Mission accomplished!

I ran for Ellenor today, completing the Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) and bringing home the sparkling medal to the right. There were several late additions to the "Honor Roll", bringing the fundraising total to $1,270 (29 contributors).

The course was bursting with spectators and hundreds of them cheered me on by shouting Ellenor's name - "RUN FOR ELLENOR!!" It was very emotional.

It was perhaps my most difficult race; I wouldn't have made it to the finish had I not been running for Ellenor.

Race day attire

Here's a picture of Eric modelling his race shirt - it has the "run for Ellenor .com" message both front and back. Watch for Eric on the Chicago Marathon course this Sunday (Oct. 11). To track Eric's progress on Sunday, go to http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/spectators_volunteers/index.aspx?id=510 Eric's number is 5780.

If you give in Ellie's name, let me know...

...so I can add you to the Honor Roll.

Send me an email at ericmaxengdahl at yahoo.com

See links on the right for the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Another idea... Numerous colleagues at Blue Cross Blue Shield are linking their marathoning to fundraising. I have been donating to their causes in Ellenor's name. For example, see this reference on Joanna Duker's "Honor Roll":

Eric's training report - August 5

Training is going well but the time has some to stretch out my training runs from my typical 5 or 6 miles. I will add a few miles per week to my weekly long run to build up to a 20 mile run by Sept. 20 - three weeks before the Chicago Marathon.

The marathon is 26.2 miles long but a 20 mile training run is generally regarded as a requirement for success on race day.

On Sunday, Aug. 2, I ran a fast 11 miles with a friend. The build-up begins...

- Eric

The campaign goes to the office

I have been promoting my "Run For Ellenor" fundraiser at work - my little sign is beginning to draw attention. (The sign says "Please ask Eric about his marathon fundraiser.")

There have been a number of recent additions to the Honor Roll - many thanks!

The race is on!

Four names were added to the Honor Roll in the first 24 hours of my fundraising campaign. Thanks to Art Saffran, Lynda Black, Phyllis Foxworth and Kay Burnett for starting things with a bang. I started getting the word out on Monday, July 6, with emails to many friends who know about my passion for running. My next step will be to ask other friends of Ellie to help spread the word.

(In case you thought the "race" referenced in the headline was the Chicago Marathon -- that is 94 days away. My training is going well).

Memorial and recognition

Ellie's family hosted a wonderful evening of memories and celebration last night. More than 70 friends and family attended.