TheRaceForGrace.com

Hi everyone –
I attached a document that I put together so that I’ll always remember Ironman weekend (it’s long…sorry!).  For those that went you truly understand how incredible the weekend was and why so many people go back year after year, even just to watch the event. 
I finished in 12:11:22. I’m still recovering, but am glowing – if it wasn’t for this disc problem in my back I’d be fine and ready to get out there again!!
Thanks to everyone for their support.  We have raised over $7500 for Grace!!
Liz

Ironman experience.doc

Grace is 3 today, Happy Birthday!

Hi there Friends of Grace,
So many of you perhaps kicked your prayers into high gear, because a day after sending my last email, Grace began to stabilize somewhat.  God must have gotten bombed the other day so Thank you for continuing to hold Grace in prayer. 
Grace will be turning 3 on Saturday, July 28th.  Many of you know I have had a “feeling” about her perhaps not turning 3.  I feel better and better about her birthday and I can comfortably begin to put that “feeling” to rest.  It has been a difficult thought in the back of my mind, as so many of you know, I also had a “feeling” about Grace before she was even born, so I typically don’t ignore my intuitions.  Getting to this point is a celebration and perhaps things will settle for Grace and become more peaceful.  Maybe the feeling I have had all along just meant a change so I will pray for stability for Grace and for peace to settle into her little mind and exhausted body.
The attached “Race for Grace Thank You Acknowledgement” letter was sent (Blind Carbon Copy- BCC) to well over 100 people.   It will be posted on very soon on the website - http://www.theraceforgrace.com/   Please distribute it to whomever you feel should see it.  I can only rely on you to help me thank all those thousands and thousands of people who supported the event.
Thank You.
Tara

Hi Everyone, 
It’s been an exciting day for us.  Liz McDonough completed the Ironman Triathlon today after 12 hours, 11 minutes of swimming, biking and running!! 
Her husband, Chris called me throughout the day and made sure I was “there” for the whole event.  Her personal goal was 13 hours and she had 49 minutes to spare!
I spoke to her minutes after she finished and she sounded amazing.  I could hear the huge smile on her face.  I had been praying for her and holding a lump in my throat for her all day so I was finally able to let it out with her on the phone.  Liz told me that she ended up running next to a woman named Grace much of the way.  I was certain that was no coincidence.   I know without a doubt that Grace was with her the whole way.  Liz told me when she was getting tired and hurting, she thought of Grace and how Grace would be “more than happy” to be able to do it herself if she could.
Grace continues to bless me and my family with incredible people and experiences.  We are continually thankful for these blessings of love that enter our lives in the midst of the darkness we live with.  Liz and so many others have been able to shine light into our darkness and for that, we are so grateful. 
Thank you Liz.  Like I told you on the phone, our journey together with Grace is far from over now that the triathlon is done.  We have just begun.  Looking forward to many memories with Liz and so many of you all. 
I will ask you all for prayers, as Grace has not been doing well for quite a few weeks.  We’re not sure why but like Liz, we will persevere and keep moving forward.  I know that things will settle for Grace and us at some point, but right now we are definitely in a difficult place.  Just like the endorphines, that kicked in for Liz, our faith always kicks in for us and we make it to the next “leg” of our journey.  We’ll get there. 
Thanks to God for bringing Liz safely to the finish line!! 
Love,
Tara

Hi to All!
For those of you who missed this article in the Providence Journal…click below http://www.projo.com/sports/carolynthornton/sp_ct11_07-11-07_J76ATFS.35ea077.html

Liz McDonough is a wonderful and incredibly supportive person.  The triathalon is this Sunday.  Please send prayers of strength to Liz.  She has raised over $6,000 in honor of Grace so far. 
-Tara