RUNNING FOR A REASON

Here we are at the end of January battling a major snow storm in the Northeast. Many of you are trying to train through these formidable conditions in preparation for a big spring race. It ain't easy, is it? Yesterday I made it through my longest run of the year, a twelve miler from my hometown of Martins Ferry, Ohio, across Wheeling's Suspension Bridge, and down the Ohio River trail to Warwood, WV and back. Along the way I splattered through slush, cut through biting wind, and soaked up the half-rain-half-snow that fell interminably.

Up until now my training for Boston has been conservative because of a hamstring injury. It's feeling better, not 100% but better. I make sure I cross train on a stationary bike three times a week, which allows time for healing and recovery between runs. Because of a change in my after-work schedule, I'll be doing most of these training runs on my own. Anything over thirteen miles seems to take forever, especially without a training buddy to share the misery.

Suffering. Don't ya love it? I decided a few weeks back that if I'm going to suffer through winter marathon training, I need to do it for more than just my personal goals. Suffering for someone else adds purpose and motivation to a training regimen, especially if the ones you are suffering for are in great need. I decided to run Boston for the people of the Domasi Presbytery in Malawi, Central Africa. The Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery has a partnership with the Domasi Presbytery, focusing on helping to meet physical (food, housing, medicine, water, etc) needs as well as spiritual (books, bibles, facility improvements, etc) needs.

If you would like to be a team support member in this mission project -- Running Boston for Malawi -- write out a check for $26.20 and make it out to UOVP (Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery) and in the memo line write "Malawi Partnership", and send it to me at Joe Ellis, 71299 Skyview Drive, Martins Ferry, Ohio, 43935. All team support members will receive a ceramic "Running Boston for Malawi" medal (I make these myself). If anyone gives $100 they will receive a "Running Boston for Malawi" racing shirt with the above logo. I'll cover the costs and shipping so that 100% of your donation will go to the Malawi people.

Keep up the winter suffering . . . I mean training,

Joe C. Ellis