Willow Creek DuPage 5K Run/Walk

Willow Creek has entered its annual Celebration of Hope series, and Saturday, April 21^st Willow DuPage’s Team World Vision was able to be a part of the first annual Willow Creek DuPage 5K Run/Walk.  Celebration of Hope is centered on three core pillars: We Stand, We Serve, and We Give.   

As a part of the We Stand movement, this 5K Run/Walk was designed to remind the Willow Creek community of the women in impoverished parts of this world who carry water an average of 5 kilometers each day from a distant well to get water to their homes.  With over 200 runners, the proceeds earned from the 5K will go towards putting shoes on 300 kids in the Dominican Republic.  A GREAT CAUSE INDEED!!!

Beyond the overwhelming success of the 5K, the 2012 Willow DuPage Team World Vision gained the commitment of TWO additional runners during the 5K who will join our team as we fight poverty TOGETHER by running the marathon for World Vision!  These humbling reminders of why we run are so crucial in motivating us to lace up our shoes each time we set out during our training season. 

  

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Heb. 12:1

-Chris

Chicago Marathon coverage from 2011. Team World Vision Chinatown

Our runners will need your support here on October 7th.  Cermak and Wentworth.  Be early.  It's exciting to try and see your runner in the beginning but nearly impossible to spot.  By Chinatown the runners have spread out and we will be quite prominent at the turn (with your help)

Resurrected for 2012!!

let the journey begin!

The 2012 Chicago Marathon training season has officially begun, and with it, the resurrection of the Willow DuPage Runners blog! =)

While facebook is nice for little quickie stuff, I think blogs still have their place and I am once again motivated to post and share the journey of our team.

Lisa Cook

We had an AWESOME kick off gathering at the Bowman's last night and seeing so many new faces really fired up my soul. This morning began the base training program for all runners and we had two groups go out.
 We had the beginners group led by Lisa who did 30 minutes - 2 min jog, and 1 minute walk, while the intermediate and advanced group did a straight 30 minute run led by co-captain Kelli "I have no idea how really fast I am" Bowman. If I had to guess, she was easily pacing at sub 7 minute miles! She is the female Forrest Gump... "I just kept running and running and running"

I can't express enough how excited I am to see this year's journey unfold, the community and relationships that form, the smiles each time reaches a distance they never thought possible. Very grateful for our runners and their hearts and the lives they will save and change. The cool part is that they have no idea how life changing this is going to be for them.

Next week's post will be following the first Willow Dupage 5k Run/Walk which will be held at Wheaton Academy in West Chicago, with all proceeds going to purchase shoes for children in the Dominican Republic. If you would like to join us for this worthy cause you can sign up here

God bless and thank you team for all that you are and for having the courage to step wayyyyy outside of your comfort zone to help those that can't help themselves.

Glenn Bingham

First Annual Reflection Projection Run

Friday morning (12/31/10) at 8:00 am we will be having our First Annual Reflection Projection run to reflect upon the past year and to prayerfully listen for His direction in our lives going forward into 2011. The run will be a 1k loop around the Wheaton Academy campus beginning at the Fine Arts Center. Hope to see you there if you can make it!

Josh Cox in Barrington

Pro Runner Josh Cox (fastest American ever to run a 50k) and Runner's World's Bart Yasso Wednesday, April 14 Willow Creek Community Church South Barrington Chapel lobby (building B) 7:30pm Special Event with Josh Cox; 6:45pm Group Run We'll also have some giveaways and let you know what's coming up in Chicago this year to get excited for the season! Bring a friend and we'll see you there!

The Big Day

This is it! You've trained hard and long and your efforts will NOT go unappreciated by the thousands of lives you will touch.

Our cheering station will be mile 21.5 at Maxim Bakery at 2215 S. Wentworth which one door south of the corner of Cermak and Wentworth on the east side of the street.

Blessings to you all!

20 Miles DONE!

Wow. I am like a proud Papa! Today you guys really accomplished something. Many of you have run farther that you ever thought possible and now, with the 20 miler behind you, you can see that this really is, not only a POSSIBILITY but you can see the reality. October 11th will be the next time that you run farther than you already have and there is no doubt that you will in fact finish 26.2 miles in a few short weeks.

A special thank you to the volunteers today for coming out at providing much needed encouragement and support to the team!

Here We Go!

This is it.


For many of you, this Saturday will be the farthest you have ever run before and a monumental test of what you have trained so hard to do.

You have put forth the effort, you have fulfilled your commitment, albeit sometimes reluctantly and not one of you has come THIS far without much pain and sacrifice. The next time you run this far will be on October 11th. You will be not only achieve what you set out to achieve back in April, but you will be saving thousands of lives in the process and I am grateful to know you all.

You will be well supported Saturday and it will be a great accomplishment. You will have water AND Gatorade at College Station, and I will be mobile with water and Advil.


Thank you for all that you do and God is working through you and will continue to do so until we have solved this problem of Aids and poverty. We can do this in our lifetime. See you Saturday, 7:00 am at 131 Main St. in West Chicago, with a celebration and Ice Bath at the finish.



Friends and family are encouraged to come out and cheer you on.



Good spots would be Walgreens at Geneva and County Farm. Gatorade HQ at Pleasant Hill, and College Station which is at President and Crescent.

First 18 Mile Run

What an awesome group of runners and people stepping beyond what their limits were to do something extraordinary for so many people that will never probably know who you are, but God certainly does. You matter, and you are making a difference and this is only going to get bigger, and stronger because it is through YOU that God is reaching those who are in need. Keep up the great effort!!

First Annual All Willow Run

What a perfect morning for our First Annual All Willow training run! Pray for weather like this on October 11th! Most did 16 miles, some did more and It was soooo cool to see and meet so many Orange Shirts and the wonderful people wearing them. Special thanks to the Schaumburg group for being such good hosts to the rest of us and being a part of something so much bigger than any of us could do alone. You're hard work will not only bring a great sense of accomplishment, but you are literally saving the lives of thousands.

The first 10 Mile Run of 2009

Here's the end of the teams first 10 mile run of the 2009 Season! I'm surprised that West Chicago hasn't charged us rent on the Willow Creek Therapy Unit (WCTU) yet. Happy to report that there weren't and injuries reported and the only comment I received a lot of was "I'm tired" Way to go team!

April 25th No Frills Run

We are officially kicking off the 2009 Chicago Marathon training season with a no Frills run on April 25th. no bibs, no timing chips, no entry fee, just four races for fun followed immediately with penny pancakes and awards at El Coco Loco Restaurant in Downtown West Chicago

Races will begin at 131 Main St. in West Chicago and bring water with you! (that’s a frill)

Start Times
Marathon Distance: 5:30 am
Half Marathon Distance: 7:30 am
10k Distance: 8:30 am
5k Distance: 9:00 am

Two winners per distance. One winner for the fastest time at their chosen distance, and one Predicto winner at each distance for finishing closest to their predicted finish time given before the startEmail gbingham@willowcreek.org to register.

We meet for training runs and walks every Saturday at 131 Main St in West Chicago at 7:00 am for stretching and leave at 7:15

10K Route. (The 5k distance will be out to 1.55 miles and back)

Half Marathon Route

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

It's a bird! it's a plane! noooo, it's none other than Steve Spear, The Faster Pastor!!!

We had a great time participating in the annual 5 mile Turkey Trot Predicto race in Glen Ellyn. The winner of the race was not the fastest person, but the person that comes closest to predicting their finishing time.

The now famous orange Team World Vision jerseys continue to have people asking about World Vision and the cause. As we move into 2009, we look forward to seeing the numbers of our team grow, and what God has in store for our journey together.

Already we are picking up steam for the first annual "No Frills" Marathon scheduled for the end of April. This will be a West Chicago based, grass roots race, with no entry fee, however donations will be accepted for charity. We are still working out the logistics but information will follow soon. In the meantime feel free to mention it to friends, family, and co-workers. It will be a great kick off to the 2009 Chicago Marathon season.

Still going...

The team will be continuing to run in preparation for the 2009 season and will be meeting at the Willow DuPage office at 7:00 am on the first and third Saturdays of each month until the weekly training begins again in the spring.

Join in and invite others the do the same.

Mission Accomplished... or just beginning?

The race is over and we have done what we came to do... for now.

All of the team members that started the race, finished the race and now can call themselves marathon finishers, some are multiple finishers.

You can see the individual results by going to
http://results.chicagomarathon.com/
and enter the bib number or the name of the runner.

What a tremendous experience and a testament of the power of God and the strength that he can give. Through Him all things are possible. I'm not sure if as a human I will ever truly understand the magnitude of the truth of that, but the longer I live, the closer I become, and the more I see on a daily basis examples of His power.

I think one of the big lessons I learned through 26.2 miles is that in life (and marathons) we will struggle, we will feel pain, we will feel like it is not humanly possible to go on or deal with a situation, but when we look to the Lord, he will help us through.

We are all stronger, closer to God, and closer to one another, and yes, this is just the beginning. We raised over $42,000 online (PS you can still contribute) which does not include offline donations. I look forward to where God leads us next...

This Is IT!!!

FINALLY!!! The day we've waited so long for.

For some, it will be 3 1/2 hours, some will be doing their best to reach the finish before the 6 1/2 hour cutoff, and some might not finish. ALL however have done some really extraordinary things and have in fact made a difference in the lives of others.

Thanks to all of the runners and to those that have supported us throughout this wonderful journey!

Now, this is "where the rubber meets the road" as they say, and in this case literally.

If you're taking the train in on Sunday, http://metrarail.com/Special_Promotions/marathon2008.html you should arrive downtown by 6:35 or close to it. The train station is about 3/4 of a mile to the start so up to you if you want to walk it or cab it.

For those choosing to drive, plan to get there early! There are hundreds of volunteers, support personnel, media, friends, family, and over a million people expected to watch the race and the weather is looking good temperature wise so be prepared. The last thing you want to have to deal with on top of everything else is the frustration of not finding a close place to park.

Runners, try to be at the Team World Vision tent in Charity Village by 6:40 to store your gear and to hear Ryan Hall give the team a motivational send off. Friends and family should proceed to the cheer station at Moody Institute (Radio) as they will not be allowed into Charity Village prior to the race. Friends and family are welcome after the race begins and afterwards for food and celebration.

If you would like to track a runner or multiple runners online, go to the following link http://www.chicagomarathon.com/CMS400Min/Chicago_Marathon/spectators_volunteers/index.aspx?id=510 and follow the instructions to set up notifications for the 10k, halfway point, and finish.

For additional information, please visit http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at glennbingham@gmail.com

GOOD LUCK TEAM!!!

Last group run and breakfast...

The last group run is complete and now nothing left but the big day, October 12th 2008.

Run time temperatures were a balmy 40 degrees, which is a good thing since the early forecasts are in and it is looking like race day will be similar conditions. Sorry, no floods or snakes Monica, but at least you will will have your own super hero, "Captain State Farm".

Combine that top with Jason's pretty shorts and I think you're on to something.

After the run our resident short order cook Mike Upham and myself prepared a full on pancake breakfast for the team, COMPLETE with Vermont's finest maple syrup, compliments of Mr. Vermont himself, Steve Spear.

It was nice to be able to share a well earned meal with those who have come so far, soon to culminate with 26.2 more miles and a journey that will be complete in some ways and a beginning in others. I know my heart is very different than it was 5 months ago.

Regardless of the outcome of this coming Sunday, every one of you has "influenced" others, probably in more ways than you will ever know.

Congratulations, and not for finishing a race, but for all that you are.

Lastly I ask that you remember all of the runners in your prayers, and pray for healing and determination in finishing what we started.

A run with Ryan Hall

What a great day for a run along the lake! Several of us were able to drag our butts out of bed, at an hour that humans really shouldn't, for our next to last training run before October 12th.

The team from World Vision, Fleet Feet, and CARA all met up at 6:30 am and had a chance to meet Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall and his wife Sara.

If you don't know Ryan Hall, I would encourage you to click on his name and check out a little about what these two are all about. They are Christ followers who have decided to use their gifts for the glorification of His name and God's children in need through Team World Vision. Ryan and Sara Hall, Michael Chitwood and others will be travelling to Zambia, Africa on October 14th to see first hand how your generous contributions will be spent.

More details to follow...

The weather was perfect for today's run and it is such a beautiful view to see the sunrise over the lake and so many giving hearts joining together for such a good cause. It was nice to be able to put some faces with names finally!

The official TWV scooter made the trip with us as well and I guess we're really keeping it now as it is now signed by Ryan and Sara Hall.

Under Sara's name she wrote "Colossians 3:23" which reads "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men."

Ryan wrote under his name "Isaiah 40:31" which reads "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

All in all it was a great day with great people for a great cause and it's almost over. Just one more group run of 8 miles this coming Saturday and then the big day. I've said this before, but what a wonderful and so very memorable journey this has been.


To all who have contributed to the runners, thank you!!! As of this moment, our Willow DuPage runners have raised over $26,000 for World Vision!

Simply awesome!

Just 6.2 more...

20 miles complete and congratulations to all that completed the distance!

No one that has been a part of this in any capacity will deny what a tremendous growth expierience this has been. Training on a daily basis since May with a goal in mind that is now within reach.

I am so proud to see everything that the team has been through and the support to the team from Peggy, Laura, Rita, Tom, Howard, Chong Siew and many others. Thank you all for everything that you're doing and and showing what is possible when we come together as a team and follow what God has led us to do in His name.

This coming Saturday we will be travelling and doing a 12 mile run downtown to run from Montrose Harbor with Olympian Ryan Hall. The run starts at 6:30 am and we will be leaving from the Willow Creek DuPage office at 5:15 am.

CARA and Fleet feet will also be joining the Team World Vision runners and there will also be a 4 mile "fun run" open to anyone.

Parking at Montrose Harbor will be limited and carpooling is strongly encouraged. I guess the question becomes who wants to have 3 or more OTHER sweaty people in the car on the ride home?

Awesome job team!!!

Rain? What Rain???

You are looking at an image taken from the Team World Vision storm chaser plane high over West Chicago, Il.

Just kidding, but to say it was WET wouldn't have done it justice. Literally knee deep water at some parts of the Prairie Path and Monica even saw a snake in the water.

I guess a commitment is a commitment...

Amazingly enough the beginners group of runners suddenly became intermediate this week! Way to step up!

Did I fail to mention that the intermediate runners were 12 miles and the beginners were 14 this week?

Chong Siew (the smiley dry one) was a trooper and went about 1/100th of a mile before the heel spur acted up, but she hung in there and joined up with the hydration team. She wouldn't leave the support vehicle, but she played a valuable role in pointing the car and honking when she saw a drenched runner coming down the trail. Not just anyone can honk and point like that without a significant amount of natural ability...

We were even able to catch a glimpse of Jason this week! Where are those pretty shorts this week??? They certainly would have been stylish during the belly flops at the fountain. For those who missed THAT, let me tell you, Jason wins Gold, Silver, and Bronze in fountain diving. I continue to be amazed at the talents of this incredible athlete...

All 10's my friend!!

Well training is training, and today was kind of pushing it if you ask me, but I don't think this team would be what it is without and extremely high level of "push" and effort, rain, rain, rain, rain or shine.



I can promise you this...

If in fact there is a hurricane, flooding, lightning, and snakes in this year's Chicago Marathon, no team will be better prepared than ours. Way to go team!!!

Special Severe Weather badges are awarded to:

Steve Spear

Paul JVR

Jason Bedsworth (Fountain Diving Medals as well)

Mike Lanham

Monica Lanham

Cariann Chambers

John Sheesley

Tom Terry

Heather Karlson

Tom "What the" Heck

Chong Siew Gun-Bingham

Glenn Bingham