Voice Box

top 10 reasons i'm running a 1/2 marathon for charity

10. Because my New Year's Resolution is to run a 1/2 marathon in the Spring and a full marathon in the Fall.

9. Because their are orphaned children and vulnerable families around the world and if I can 'multitask' - raise resources while I get in shape and take on the challenge of a 1/2 marathon with some friends (and my wife!) - all the better.

8. Because running is a great way to stay in shape - and have time to listen to music, podcasts, pray, be outside, etc.

7. Because I want to give toward causes I believe in.  But getting up and moving feels better (and often works better) than sitting down and writing a check.

6. Because doing things together - on a team - is almost always better than doing them alone.

5. Because I've run a 1/2 marathon for me and I've run it for others.  And when I ran it for others, for those in need, it was a better, more enjoyable, more successful, more inspiring experience.

4. Because it doesn't take a 1/2 athlete to complete a 1/2 marathon.  But at the same time, it's something (almost) anyone can do (barring serious health concerns).  From beginners to pros, young and old, big and small, most people can train consistently and make it to the finish line on race day.

3. Because half of the proceeds will benefit long-term orphan care initiatives in the wake of Haiti's devastating earthquake.

2. Because our coach, Lisa Rainsberger, is a world-class athlete herself and an experienced coach.  She helped me get to the finish line successfully my first 1/2 marathon in 2007. 

And the number 1 reason I'm running a 1/2 marathon for charity is...

1. Because every step I take between now and race day on May 1st literally makes a difference in the lives of orphaned children and vulnerable families around the world.  If that's not motivation when the early alarm goes off for a long run, I don't know what is.

Time is running out.  Go to Team Up and sign up today.

charity 1/2 marathon will support Haiti

It has been awful to watch what is going on in Haiti this week and last.  Many feel they can’t make a difference in a place so torn apart by poverty and disaster, but you can!  It’s time to turn off your TVs, computers, and iPhones and get up and MOVE for Haiti.  Every day for the next 3 months, you can make a difference in the lives of orphaned children in Port-au-Prince.

How?  Sign up today for Team Up 4 Orphans (the deadline is February 1^st)!  Email [email protected] to sign up.

 

HALF THE PROCEEDS FROM TEAM UP 4 ORPHANS WILL SUPPORT LONG-TERM ORPHAN CARE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI.  The other half will support Doma’s orphan care programs in Ethiopia, Russia, Uganda, and Ukraine.

 

Please don't let the FUNDRAISING deter you.  We’ve lowered each runner’s responsibility to cover only our actual cost for the team, which is $500 per participant (registration, coaching, spaghetti dinner, team shirts, etc.)  We strongly encourage you to still try to raise $2500!

Here are some examples of what you can provide around the world when you Team Up:
*one year of support for a Ukrainian mom to be reunited with an infant that she abandoned to an infant home out of desperation.
*medicine and vitamins for a traveling clinic that would serve thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children and moms in Ethiopia or Uganda.
*one year of support for a Russian orphan who has become pregnant, yet courageously chosen to keep her baby, and is striving to have a healthy family.
*6 months of food for 100 orphaned and vulnerable children in Ethiopia or Uganda.

 

Please don’t let the DISTANCE deter you.  Runners and walkers of all shapes, sizes and abilities are invited to Team Up.  You can run or walk the ½ marathon (13.1 miles).  Or you can choose to run or walk the Commit to Be Fit 5k (3.1 miles).  When you Team Up you will have access to a world-class coach, Lisa Rainsberger, who will help you prepare for a great race day. 

 

And don’t forget that if you don’t live in central Ohio, your TRAVEL AND LODGING EXPENSES ARE COVERED when you join Team Up 4 Orphans.

 

It’s easy!  By February 1^st,  

1. shoot our event coordinator an email  ([email protected]) with your commitment to the team.
2. within 1 day, you will receive your personal fundraising site, the paperwork to register for the race, and immediate access to a world class athlete and experienced coach to help make this a successful event for you. 
3. If you’re really anxious to begin, download the forms from domaconnection.org home page and sign/scan/send to [email protected]. 

 

 

what's important to Colt McCoy?

Colt McCoy only got to play in 5 plays of his team's effort to win the BCS championship.  He was hit - legally but lethally - and pinched a nerve.  So he stood on the sidelines and watched Alabama take the prize.  In the post-game interview, McCoy speaks clearly with conviction, humility, and a confidence in the God of the universe.  Sure, he loves the game, has a passion for it even - but it's not where he finds the true meaning of his life - instead he 'stands on the rock' and 'gives God the glory.'  I'm a Big Ten fan, and I'm still grieving Ohio State's recent loss to Texas, but in honor of McCoy's character, HOOK 'EM HORNS!