Live strong challenge

We recently learned that the Live Strong Challenge will be in Austin, Texas October 25-26. This is a two-day running and biking event that raises funds for cancer research, support, and outreach through the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Sure, part of this race and the funds raised are about curing cancer. That goal is very intangible though and may be a long, long way off.

The most important thing here is to spread hope and empower people living with cancer.

After all, how do you battle an evil like cancer unless you inspire the people to be warriors?

We run for Dad and we run for Andrea. We also run for all of our family and friends who have encountered cancer in some way.

The run at the Challenge is a 5k. The riding distances are 10, 45, 65, and 90 miles. We have registered for the run, and if we are able to ride, too, we will sign up for that (uh, probably the 10 mile because there isn't anything in the 20 mile range and 45 would be a whole lot on a mountain bike!). The distances may be short, but we are excited and will train because this is about more than running and riding. In order to ride, however, each rider must raise $250. If you are interested in supporting this fight (regardless of whether we are able to ride, thereby assuring our need to raise $250 each), you can offer prayers by posting to our blog or donate financially at the following site:

http://austin08.livestrong.org/looseintensity

Our team name is Loose Intensity, a term coined by one of Matt's former baseball coaches. This phrase means be strong, be tough, be fully present in what you're doing. Also, relax, have fun, and be you. This attitude is one that we strive to embody, and it's also one that I saw in my Dad everyday that he battled cancer. Make no mistake, Dad won the fight, and others will, too.

For more information about the event, go to:

http://www.livestrongchallenge.org/

One more thing, for a great read and inspirational story, try Lance Armstrong's book It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life. We both read this a couple of years ago and it is a powerful story.

Thanks so much! We love you all!!