08.14.11 - ALONG THE MILES AND TRIALS

Friends and Family:

It finally arrived. I've reached the halfway point: August 9 of this past week, at 5:31 am, along a quiet stretch of South University Drive in Fargo. 400 miles behind me and 400 miles in front of me. In that early morning darkness, I took a moment to offer a prayer of thanks for so many reasons. And in particular, all of you who have been encouraging and supporting me along this journey. I also have to take a moment here to apologize to you.

If you've encountered me over this past month, I might have seemed distracted or lethargic... possibly a little distant. It had nothing to do with you, but simply a testimony to the miles I've been running and the family schedule I've been keeping. I will be the first to admit that I may have "bit off more than I can chew," but I'm more determined than ever to chew a little harder... mile by mile. I do promise that I will be back to my hyper self by mid-November. In the meantime, keep me in your prayers and these following special individuals to whom I have dedicated a half marathon and who will remain in my prayers and miles along this entire journey:

Dick Clarens; Gary, Carl and Mercedes; Drew and Kathleen Wrigley; Fr. Jim Meyer; Jillian Hanson; Stan Weilinski; Jackie; Paul Melby; residents of Minot, ND and surrounding area; Audrey King family; PHS 1981 classmates; Laura and Andrea Clarens; Matt; Lois Stanislowski; Nativity School families; Will Dangerfield; Finley Groener; Leo Joseph Hoedl Sr.; John Madick; Millie Bach; Diann; Mable Hoedl; Kathy Baird; Shirley Summerville; Vickie; Anders; Josh; Jeannie Critelli; Jack Kennelly; and several confidential prayer partners.

Often times, runners will talk about "catching their second wind" along a long stretch of a run or marathon. We've all have experienced this in our personal life; that point where we collect our thoughts, gain a different perspective, settle in to a task at hand and press on.

Along these quiet miles of my half marathon training runs and the bustling miles of my half marathon races, it has been these individuals listed above and their journeys and their strength that have given me what I've come to refer to as the "third wind"; that breath of inspiration and motivation that continually connects a person to something much greater than a task completion... or a finish line. These wonderful individuals continue to run their personal race, constantly searching for their second wind... and they are heroes to me. They have remained that third wind for me; when I haven't been able to collect my thoughts, motivate myself or catch my breath over these miles, their journeys have given me the energy to go on. And there are many more than those listed above. They are in your life as well - they quietly about their journey and continue to look upward. Find them, identify them, recognize them and be inspired by them over and over again in your journey.

Each of my 61 half marathons have and will be dedicated to an individual, family and/or cause; and through each 13.1-mile journey I will offer up those individuals, families and causes in prayer as my third winds. If you have a loved one, friend or cause that you would like me offer up in prayer during a run/race, please feel free to email me at leehoedl@yahoo.com. It remains my firm belief that we are all in this together... all along our miles and trials.

One Final Thought

As I mentally searched on how to close out this reflection this past Sunday at an outdoor Mass, the visiting priest reflected on the Gospel reading and posed the following challenge: "Don't give up on your prayer. Each of you has a silent prayer for your personal life within you - continue to pray that prayer, no matter what, no matter how long..."

This had to be a sign for me. And in that spirit, I encourage you to do the same: Don't give up on your prayer.

It doesn't have to be a grandiose prayer that saves the entire world or one that rocks the world off its very axis. It is that personal prayer within you that allows you to have a greater, deeper and more meaningful journey in this Life. You may already know what it will take to move closer to that greater, deeper and more meaningful journey. Pray for it, write about it, dream about it, reflect upon it, involve others in it. Continue to pray unceasingly for it.

And then pray for that prayer within others. For some of us, it might be to be just a little more involved, insightful, patient, and caring of the family, community and world around us. For some of us, it might simply be to live one day longer so we can see the glory of God's presence in those 24 hours.

Whatever the prayer within us, we owe it to each other to realize it and live it for ourselves, our community and our world. And in that realization, we become that third wind for one another.

Thank you for that third wind you've been to and for me. And along these miles and trials, rest assured, I will continue to celebrate your prayer.

Peace, Lee

Children's Hospital Boston is a 392-bed comprehensive center for pediatric health care. As one of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, Children's offers a complete range of health care services for children from birth through 21 years of age. Children's is also home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center. Since 1869, their discoveries have benefited both children and adults.

MEDALS4METTLE

I will be donating all earned half-marathon medals to a Medals 4 Mettle; a non-profit organization that facilitates the gifting of marathon, half marathon, and triathlon finishers’ medals. Runners from around the world give their hard earned medals to Medals4Mettle. The organization's worldwide network of physicians and volunteers then awards these medals, attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon, to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own just to continue to live their life. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THIS JOURNEY WITH YOUR POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.