The drought in East Africa is the worst they’ve had in 60 years, according to this recent report from the Guardian (source of photos above) .

While the most serious crisis is in the northern area of Kenya, families in Naivasha in the Rift Valley are also struggling to find water and food. They need help. Please keep the people in your prayers. Thanks.

Grace Race friends,

Are you running the 5-mile Grace Race for the first time this year? I know some folks who have never run 5 miles and are now training for the Grace Race on Oct 1st. Well whether it’s your first or 50th 5-mile race, here’s a good “tune-up” of the same distance, a few weeks before the Grace Race – it’s the 1st Annual Puma 5-miler on Sat. Aug 20th starting/finishing at Puma’s North American headquarters on Lyberty Way in Westford. I met the race director and he said there’s already a big crowd pre-registered! There are lots of festivities including music, a Beer Garden with beer courtesy of Harpoon Brewery, and some cool Puma stuff on sale. It’s all for a good cause too … proceeds benefit PUMA’s Project Pink Breast Cancer Awareness & Fundraising Initiative. Check it out and register online:

http://www.puma.com/running/events/puma-5-miler

Hi Grace Race friends and happy summer. If you live in the greater Lowell area, you’ll be seeing this poster show up in various locations in the next couple months. Our 8th Annual Grace Race poster captures the essence and spirit of both the road race and the project in Kenya. We need help … If you can help us post these around town please let me know – john@gracerace.org. Thank you and don’t forget to register to run/walk/volunteer – see “Important Links” on right sidebar!

I’m not used to the summer heat yet. A couple weeks of running in April-like temperatures and rain didn’t prepare me for the blazing sun today. Dehydration is no fun. I didn’t drink enough water before the run, and all I could think about on the run home was how much I needed water, water, water. A glass of cold water, right from the tap. I knew I could count on it and it was enough to keep my legs going through the last couple miles. Clean water, just turn on the faucet and it’s there – something that everyone that I know here in the US can take for granted every day. Not so in Kenya. 40% of the population has no access to clean water (CIA World Factbook, 2010). It’s a daily struggle for much of the rural population. Other things we take for granted are hard to come by in Naivasha and throughout Kenya. Education, for example. The fact that you’re reading this blog means you’ve received education. In Kenya, only 74% of kids attend primary school, and only 40% attend secondary school; approximately 13% of the population is illiterate (Unicef, 2009). How about jobs? I’ve been fortunate to have a job all of my adult life. Even though we are (or at least we may be) pulling out of a deep recession here, even at its worst the jobless rate on average was 10%. Compare that to Kenya, where it is a staggering 40% (The Global Public Relations Handbook Revised Edition, 331. (Taylor & Francis: 2009). I am blessed to have two parents and four of my own children. And yet in Kenya over 1.2 million kids are orphans whose parents died of AIDS, malaria, or other diseases. I can’t imagine growing up without parents but that is the reality for a large segment of the population in Africa.

Through the Grace Race we are building the Grace Children’s Center in Naivasha to take care of orphans. It will have clean water. Thanks to your support in 2005, we raised money to do borehole drilling (all 250 meters down!) and installation of a well pump and now the water is plentiful and being used to irrigate 5 acres of farmland. The facility will have classrooms to teach kids academic skills and prepare them for college or the work environment. The facility will have vocational training to teach kids valuable, practical skills that they can take with them when they graduate (welding, carpentry, computers, agricultre, auto mechanics, tailoring, etc.). The hope is to get a microfinance program in place to give graduates a jump-start to business.

Are we solving all the problems in this area? Of course not – in fact we’re just scratching the surface. If we as a community, however, can do our part to help 100 orphans overcome these daunting obstacles and provide them with the care, nourishment, resources, and training they need to succeed as adults then perhaps we can inspire others to do the same. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing lives turned around, bringing hope and confidence where before there was hopelessness and despair. This is a journey that makes progress one step at a time. Will you help us complete the school so the Grace Children’s Center can open for operation? You can participate on October 1st as a runner, walker, or volunteer. You can donate online or write a check to The Grace Race Fund / 275 Billerica Rd. Chelmsford MA 01824. Thank you for reading!

Hello Grace Race friends, we have a new video from Naivasha showing the latest construction status and a couple interviews with orphans who are sponsored by families in the United States. The dorms are finished inside and the school classrooom construction is underway! Check it out …

At 1000, with thousands of other runners, I started running the Boston Marathon. I had taken my fluids, had my pre-race meal, and was ready to go. The temperature was about 45°F and the sky was bright blue – a beautiful day to start the race and it was only going to stay beautiful and get warmer. There was even a tailwind.  The fans were ecstatic and it was like a small town festival.  I gave a long prayer into my running hat for safety, endurance, and most of all, the ability to fulfill the promise I made to everyone of you who sponsored me on behalf of the Kenyan orphans – to finish the race.  As we crossed the starting line, cheers from runners and spectators alike filled the air.  Kids lined the street down from the starting line and I couldn’t help myself but start to give high-fives to every small person I could find.

As we left Hopkinton, we started down hill and then, before mile 1 was over, made our first significant climb. Knowing most of mile 1 and all of mile 2 were down hill, I wanted to go out easy and let gravity do the work; in essence, I wanted to shorten the race. Still, I ran 7:20 for the first mile and 6:55 for the second mile. During those opening miles, I was bothered by the urge to respond to nature’s call, so I jumped into the woods. It felt good, until I started running again and then I felt nature’s call to do something else. Unsuccessfully looking for a port-a-potty along the course, I spotted a small convenience store with the proprietor in the doorway.  I yelled out if she had a bathroom and ran in. That was mile four, and it caused me to add ~two minutes to my time. I wasn’t too worried, though, because I knew there were still plenty of downhills and flat stretches to come. In fact, the next two miles were 6:52 and 6:51.  But, certainly didn’t want to go that fast that early.

As I was running through the next miles, into Framingham, Natick and Wellesley, I started to cramp in my side. I knew that even though I was running well, the cramping would take its toll. Also, I did not want to run sub-7:00 miles, I wanted to settle in around 7:11 – 7:13, but I could not. From miles 5 – 14, I only had one mile that was not below 7:10. As this was happening, the sun became warmer and warmer and the cramping continued.  I was not working hard – the tail wind was helping – but, 60°F is warm for a marathon. And I sweat a lot.

Ashland and Framingham are very historic to the race.  A lot has happened over the last 115 Boston Marathons in these towns, and you can tell the residents are proud of it.  They lined the streets the whole way cheering and calling out names of runners they knew.  Kids were still looking for high-fives.  And the course was flat.  I was trying to enjoy it by breathing, drinking, stretching out my cramps and giving the high-fives to the children along the route.

Natick was jammed pack with people and in the town center, it seemed as if the crowds were 5-8 people deep.  Needless to say, it was loud.  As I went through the center intersection I raised my hands exhorting the crowds to get even louder.  And louder they got!  Natick takes a while to get through, but when the runners get into Wellesley, they have the University girls to look forward to.  The Wellesley students are famous for asking for kisses from the runners.  One older guy obliged.  He obliged way too often.  I was not interested in kisses, but I was interested in getting pumped and getting my mind off of my cramps.  So, I made my way over to the side of the road, put my hand up and received hundreds of high-fives from adoring co-eds.  That was all I needed.  The kisses would be better at the end of the race from my fabulous four, anyway;  so, those high-fives were perfect and perfectly timed.  I started to feel better.

As I approached mile 15 – 16, I knew that there was a significant downhill, but that is the calm before the storm. I took it easy and then hit the first of the infamous Newton Hills.  To me, the first is the most difficult.  As I got to the top, I started looking for friends from church and friends from work. I didn’t see anyone until I turned at the Newton Fire Station, started to head up the second of the hills and my friend Jason came up behind me, patted me on the head and ran to the top of mile 18 with me. At that point, I was tired, but his encouragement was huge.

He asked me if I was getting enough fluids and nourishment.  I responded “yes”, because I was following my hydration plan – three gulps of gatorade every two miles.  It wasn’t until later that I found out he asked because he saw a lot of salts on my body.  I passed Kenny (fellow Grace Race Board member) approaching mile 19 and headed up the third hill.  It was at the top of this hill that I noticed salt lines on my shorts.  And my shorts, normally soaking wet of sweat, were almost completely dry.  That can only mean one thing – dehydration.

I was struggling up the final two hills, including Heartbreak Hill, but it was a great relief to get to the top and start heading downhill.  All the same, every step I took was a little weaker.  By the time, I got to mile 22, I was convinced that if I wasn’t smart, I might not be finishing the race.  I knew that Cherish and the kids would be around mile 23, so I decided that I would go until I saw them and then I would stop to gather myself.  My legs were so weak, the sun felt so intense and I had trouble focusing.  If I didn’t stop for a moment, I thought I might fall down.  18 months earlier, I qualified for Boston with a 3:09 marathon.  When I started this race, my goal was under 3:15.  By the time I saw my family, my goal was simply to finish safely.  What a relief it was to lean on my wife – literally.  She encouraged me, loved me and off I went, in a very tempered walking pace.

Miles 24 and 25 were a mixed bag of walking and jogging.  When I walked, the crowds were literally yelling at me telling me to get going.  They were right.  As I approached 1.5 miles remaining, I was determined not to walk into, through or out of Kenmore Square.  My jog carried me over the last small hill, through the Square and past the thick, thick crowds and onto Hereford Street.  This tunnel of buildings created a deafening roar which only intensified as I turned onto Boyleston Street, about 1/3 of a mile to the finish line.  All along the course, there were soldiers marching and crowds chanting U-S-A, U-S-A.  On Boyleston, all of the sudden, the chants came back on Boyleston Street, but this time with a greater gusto.  As I looked to my right, there was a platoon with full packs on running to the finish line.  If that did not give me artificial  energy, then nothing would.  My legs picked up, my chest filled out, and my head was high.  I finally was running – not jogging, not walking – running.  It felt good to get the legs moving again and I was going to be able to finish strong.  With 100 yards left, however, my right quad muscle cramped and seized.  I almost lost my balance and I was now in a full skip to try my best to keep weight off of my leg.  I started hitting my right leg with my fist to loosen it up, which worked, and I was able to cross the finish line running.  I went to the medical tent to get re-hydrated and get my muscles massaged.  That felt good.

My whole run from start to finish had issues.  I never felt free and loose.  I had trouble finding my pace.  I fought cramps in so many different places.  I suffered from dehydration.  Towards the end, when I was walking, I really did not want to run again.  But, the whole race was filled with an earthly “cloud of witnesses”.  I remembered what it meant to endure the race and I remembered why I was running this year.  In the previous post, I talked about Hebrews 12:1.  Well, that cloud of witnesses was all of you and I wanted to finish for you.  There was also the cloud of witnesses on the course – my family, my friends, those in Naivasha, Kenya and those who were my fans (even if just for that one day).

Remembering that all of you were pulling for me, how could I not finish that race running.  And boy, am I glad I did.  When I got back to the house, I had received notice of many very, very generous donations.  All of you are great and I thank you, very much.  Truly we completed this marathon together.  Your support was felt and realized; it inspired me and moved me further down the course.  What a team we make!  And the best part, is that this “team” impacted the orphans in Naivasha, Kenya as we entered into Boston.

Tomorrow is the Big Day. At 1000, I toe the line in Hopkinton, MA and start the 3+ hour journey to Boston. I will be participating in the 2011 Boston Marathon – it is the 115th annual running of the world’s most prestigious race.

For those of you who have been following this blog recently, you know that I have been trying to raise money for an orphanage in Naivasha, Kenya by asking for sponsors as I run the marathon. We have been receiving many generous donations and I would like to say thank you, to everyone. I hope that I make you proud, tomorrow. You can follow me by going to www.baa.org where they will direct you to follow certain entrants (today to find entrants, just go to the marathon, click on Participant Information and go to Entrants. You only need my bib# 4333. You may also get either texts or e-mails (even sent to your phone) by going to the AT&T Athlete Alert. You will need to register by making up a username and password and providing either your phone number or e-mail. Again, you only need my bib# (which is 4333). Thank you for following so intently.

Today, two of the kids and I went to the marathon expo to get my bib and runner’s packet. I wanted to buy an official marathon running jacket, but they were all sold out. After the expo, Cherish (who went to the Boston Ballet with our oldest) ordered one on-line using our smart phone (great invention). Anyway, the highlight was meeting some famous people. We had pictures taken with Dick and Rick Hoyt. Rick Hoyt was so happy to do that and the kids were so happy to meet them both. Dick offered the picture out of the kindness of his heart. Also, I personally met Sara Hall. I spoke to her about the Grace Race and what we are trying to do. She was genuinely interested for both her and her husband, Ryan. What a great, brief and productive conversation.

On the way into Boston today, we drove the course. Commonwealth Avenue in Newton was closed before and after the Johnny Kelley statue. I really wanted a picture, but I guess that will have to wait. Besides that, we got pictures from Hopkinton to the finish line and. let me tell you, what a beautiful course.

Speaking of the course, would you all pray for Cherish and the kids. I will be a part of a very organized event. They need to figure out transportation and location by themselves. Pray for safety, ease and enjoyment.

Well, today was the last day of training. I ran 3.5 miles this morning to wake the legs up. I drank lots of water, some electrolytes and ate plenty of carbs and even some protein. I have found a winning formula with a loaf of french bread, tomato covered chicken, and pasta for dinner. I just finished eating, so now the final ingredient in the recipe is to get some sleep – I need to wake up at 0430.

This morning in church, the youth pastor, Jake, invited me to speak in his youth service about marathon running. It doesn’t sound like anything related to church, but since he was speaking about making a vision and a plan to meet that vision (Proverbs 4:25 – 27), he thought it would be appropriate to talk about endurance. What better example than training and running a marathon and using Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Tomorrow, I will get into Boston and let every weight (training fuel belt, winter clothing, anxiety about getting my run in before work, worry about family, life and work, doubt about my performance) fall to the side and I will remember that the day was possible because of the weeks and weeks and miles and miles of training the lead me to this point. And with that I will trust that I will perform, and perform well, as God intended. As I run past many people I know (including my adoring family), and many more that I don’t know, I will remember that there is a cloud of witnesses cheering me on. And for those in Hopkinton, Boston, Philadelphia and Naivasha, I will run the race and I will endure as I turn right onto Hereford Street and then a final left onto Boyleston.

Thank you for reading; thank you for donating; thank you for following; and thank you for praying.

See you in Boston (with a post-race blog posting)…

Marathon Monday is in three days. I was nervous before this week, but now I am excited. Unfortunately, I have been insanely busy this week and so I am tired, too. Thankfully, I am not going for a run tomorrow, so I get to sleep in a little.

I will go get my bib, goodie bag, and official Boston Marathon jacket on Sunday at the expo down at the Hynes Convention Center. While Cherish and our oldest are at the ballet, I will walk around the expo with my two youngest and look at all of the runner paraphernalia, accessories, and nutrition. It should be fun and exciting to be in that environment, especially with all of the other runners.

To boot, some older marathon legends like Greg Meyer, Katherine Switzer and Jack Fultz will be there. I met Jack Fultz two Thursdays ago. He won the 1976 Boston Marathon in the hottest running ever – it was 100°C. I think I will invite him to the Grace Race if I get to meet him again. It should be pretty cool to have him talking to our loyal racers about history and signing autographs.

Anyway, this weekend, I need to sleep. So, speaking of sleep… good night.

I just finished the final week of all of the hard work. I have spent weeks running, 45, 51, 49, 56, 46, and 49 miles. After my last very long run (22 miles), I was due for a week of tapering those miles. So, I just finished a week of 41 miles, approximately 20% less than what I was used to doing. Now, I get to “rest”.

By “rest”, I obviously mean run; but, the running will be tapered even more and there will be multiple full rest days with no running at all. The idea of these last two weeks is to keep the legs alive, active and ready, but to let the muscles heal, the joints relax, and the mind anticipate. You see, by this point, there have been enough miles and enough bad runs that burn out becomes a real threat. No matter what doubt also runs through the mind. So, during this final week it is important for me to relax, recuperate, and realize that I have put the work in and nothing at this point will make me more ready. In one week, it will be time to run; but for now, it is time to rest.

This week I am going to start to plan my son’s tee-ball season. A lot of organization up front will make the season a little easier. I will hopefully get to sleep a little earlier. When I come home on the warm days, maybe the kids and I will play basketball, hockey, tether ball, soccer, baseball or any of the other myriad of yard games they like to play. Maybe, I will just sit and watch them climb the tall pine tree.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated. We are building the funds and it is all because of people like those of you who have already donated and who are planning on donating soon. So, thank you. Your generosity is beyond words.

Speaking of those of you who would like to donate, just go to the right of this page and click on the DONATE button. It is easy and tax deductible. Most important, your donations will help to fund the building of a school that will educate orphans whose family lives have been affected by AIDS. You are truly doing God’s work. Thank you in advance.

I will check in with all of you towards the end of the week. Thank you for sponsoring me during the 2011 Boston Marathon. You will be taking every step with me on April 18th.

On April 18 I will be running the Boston Marathon. I just received my confirmation in the mail this week. My bib number is 4333. This four digit number confirms that the hundreds of miles of running over the last several months will be all worth it. Boston is the mecca of marathon running. Though I have already run three, it is this marathon that is the most special in history and will be the most special in my running career.

But to make it really worth it, I have decided to run to raise money for the orphanage and school in Naivasha, Kenya. If you have been keeping up with this blog, then you know that we have raised approximately $150,000, have completed the orphanage wing and are now ready to build the classrooms onto the building in Naivasha. In order to do so, we need to raise another $95,000. For me, that starts in Hopkinton.

To the right of this blog, near the top of the page, is a button titled “Donate”. If you click here, you can help to provide a home and an education to approximately 60 orphans.   Ever penny raised goes toward the Grace Race Fund (the Grace Race is a 5 mile road race on October 1, 2011 in Chelmsford, MA) which is the 501(c) charity that supports the orphanage in Naivasha, Kenya.  So, your donation will be tax deductible.  This weekend I will run 22 miles in preparation for the race. As much of a challenge it will be, the real challenge is raising the money. So, please help us provide for the orphans.  Every proceed goes to Kenya.

So, when the Lord asks us to watch over the “widows and the orphans” (James 1:27) it is amazing to think that we can do that all the way in Kenya by starting in a small, quaint, colonial New England town (Hopkinton) and traveling a little over 26 miles.  Please take the journey with me and donate.

Thank you and may God bless you,

Charles Brunet