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• » Jeri Lou Zike

Jeri Lou Zike

Lake Forest, IL
Total Raised: $6,145.00

My name is Jeri-Lou Zike.  Please forgive me for I must confess that I was never one to color within the lines or paint by numbers as directed, so to answer specific questions in the format given is virtually impossible.

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a wife and stepmother, a professional concert violinist, a violin teacher, a contractor of musicians and a symphony orchestra, a co-owner and manager of three luxury high-rise condos that are short term hotel-like rental units in downtown Chicago.  However, I could do none of these with excellence were it not for a balancing of my passion for athletics and nutrition.  Gaye and Bob Swaback are my cousins and closest friends and Mitch was my second cousin.

Fitness is my life; it is indispensable.  I have no alternative, no choice, but to act out this inner drive that seems entirely right for me.  Sport will not build character; it will do something better.  It makes me free.  It has tremendous potential for self-revelation each day.  What running does is allow creativity in me to happen.  It cannot be forced and cannot be produced on demand.  Running frees me from that urgency, that ambition and those goals.  It is during my athletics that I can escape from the stress of my mind and await the revelation of truly what is important and true.

I have been an athlete for 7 years and have enjoyed the training and finishing many half marathons, marathons and my favorite which is triathlons; the combination of swimming, cycling, and running.

My goal this summer will be to compete in my first half ironman in July, but the marathon is what I wish to be adopted and sponsored.  I believe in the MSF for its vision of reaching out towards those who are less fortunate, and responding to those in need.  Whether it be a new building for orphans in Peru, giving major face lifts to an inner city shelter, or providing a gym and bleachers for kids that desperately need a place of safety, movement, fun, and community.  Where else would you find a foundation that gives a 100% of donations directly towards the mission intended?

My greatest challenge is not the marathon, for training and discipline are second nature to me.  The difficulty is the asking of sponsorship because now my silent journey of training will be known and watched.

I am a competitor in my heart and I fear that I will now react to being watched and monitored both in my results with the marathon and how much money I will raise for the foundation.  I am humbled by that challenge and ask that YOU adopt me and sponsor for the reasons only to give back for we have been given so much.  Go beyond what you think you can give, for all these who train will be asking their bodies to do the same.  I leave you with a picture of both myself and my dear husband Jim, for he is the hero. He supports my passion and never asks me to shorten my training time for he understands what it means to my life.  I look forward to our correspondence and your generosity.  Thank you ever so much.

Journal

October Update  •  Monday, October 01, 2007

On September 23rd, I walked for the first time in a shoe in 14 weeks.  I walked 5 minutes slowly on the treadmill and I happened to notice that day looking back at my athletic chart that 14 weeks to that exact day I had run 15 miles.  I do know that the 5 minute walk in a shoe for the first time out of the cast and boot was harder than the 15 mile run.
I have learned patience that the Lord felt I needed to learn and an understanding for those who are handicapped and elderly who struggle.

The Friday before the race I will go to the expo and pick up my marathon tee-shirt that I will only wear to bed since I don't deserve to wear it in public because of a strong belief that if you don't run...you don't wear it.  Saturday, I will cry a bit from the loss of all the training and not being able to run with the foundation.

Sunday:  I will be so excited for all the runners and supporting them with all I have.  I've had my great Chicago marathon experiences in the past, so for this year, it is their turn to revel. I will be more nervous about the race than if I was running it  because my main trainee (BOB) is running for the first time.  He is my only objective:  to get him across that finish line with joy and no injury.

September Update  •  Wednesday, August 29, 2007

My broken leg is healing.  I had x-rays taken on Aug. 13th and my wonderful surgeon said my fibula is growing and fixing itself faster than expected.  I'll be in a walking boot with limited pressure on that foot by August 23rd.  I have set up my physical therapy appointments probably WAY to early...but I'm ready to start training in a new way!  I hope to be able to swim in less than a month.  Meanwhile, my upper body strength work at the gym and the "wheeling" around my neighborhood in my wheelchair like a mad woman in training has me totally ready to go back stronger into my three sports than ever.

My three trainee's have kept my spirits so high with their on target training and following and listening to every word I say. It is so gratifying to see Jamie, Bob and Nicolee grow as fit athletes and being able to reach these goals.  What a privilege to be their teacher and trainer.

My plea for donations to the foundation even though I'm not running was sent out last week and already the money is flowing in for our great cause.  Believe me, to ask for donations to sponsor me in a race that I'm not running was a hard email to push the send button.

Now, as I reflect upon it, this IS the true goal;
not hitting the finish line hard...but raising funds to give to people in need.  I feel as though I am running, just in my spirit and heart!

August Update  •  Friday, July 27, 2007

July 8th:  I broke my leg doing a short 3 mile run six days before accomplishing my dream, goal and vision of seven years.  This is one of the greatest learning lessons I've ever had to go through.   All six triathlon races, half marathon and full marathon are now gone.  My entire training is over for a season. I am not allowed to put any weight on my leg after extensive surgery to correct the broken fibula.  I am forced into a sedentary quiet lifestyle.  I shall call it what it is for me:  PRISON for my spirit is broken and dying.

What keeps me going?
My last paragraph from my journal's entry submitted last month for the websight.  I did see everyday that I was allowed to train and move with freedom and ease as such a gift.  I dedicated Him each day and was so grateful and thankful.  Knowing that my heart was in the right place makes me know that some day in the future I will be there again.

What prepares me mentally and physically for the marathon?
It will be the hardest thing  NOT to be running and attend that race.  I could run two marathons in a row mentally easier than not running it and being present to support those whom I love.

What is motivating me each day?
I have adopted these scriptures to help me gain perspective, timing, the Lord's plan for my life.  HIS words are the only motivating factor.

GROW STRONG IN YOUR WEAKNESS
Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina. Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty. Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate a lack of faith. On the contrary, weak ones like you must walk by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day. I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than on your own understanding. Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen when. My preference is for you to depend on me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed. This is how you grow strong in your weakness. (James 4:13-15; Isaiah 40:31)

July Update  •  Tuesday, July 03, 2007

As I enter the beginning of July, I am faced with the reality that my half iron man training is just about coming to completion. I have 11 days until I will compete in a consecutive enduranthon as a triathlete that involves a 1.2 mile swim, 56 bike and then a half marathon of 13.1 miles of running.

I know that I have done all the training that is required of me at this point.  To be sure of all the small details of racing a triathlon, I have done several shorter races to learn my mistakes and the joys of the community of athletes one meets at these events.

The last eleven days is a tapering effect of shorter hours required so that the body begins to recover and heal to the point that the morning of July 14 Saturday, I should wake up and feel brand new and itching to move my body without any fatigue, tightness or soreness.  I am saddened about the taper, for I love training long intensity with many hours outdoors and accomplishing my goals.  I will miss my training as a friend who says good-bye.

Deep in my heart I know that I need this taper and that as soon as this half ironman is finished, I will once again begin my long running toward the marathon in October.  I am on target for the marathon for my longest run has been 16 miles, therefore I am confident I can pick up where I left off.

I look forward now to finishing this large goal of the summer and then writing my letter to my friends and family to start raising funds for the MSF for the marathon.  I knew I had to wait until after this first event to keep my eyes focused on what is before me and to wait a bit longer so the impact of the letter is sooner to the date of the marathon so they can respond. I've never raised monies for a foundation for a race and I can't wait to see the outcome of what the Lord will lay on my friend's to give to such a great cause.

I have been humbled by this experience that I actually am fortunate to have the time to train and for that I'm ever grateful to our Lord for that gift.  I am humbled as I experience the anxiety, fears and pre race jitters, but this brings me to my knees and puts all into perspective.  I am growing and that is what matters in my heart.

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