Miles and Miles...Because I Care-RUN:FREE

It is clear that I am not good at blogging faithfully; however, that is about to change, starting next week.  There is much to update, so this post will most likely be a conglomeration on things I want to catch up on related to this blog.  Much of this blog has been about running, and how I find Jesus, and more of myself through running. 

I have continued to log high volume weeks of running, week after week.  I usually end up running 60+ mile weeks.  I was able to end the year with my highest mileage week ever: 70 miles!!!  See log below.

I ended 2011 with 2,316 total miles run!!!  This was the first year I logged my miles in a book, so I can't compare it to any other year, but I'm pretty sure it's a record year for me.  What is more amazing is that I took 9 weeks off (when I had my stress fracture), and was still able to do that many miles.  And while most people ran on January 1st, starting their New Year's Resolutions, or simply trying to start their year off right, I said, "Whatever, I just ran 70 miles, I'm not doing anything!"

People have continued to ask my why I'm logging so many miles.  They often ask, "what race are you training for?"  I'm not training for a race.  Well, technically I'm running the Fargo Marathon in May.  And while I'm hoping to set a new PR at the flat and fast Fargo Marathon, I'm training for something greater.  I'm taking on a challenge that is bigger than me.  When I think about it, my stomach knots up, wondering if I'm capable of accomplishing what I'm setting out to do.


This is where it get's crazy.......
This summer (last week of June, through the first week of July), I will be running across the state of Minnesota.  Call me crazy, because really, it is.  I will be starting in Watertown, SD, and running eastward, ending near Prescott, WI, totaling over 200 miles, in two weeks.  Why?  Why am I doing this?  I am doing this because all over the world (including the U.S.--we are NOT exempt), women and children are illegally being bought and sold into sex slavery, everyday.  The largest number of women sent to Las Vegas, and forced into sex slavery in the United States, come from my backyard, Minneapolis. There are more human slaves today, than when slavery was legal. Rather than running miles and miles because I love running, I have the opportunity to run for the joy of helping those affected by human trafficking.  There is an organization in China call Eden Ministries, which provides support to women who have been rescued and delivered from human trafficking.  They provide resources and an opportunity for a new life.  They teach women a trade, such as weaving, jewelry making, etc, so they may become self-sustaining women, and not have to return to their former life.  I can run.  And I want to make a difference.

I am running through an organization called Venture Expeditions, which is a non-profit organization that provides an opportunity to raise awareness and funds that benefit social justice causes, and make a difference in the world.  You can see the kind of miles I'll be running through this link:  http://www.ventureexpeditions.org/page/runfree-1 
If you would like to join me on this run, I would LOVE it!!!

If you are interested in supporting me in this journey, here's how you can help.  First, you can be praying.  Pray for the people who are affected by human trafficking.  Pray for the offenders who are running the sex trafficking business.  Pray for me, that I would remain healthy, strong, and smart as I embark on this journey.  Second, you can donate money!  100% of the donations will be going to Eden Ministries to help these women.  You can donate here: https://ventureexpeditions.missionsconnex.com/BreeWilliamson
Third, you can spread the word.  The more we can make people aware, the greater chance we have at putting an end to human trafficking.  And fourth, if you'd like to buy me a pair of running shoes, hey, I wouldn't turn them down, as I'm going through a pair every two months! ;)