Edward Lim's narrative on the Oct 12, 2003 Chicago Marathon

A lot of people think that running a marathon is an individual sport. The truth is, it is a team effort. You need all your supporting cast around you.

The physical and emotional challenge involved in preparing for and running the race is my motivation to succeed. It was never easy. Your kind words cooled me down while running on a hot day, and in cold weather, your inspiring thoughts warmed me up - pushing my limits.

October 12, 2003, I woke up at 5AM feeling great, started my day with a short prayer, which went like this, "God, you have given me a task enough for my strength to handle. Please guide me to the right path for me to reach my goal."

Like any other day of running, I did my daily stretching, followed by a light breakfast of bananas, oranges and a hydration consisting of water and gatorade. After all those somewhat daily rituals, I walked from my friend's condominium where I slept, to Grant Park where the marathon started.

Physically, I was well prepared. Emotionally, I had YOU in my thoughts from start to finish. Spiritually, I was pumped!

There was a big crowd at the park - 40,000 runners and an estimated 1 million spectators. The race began at exactly 8AM. I started slow, and as I stepped on the 1-mile mark I picked up some speed. An hour and 56 minutes later I was already at the 13.1-mile mark, which was halfway to the finish line.

As I was approaching the 24th mile, I saw a man shaking his head. I stopped and asked him if he was OK. He said he had severe cramps on his legs and thighs. He told me that he could not finish the race. I told him it's just pain and to deal with it and that quitting is not an option. I offered him some help, stretching his legs for about 10 minutes. Then we started back on track. All we did was walk and talk. Time flew so fast that by the time we knew it, we were a few yards away from the finish line. We both decided to run the remaining distance.

As I received the finisher's medal, I took a moment to look back at what I had done. It was not all about being the first one to finish but rather getting things done with great determination and extraordinary perseverance. Sometimes we have to carry somebody's load to achieve a common goal. Now, regarding that man I helped, we forgot to introduce ourselves. We did things that other people would say we could not do yet modest enough to pay attention to their limitations.

Thank you once again for your unconditional support and for the monetary pledges. It will help finance the restoration of Lazi St. Isidore Church and Convent. Everything you did is greatly appreciated.

Edward Lim