Guest guest Posted July 10, 2005 Report Share Posted July 10, 2005 Dear Friends: Sunday, July 9, 2005, I reached another milestone with the SF National AIDS Marathon Training Program. I ran 15 miles—2.9 miles more than I will run on July 31st, 2005, the day of the Marathon. The morning started out foggy and cool, but that's actually great running weather. We ran from the Dutch Windmill in Golden Gate Park up to the Cliff House, then up to the Palace of the Legion of Honor, then back down to Ocean Beach. We then ran through Golden Gate Park, up the Panhandle and back to end up at the Dutch Windmill where the AIDS Marathon Staff had a cheering crowd waiting for us and a finish line with balloons and a spread of healthy post-run snacks. Each of us also received a medal for completing the " pre-marathon celebration " run. It took me and my pace group 3 hours 30 mins to complete the 15 miles. We had such a great time talking, laughing and supporting each other as we ran the distance. We were also glad that each of us had a part in raising $662,574.00 for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation to continue to provide vital AIDS services and support needle exchange programs throughout the Bay Area to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Proceeds also support the Pangaea Fund, a new initiative to support vaccine preparedness and HIV treatment access in the developing world. I am amazed! My total sponsor donations total $2690.00! You all have been so generous. Thank you to all who have sponsored me! My personal commitment (minimum to participate) was $1600. I wasn't sure I could raise that kind of money, but I've already surpassed the minimum by $1090!! And I know that donations are still coming in to this worthy cause. Although a lot of progress has been made, the AIDS epidemic is far from over. More than one million Americans, and 40 million others throughout the world, are now living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The Bay Area has one of the highest rates of AIDS in the nation--one in fifty people here are living with HIV. If you haven't done so, please consider donating today. You can go to www.aidsmarathon.com and sponsor me on line. Or I can provide you with a donor form if you'd rather support this worthy cause using a personal check. Please be as generous as you can. When considering taking on this monumental personal challenge, I was more worried about raising the money than the physical part of training to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles). Only two years ago, when I weighed close to 320 lbs, I never could have imagined running 15 miles, let alone one! Through a series of miracles, I was transformed. I was able to lose 153 lbs which has changed every aspect of my life. Yes, there have been difficult times, but the rewards have far outweighed any rough spots. I thought that losing 153 lbs was difficult, but I did it. I was sure that logging nearly 500 miles in training would be a challenge, but I'm doing it. But the real inspiration I find is in those who live day by day with HIV/AIDS. Theirs is the real challenge, and I dedicate my run to them. The date of the actual marathon is July 31st, 2005, and I'm sure I'll be ready by them! When I cross the finish line, I will remember all of you for helping me to achieve what I thought was impossible. Thank you all for your support (financial or otherwise), Francisco www.aidsmarathon.com runner 0024 Sincere thanks to all my sponsors: M Feeney Duenas Fairley Lam* Benita Bradley * Musil Carvalho Camozzi* Gordon Sexton* Martha Silverspring Esther * Norah Ojeda* Willette Lee Gemma Nimedez Arbas R Hilda Losada** York* Elaine Ginnold Ray Lepinsky a Lingo** Sue Mendez Peggy Zavala Lea Brown Robynn VanPatten*** Haslett Cesarina Gabato Craig Olson*** & Joyce Caravayo Joy Axelson Ramona Doug Kong* Al Carbonetti** Denice Rutledge Cunningham** Dennis Moyer** Wagner* Serrano* Connie Kellar Tommy ** Francis* Barbara Hillis Bill Alan Tyler** Pedro Merle & Davies** Corum* Blaine* Kathy Pelayo Pat Blaney Janet Balolong Cris Francisco Kimberlee Garfinkle Roman Dunning Biafore* Total: $2,690.00 Woo Hoo!!! $1600 GOAL MET! BUT PLEASE DONATE TO THIS WORTHY CAUSE. *Sponsors who've donated $50-$99 **Sponsors who've donated $100 - $149 ***Sponsors who've donated $150 or more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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