Another half marathon down... 26.2 miles to go

I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon this past Sunday. It was a great race throughout the park and the streets of Anaheim. The race course was amazing, but my body is definitely starting to feel the effects of the months of training. I had to stop several times to stretch as my muscles started tightening up around mile 8. I did, however, manage to successfully finish the race and took a ton of pictures along the course with different Disney characters.

The knee is doing okay. I still have pain during my runs... but I'm learning how to manage it. We'll see how this week goes with my 18 mile run! I'm definitley starting to get nervous about the increase in miles and how my body will hold up. I just have to keep reminding myself that I will do this... I may not finish in the amount of time that I had hoped, but I will finish. I have to remember that I am not just running for myself, but for all of those individuals who have battled cancer. I will cross the finish line for them. I will cross it for little Alyssa.

My heart breaks and tears come to my eyes as I update you on Alyssa's condition. I'm going to copy and past an email from Alyssa's grandmother. I am without words...

To our Family and Friends> > This is an update about Alyssa's eyes> > it is with a heavy heart that this email goes out to you> > I spoke with Pastor Chris yesterday evening if he could to send this> > email out for us,> > he has been able to put in a message what I'm unable to write> > my cell doesn't work in the room, we are in rm 223A I can return> > calls this evening> >> > >> > Cindy> >> >

Prayer Intercessors,> > I spoke with Cindy May this evening about Alyssa Howes' condition,> > and the> > new was less than what all of us have been hoping and praying.> >> > The doctor's have told Scott & Juliette David, Gary & Cindy that their> > > prognosis for Alyssa's vision is not favorable. They expect, at this > > point, that Alyssa's blindness from the virus will be permanent. They> > > are providing> > counselors> > and coaches to the family for teaching Braille and helping Alyssa to > > adjust> > to a life without sight.> >> > This is a heavy blow for the family, and is, frankly, pretty> > heartbreaking.> >> > Cindy mentioned that the doctor's were not without any hope for Alyssa> > > regaining her sight, but at this point, this is their best prognosis.> >> > Alyssa is, on a more positive note, using more words and language to > > communicate, and is showing greater coordination with her arms. These> > > signs of recovery are very encouraging for her future.> >> > The May & Palomaki families are so grateful to everyone who has> > provided> > meals. They will continue to be in great need for a long period of > > time,> > so be encouraged, this ministry to their family is deeply appreciated.> >> > As you will hear this Sunday, I have been studying this week about the> > > blind man who sat at the gate of Jericho crying out to Jesus to heal> > him so he> > could regain his sight. The request was intense, earnest, and > > faithful. In> > that case, the Lord honored the request and healed the sight of the > > blind beggar.> >> > Little Alyssa is without a voice to cry out to the Lord. Her> > parents and> > grandparents are in prayer constantly for her, but are very fatigued > > and> > tired in the process. Will you pray for them? Will you cry out on > > their> > behalf? Our faithful prayers are effective and transformational.> >> > Please pray for Alyssa's healing, for her future, and for the whole > > Palomaki, Howes, and May families...

Please pray for Alyssa and her family. I am going to push through the next 7 weeks and finish this marathon for her.

Thanks to all of you for your support!