Though I am not in my 70s, this was an inspiration piece to read for solace and encouragement. You might want to read it to get inside the mind of an older runner:
https://lithub.com/on-the-ecstasy-and-agony-of-running-an-ultramarathon-in-your-seventies/
Saturday in Boston was a rare February day. Temperatures reached 57 degrees at its warmest, and I went out for a run early in the day when it was still cool with strong winds. I only ran for 3.8 miles because I had to be somewhere else by midday. However, I learned a few lessons.
This was my first day running outdoors. The fresh air was invigorating, and I realized I must continue to wear a sun hat because of my fair skin. I probably need to get warmer moisture control running pants instead of wearing shorts. I also learned that it is so much easier to keep in motion than to slow down for a walk. It takes more energy to restart from a walking mode.
Running outdoors is much easier than running indoors, where I might be more worried about laps or distance. Being outdoors, next to the ocean, makes you just focus upon running and you do not pay attention to statistics on one's phone. My knee is feeling better, and it helps that I lost ten pounds. I need to continue that positive trajectory.
I became worried about 26.2 miles and my rate of progress. Waves of concern washed over me, and then I realized that I am doing this for the homeless and not for a personal goal. I have so many generous donors and I do not want to let them down. I sometimes feel the pressure of expectation, and I have to keep reminding myself that this is just a fun exercise.
Among so many people of goodwill, my high school physical education teacher wrote a great not on the webpage. That lifted my spirits. I was surprised at how pleased I was to have some adult from my childhood speak such encouraging words. High School classmates have been encouraging as well as so many good friends over the years. I just have to keep being the tortoise in the "tortoise and the hare" story. I needn't worry because worry doesn't add anything positive for the outcome.
It was also encouraging to read a good story about the Mass and Cass homeless in the Boston Globe. There were 54 people who are in temporary housing, which is a first step in addressing other needs. The timing of this story was spot on as an encouraging sign.
I received my official entry form for the Boston Athletic Association. I'm all in.
My friend who was struck by the bus is going through another surgery tomorrow. My other friend begins chemotherapy tomorrow. All we have is today, and it is quite good.We might as well make the best of each moment.
My fundraising goal is to reach $20,000.
Here is the online donation form.
or you can send checks to:
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
In the memo field, write "for John Predmore"
I am honored, surprised, humbled by the outpouring of support I have received as I announced my intention to run/walk the 126th Boston Marathon. I never before considered such an undertaking, and what surprises me is the tremendous amount of support to reach fundraising goals for the homeless.
Within three days, your contributions surpassed $10,000, which is the quickest total that any person met that goal through this agency. I raised it to $18,000 because I have already surpassed $15,000 as some contributions are checks and wire transfers directly to the agency.
I am stunned, though, by the thoughtful words and significant contributions by so many people. If I ever had doubts about the undertaking, your contributions have put it behind me. I now have a dual purpose: I will not only be running on behalf of the homeless in Boston, I will also be running because of the trust and confidence you have put in me. Please know that you are in my prayers each day. I'm just taken aback by your kindness and it is great to know that we are all in this together in some capacity.
My new sneakers are working out fine. The pain in my knee has subsided and I've taken to jogging again to test the pain. I am progressing well.
Tomorrow, the insurance appraiser comes to examine the damage done to my car. It is minor but it will be nice to have a chance to get it fixed. But to put matters in perspective, a friend was just seriously injured in a terrible accident. Life can change completely in a matter of a second. My friend, an 81 year old man, was at a pedestrian at a walkway in his hometown when he was struck by an MBTA bus and seriously injured. He was transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital yesterday for an extensive surgery, and he has another surgery scheduled for tomorrow. He has such a positive, upbeat spirit and is looking toward the next challenge in his life as this accident has forever altered his manner of life. His story is heartbreaking.
Tomorrow I visit friend a longtime friend who moved to the Mid-Atlantic several years ago to live near her son. She made her annual physical in December feeling absolutely fine, and she received a difficult diagnosis immediately. She had surgery in early January and begins chemotherapy on Tuesday.
When I think of the minor aches I am experiencing, they are not comparable to the types of suffering other people are experiencing. I am able to align my prayers for them and for the charity donors in my training regimen. It is a new way for me to pray but at this moment it seems effective.
Overall, I'm just feeling grateful for the uplifting support and I'm feeling energized. I cannot turn back. I don't want to. I just want to bring all this forward one step at a time.
https://www.givengain.com/ap/john-predmore-raising-funds-for-boston-health-care-for-the-homeless-program/ or send checks to: BHCHP at 780 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
This is the beginning of the third day of fundraising and I am already in awe of the financial and inspirational support I have received. It shows just how much goodness is in the world. As I see the numbers tumble in, I get to pray for each person who has made a donation or provided me with support. I am praying for those anonymous donors whose identities are unknown, but their thoughtful benefactions are great. I'm deeply touched.
Yesterday, I went to buy some cushioned sneakers for the marathon because the old ones I had been wearing were not suitable. I developed runner's knee or tendonitis because I had been pushing myself to see if I had enough stamina to go through with the marathon. I wisely chose a comfortable pair and I was eager to get home to try them on around the house. I was on cloud nine.
Cloud nine last two minutes as a woman in a car in the left lane wanted to be in the right lane where I was at the same time. Her right front bumper dislodged my left rear bumper, and I spent the next hours filling out motor vehicle crash reports. So much for my high spirits. Actually, I still couldn't wait to put on those sneakers.
The sneakers, the bags of ice, and the new sneakers made my exercise regimen successful. The slight pain I had (2 of 10) was receding. Once I lose weight, I'm sure that pain will go away. Now, it is an ice day and there is no school, so I'm heading to the track early to get in a few lights steps. Much of the snow has been washed away and soon I'll be outdoors to get a real training regimen started. Until then, I'm happy to use the indoor facilities.
Thanks for all your support.
Bear with me while I present a wild and crazy idea. After all, this is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, so let me present to you my fund raising initiative.
For months I have been reading about the situation with the homeless at intersections of Mass and Cass (Massachusetts and Melnea Cass Avenues), and have felt, like you, powerless to be an active part of the solution. Prayer sufficed, and prayer is the best part. The Jesuit community prayed often for a humane solution for this societal challenge.
In early January, I kept waking up with the prompting to do something tangible. I went to the website of the agency that is directly behind the infamous intersection and I saw a unique opportunity at the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BCHCP). I was making a donation in honor of the late Mary Richardson, who was a Channel 5 co-host of the long-running series Chronicle. This strange and wild idea would not leave me.
Vincent Van Gogh once wrote, “If you hear a voice within you say, "you cannot paint," then go ahead and paint, and the voice will be silenced.”
On their website, BCHCP had a fund raising project directly connected with the Boston Marathon, an iconic sports event in New England. It asks participants to raise $10,000.00 for the agency which allows you a non-competitive bid to enter the Boston Marathon. That is what I intend to do.
But, Fr. John…… you are of a mature age and you are overweight. Yes, you are right. I will be entering the marathon rather than racing in it. I am a practical man and a realist. I will do my best to pace myself with jogging mixed with walking, but the goal is not the race but to raise money for the homeless. For me, it is a daunting undertaking and I need your help in two ways.
What do I need? I need to raise $10,000 by early April, and your financial support will take a burden off of me. I cannot put a burden on the Jesuit community for financial support because we are a community of low financial resources. I need your prayers. Please pray for the People of God who are without adequate housing and have many complicated needs. As temporary housing is set up for those who are struggling, their precarious situation appears long-term. I want them to know that we regard them with the dignity that is inherent in their humanity and that together we can work for compassionate solutions for all our societal challenges.
Please know of my prayers for you as you support my fund raising goals.
