Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon

Breakthrough Urban Ministries is now an official charity (bronze level) of the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon and we need runners! If you're thinking of signing up for this race, or already have - we NEED you! :)


RACE DETAILS
Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon
Sunday, August 2, 2009
6:30 AM
http://www.rnrchicago.com/


REGISTRATION
Click on this link to register. Register with the code:BREAK to get a $10 discount on the registration fee.
http://www.rnrchicago.com/reginfo.html

The registration fees get higher as we approach race day. Sign up soon to guarantee yourself a spot in the race AND to save some dough!

• $70 (through 4/30/09)
  
• $85 (5/1/09 – 7/26/09)
  
• $95 at Expo

FUNDRAISING INFORMATION
Breakthrough Urban Ministries is using this event to raise funds and awareness for the work that's being done to serve under-resourced individuals in Chicago. (There will be a nominal fee to cover the cost of the racing singlet and administrative costs.)

1. We will have team singlets. More information on that to follow shortly.
2. We will also have an online fundraising page for our runners. Those details will follow shortly as well.
   
3. Please let me know when you register for this race (or if you've already registered and want to run for Breakthrough) so that I can let you know when the fundraising pages are ready and get your size for the racing singlet. (Email me at amanda.bratschie@gmail.com).
   

TRAINING PROGRAMS
Never been in a long race before? No worries! You have a lot of options for training! I've listed just a few below:

Here's a link to two training programs that were recommended on the race's official website - CARA and Chicago Endurance Sports: http://www.rnrchicago.com/training.html

Also, they're offering a free online training program for this race that looks pretty good. Be sure to get the coupon code on this page for the free download:NBChicagoTRAIN
http://training.active.com/ActiveTrainer/listing.do?listing=873&distance=Half%20Marathon.

This is also a really great training program for first time half-marathoners: http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm. It's Hal Higdon's training schedule for novice runners and I've had success using this schedule in past races. (His schedules are simple and easy to use).

Also - we're going to try out some group long runs along the Lake Shore path on Saturday mornings around 7 AM. If you're close to downtown and the South Loop, that would be a great way to make sure you get your long runs in. I'll email more details about that later, but be sure to email me if you're interested! :)

QUESTIONS?
Just ask! You can reach me on my cell phone at (312) 613-0202 or via email at amanda.bratschie@gmail.com. We need 25 runners and are looking for loved ones to join our cheering section too, so be sure to tell all of your friends about this one. The more, the merrier!

the Living Spaces Project is underway!

Hey everyone!

The Living Spaces Project is now officially underway! Consider purchasing an item of furniture for one or all of the 5 rooms that Willow Chicago is furnishing.

Just click on this link: http://www.breakthroughministries.com/furnish/ and shop away! The process is quick and easy and you'll be helping to make a HUGE different in the lives of those who might need a hand to get started on the right track.

And get your family, friends, small groups and even co-workers involved. Maybe your small group can buy a desk together? Or your circle of friends would want to pitch in for a mini-fridge! Ask around and get involved.

Arloa at Willow Chicago 4/26

Our own lovely Arloa Sutter (the founder of Breakthrough Urban Ministries) came to our Willow Chicago campus and agreed to be interviewed as part of our service this past Sunday (4/26). She did a great job talking about the work that Breakthrough does and even the vision she has for Breakthrough in the future (the Familyplex Center).

And, of course, she left us with a an encouraging challenge: 'get out there and do it'. There's something so "duh" about that statement. If we see needs, we should meet them. She also stated the beauty of really being able to see God clearly work in the lives of the poor and downtrodden. If this is the first time you've heard Arloa speak, it's a common theme that she addresses. And one that is so wonderful and almost understated. She makes it so that you can't help but WANT to love the seemingly unlovely, even if only to catch a better glimpse of God.

Thanks, Arloa! I always love hearing you speak! :)

(And for young, married couples out there - Arloa will be speaking to the Young Married Creekers group next Thursday night, 5/7. Call me if you want more information on that. We're trying to pack the house with people interested in meeting and being with Arloa!)

April Meals - Seder Dinners

This April, we're going to do something a little different for both of our meal opportunities at Breakthrough. We're going to host a speaker from the group Messiah in the Passover to give a presentation about a traditional Passover Meal (AKA Seder).

Steven Slava Ilchishin will be joining us at both the Men's facility on 4/9 and the Women's Facility (Joshua Center) on 4/17.

If you've experienced one of these meals and/or presentations before, you know how cool this can be. Please, let us know if you can join us. We'd love to have you. But, as always - remember that space fills up quickly at our Monthly Meals, so remember to sign up as soon as you can if you're interested.

Arloa is coming to speak at Willow Chicago!

Hey everyone! Arloa Sutter, the founder of Breakthrough Urban Ministries, has agreed to take part in the service on Sunday, 4/26!

Arloa is a wonderfully inspiring person. Please take this opportunity to get to meet Arloa and shake her hand!