Jeff Harbeck
Hampshire, IL
Total Raised: $1,775.00
1. Tell us about yourself and your family?
I am 27 yrs old and the Lord has blessed me with the most wonderful woman Alanna for a wife. My son Payson Jeffrey Mitchell is 20 months old he cracks me up daily. We are 2 weeks away from our daughter Lola joining us! I enjoy the outdoors and extremes sports like snowboarding and mountain climbing, unfortunately I live in the plains so I don’t get to do it as often as I would like.
2. Have you ever done a half or full marathon before?
Laugh, I am the guy who always wondered why people did these things. No
3. What are your biggest challenges for this race and what is your goal?
Probably not to get hurt and die of boredom
4. How did you know Mitch?
Mitch was my cousin, brother, and absolute best friend in the world. We had a very deep bond and who I am as a person is directly attributed to his friendship in my life. I miss him daily but am so happy for the days the Lord gave us together. I truly look forward to being reunited with him in heaven and think about it often.
5. Why are you doing this race for MSF?
I was reading all the bios on this site and got the feeling Mitch would have pushed me to do it. Running long distance has never really interested me but I got a thought of him saying “don’t be a pansy” so I figured I might as well run. I am very proud of the MSF and love taking a part in all the Lord is doing through it.
Journal
October Update • Monday, October 01, 2007
1. Would you or are you planning on running this distance again?
I was surprised to find out I did not dislike the run as much as I thought I would. I recovered extremely quick and though I don’t have plans to run a half-marathon now it is not out of the question.
2. Lastly please write something to each of your sponsors, it can be a thank you, you can let them know we met our goal; share a verse, something from your heart.
Of course I am extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the people who sponsored MSF through my name. For me it is so extremely helpful to continue to see God working through Mitch’s homecoming. A verse that many of you have heard me quote is Phil 4:7 “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” That verse has been a staple in my life since Mitch has left us. I know that with out that peace that comes from God each day would be even more difficult than it is. And again seeing the incredible support for Mitch’s foundation is overwhelming! Thank You!!!
September Update • Wednesday, August 29, 2007
1. Share with us your workout schedule for August?
I have logged a number of miles with 10 being the longest run. I also run a 2 mile run and a 5-6 mile run each week. I have been surprised considering I started my training so late with my progress. I feel really good and plan on running 12 miles as my long run 2 weeks before the race. I admire those of you doing the full marathon for the time commitment is big!
2. How are you holding up physically and mentally?
Physically I feel really good. Mentally ... I don’t know how anyone could possibly do this without an IPOD. It would be extremely boring. :)
3. Athlete’s Journal: Please make this your journal for the month of August and share with us everything and anything you would like?
For anyone who is reading this eblast and has not supported any of the runners, I wanted to take this time to encourage you to do so. Many men and women have put in some serious hours and miles for truly a great cause. The foundation is doing amazing things for Christ and His Kingdom! Not many foundations can say that every penny of your donation is going directly to the projects funding as MSF has no overhead costs. I don’t know about you but its nice to know that your donations are truly being used on the front lines.
I have stated that thoughts of Mitch have truly driven me to run this race. I also want to dedicate my run to my best friend and brother! I will be wearing Mitch’s red Nike running shoes in the race. Anyone who knew Mitch will smile when they see these bright shiny shoes smacking the pavement mile after mile. Luckily Mitch and I wore the same size shoe or it may not have worked. :)
I am extremely grateful to God for the ability and strength he has given me and the other runners to run this race for such a noble cause. Thanks to all for your support. And I will see you at the finish line!
August Update • Monday, July 30, 2007
1. What makes you keep going on a day when you just aren’t having a good run or training day?
Haven’t had any bad days per say yet, knock on wood.
2. What things are you doing to prepare physically and mentally for the marathon?
I have pushed up my weight training which has always helped me in the past with my focus and discipline.
3. In what ways are your family or friends helping support you while training?
My wife is always in support of my athletic endeavors, however considering she is about to go into labor at any point I don’t think its at the top of her mind. :)
Is there anyone in particular that helps motivate you?
Not necessarily I have always been pretty good at keeping myself motivated.
4. Athletes Journal:
Staying focused on 5 days a week of mixture of weights playing basketball, running on treadmill, and running outside.
July Update • Thursday, July 12, 2007
1. With three months remaining before your race what’s going through your mind?
Honestly? What did I get myself into! (laugh) But seriously I have always been someone who works out pretty regularly but I have not always been one who is excited about distance running. So I am just feeling my way through this thing.
2. What is your training schedule for the month of July?
Hmmm… Training? Oh yea I guess run…run some more…and uh just keep running!
3. What is your long run up to?
About 3 miles and I figure that’s pretty good considering my first run was July 5th.
4. Athletes Journal:
For me my athletic endeavors which have often included climbing mountain peaks have always been a mind thing. I think so much of being successful in a difficult task is mental.
Sponsors
Randy Benner • $150.00
You the man!!!Dennis & Darcy Staaland • $330.00
Andy and Abby DeVore • $200.00
Don't run slow motion for me. I want to see you full on night movin, yo!!! Andy Run your buns! Love, AbbyColee • $20.00
Doing this for Mitch..our buddy! 5 days away from three years without him...I'm praying for you! Keep training hard!Alanna • $100.00
Three years tomorrow, and I know you miss him no less. I feel so blessed to be a witness to a true friendship, closer than brotherhood. No one can ever fill his shoes, but you can run in them for a good cause! Mitch would be proud... keep runnin! Can't wait to see you two reunited in eternity... what a wonderful promise. I love you, you make me so proud to be your wife. Love, AlannaKyle, Arrean, & JD • $50.00
8/14: We pray that God will give you a special peace and comfort today. We know Mitch is proud of how you have grown in the past 3 years...we are proud of you too. He will be cheering you on as you run Sept 9 (or lauging if you are running too slow).Bob and Gaye Swaback • $250.00
August 14th 2007 Today is Mitch's day he's smiling down on you. You better do good he'll be watching! We Love Youbrad swaback • $200.00
Go Jeff!Robert Jones • $250.00
Joe Golminas • $100.00
Dennis, Sheri, Toby • $25.00
Go Jeff! We are rooting for you! Go get 'em FrenchyLee Serritella • $50.00
Good luck. This is much safer than climbing some silly mountain.Ivan Meiring • $50.00
I had to make sure you were going to finish this before I sponsored. Seriously though, congrats on a great race and helping out a great cause. I can't wait to school you in Mitch's gym!Thank you for your support. Mitchell Swaback Charities is a non-profit organization, exempt from federal income under section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Service code.
IRS Letter of Determination (.pdf, 393Kb)
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