9 More Days!

I'll be interviewing Christina Overbeck this evening to get her thoughts on her pending attempt to qualify for the Trials at the Chicago Marathon on 10/10. Like many runners, she's feeling a bit anxious about the race. However, Christina is one of the most positive women I've ever known and I think this photo says it all! (p.s. There's still time to make a donation to our Film Fund. Please help me tell Christina's and the other ladies' stories by clicking on the orange Donate button on the right!)

10 More Days!

The countdown to the Chicago Marathon on 10/10/10 has begun and I am SO EXCITED for race day! Our ladies have begun their taper and are mentally preparing to run qualifying times to make it to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials. We are still short on funds for the video shoot and are hoping that we will receive just a few more donations to our Film Fund by 10/8, the date of the Elite Athlete Press Conference (click on the orange "Donate" button to the right if you'd like to help us). I will be interviewing two-time U.S. Olympian, medalist and record-holder, Deena Kastor, who will be doing a Q&A with our ladies, which is an honor and a thrill!

Since we began production on "Miles & Trials" last spring, the experience has been nothing short of amazing. So many runners, both in Chicago and across the nation have been extremely supportive by sharing our video trailers, and links to our film's website and blog with their friends, posting them on Facebook, etc. I feel extremely blessed. I truly love running, the running community, and producing this film. For anyone who has not had the opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon, here's a little video from last year to give you an idea of how amazing this race is:

2009 Chicago Marathon...Race Day!

11 Days 'til Race Day!

Yikes!! We are still $300 short of our budget goal for filming at the Chicago Marathon. We've got some special interviews lined up with some VERY famous Olympians (see if you can guess who!) and need to rent gear for an additional day of shooting. Can anyone help us? Please click on the orange "Donate" button on the upper-right side of this page :) THANK YOU!

18 Days until the Chicago Marathon & we need your help!

I can't believe it's already been six months since production began on "Miles & Trials: Running Towards 2012!" Our first day of filming was on 3/21 at the Shamrock Shuffle 8K in Chicago, where Alona, Beth, Christina and Claudia shook off the frost of a long winter and tested their fitness levels. (Beth actually set a PR, which thrilled her to no end!)

As production has continued, life's little challenges have thrown everyone curve balls here and there. Several of us have been victims of the current recession and were downsized from our places of employment (including this producer) and there has been injury, illness and even an engagement. That's a lot of drama in six months! One of the biggest challenges we're currently facing is that producing a documentary film, even on a shoestring budget, costs more than initially anticipated. There's a constant need for batteries, memory cards, hiring additional crew members to assist with shooting some of the larger events, as well as gear rental and the purchase of a new production-quality video camera for myself (my current camera is on its last legs).

To that end, I have established a Film Fund to assist us with our production expenses. I take seriously my responsibility to help the girls achieve their goals of qualifying for the Olympic Trials, as well as being an advocate for the running community. We've had some generous donations but are hopeful that we'll receive additional funds before the Chicago Marathon in 18 days. The estimated budget for the 10/10 Chicago Marathon shoot is $900 and as of now, we're about $400 short of our goal. If you or anyone you know would be willing to support this film, please click the orange Donate button on the upper right-hand side of this page which will direct you to our PayPal Film Fund account. You can also donate through our official film website (link below). Thank you!

Website: Miles & Trials: Running Towards 2012

Official Chicago Marathon Program (page 20)

(click image to enlarge)

We've got a full-page article about the film in the Official Program of the 2010 Chicago Marathon, published by "Chicago Athlete" magazine. I happened upon it by accident while I was waiting to meet the Executive Director of the Chicago Area Runners Association in his office today. I knew that an article would be published in the Program but thought it would be just a small blurb. Imagine my surprise seeing this big spread when I didn't expect it to even be out yet :) 

When this article went to press, three of our four athletes were scheduled to run Chicago and attempt to qualify for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials. However, as is the case when filming a documentary, the story can change from day to day. If I could script it out, all of the girls would qualify for the Trials and there would be five spots on the U.S. Olympic Marathon team. (including one for Tera Moody!) As of today, which of our ladies will be doing the Chicago Marathon is unconfirmed. Unfortunately, Christina pulled her hamstring last Sunday during a planned 20-miler and is uncertain about her ability to qualify in Chicago. We're all rooting for a quick recovery for Little C by 10/10/10! Due to where she is in her training cycle, Beth has decided to save her attempt for a late winter or spring marathon, while Alona has elected to postpone a qualifier for a date TBD. I am not sure what Claudia's plans are but should know soon. Anything can happen when you're following a group of elite athletes, so stay tuned!

Epic Challenge = Epic Impact

I'd like to share a video that I produced for our top U.S. Marathoner, Ryan Hall and his Hall Steps Foundation. It's about how running for charity can make an impact on the world. I feel honored and privileged to have been given this task because I know that doing something that we love can really make a difference to others :)
Hall Steps Foundation Charity Promo 091110