Update 4/23/09: Done!  Official finish time 4:40:11.  No further injuries, and today I can walk down stairs without grimmacing.  :-)  Still accepting donations in celebration of the effort!  Many thanks to everyone who came out to cheer for me on the course. 

Update 4/17/09: Track my progress on race-day.  You can get text or email messages when I reach 10K, 13.1 mi, 30K and finish.  My leg is healing well, so I fully expect to reach each of those in good time.

Update 4/12/09: I developed a slight tear in my right calf around my 20-mile run (full story here).  I have been treating it with RICE and doing some aquajogging, but I need all the prayers and good energy you can send.  The knowledge that so many people have donated to MBHP in support of my run helps me to stay positive.  I'll be thinking of all of you as I cross the finish line on April 20th (even if it takes longer than I hoped!)

There is still time to donate.  As promised, my mom will get a "discreet, running-related" tattoo in honor of our reaching $6500.  Remember: there's a year of Peet's coffee for the top fundraiser or donor under 35. Top donor or fundraiser over-all gets personal chef service for six (or Jesse's baked goods, if you're long-distance.)  Donors of $262+ get 1 hour free gardening or running consultation with me.

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Medford Transcipt Article about my fundraising

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Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!  On April 20, 2009, I ran the marathon in Boston to raise funds for Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, Inc. 

The current economic situation and its roots in the foreclosure crisis make support of MBHP even more essential now than ever.  MBHP recognizes that stable housing is the basis for success in employment, family life, education, and mental health.  Not only do their programs ensure safe, affordable housing for many families in the Boston area, they help people to make the changes to stay housed.  Check out their programs and success stories for yourself.

In 2008, my partner Jesse and I made a 3-year, $3,000 commitment to support his workplace, MBHP.  I enjoy challenging friends to give, using my own donations as leverage. I also use my running to challenge and support my friends in setting and acheiving their own health and fitness goals.  It feels natural to me to combine these two passions to raise funds for MBHP.  Alone, we may struggle to get out the door on a cold morning, but with a running buddy, we can prepare for our first 5K or our our first marathon.  Individually, we may not be able to write a check for $6,500, but together we can raise or surpass that goal, to help those whose budgets are even tighter than our own.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. You can also save MBHP the 7.5% service charge by sending a check to Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, 598 A Main St., Medford, MA 02155.  Any amount will help!  You can even buy a mile! 

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!  There will be an award for the person who raises the most through challenges (your friends should write: "Challenged by [your name] in the comments field). 

Follow my progress on Facebook,  Twitter (follow carolyn_ev) or my training blog.