October 2nd

What is a Marathon?

26.2 Miles. 42.2 Kilometers. 46,112 Yards. 138,336 Feet. 1,660,036 Inches.

Approximately 52, 400 Steps…

A commitment for one year to train; walking between three to sixdays a week, rain or shine; foot pain; foot/ankle brace for three weeks; classes once a month; dinner with a friend once a month; conversation; education; coming to the realization that I'm not as young, healthy or fit as I was 10 years ago; getting healthy again; challenges; tears; hope… and a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for a purpose very close to my heart, Pagan Land.

Last June I decided that I was going to work towards feeling better. That could include all sorts of things but had to include getting fit. I started walking on my lunch breaks, doing some stairs at break, some weight training and trying to eat better. I purchased a pedometer and was shocked to see how sedentary my life style had become. To be healthy you should have 10,000 steps a day, and I was lucky if I had 3,000 on a good day. I had a lot of work to do. Then in September a friend of mine was walking the Portland Marathon. I just couldn't fathom that. Actually walking five miles at once was a huge accomplishment for me--and she was crazy to do 26.2 miles. She suggested that we come and volunteer. I really didn't know much about a marathon and wasn't interested in putting my body through something so gut-wrenching, but I was curious as to what kind of people did.

Let me tell you, I was amazed. I saw old people my Grandparents' age, young people, fit people, big people. I even saw a pregnant woman who had to have been in her 8th month cross that finish line. I saw wives waiting for their husbands, and husbands waiting for their wives. I saw grandparents with their grandchildren there to cheer both of their parents as they crossed the finish line. And I cried, great big tears of joy. I didn't know any of these people but I was so happy for each of them. I felt their accomplishment and could only imagine how they felt…

So here I am, along with Tina (bless her heart for encouraging me along the way), ready to find out.

In much the same way, I yearn to discover what it feels like to have a safe haven, someplace where I and my family can come together with like-minded friends and family to worship the Lord and the Lady without fear, intrusion, or judgment. We all have different hopes and dreams for Pagan Land. Won't you help me contribute to finding our place on Mother Earth? Please sponsor me for the Portland Marathon. It can be per mile or just a lump sum. Help Other Worlds of Wonder find our Pagan Land for tomorrow.

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