Hello from Fort Stockton, TX (Part 1) & Oct Charity Reveal

Run Stats:
Day: 308
Miles Completed:1117.0
Miles to San Diego: 983.0
Miles to El Paso: 269.0
Avg Miles/Day: 3.6
Marathons Completed: 42.6
Longest Run Streak: 9 Days
Playlist Favs: Willow Creek CC Podcast, Caedmon's Call 40 Acres Album
Guest Runners: Molly Donovan

Bible Verse of the Day: Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5: 1-2 (NIV)

Run Reflections: Well, there is a lot to reflect on since my last post. First of all, I have passed the halfway point and am now closer to San Diego than I am to Panama City. Second, the distance from Sheffield to Ft Stockton, the next town that I can find on the route map, is like 80 miles. At the moment, I am about 30 miles this side of Ft Stockton but wanted to get a post done to highlight the October charity. I will plan to talk about Ft Stockton on the following post. Third, I've been running with a groin/upper leg strain for the last month or so. This is the 1st physical set back that I've encountered this year and, until recently, has been more of a nuisance than a problem. In the last couple of weeks, the discomfort level has risen some, particularly at night, so I decided to stand down for a few days and see how that helps. So far it is feeling better.

Finally, with the clocks being set back tonight, I will now be doing more runs in the dark. Fortunately I am prepared for this having recently purchased the Tracer360 visibility vest by a company called noxgear. Weighing just over 7 ounces, the vest combines a reflective strap with two LED light straps (that look like glow sticks) that go over your shoulders. The lights can display a variety of colors and be steady or blink. The vest allows you to be seen at all times, not just when car lights shine on you. I've done one run wearing he vest and its pretty cool. The company also offers the LightHound visibility vest that you can buy for your dog. I've included a link to their web site if you want to check it out.

Advanced Visibility Gear | www.noxgear.com

Fort Stockton, TX: As mentioned above, I'm still on my way to Ft Stockton but thought I could share a little about the area in this post as well. From the web site texasescapes.com, I came across this really cool picture taken by photographer John Stankewitz of a cow on the range in Ft Stockton. This gives you a glimpse of the beauty of this area. From the website historicfortstockontx.com, I learned that, located to the east and west of Ft. Stockton along I-10, there are 2 large sculpted silhouettes showing scenes from the past. The pieces were created by New Mexico artist Brian Norwood. East of Ft Stockton stands "March to Fort Stockton" depicting men of the 9th U.S. Calvary as they ride toward their post near Comanche Springs. These men would become known as "Buffalo Soldiers". West of Ft Stockton you pass "Look to the East" representing a small hunting party of Comanche as they pause to search for buffalo. I have included pictures of each of these courtesy of texasescapes and photographer Ken Rundine. I don't know about you but these 3 pictures just seem to bring this area to life and remind me of both the beauty of the world that God created and the rich history of our country.

October Charity: Did you know that there are 663 million people who lack access to safe water? Every year, the Living Water International organization hosts a fund raising campaign called - 10 days - to raise money provide to those in need in developing countries. From their web site, "Living Water International exists to demonstrate the love of God by helping communities acquire desperately needed clean water, and to experience 'living water' - the gospel of Jesus Christ - which alone satisfies the deepest thirst." Since their establishment in 1990, Living Water has completed over 17,000 water projects in areas such as Rwanda and Kenya. I have included a link to their web site if you'd like to find out more about therm.

Living Water International: Home

One of the major contributors to assist them in raising the funds they need is the 10 days challenge. This years challenge starts this Monday, November 7th and here's how it works. From November 7-16, drink nothing but water and choose to remember those 663 million people who are living without this life giving resource. Figure out how much money you would have spent on other drinks during this period and donate those funds (or more) to the 10 days site. I have provided the link below where you can use the drink calculator to determine how much money you spend on drinks, make a pledge/donation or create a team page to do this with a group of friends.

10 Days

I've participated in this 10 days challenge for the past several years and found it to be a positive experience. In place of using the drink calculator, I'm planning to donate $126.40 reflecting the # of miles I ran in October to this charity. I hope you'll consider joining me.

In closing, I want to give a shout out to my daughter Meredith and the cast and crew of their play - Peter and the Starcatcher. They have been rocking the house this week with outstanding performances of this funny and entertaining show. Needless to say, I'm a very proud dad. For anyone local, the last 2 shows are at 2:00 and 7:30 PM today - as my buddies Emerson, Lake and Palmer say - "Come and see the show!"

Hope you all have a great week.

God Bless,

Pat