Willow Creek DuPage Team World Vision

First Annual Reflection Projection Run

2010-12-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-04-12T10:04:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-16T14:57:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-11-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-10-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-10-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-27T11:58:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-09-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

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???

2008-09-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

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

20 Mile Update - Almost there...

2008-09-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

We had a great turnout for the first 20 mile run. It was nice to see some new faces joining in for the long pleasurable (not) journey.

We had another Jason sighting (in the back with the helmet next to Steve the comedian) but again this was only while he was standing still... I think I saw him go by the hydration stations but I can't be sure.

We had some welcome additional support from a few of the injured and a couple of the curious. It's been quite fun with people getting accustomed to seeing the bright orange shirts along the path on Saturdays and we are getting used to seeing some of the same faces training on the other teams as well. I know we saw several from Team Ellijah and shared some cheers, high fives and gatorade. We're looking forward to October 12th and the end of this year's run, but at the same time I'm sure we'll all miss it. O.K. well maybe not all of us...

Does anyone know what the initials W.C.T.U at the base of the fountain mean?

The first person to email me at glennbingham@gmail.com with the correct answer wins a semi-fabulous prize.

I think it stands for Willow Creek Therapy Unit and until someone convinces me otherwise that's what it means and for those that have found so much relief in it's waters, I doubt that they would disagree.

So how much money have we raised for our cause so far?

As of this posting, Team Willow DuPage has raised $16,102!

While we all have individual goals, the answer to the question of our team goal is as much as possible! The goal of Team World Vision is $1.5 million. The people of Zambia and the children of God who are serving there truly need all that we are able to provide.

While we have forged many new friendships and have had many joys and pains along the way, the important part of this are the people in need and will remain that way unless we and others like us step up and do something to change it.

We really do need your help and thank you for your support.

As we do every Saturday, we'll be back at it again at 7:00 am on the 13th. You are always welcome to join in for the fun of the run, biking along with the runners, helping out with hydration, or greeting the runners at the therapy unit at the end.

Feel free to email with any questions at glennbingham@gmail.com

Coming Up! First 20 Mile Run - Saturday September 6th

2008-08-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

The team has been training very hard on an almost daily basis since April. This Saturday is our first 20 mile run and the most difficult so far. The runners will be pushed to their physical and mental limits over several hours in preparation of the big day, October 12th and completing 26.2 miles for Team World Vision.

We welcome your support this coming Saturday and here's how you can participate and cheer the team on.

Bring lawn chairs, signs, cow bells if you have them, a thermos, or beverage (for yourself) and lots of applause. There will be three locations that we recommend to gather to cheer.

note: With the exception of the start time and the 4 mile mark the times listed are estimates only. After that point it varies greatly.

Gatorade station at the 4 mile (7:45 am) and 16 mile mark after 9:30 ish (same place) which is on Pleasant Hill Road north of Jewell

Gatorade station at the 7 mile (about 8:15 am)and 13 mile mark (same place) which is near College Station on Crescent east of President St. in Wheaton

The fountain at the end of the run (after 10:00 am)

The runners all meet every Saturday at the Wiillow Creek DuPage office located at 131 Main Street in West Chicago at 7:00 am and leave towards the Prairie Path going east at precisely 7:15

If you would like to run with the team, or would like to bike along please join us at 7:00.

The runners will be coming down the prairie path and take the path east towards Wheaton. The run will go 10 miles out, then 10 miles back ending at the beloved fountain in downtown West Chicago which is a sight to see.

The first point to really cheer them on is at the 4 mile mark which is on Pleasant Hill Road where the path intersects. This is north of Jewell Road and south of Geneva Rd. This is kind of the HQ for the runs and we will have a Gatorade station set up here. The runners hit the 4 mile mark just after 7:45 am and will come back this way after 9:30 am.

The next place that the runners will be is at the 7 mile mark which is south of the railroad tracks at College Station on Crescent Wheaton just east of President St. There is lots of parking available and we will have another Gatorade station here. The leads runners will probably come through this area for the first time at about probably around 8:15 or a little after.
The runners will turn around after Hill Avenue and come back the same way. Figure that the fastest one of our runners is around an 8:00 mile and some are around 12:00 and everything in between. If you know one of the runners, they should be able to tell you their pace and you can pretty much guess where they will be and at what time.

The most enjoyable part for the whole team is the fountain at the finish line (see previous posts). Best case the first one back would come in after 10:00 am. with everybody back probably by 10:45. At this point everyone pretty much licks their wounds, cools off, thanks God for helping them through, and get ready to do it again next week.

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

We appreciate your support and will really really really look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Takin' on the World!

2008-08-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

These guys are fired up and ready to go! Only 13 miles and low humidity make all the difference in the world. We want to see these same poses NEXT week after the 20 mile run.

The team is doing absolutely great and every week is bringing us one step closer to a lot of things.
Steve was relaxed enough after the run to go bobbing for apples but we let him down easy and had to tell him they're not really in there. We had him going for a while though.

Next week, September 6th is where the rubber meets the road so to speak.

20 miles, and your support will be much needed and appreciated. Cheers and smiles go a long way to helping everyone reach their goals.

Again, no Jason photos. I know you're thinking he must be some fictitious being like the Loch Ness monster, but trust me, he's a real person and I've seen him!

On a serious note, I for one am extremely proud of all of you and what you are doing. Who you are, what you're doing, every day, of every week for some many months. Dealing with aches and pains, lose screws from prior sugeries, and I know from what I've seen just how much it would take to stop any one of you from finishing what you've set out to do. Sure you want to cross that finish line, but there's so much more that's so much bigger.

Doing what you're doing all for our brothers and sisters in need using the gifts and hearts that God has blessed you with and has entrusted you with.

Thank you, and may God keep you healthy and be with you for now, your last 26.2 miles, and beyond.

Glenn

Saturday Schedule

2008-08-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

A short run and nice weather for this week.

We have two of our runners that will be running 1/2 marathons this weekend. Lisa will be in Batavia on Sunday, and Chong Siew in Oak Brook on Monday, however we should see them both Saturday so wish them well.

For the remaining runners the distances are:

Beginners - 12 miles - Turn around at Hale Street.

Intermediate - 13 miles - Turn around at the parking lot at Wheaton College. You should see the Stadium (not quite the Bird's Nest) but 6.5 miles is short of that.

Team Run With Ryan Hall September 27th

2008-08-27T05:35:00.001-07:00

Olympian and Team World Vision runner Ryan Hall will be joining us for a training run in downtown Chicago on September 27th.

More details to follow but save the date!

Congratulations Jason and Mike!!!

2008-08-25T03:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! Hot and humid...

2008-08-23T13:18:00.001-07:00

Before...

After...

The runners definitely pushed it to the limits today. Next week will be easy in comparison. The humidity definitely took it's toll on our finely tuned athletes. I don't think that anyone there cruised through this one by any stretch, well, even our resident speedster (18 miles in 2:23) Jason felt it, just a lot faster than everyone else.

Check out Paul's expression of what I could only describe as elated determination when Paul was reminded of the cooling fountain that awaited.

Notice that there aren't any photos of Jason?? He's too fast for the camera! Must be those pretty shorts of his which we did manage to get a picture of when he was standing still. I'd run fast if I were wearing those too.

The first hydration task Saturday was not to one of the runners however. It was to none other than our Mobile Hydration and Supplies Manager, Peggy!

Peggy takes her job rather seriously and went for a run before everyone this morning and experienced first hand the extent of the humidity so that she could better communicate the specific conditions that the runners would be facing. Should the runners face needs other than mere hydration...

Peggy is of course prepared for that as well... (yes, that's Charmin)

As far as injuries go, Chong Siew joined the list today and we are awaiting reports on Melissa's bone in her shin. Severe heel pain took Chong Siew out at mile 7 and she caught a ride back to HQ in the support vehicle. Looks like we might need to hook up a gurney to Peggy's bike...

Everyone left it all out there and it was very special and wonderful to see how the team has pulled for one another. While we all come from different places, we're all in the same place together now and determined to make a difference by allowing God to work through us. I know that this is one of those journeys that I will remember for a lifetime as well as the people that were a part of it.

August 23rd Run

2008-08-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

Beginners: 16 miles - Turn around 1 mile past College Station (White two story office building on the right side of the trail) I'll mark it before Saturday

Intermediate: 18 miles - Turn around at the beginning of the bridge over Taylor street

This Says it All...

2008-08-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

There's a reason for everything, and although I'm certain that the city of West Chicago planners never intended it to be used for this, it is a welcome sight at the end of the training runs.

The longest run so far and the training is paying off. Peggy was a welcome addition as our roving support person, providing much needed assistance along the route on the bicycle, THANK YOU Peggy!

One injury this week, that being Duke with a knee problem late in the run. Please pray for his recovery and that he be able to continue in his quest to October 12th and completing his goal.

Route and Mileages

2008-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

It's hard to see on this image so here are the turn around points for Saturday:

Beginners: You have a 15 mile run and will turn around 1/2 mile after College Station. The nearest landmark is Hofman Park.

Intermediate: You have a 17 mile run and will turn around at Forest Ave which isn't too far from the Glen Ellyn train station

Advanced: You have a 19 mile run and will have to time yourself after the 9 mile mark (beginning of a bridge) as there are no significant landmarks for the 9.5 mile mark.

Official Team Hot Tub

2008-08-11T16:09:00.001-07:00

This may look like a fountain to many, however this is the official Willow Creek DuPage runner's finish line for each Saturday's run.

I have a feeling that it's going to be a little crowded in there this week...

Get ready team!

2008-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

For those you you who are wondering, here are the distances for this coming Saturday, August 16th:

Beginners: Piece of cake - 15 miles

Intermediate: A modest - 17 miles

Advanced: Walk in the park - 19 miles

Check back by the 15th and you will find accurate distances to the turn around point for your particular run

Here we are!

2008-08-09T18:18:00.001-07:00

Glenn Bingham a.k.a. Willow Creek DuPage Director of Hydration here.

When Steve Spear (our campus Pastor) started talking about World Vision and the Chicago Marathon at Church a few months back, I wasn't the first one there to hear more I assure you. But, my wife Chong Siew was. I saw her going up front to hear more and I knew once again I was in for another adventure... Chong Siew is that way.

We both wanted to be a part of something bigger than just a marathon and to do more of what God put us here to do. Well, golfing, biking and roller blading does not prepare a body very well for the punishment of training for a marathon and at my first 6 mile run I was out with a tendon injury, but there are other ways to contribute.

We have a dedicated team of runners that give of their hearts, minds, and bodies to train almost on a daily basis for a cause that is not only dear to our hearts but so that God can do his works through us here on earth to help those that so desperately need so much. We (and you) have the ability to impact the lives of thousands and we need your help to do it. Please do what you can to give as much as you feel led to and we promise to give of ourselves to bring a change to a very solvable problem. Together we really can make a difference. Thank you for your support.