Ready to Leave My Mark

The start of the Chicago Marathon is now less than 33 hours away. I could barely sleep last night. What will I do the next two nights?

Today I attended the Marathon Expo at McCormick Place where all of the runners go to pick up their running bibs, timing chips, t-shirts and goody bags. There are vendors from a wide variety of sport nutrition companies, race reps, running gear gadgets, shoe companies, etc. who have booths set up that you can visit and pick up samples and buy stuff. Nike has the biggest section because they are the official seller of official Chicago Marathon merchandise.

As I took the escalator up to the exhibition level, I could feel a waive of emotion coming over me. I got teary-eyed just walking over to pick up my timing chip. It has taken a long time to get to this point. I have put a lot of hard work and sacrifice into this effort; and, just like the tag line from Myoplex, I'm "not done yet."

While waiting in line at the Asics booth to meet American Olympic runner Deena Kastor, I met Carola, another first time marathon runner, who came by herself all the way from Chile to run here in the Chicago Marathon. We shared our reasons why we're running the marathon and how emotional it will be for us. We were the last two people to meet Deena before she left. I told Deena that she has been such an inspiration. She wished me well. I was even able to take a picture of Carola and Deena together. It will be a nice memory for her.

"I always loved running ... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Eiffel Tower in Sepia Tones

Eiffel Tower in Sepia, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

Paris was amazing! It made turning 40 that much easier. I had two great runs through the city; one of which was a long run that began on an early Sunday morning before the sun even rose. You can see the city in a whole different light when you're out and about before the rest of the waking world.

My Footprint

Create your own for Team World Vision at http://footprint.chicagomarathon.com/ and Bank of America will donate $1.00 to World Vision. Thank you.

Weeks 9-12: Get Your Mind Set; Confidence Will Lead You On*

15 Miles: August 8th. Woke up to gray, overcast skies and a “breaking news” story on the Chicago Tribune that someone was shot and killed in Marquette Park overnight. There’s nothing like a killing in the park that you train in to cause you to think twice about heading out the door for your long run. After reading the full article, I come to find out that the tragic incident occurred east of the park. I head out the door right before 6:00 a.m. and tell Darrin that I may call and have him come pick me up if it starts raining hard. The first 2 ½ miles are fine – just a few light sprinkles; but, by my second lap, the sky gets darker and the rain begins to really fall. Should I stay or should I go? I decide to stick it out. The rain stuck around for about an hour and then it tapered off. The worst part was just being wet.

16 Miles: August 15th. When I left the house at 6:45 a.m., it was already 78 degrees and quite humid. It was one of the hottest days that we’ve had this Summer and I was kicking myself for not leaving sooner. My leg turnover was slow. I must’ve drank about 60 oz. of water and electrolytes in the first half of my run. Sometimes I swear I can feel salt coming out of my pores (sorry, I know that sounds weird and gross, but when you’re blowing through 2,000 plus calories on a run, you begin to notice bazaar things with your body). It’s like I wanted to run faster, but I just couldn’t. The heat just knocked me out and it wasn’t just me. A lot of my friends who are training for the Chicago Marathon also had similar issues with their long runs on this day. The best thing about this run was that I finally wore this Adidas running visor that I picked up months ago at an outlet store up in Wisconsin. This visor not only blocked out the sun, but it did a great job at soaking up the sweat and keeping the sun off my face. Celebration dinner later that night at Wildfire with Darrin to mark out 17th wedding anniversary.

12 Miles: August 22nd: This run seems like a walk in the park now. Although I stayed up too late the night before adding new music to my iPod, the loss of precious hours of sleep was worth it because the new tunes helped liven up this run. I still enjoy seeing my Saturday morning park friends who are doing their exercise thing each week. I wore my Team World Vision marathon t-shirt so that everyone can see what I’m training for. On the back it says, “26.2 for Africa.”

18 Miles: August 29th. My longest run ever. Remember that part of the movie in Forrest Gump when Tom Hanks is running all across America to the Jackson Browne song, “Running on Empty”? Well, that crossed my mind during this run (and the song is on my iPod, too). I now know that I need a new pair of running shoes because these New Balance have reached their limit. It was pretty cool out for August and the wind was fairly strong. I was able to see members of the Chicago Fire Soccer team who were at Marquette Park putting on a soccer clinic for the kids, which was cool. It’s always encouraging to see kids involved in sports. When I crossed over Kedzie, the passenger in a car going by looked at me and made the sign of the Cross (I wasn’t sure what to make of that). I still visualize race day and how it will play out. I do believe that I can finish the marathon in under six hours. My legs were incredibly sore for the rest of the day, but since this week is the two-year anniversary of my knee surgery, I’m quite happy to be where I’m at with my running … that I’m even running at all.

* Message I received on a fortune cookie in August.

Week 8: Routes and Road Trip

Woke up last Saturday morning with a terrible headache/borderline-migraine. I had to run my 12 miles early because I was heading up to Wisconsin later that day with my best friend, Janice, and my daughter Caitlyn and her friend, Layne, for a much-anticipated Coldplay concert at Alpine Valley. As I headed out the door, Darrin wished me a good run and I burst into tears as I told him about the headache. I had taken Advil and my migraine medicine before I left the house and knew that once I got going, I'd be okay. About a half-hour into my run, I was feeling much better. Thank you, God!


Caitlyn and I at the Coldplay concert - Viva La Vida!


I extended my lunchtime runs on Tuesday and Thursday up to the Adler Planetarium and back on my old route, which gives me a 4 mile plus loop. Tuesday's run was the first attempt at this new route and it kicked my butt because it was 87 degrees outside and I didn't have a snack beforehand. I retried it on Thursday and had a much better result.


It seems like Wednesday's strength training sessions are the hardest to sneak in because of scheduling conflicts. I used our Wii Fit this past week because I had to take Alex to a doctor's appointment and couldn't make it to the gym. Every workout has to be written down or else it's too easy to be missed.


Fridays are a "rest" day, which make them even more great.


Yesterday morning, I completed my scheduled 13 mile run. It was the first time I had run that far since the half marathon in June. I felt so much better this time. I did not had to deal with any leg cramps, which made a huge difference.


It's nice seeing the familiar faces at the park during my Saturday morning long runs. The track boys always cheer me on when we pass on our loops around the park. When I start to visualize marathon day, I start to get emotional. I mean, as many of you know, I'm a pretty emotional person as it is; but, the training and preparation for this has been such a mental, physical and spiritual challenge for me that I cannot adequately put it into words. I'm running for a greater cause ... because I know that lives can be touched in a personal way.

http://www.firstgiving.com/meridithcanning

Week 7: In Search of Espresso Love

Today begins week 7 of Chicago Marathon training. This past weekend’s long run was only 7 miles; so, from here on out, the distances increase until taper time. The GNC stores by my office are out of Espresso Love flavored GU (energy gel) and I haven’t had a chance to order a box of GU online. I've been stuck with the chocolate, which is just okay (much better than the orange flavor). I must find espresso love GU before this weekend’s long run!


I ran strong 800m repeats today at lunchtime on a treadmill (quite an improvement over last week). Basically, you run a half-mile as fast as you can at an even pace and then you jog an easy 400m (quarter mile). You complete the cycle until you reach the distance you are running (three miles for me today).

I’ve been doing my long runs at Marquette Park early on Saturday morning. Every weekend, I see the same people on their walks and runs through the park. We exchange our friendly waves, smiles and "good morning." The track is usually crowded with a mix of people by the time I crossover Kedzie on my first loop.

Loops. I have never been good with numbers; but, I have the mileage of every running loop that I utilize memorized down to a tenth of a mile. It becomes something of a sick obsession at times. Running and numbers just go together ... like peas and carrots ... like songs on your favorite iPod playlist. The long loop at Marquette Park is 2.4 miles; the lakefront lunchtime loop is 3.08. They are neatly stored under my Runner’s World profile where I log my runs. Once my long runs move over the 13 mile mark, I’m going to try to head down to the lakefront to join in the group runs with others who are a part of Team Work Vision.

I am greatly encouraged and motivated by everyone who has pledged their support to Team World Vision. I am running because I want to help change lives. http://www.firstgiving.com/meridithcanning

Clematis in Bloom

These are the clematis that are growing in the southwest facing garden at my home. I photographed them this morning.

Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour 2009, originally uploaded by Earth Hour Global.

A small way to be a good steward of God's planet.

Remembering Marcell

IMG_7557, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

Marcell Murphy, my daughter Caitlyn's friend and classmate, died early Sunday evening after an apparent heart attack during a basketball game. What can I say about Marcell? He always had a smile on his face and was helpful and polite. Marcell would be one of the first football players to run over to the concession stand after the Friday night games looking for food. He was a big guy with a big heart. Marcell was a senior and would have graduated this June.

Caitlyn shared a few stories last night on the way home. Last year, her and Marcell had a few classes together. In Spanish II, if the other boys were bothering her, he would ask her if she wanted him to beat them up for her. When she would walk by, Marcell would joke around and clear a pathway for her in the crowded hall.

I was worried because she did not show any emotion when she first starting receiving the news via text messages from her friends. She told me that she did cry once she was in her discipleship group. There were lots of counselors and youth pastors at school yesterday for the students and they had an opportunity to share stories or give a testimony about Marcell and their friendship during chapel. Marcell liked to sing; so, the student body sang "Amazing Grace" and "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand".

Caitlyn told me last night that Marcell had just received his passport last week for his senior trip, where he would have been part of a group heading to Mexico to build pre-fabricated homes with his class for families who literally live in cardboard boxes. I believe the Class of 2009 will now have a greater drive in accomplishing this goal in Marcell's honor.
Please keep the Murphy family and the students and teachers of Chicago Hope Academy in your prayers at this time.

Buckland, Champion, Martin & Berryman in Section 119

Buckland, Champion, Martin & Berryman in Section 119, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

Coldplay won three Grammy awards this past Sunday for "Best Rock Album" for Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, "Best Pop Performance by Group" for for Viva la Vida and "Song of the Year" for Viva la Vida.

I shot this picture during the band’s United Center concert back on July 23, 2008.

Randomness ...

NavyPier050040, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

I shot this picture of my youngest daughter while we were on a boat ride along Lake Michigan in late August, 2005.

One Night, One Voice

SaveDarfur.org has a post called "One Night, One Voice" that's worth checking out...

Silence the weapons of war. Help end physical and sexual violence against women in Darfur. What: An Advocacy…

New Year ... New Goals

Welcome to 2009! After being unable to particiapte in last year's race, I registered this morning for the annual Shamrock Shuffle 8K. It's the first big race of the running season up here in Chicago and probably the largest 8K in the world. I'm excited because my goal is to train for and complete a half marathon before my 40th birthday in September. My friend Jennifer from work will be my training partner; so, that will be very helpful for the two of us. She wants to run the Chicago Marathon in October.

Today is our big New Year's Day family dinner. Darrin has to work; but, I'm busy cooking up a storm: turkey breast, ham, broccoli & cauliflower, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh cranberry sauce and gravy. I made a pumpkin pie this morning, too. It's our own tradition ... our parents and Janice come over for dinner, we give thanks to God for another year, we eat, we play games, we relax and welcome in the new year.

Looking Back 2008

2008, December. Chicago is holding its breath tonight as another snowstorm is forecast to hit area in the next few hours. A few days ago, the evening rush hour was ground to a halt when snow fell upon the area. It took my dad close to five hours to drive home from work in Franklin Park that night. Why does Winter seem different now that were adults? Remember when you were a kid? The excitement of the first snow fall. Snow days. The Blizzard of ‘79 (if you grew up in Chi-town). Sledding. Making snowmen and snow angels. I’ll admit it – Winter is not my favorite season; but, on a few star-filled nights, it’s easy to let the wonder of your childhood memories come rushing back as you breath into your lungs the cold evening air and get that feeling that it’s good to be alive.

"A thousand times I’ve failed, still Your mercy remains
and should I stumble again still I’m caught in your grace.

Caitlyn (no. 7) playing in a conference volleyball tournament in October.

Caitlyn’s sophomore year of high school went by quickly. She is now in her junior year at Chicago Hope Academy and is beginning to take a look at colleges. Caitlyn continued to play volleyball this year and was the main setter on the junior varsity team. In May, we celebrated her 16th birthday with a giant fashion show that was held in our backyard. She had asked her closest friends from school and church to participate and everyone practiced and had a blast putting it together. (Here’s a link to the fashion show video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXo9tO6cOLE). Caitlyn also took driver’s ed this summer and now has her permit. Yikes!

Everlasting Your light shines when all else fades.

Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame.

Alex's long jump attempt at the C.A.L.L. Track & Field Event in May. She placed 1st in the 400 and 50 meter events for the 5th & 6th grade girls division.

Alexandra is in her 7th grade of elementary school now and has just begun practice for the upcoming basketball season at St. Andrew. She keeps busy throughout the school year by participating in all of the sports that are offered at school. During the Chicago Area Lutheran Association’s annual forensics competition last month, she placed 1st in Declamation for her performance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Alex also celebrated a milestone birthday this year when turned 13 on November 7th. It’s hard to believe that Darrin and I are now the parents of two teenagers.

Alexandra and her friends celebrating her 13th birthday.

The girls goofing around at Janice's new condo.

Both girls had opportunities to spend a week at different youth camps this past Summer. Alexandra attended Northland Camp up in Wisconsin and Caitlyn attended Phantom Ranch with her youth group from Armitage, as well as Sunshine Cove with the girls from Chicago Hope before the start of the school year.

My heart and my soul, I give You control.

Consume me from the inside out, Lord.
Let justice and praise become my embrace to love You from the inside out.

In June, we spent a few days up in the Wisconsin Dells. We drove up right after the Midwest experienced torrential rain, which lead to heavy flooding. The big talk of the town was how Lake Delton emptied out its contents into the Wisconsin River. It was a sight to see. Later that week, the girls and I surprised Darrin with a 40th birthday party at a local restaurant. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t surprised, but I think that he had a good time with his family and friends that were able to attend.

Old friends ... Rob Daulton and Darrin.

This past year has been a transitional year for me physically. I headed back to the gym in January, but it took me a few months to gather enough courage to try running again after last year’s surgery. I had to get past a big mental block; but, on April 8th, I ran for the first time after an eight month hiatus. In May, I decided to get serious about reaching some health goals; so, I started working with a trainer once a week at my gym. It was tough, but it was worth it because the strength training really made the difference along with the cardio. During the warmer weather, I run at lunchtime with my friend Jennifer from work and it has helped with accountability and encouragement. I trained for and ran in the Nike Human Race 10K (6.2 miles) in late August on behalf of The Lance Armstrong Foundation. At the start of the race, it was 87 degrees, which made it one of the most challenging runs in my life. I finished in 1:12:46 and my knee felt pretty good afterward. Jennifer and I are going to train for a half-marathon next year. It will be my big 4-0 goal. I am grateful to once again have the ability to run.

Your will above all else. My purpose remains the art of losing myself in bringing You praise.

And I remember ... the beauty of freshly fallen snow; early morning prayers with a friend; the joy of freshly brewed coffee at 5:30 a.m.; the cougar roaming Roscoe Village; dreaming of Dublin mornings; working the concession stand along with other Chicago Hope parents at Altgeld Park during home football games on Friday nights; the "Faces of Women"; the Big Give; the lunar eclipse; honeysuckle and fuller hydrangeas; holding a plank pose; Looptopia with the girls; watching my daughters participate in their sporting events; Chef Gordon Ramsey telling me that I had a beautiful name; singing "Politik", "Lost" and "Fix You" along with Coldplay at the United Center; seeing the city bathed in an August sunset as we made the turn to head back north along the lake shore path; saying good-bye to our pet hampster, Adam; celebrating more "40th" birthdays; celebrating the U.S. Olympic team at the Oprah Show in Millennium Park; having a cough that never seemed to go away; hugs from the 4's & 5's on Sundays; landscaping the corner garden; perfect days; trying to track down Ringo Starr at Buckingham Fountain on his birthday with a little love and peace; U23D; Earth Hour; Guitar Hero and Rock Band jam sessions in our basement; hearing that one of my pictures was selected for inclusion on the Schmap Dublin Map Guide; running around the perimeter of Grant Park during Lollapalooza; our very own shower in the office; hearing a voice that’s still whispering; the ability to fill my lungs with air to breathe and muscles that continue to propel this still 30-something body; just how good God is ... "all for His glory."

Everlasting Your light shines when all else fades.
Never ending Your glory goes beyond all fame.

2009. May the new year bring you much love and peace. We pray that during this holiday season, you will be reminded of the blessings and gifts that money cannot buy. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Thank you for being a part of our lives.

Above: Caitlyn, Megan, Alexandra, Darrin, Jennifer & me ... at Megan's 16th & Jennifer's 21 birthday party in December.

And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise from the inside out. Lord, my soul cries out."
"From the Inside Out" by Joel Houston

Project Inspiration

Edward Steichen: The Flatiron, 1904

"The camera is a witness of objects, places, and events ...

The technical process simply serves as a vehicle of transcription and not as the art."--Edward Steichen

A photographer that inspires me is Edward J. Steichen (1879 - 1973). In particular, I have been fascinated by the above photo of New York's famed Flatiron Building since it was part of an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early 1990's. It's a dark photo, but it conveys a lot of emotion and color. It was shot over 100 years ago, but still has a modern feel to it. Some people dread the rainy days like the one shown in the photo; but, for us urban dwellers, our city can become a beautifully lit place of wonder. I guess that Steichen's photo of the Flatiron Building has always done that for me. Years ago, I tracked down a print of the photo from the The Metropolitan Museum of Art and had it framed ... and inspiration is never far away. Learn more about Edward Steichen here.

Things I Do ... Don't Do

My fellow blogger, Wayfaring Wanderer, is running a "Green" Giveway in which you have to create a blog post listing five things that you currently do right now that can be considered eco-friendly and five things that you don't do, but could easily start doing. Here is my contribution:

5 Things I Do That I Consider To Be Eco-friendly:

• I have blue bins throughout our home in which we recycle all of paper, glass and plastic products;
• I've made the switch to CFL bulbs;
• I've purchased recyclable cloth bags to use at the grocery store, rather than using plastic bags (besides, the cloth bags hold much more than plastic and are sturdier);
• I don't throw used batteries in the garbage, but I bring them to a proper recycling place so that they don't end up in a landfill; and
• We invested in new windows for our home this fall which our energy efficient.

5 Things I Don't Do, But Could Easily Start Doing:

• I could finally get around to starting that composting bin that I've been planning for the back of my yard (I'd like to start a mini-composting bin for underneath our kitchen sink for table scraps, too);
• Invest in a digital thermostat for our heating system so that we can program the temperature setting more efficiently;
• To encourage the family to be more mindful about leaving lights on;
• Use more eco-friendly household cleaners; and
• Less food waste (our family is terrible with leftovers).

No, that wasn't so hard :-)

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE ... be a good steward of God's green earth.

Happy Birthday, Alexandra!

A few hours ago ... at 8:32 p.m. (I'm such a stickler for detail), my youngest daughter turned 13-years-old. I am now officially the mother of two teenagers. Alex tumbled into the world on a cold, Tuesday evening in a hospital room overlooking Lake Michigan. She is still full of energy and fills our lives and home with her laughter and craftiness; but, will always be daddy's little sweet pea and my little monkey.

Final Bloom of the Season

This shot of a coneflower (or Echinacea) was among the first taken with my new camera this month. I'm so glad it's Friday ... and you?

Eagle Team Work

IMG_6509, originally uploaded by Meridith Louise.

The Chicago Hope Academy Junior Varsity Volleyball team placed third in the CPC JV Volleyball Tournament this past weekend. Caitlyn (holding the trophy) and her teammates played well. The long volleyball season is nearing an end.

West Coast - Day Two: High Crosses, Warning Signs & Portal Tombs

The majestic Cliffs of Moher.

The original tower house of Leamaneh Castle dates back to about 1480AD.

"Wild horses couldn't drag me away."

Janice & Meridith take it all in.

Look, Mom - no railings!

King Albert (waving) and Queen Paola of Belgium just happened to be on an

official state visit while we were at the Cliffs of Moher.

Hand-built stone walls are found throughout the countryside.

Kinvara Bay

Balancing Poulnabrone Dolmen

Wildflowers of The Burren

A high cross in Kilfrenora

Random email exchange from earlier today:

M: Ah, the change in the air during the two hours we were at the Cliffs. Being enthralled by that snail clinging to a blade of grass. Our bus driver and his stories. Our fellow tour mates. The ancient graves and the wildflowers that grew all around (and which I could not pick).

J: "LOL! The double potato! YES! I remember not being afraid of looking over the regulation side of the cliffs, but then going over to the “No Trespassing” side & FREAKING out about all the people walking along the path with no railings, only cliff. I mostly remember ... the beautiful live music coming from the top of the tower."

M: Unbloody believable! We even got to see a king!