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6118 participants ran the 118th Around the Bay 30K, not counting walkers who started an hour earlier and relay teams. This is a race where there are constantly runners around me, either passing me or passed by me. Not only that, spectators and volunteers lined up almost throughout the course, except on sections where only vehicles were allowed. Hamiltonians go out of their ways to support us: putting up signs, cheering, setting up unsanctioned water stations, handing out orange slices, high-fives, live music...Although Hamilton is known for its poverty and brokenness, I've came to know and experience the most generous and loving people in this city. I arrived and parked with well over an hour to spare only to find that I'm not as early as I thought. Copps Coliseum was packed already. Two of my friends, Christine and Julie from Runner's Den  were running it as well and I met up with them at the 55 section, our usual spot for ATB. I still remember my first run with them a...

This weekend marks my two year run-racing anniversary. Two years ago, I took a last minute plunge - after only two months of running - in buying a 30k race bib from an injured runner. Toeing the line at Around the Bay 30K in Hamilton, ON, I was uncertain whether I'd be able to finish because the longest I had ever ran was 18k. My memory of the actual race is a blur. I remember running with my friend, Christine the whole way and somehow after 3+ hours I finished. I remember crossing the finish line in Copps Coliseum, a volunteer putting a medal on me, and sitting on the floor never felt so good. We sat there for a long, long time. Since then I've done marathons and 50ks but I'll never forget how I felt finishing my first 30k.  It's only truly exhilarating when you finish something without knowing that you can. I miss that. DNF are three daunting letters that impede me from even trying sometimes. This weekend, I am flying home to run the ATB again. Words canno...

Some Pharisees and some Herodians want to trap Jesus by asking him difficult questions. They came to Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" (Mark 12:14) In their minds, rejecting to pay tax entails a rebellion against Caesar and willingness to pay tax suggests a compromised devotion to God. To their dismay, Jesus looked at a denarius, a Roman small silver coin, and asked, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They answered, "Caesar's." Then Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Mark 13:17) When Jesus looks at you, what image will he see? God's? Or Caesar's? The Sunday Long Run Crew was well represented. Corporate Cup half marathon happened last Saturday. I woke up at 5:30 a.m., put on my race gear, fetched everything I needed, and drove uptown to check in for the race. My mind was consumed with everything centered around ...

26.2 -mile is a long journey. Running through sweat, pain, and fatigue has always been a reminder of what "no escape" feels like for me.  No escape, no shortcut, only faithfulness in a single direction.  Such is life for so many in the world today living in poverty. For me, there is hope at the end of 26.2 miles. But for many, there is no escape and there is no hope. eMi  (engineering Ministries International) exists to remedy that and we need your help and partnership. Your donation will enable us to continue to provide architectural & engineering services in less-fortunate countries and to serve the poor. Since 1982, eMi has worked on over 800 relief and development projects in 80 countries, designing hospitals, orphanages, schools, clean water projects and more. Would you be willing to  lend a hand ? I'm excited to join Team eMi at  Calgary Marathon  (5.27.2012) again. It's a chance for us to promote the work we are so privileged ...

First ribbons since...middle school? Last week was a hodge-podge kind of week: Coming back from a charette in St. Louis. Last Sunday was my first test run on roads since injury. First week of getting back on track with training. Office moving. Back to Girls on the Run after missing for a week. Saw Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy. Great movie, one that leaves you thinking about it for the next couple days. Worked remotely for half the week since the last permit of our new office is still pending. Last week before Coach Patty retires. Sadness looming. Swim meet on Saturday - I came in last in all three events (200 Free, 500 Free, and 100 IM). But I did put in faster times than in my previous meets. It gives me some goals to work towards before next month's Nationals. Failed to drink nothing but water during the week. I couldn't resist the opportunity to work from a coffee shop, and one thing led to another... The change of environment spurs creativity...but it's...