatever we might need. A top notch restaurant in Maine gave us a free meal last night and we were all treated with excellent service and food at Federal Jack's after Lisa ran. It was right in Kennebunkport and the scenery was beautiful...right at the port itself.

Today, Lisa is feeling better, and running right along the beach in Portsmouth. It's gorgeous here. Continue praying for her leg please! More pictures will come soon!

2010-04-25T09:42:00.002-06:00

Lisa is about halfway done with her run today here in Kennebunk! We have set up our "homebase" in front of an awesome little bicycle shop on Arundel Road (?). The people have been fabulous! We had people come out from the very start to run with Lisa and everyone has been so kind to us. It's yet another beautiful day as well!

We are less than five miles away from one of George Bush's homes! Cool eh? Currently, the boys have gone away to dump our poop so we are without the RV for a couple hours. No worries...they left everything here that we will need for Lisa and Sister Mary Beth! Debi Rix has been a big help here running errands with us (groceries), helping us find a place to dump our RV, finding hotels, and anything we need. And thank you Tom for letting us be here at the bike shop for the day! What a great place.

Currently, Lisa is in some pain in her shin, but we have attached an ice pack to her and she's using walking poles for a few miles around. Pray she feels better. We have measured out the route for her to finish this evening at the beach, so she should have a great finish later on today!

Thank you!

CELEBRITY UPDATE - DAY THREE

2010-04-25T04:24:00.011-06:00

M here again.

Yes, I'm a little late. In fact, we're on Day 6, and I'm only just now doing a Day 3 report. But it's hard keeping up these Hollywood types.

Lisa's really changed. Now that people recognize her on the street (folks recognize her from CNN) she's taken to wearing sunglasses at all times. Even at night. You wouldn't even believe Sister Mary Beth. Yesterday she punched out a photographer that got in her face. She's started hanging out with Sean Penn, too.

Avon, Connecticut was great -- weather was perfect and the run was an out-and-back on a Rails to Trails path. The only damper was a call from Sister Mary Beth who had been in New Jersey the previous night and was driving up from Morristown to Connecticut; she told me her car had broken down right by the Tappanzee Bridge. But I knew better -- Sister's always in rough shape the morning after when she hangs out with Lindsay Lohan.

Meanwhile two Shenipsit Striders showed up and banged out a good 50K with Lisa and Sister Mary Beth while Mike and Mike set-up and handled logistics, Ashley made one PB&J sandwich after another and I fielded requests from the media (seriously.)

Sister made her way to the run thanks to her good friend Pat, who not only picked her up and brought her to Avon, but was nuts enough to drive to Providence as well.

CT NBC showed up for an interview, a link to which I can't find anywhere - I promise to call the producer today. Then the lovely Kristine Thompson from the Orphan Foundation of America called with an interview request from CNN.

The day ended around 6:30 and Lisa came back to Juan's for a few sips of wine (I thoughtfully finished the glass for her so she wouldn't look ungrateful), an ice bath, a great spaghetti and turkey meatball dinner and a drive to Providence, RI.

The next morning while we drove to the location at 4 in the morning, Pat drove Sister Mary Beth back to Morristown so she could receive an award from the Girl Scouts of America that evening. I suppose it was just a "coincidence" that the Sisters were having a rave at Villa Walsh at that time.

I'm telling you- things have changed. But of course I'll keep you updated about that.

2010-04-24T12:07:00.002-06:00

Today in Boston, Lisa is sporting one of our Spud T-shirts! Spud Drive-In, located in Idaho, is one of our top sponsors!

Lisa is more than 2/3 of the way through the run today and still feeling great. We've been so lucky to meet some great people from the Orphan Foundation who have come to meet us and walk/run with Lisa. They are orphans who this foundation has helped and gotten them to where they are today. What a blessing it has been to meet these incredible young people!

2010-04-24T07:44:00.002-06:00

Above is Lisa and Sister Mary Beth in NYC! Isn't it beautiful?

Today we are in Boston running around Jamaica Pond! It's such a beautiful day out and Lisa is feeling good. We had a little bit of trouble with parking this morning but other than that, it's a great day and things seem to be going smoothly. There are geese out, the pond is so pretty, and the sun is shining.

Lisa and Sister Mary Beth on CNN

2010-04-23T16:58:00.004-06:00

Click HERE for this special CNN segment.

CRAZY DAYS, INDEED

2010-04-23T15:04:00.007-06:00

M here with RHTA updates.

Lisa is beginning to understand a little just why Naomi Campbell hurls cell phones at people. Media attention is wonderful, but it's exhausting. Granted, it's more exhausting after running 200 miles than it is after getting a facial, but you get the point.

DAY TWO - NEW YORK CITY

Central Park Reservoir winds up being perfect, except for the crowds. I live in NYC, so I'm used to it. But Lisa lives in Driggs, where there are more elk than humans and the only traffic jams are caused by stoned-looking bison. So Lisa was a little more than unused to folks checking their blackberries as they run. Apparently bison are late coming to mobile technology.

Personal Motivation Coach Connie Carpenter came on board and kept Lisa going when she was at her most vulnerable. Lisa appreciates real friends as opposed to all those groupies and hangers on.

Speaking of groupies, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America came by hoping Lisa might let her run with her. Lisa graciously let her do a few laps.

And as bothersome as the papparazzi and groupies are, being famous means celebrity treatment and that is nothing to sneeze at. Thanks to Connie & John, Lisa gets picked up in NYC by a stretch limo that makes that one you rented for the prom seem like a Pinto.

Ashley and Mike Smith live the movie star life by driving the RV from Jersey.

Meanwhile, super-star Sister Mary Beth is being feted in New Jersey as she accepts a "Women of Achievement" award from the Girl Scouts of New Jersey.

Limo pulls into Lisa's friend Juan's driveway where she is ushered to an ice bath (Naomi doesn't do those) with a glass of white wine. Meanwhile, Ashley and Mike are in the RV somewhere near Toledo, Ohio.

After the bath and wine, Lisa slips under a down comforter and drifts off to slumberland. Eight hours later, Ashley & Mike pull into the driveway.

They sleep in the RV. Not being famous stinks.

Yeah, Lisa's got a pretty chushy life right now. Except for that 2,500 mile thing.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE STAR STUDDED EVENTS!

Update from the Big Apple!

2010-04-21T06:37:00.014-06:00

Go 'head & leave a comment...

Lisa may not read them now, but I know she'll love to look back and read them when she's done! :-)

Hello!

This is Lisa’s friend, Colleen Woods. I had the opportunity to see the Run Hope Team yesterday as they came through NY. It was awesome to see them and it was really cool to see Lisa going so strong. As she looped the Reservoir of Central Park many times, she was smiling and happy for all the friends who came to run with her…including one student who completed all 50 miles.

So Lisa has now completed 100 miles (50 in New Jersey and 50 in NY) and is she is in Avon, CT to bang out another 50. Ay caramba!

Here are a few things I noticed this week:

FAMILY: Lisa is so happy that she has been joined by three of her siblings for the start of Running Hope through America. The Smith siblings have been enjoying a great reunion!

ENERGY: The energy of each state seems to be building already. Lisa was glowing about NJ, so touched by the Villa Walsh Academy girls that showed up at the start with her, the friends who did all 50 miles, and the “freshies”, the term the group started to use as new people came and joined in for some miles.

Read more about the NJ 50 miles.

GENEROSITY: The generosity of people who come to see Lisa is enormous. People were arriving with chocolate chip cookies, warm out of the oven. One woman just up and gave Lisa her iPod so Lisa would have some new and interesting music for the miles to come. Her students brought watermelon and sandwiches. And the contributions to the special charities that will benefit from the run are mounting already.

In fact, there is so much generosity going on, it’s hard to keep track! But maybe I’ll just mention a few of my friends here…including:

For sending Lisa off with high hopes and much love, the Teton Valley gals (Heather, Nancy, Susy, Tammy, Sharon, & Corina) who just scored their own hardware in Las Vegas

For making sure Lisa had a great arrival to the East Coast, there’s awesome Will Abrams

For hosting a big party at a great bar in Manhattan to mark the start of this epic adventure, there’s Heidi Weinkam

For supporting the idea of this whole big adventure, there’s Ed Mafoud. I wanted to make a special shout-out to Ed and his company, Damascus Bakeries…and it is not just because yesterday Ed gave me the most yummy pitas that I am munching on right now with some hummus! Ed lives in NY and I met him out in the Tetons back in 2006 when he came out for a Dreamchasers camp. Actually, we first met even earlier when we were both training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma’s Team in Training group. Ed is a guy who is so generous…his family is clearly his priority, and he accepts his responsibility as a role model for his children so gracefully. He contributes his time and support to numerous charities and his special connection with Sister Mary Beth is really touching. Ed did 50 miles in NJ with Lisa and came to NY yesterday to bring her in for the last 10 miles in NY. Go Ed!

http://www.damascusbakery.com/

And Connie Carpenter, who called her brother Daniel Carpenter of Simsbury CT., who donated the ride from Perfect Rides Limo company http://www.perfectrides.com/ Way to travel in style!

CAMARADERIE: It is so cool to see how people show up and bond with each other – reminds me of ultra races. People are coming out in numbers to show their support, including runners, walkers, their spouses, their kids, even some unsuspecting work colleagues who want to check out what this is all about.

THE CREW: I am sure each crew member will be acknowledged as the miles build, but I just want to point out how generous it is of these individuals (Marianne DeMarco, Mike Smith, Mike Evans, and Ashley) to contribute their time and energy to making this happen. I am sure it will be a dare-to-be-great experience for them, too!

Keep on truckin’…you guys rock!

ps – Thanks to Lucimar Araujo for the great pics from NY!

Off and running.....

2010-04-19T08:07:00.004-06:00

The Boston Marathon just started about 8 minutes ago, and Lisa's already logged 21 miles.

The local news was here to shine a big bright light in Lisa's eyes and capture it on film. And we were incredibly lucky that the unbelievably talented Tom Sperduto showed up which means we'll have more incredible photos like the one to the left.

Are they cute runners, or what? Hubba hubba.

We'll start tweetin' soon so look for information on that. And while you're keeping a look out for new stuff, we'll let you know when you can start tracking us all across the country with our fancy-pants Satellite GPS Messenger from Spot!

Stage 3 of The Marathon des Sables

2010-04-06T13:15:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone! Well the fast pace has hurt many people as well as the heat. Many have had to pull from the race, are sick from the heat...This race is so much about pace and staying in your own race. Many of the Dreamchasers are doing so awesome! Meghan Hicks, Jenny Vogel, Mike Waridan, our Jay Batchen:) Send them emails...the long day is on Wed. it is going to be one very hard, long day for all of them. One very long, hot test. The journey will be something I look forward to hearing about.
Below is a GREAT update from Jen Waridan, Mikes beautiful wife.
Thanks so much
Lisa

Hi all, Stage 3 was a tough day for Mike. He finished 16th today which bumps him back to 4th overall, 1 hour and 4 minutes back from the leader, 30 minutes back from 3rd place.

He called this afternoon and we had a long chat -- he said the lead group went out strong and kept a fast pace, he held on for as long as he could but the heat got to him. He regrets not slowing down sooner, he thinks if he had backed down 10 seconds per mile he would have had a stronger finish but in true Mike fashion said, "I couldn't let them just run away from me." He walked into CP 3, vomitted a few times and kept walking for quite some time. He sounded weak when I spoke with him and was stunned to hear he was as far back as he is. He assured me he's OK and has been drinking a lot of water and will be able to handle tomorrow's long stage.

He also said one of his tentmates was bitten several times by a spider in her sleeping bag and was foced to drop out when her leg inflamed. He was more concerned about this than his own state!

Apparently there's a one day delay in messages being sent each way so please keep sending notes, he's very greatful for all of the e-mails!

Here's the link to send messages, sometimes it jams up and you have to retry, again he's number 698:
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/general/uk_25mds_ecrire.php

Here's the race's recap of Stage 3:
Check point 1 (km 12.8) is only reached at great pains by many competitors.Including Touda Didi (D3-MAR), last years’ winner on the women’s side, who struggles to follow the pace set by her challenger Monica Viladomiu Aguilera (1020-SP). 10 minutes behind the Spanish runner, Didi is dehydrated and has to get medical help. Sadly, the Moroccan icon must withdraw from the race. She probably couldn’t recover from the huge efforts she had to make yesterday to try to keep up with her Spanish rival.Further along the track, Michael Wardian (698-USA) tries to keep up with the pace imposed by the two Jordan runners, Salameh Al Aqra (391 -JOR) and Mohammad Alswaiti (D390- JOR), whilst Mohamad Ahansal (1 - MOR) seems to be waiting, ambushed in a group just behind, with the rest of the top ten runners.Today’s stage features no major technical difficulties but endless straight lines and a hellish heat (especially after midday when the cloudy veil protecting the competitors evaporated) that reminds everyone that the sun is sole master here.
Heat stroke for Michael Wardian (698-USA)
Mohamad Ahansal (1 - MOR) yet again wins the stage, before Salameh Al Aqra (391 -JOR) and Jorge Aubeso Martinez (989-SP) who gives an astonishing performance, whilst US runner Michael Wardian (698-USA) loses 46’ 29’’, a victim to his eagerness to stick to the top of the race.The best runners reach the bivouac around midday, their faces sometimes showing clear signs of exhaustion. For the lesser runners, the stage has now begun to feel like martyrdom.

And here's an e-mail I received yesterday from Mike recapping Stage 2:
Jennifer & All, feeling good now, had some stomach problems last night but took immodium and feeling marvelous today. Some huge climbs (could you follow with the GPS?), want to get pictures, they were epic, unbelieveable running right on the edge of these huge mountains (they had safety ropes) and then jaw dropping decents though dried out river beds with huge rocks and boulders. It was so beautiful but Mohammed was very strong, really incredible, he dropped us all and gained another 9 mins, I was able to put some good time into people too but not 9 mins, that is unbelieveable. Aziz, the guy that was 2nd last year dropped (he helped me on the 1st day by telling me where to run like a dog, snapping at me) and Muatfha (#4) had a tough day so I need to stay strong and well and I should be able to continue to improve. Need to catch a break with Mohammed, I am not giving up, he has to beat me each and every day but I am impressed. My tent is good, food is great (enjoying your granola bars now).

No photos of him from Stage 3 posted though they add throughout the day so perhaps there will be something here later:
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/25mds/photos/uk_25mds_photos_0406.php

No Stage 3 videos yet either.
Tomorrow is the long day, runners will have Wednesday & Thursday to complete 82.2K. He said he'd call tomorrow when he's done Stage 4.

Not sure how much rest I'll get tonight but I'm very relieved he'll still have his race-issued GPS for tomorrow's stage!

Marathon des Sables Stage 2

2010-04-05T16:45:00.003-06:00

The photo below is Katherine from the UK, both Men's and Women's Winner last year! Mohamad Ahansal and Didi Taida! Right now Mohamad is leading the race and Didi is in 2nd place. I spoke to Mohamad before the race and he said he was going to take it easy the first few days and that he has trained harder this year for the race then any other year. Looks like Mohamad may be working harder then he thought he would have to with USA Mike Wardian running on his heals! This year the course looks so amazing. It was warm enough last night that they did not even have to sleep in there sleeping bags! I have a strong feeling the race is really going to heat up and many positions are going to change on day 4 the long day. Many people have gone out way to fast for the heat to come and the course which I have run before. More people have dropped out by day 2 then in the past years, always sad to see anyone name on the list who have had to stop the race. It takes such dedication, drive to get there. Sending them all our very best!
Right now in the lead for the Men:
Mohamad Ahansal
Mike Wardian who is about 9 min. behind 1st
Salameh Al Agra who is about 3 min. behind 2nd

For the USA:2nd overall is Kyle McCoy
3rd overall is Meghan Hicks who is running awesome. She is 1:35 behind the lead women
4th overall for the USA is Ed Ackerly
5th is our Jay Batchen!!! Honest..he has run 10 miles a week and played ice hockey 3-4 times a weeek!

6th overall Greg Pressler!
7th Lane Vogel
8th Jenny Vogel

The leaders for the Women:

Monica Aguilera
Didi Taida: she is just 7 min. behind Monica
Jolanda Linshooten: she is 11 min. behind Didi

Here it is where you can read more...send them ALL emails..it is such a joy to get emails. The bring them to your tent at night:)
http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php

THIS IS A GREAT RECAP THAT JEN WARDIAN SENT FROM MIKE!!!

Stage 2 (35K) another great day for Mike -- he finished 2nd again, less than 2 minutes back from the leader and is now about 9 minutes off of 1st place. He also lengthened his lead over 3rd place to 3 minutes.

I received this message from him earlier:
Today was great, I ran strong but Mohammed got away (think he has 8 mins) on a climb and I thought I would roll him up on the flat (like the other guys) but he was strong and ran smart. I am feeling fantastic and while I ran hard I didn't expend all my energy and have been able to eat and rehydrate since the finish so I will be in good shape for tomorrow. My pack is terrific and the water bottle holder is $$$, I was through the CP (check point) as fast as the Moroccians/Jordians and much faster than the guys with bottles, so cool and I am so glad that I decided to go with this pack. I did have one scary moment where I looked down (don't know why) and saw that the front pack was open and my Compass and Roadbook (both required) were exposed. I zipped up and rolled up the 2nd guy but was freaking that I was going to get a penalty or DQ, I didn't. Pack was 8.4K after stage.

Here's a snippet from the race's recap of Stage 2:
Just after CP 3, at the foot of the mountain, hell starts.The sensation is of thighs in fire and lungs gasping for a bit of oxygen in the overheated air.Mohamad Ahansal (1 - MOR) is top of the race when he gets there and he climbs calmly but with great determination. He stops once in a while to relax his legs but he never looks back. A few minutes behind him is US runner Mickael Wardian (698-USA) who doesn’t seem to be suffering too much either. Further down, Salameh Al Aqra (91 -JOR) seem to be playing it safe in this particularmly difficult area.

Here's a good shot of him (currently image 2 of 14) from Stage 2 today (Monday):
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/25mds/photos/uk_25mds_photos_0405.php

He's also featured in the 3rd video on this page:
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/25mds/videos/uk_25mds_videos_0405.php
And again, here's the link to send him a message, (he's #698):
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/general/uk_25mds_ecrire.php

80-100 miles of Run and Walking for the Children of Haiti!

2010-03-22T19:09:00.016-06:00

Some great photos of some wonderful people:) We had over 100 men, women and children come run, walk or bike during our fund raising event for the children of Haiti. It was a great success. We are so thankful for all who came to join for the weekend and we are thankful to Teton Springs Resort for being such a great place to put on an event!

This Coming Weekend: Join Us for 80 for Haiti!

2010-03-01T16:59:00.009-07:00

Hi friends!!!!

I hope you will join us this week Friday-Sunday for RUN OR WALK 80-100 miles for the Children of HAITI!! Lisa Smith-Batchen will lead off this run and walk and she prays you will come and join her! http://www.runhope.com/

When: 12 noon on Friday, March 5th- 12 Noon on Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Where: Teton Springs Resort & Spa in Victor, Idaho

What will I do? Either a 1 mile or 2 mile flat loop around the Resort. Solo run or walk for 80 to 100 miles or make your own team!

How do I enter? This is a Run/Walk to raise money for children who many never have a home again. Let’s all do our share and help them! There are NO t-shirts, NO awards, and NO aid stations.

**Email Lisa Smith-Batchen: lisa@dreamchaserevents.com to be part of this great event!**

How much do I have to pay? Every individual who is going to Run or Walk 1 mile should do their very best do donate or fundraise $80 to $100 per person, whether you are going solo or are on a team!

Checks should be made out to "The Dreamchaser Foundation" which is a 501C3 and 100% of your money is going to get to the children in Haiti!

Below is the link to the Dreamchaser Foundation. Lisa Smith-Batchen is the President and Sister Marybeth Lloyd is the Vice President. http://www.runhope.com/DCF.html

PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING us on this once in a lifetime run to help children who need our help. Imagine how great our life is each day. We wake up to a nice bed, a nice shower, great food. We are truly blessed and fortunate!!

PLEASE stay at Teton Springs and make this a great time for yourself. $80 for a room is a very kind gift from Teton Springs. Lisa plans to have child care for kids to be able to hang out for part of it. Lisa also plans to stop running for dinner and enjoy the hot tub and even the Spa on Friday and Saturday evening.

Call Teton Springs at (877) 787-8757 and reserve your room. The rooms have 1 large beds in each and are so, so comfortable.

"ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH"

__________________________________________________

On April 19th Lisa Smith-Batchen will begin her 2,500 mile run in NJ
and run 50 miles through ALL 50 states
to raise 1 million dollars for orphans all over the world.

“Running Hope Through America”
The run will finish on June 19th in Jackson Hole Wyoming
coming over the Teton Pass
to the Welcome to Idaho sign at the border of Idaho!

Can you live a Sugar Free life???

2010-02-18T14:27:00.002-07:00

Hi friends...

I so love all who are coming on board to work towards a healthier way to live!

You do know we only have one body is this lifetime and if you destroy it where are you going to live?

For most of my life I have watched what I eat. Coming from an eating disorder background and considering myself recovered I know a great deal about how one feels when you eat a ton of sugar and when you live without sugar.
I am sure not a pro on the topic and can only speak on my experience!

Sugar free living does not mean 10 diet cokes a day, 10 sugar free cookies or anything that sells itself as "sugar free". Most sugar free products are loaded with some kind of products that are as bad as sugar is for you.
Look at diet soda and look at the sodium and the junk in the drinks! People who want to loose weight who drink a great deal of diet soda usually end of gaining weight due to the bloating and the sodium.
When all the sugar free products came out on the market so many were stuffing them down but still gaining weight? Can anyone tell me why?

I personally have not really done any races for the past year. I felt that I need a break and that Running Hope Through America would take all I have in me to get off the ground but also physically, mentally and spiritually.
My ego is NOT attached to RHTA, my heart is and so it is the gift that God has given to me..some say it is a calling, I say that it is what I have been training my entire life for!
I told myself that for 1 year I would allow myself to eat anything I wanted to..I had watched the food I put into my mouth for so many years..I kind of felt deserving!
Cake, cookies, ice cream..you name it I went for it!!
The year passed in Oct. and then did Nov., Dec....and as Christmas arrived last year I really have to tell you I was sick and I mean sick of even thinking that a handful of cookies might sound like a fun snack!!
I had a roll on my stomach that had never been there and as much as people say it is part of age that roll had to go!

7 weeks ago I went cold turkey and gave up the sugar and the roll is GONE...yes it is all gone and I have my six pack stomach back. All my clothes fit again.

I AM NOT ON A DIET, THIS IS NOT A DIET...this is a way of life!!!
The word diet is s sabotaging and when someone goes on a diet they feel such a loss when they have to miss the cake or cookies.
Once you wrap your mind around a way of life it becomes a way of life just like brushing your teeth!!!
If you don't brush your teeth your teeth feel awful, when you load your body with sugar and junk your body feels like junk!

Living a sugar free life is not easy but it is so possible!!! You have to shop and read the labels on the things you buy in the store!

An article I read in Men's Journal a while back by Steve Nash: said that an average American eats about 92 grams of sugar a day, when the human body needs only eight grams for energy, an amount that can come from from natural sugars, fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.Refined sugars impair your immune system. Nash says: One teaspoon of refined sugar suppresses our white blood cells for up to six hours, making it a lot easier to get sick.

I personally was already off sugar when I read the article but was so happy to read what Steve Nash had to say...
This means...no cake, cookies, M&Ms, no juice from concentrate!!!! Read the labels...there are soooooo many choices for you.

I gave up gels while training for now and eat fresh fruit...After 10 days I had no craving for sugar at all, it was gone. An apple, handful of grapes never tasted better!
Making my own juice and smoothies is something we do in our home many days a week now.

Training for 2,500 miles in 62 days takes being the best I can be. Running 2,500 miles in 62 days is going to require me to be better than my best.
Living a sugar free life is helping my training, recovery, sleeping like a baby and I am not worn out!!!

So...how many of you are on board to give it a try?

Share your food for thought!

Running on real food
Lisa
www.runhope.com

Lisa Training Schedule for week of Feb. 15h

2010-02-14T15:39:00.002-07:00

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people who live in Teton Valley. It sure is great to be able to send out an email, post a note on FB and find people who love to do the same things!

Last week was a great week of training for me personally...I usually don't total up miles but I did this time. 82 miles! Today was 20 miles in 3:45 min. 15 min. faster than I did the same course 3 weeks ago! Yeah...
The weather in the Tetons has been so amazing that is has made going outside each day a real joy!

Friday: Nancy, Susie, Tammy and Mike pushed the heck out of me with there speed work and pushing the pace....it is no wonder why Sat. morning they were all waiting for me at 6 am and I was fast asleep with the alarm clock beeping in my ear until 7:30!!!! I missed the entire run but the sleep was what I needed.

Monday: Feb. 15th: 6-9 am...I will start running from Dreamchasers and then get back just in time to teach 9-10:30 cardio core. NO run after class. School is out and I have told my kids I would spend the day with them:)

Tues. Feb. 16th: 5-7 am from the bottom of my driveway

Wed. Feb. 17th :5-7 am from the bottom of my driveway, then 9-10:30 cardio core class followed by 2.5 hour easy run and walk.

Thursday Feb. 18th: 6-7 am cardio core class, 8:30-9:30 am cardio core class followed by 2.5 hours run and walk.

Friday Feb. 19th: anyone up for 40 miles with me????? Run and walk from Driggs to Rexburg!!!! I will carry a pack with supplies!!! Leave 6am from Dreamchasers! We will have to find a ride back home...

Sat. Feb. 20th: 6-9 am walk only

Sunday: OFF!!

Hope to see your smile some place.
Blessings
Lisa
www.runhope.com

Great Women of Teton Valley

2010-02-10T09:01:00.019-07:00

It was such an honor to present

at the Great Women of Teton Valley series

last week.

Thank you to all the GREAT WOMEN who attended

and who filled the Penny Jar!!!

And of course, love to my l'il girls!!!

xox

Feeling so so good

2010-02-09T19:09:00.002-07:00

What a great few days of training I have had.

My 2 a day run and walks have started but it is really more like 3-4 a days with all the cardio core classes I am teaching!

Sunday was awesome!!! I had the best run and walk I have had in a long time. 2 hours average 6 mph...my power walking is feeling really great at 4.8 mph! Yeah..and I can tell you this is all due to my core work! Then 2 hours of cross country ski at Grand Targhee, another 1 hour power walk..and then, just in time for a fun super bowl party with John and Noras family!!!

Monday: 5-7 am was so COLD...I was determined to get out the door and it was all I could do t stay out there in the dark but I was thrilled when I came home to the nice warm hot chocolate!
1.5 hour cardio core class and another 2 hour run and walk with SPRINTS...yes Heather, Tammy and Susie all wanted to do sprints...I was shocked I had any sprints in my legs...Thank you ladies!!!
I fell asleep with my kids at 8pm!!!

Tues. 6-7 am cardio core class with some of the most amazing people..it was cold...-6!
Right after class I got dressed and out the door for over 3 hours..and to my shock I was running really well although my face was close to frozen!!!

Wed. I have decided to sleep in with my kids and do 3 hours of cross county ski with the girls!!!

I am so thankful that my body is getting in shape and fit. That I have no aches or pains and that I am actually having fun:):)
Thank you, thank you!!!

I hope your day was awesome to
Lisa
www.runhope.com

Lisa Training for Feb. 8th - 14th

2010-02-07T12:10:00.002-07:00

Hi friends...would love to see you anytime:)

Monday Feb. 8th: 5-7 am bottom of my driveway
Teach cardio core 9-10:30
Right after class run and walk for 2 hours from Dreamchasers

Tuesday Feb. 9th: Teach cardio core 6-7 am
7:30-10:30 am run and walk from Dreamchasers

Wednesday Feb 10th: 5-7 am bottom of my driveway
Teach cardio core 9-10 am
10:30-1:30 CC ski in Teton Canyon
5:30-7 pm Take Yoga class at Dreamchasers

Thursday Feb. 11th: 5-7 am bottom of my driveway
8:30-9:30 Teach Cardio core
Right after class run and walk for 2 hours from Dreamchasers
5:30-6:30 Teach cardio core

Friday Feb. 12th: 5-7 am bottom of my driveway
Teach cardio core 9-10 am
Right after class 10:30-1:30 run and walk from Dreamchasers

Sat. Feb. 13th: 6-9 am Place to be determined

Sun. 9-11 from my house
1-3:30 cc ski at Targhee

Love to all
Lisa

1st update from Team USA running Brazil 135!

2010-01-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

8:00 am - Marching band and mayoral send-off. Partly cloudy, not too warm.

18K to first crew meeting point, then on to the highest peak of the race. Crew stopped for lunch and beer in Andradas, then met team for second "pit stop".

Brian out fast and we lose contact with him. Tony, Ken and Jarom solid and steady, looking on pace for the 48 hour goal. Tom close behind.

Weather holds for the daylight hours. Go through miles of coffee and banana fields. Glad we're driving a rental car - bottom out repeatedly on steep, rocky roads.

Before 1st race food and heath checkpoint, Sue and Todd evicted from car as it becomes makeshift ambulance to take an injured runner back down to hospital. Car returns, minus translator.

11:00 pm - Rain begins, gently at first and then steadily. Dirt roads quickly turn to mud. Three support vehicles, with crew speaking English, Spanish and Portugese get lost and stuck in mud in small mountain town. Create biggest happening in years at 1am, with locals digging out car and directing back to correct location. Just in time to meet our 3, who were tired, but looking good. Currently at 20.5 hours (4:30am) and all looking forward to daylight and locating our translator!To be continued.

We all feel your support down here! Thank you!
Ken!

This is great! The 30-Second Rule

2010-01-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an observation from John Maxwell that I hope you enjoy as much I as will today.

Subject: THE 30-SECOND RULE

When most people meet others, they search for ways to make themselve look good. The key to the 30-Second Rule is reversing this practice. When you make contact with people, instead of focusing on yourself, search for ways to make them look good.
Every day before I meet with people, I pause to think about something encouraging I can tell them. What I say can be one of many things: I might thank them for something they've done for me or for a friend. I might tell others about one of their accomplishments. I might praise them for a personal quality they exhibit. Or a might simply compliment their appearance. The practice isn't complicated, but is does take sometime, effort, and discipline. The reward for practicing it is huge, because it really makes a positive impact on people.
- 25 Ways to Win with People -

TAKE THIRTY SECOND WITH EACH PERSON YOU MEET TODAY TO ADD VALUE TO THEM

Dreamchasers Women's Camp Featured in Women's Running Magazine

2010-01-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

We are so pleased to be featured in the latest edition of Women's Running Magazine. Below is an excerpt from the article Indulge in a Women’s Running Retreat, by Jayme Otto. Check out the January / February 2010 edition of the magazine and their great website at:
www.womensrunning.com

**Interested in attending the Second Annual Dreamchasers Women's Winter Wonderland Camp? Join us in Teton Valley from Tuesday, March 16 through Sunday, March 21st.**

E-mail colleen@dreamchaserevents.com for more details.

Article Excerpt:

Dreamchaser’s Women’s Running Camp
Teton Valley, Idaho
March 2010

Find a dream and chase it down in the Grand Tetons. Dreamchaser’s training camp is committed to helping women of all fitness levels set big goals and achieve them. This camp is for women ready to step outside of their comfort zones, on and off the trail. Endurance athlete and camp founder Lisa Smith-Batchen begins and ends camp with a gait analysis, so each gal has the opportunity to perfect her form. Expect three work-outs per day: one run and two other activities such as core work, yoga, Pilates, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, hiking and aqua running. Certified coaches and experts lead all activities.

Accommodations: Luxuriate at the 780-acre Teton Springs Resort’s located 20 minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Cuisine: Meals take place at the resort’s Headwaters Grille, serving up mountain-style pub food. Or venture off on a sleigh ride dinner at nearby Grand Targhee Resort, featuring meats and veggies made to order in a yurt.

What to Bring: Gather lots of layers for this Winter Wonderland Camp. Don’t forget a hat and gloves and a bathing suit for the hot springs. Don’t worry about lugging your own equipment because all activity gear will be provided.

Here are some photos of a week’s worth of fun!

Snowshoeing!

Our Friends from Rexburg!

A Sleigh Ride Dinner!

The infamous CORE class!

The tire pull!

Cross-country Skiing!

Katsey & Lisa

Colleen & Liz

Marie & Lisa

Lunch at Julie's Awesome Yurt!