Holy Trinity Parishioner Running For Vocations in Marine Corps Marathon

Chris Kehoe, a parishioner, will run his first marathon this weekend, a goal before his approaching 50th birthday. Kehoe has been training and fundraising to support the Archdiocese of Washington’s “Run for Vocations.”

The 2011 Run for Vocations team is made up of 212 participants—47 will run in the full marathon, 165 will participate in the 10K. Four priests and 15 seminarians are on the team. Each runner has a minimum fundraising goal of $500 for the full Marathon and $250 for the 10K.

The 36th annual Marine Corps Marathon is Sunday, Oct. 30.

Patch: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Kehoe: I currently work as a Finance Director for the Archdiocese of Washington and they are my sponsor for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Patch: How did you get involved in the run for vocations?

Kehoe: I evaluated many of the great organizations, particularly veteran's groups, to partner with for a sponsorship. In the end I chose the Archdiocese of Washington, Run for Vocations Team not because they are my employer but because I believe it's important to support those men who receive the calling to lead the Catholic faithful. I think it especially important during these troubled times in society, partially mirrored in the priesthood itself.

Growing up Catholic I have known and respected many clergy throughout the course of my life. I appreciate their sacrifice and responsibility for our spiritual development. They are there for us during our greatest joys such as a baptism or marriage as well as our greatest sorrows such as the death of a loved one.  The important thing is that a Priest is always there when we are in our greatest need. How can we not support that? Their vocation is in some ways similar to our marathon, very difficult, very rewarding but a lifetime long.

Patch: Have you run a race of this length in the past? How have you trained?

Kehoe: I'm one of the team members who has never run a marathon before, though I have completed many other shorter road races. A recent goal I imagined was to run a marathon before I turned 50 which is rapidly approaching. I've been training since about June. A couple of weeks ago I ran the Army 10 miler and felt pretty good afterward, it was a perfect day for that race.  Preparation has taken a great deal of commitment which is difficult to do given the complexities of family life. I wish I could have spent more time training and evaluating my performance and pains as well. 

Patch: What do you hope your physical exertion will accomplish for this cause? What have been some of your more humbling moments?

One learns a great deal about oneself, both physically and mentally, training for this type of thing. Frequently running for numerous hours at a stretch is a challenge, for me at least. Recently after a couple of hours in the rain at night I just gave up, mentally. Luckily a metro attendant didn't pity my cold, wet dog look when I was broke and attempted to take a warm train the rest of the way home. Later I was glad I was forced to finish the run. 

A few weeks back I was on a long run, from Georgetown to Old Town and back on the Mt. Vernon trail in mid day when I became completely physically drained and walked the last few miles in a stupor. This was largely because I was used to running at cooler times of the day, with better hydration and something in my stomach beforehand.

Patch: What have you learned through this process?

Kehoe: Sometimes my knees feel like they've been whacked by a hammer, I've been sleepless from evening runs and have even shed pounds I can ill afford while eating like a horse. I have had to educate myself about over-pronation, IT-Bands and nutritional supplements. My team members dispense useful advice as do other marathoners I've spoken with, kind of like an extended support group, it's been wonderful.

Patch: Final thoughts?

Kehoe: The big day is at hand and I hope the weather is dry and my body is hydrated. Cheer us all on and help me help our vocations office to develop future priests by sponsoring my efforts.