Pat Donovan

This blog is about sharing the joy of running and the love of Jesus with others through the medium of a virtual run across America. Along the way, I hope to share reflections on what's going on in my life and stories/news from the virtual cities I would pass if this were a real trip. I also hope to highlight some people and/or organizations that live/work along the route who are/have positively impacted me. Finally, I want to try and use this challenge as a way to directly support a need or organization - I haven't figured out who or how yet.

Several years ago, I set a goal to try and run 1000 miles in a calendar year. As part of that challenge, I collected pledges for each mile run and donated the money to the Panama City Rescue Mission. It was a great experience that helped me regain my love of running and provided close to $2000 to help support those in need in our community. Thanks to support of family and many friends, it was very motivating to know that with every mile I ran I was raising enough money to pay for the costs of a meal at the mission.

I have continued to run since then and had one of my best running years in 2015. Along the way, I've come across the Run for God web site, a group dedicated to "finding God in a runners space" and sharing God's love with others. The idea of using my "legs" as a way to serve others has continued to resonate with me and I think it's time to get on a more intentional path for this again.

As such, I am planning to embark on the journey of a virtual run across America. My phase 1 plan is to run from my home in Panama City Beach, FL, to San Diego, CA - a disance of about 2100 miles. Am not sure how long this will take but my goal for calendar year 2016 is to run 1500 miles.

I hope to share periodic posts with progress and other information periodically throughout the year but this whole experience is a work in progress on many fronts. I'm excited to see what this year will hold and what is in store on the journey. I hope it will prove worthwhile and enjoyable to others I get to share this with.

Cheers,

Pat