November Miles

Total Miles: 32,787

Just to refresh- it takes 7,900 miles to get to Afghanistan!

Way to go!! One more month of tracking miles for 2/7!!!

Can't wait to see how many times we've been there and back!

Welcome Home

Welcome Home
H&S & Golf Company!

We will not forget the fallen of H&S and Golf Company:

Sergeant Michael Washington
Private First Class Michael Patton
Lance Corporal Layton Crass
Private First Class Dawid Pietrek
Captain Eric Terhune
Lance Corporal Andrew Whitacre
Hospital Corpsman Dustin Burnett
Sergeant Jerome Bell Jr.
Corporal Adrian Robles
Lance Corporal San Sim
Specialist Deon Taylor

November Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your NOVEMBER miles! Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by December 15th so I can calculate and share the news here!

I WILL be collecting miles until all of our Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines arrive home- so this will be our last month. Hallelujah!

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home
Weapons & Fox Company!

We will not forget the fallen of Weapons and Fox Company:

Staff Sergeant Christopher Strickland
Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson
Corporal Jason Karella
Captain Trevor Yurista

This month's miles:
4177.25

Total Miles we've accomplished:

War Stories

Aired November 8th, 2008.

Will be released on DVD December 18th, 2008... on Amazon.com.

War Stories- featuring Oliver North embedded with 2/7.

October Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your OCTOBER miles! Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by November 15th so I can calculate and share the news here!

I WILL be collecting miles until all of our Marines from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines arrive home- so keep trucking!

Welcome Home

Welcome Home ECHO Company!

We look forward to the rest of the companies coming home!

Keep moving, we still need those miles for those still overseas!

We will not forget the fallen of Company E...
Sergeant Matthew Mendoza
Corporal Anthony Mihalo

Lance Corporal Jacob Toves
Lance Corporal Juan Lopez-Castaneda

Hero Bracelets

One of my favorite companies- HeroBracelets.org makes copper bracelets in remembrance of those serving, those who have served, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They also donate some of their proceeds to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund so it's an amazing cause. I received this e-mail from the founder and wanted to pass it on to our families.
___

A very gracious donor has offered to purchase Memorial HeroBracelets for the first 100 families that respond will receive a coupon code for $14.50. This will cover the cost of the Memorial HeroBracelet and shipping to anywhere in the Continental US.

This offer really moved us here at HeroBracelets. We’re more than happy to make this work. We do ask though, that recipients of these bracelets ONLY be families that have lost an active duty military member in Iraq and Afghanistan. And we ask that you send us a memorial to your family member that we can post on the HeroBracelets.org Web site. Very simple requests. We hope everyone will honor them.

Please send your requests and memorials to info@herobracelets.org. We will process orders as they come in. We must limit this to the first 100 families that write to us. If, in your order, you choose to order other items, feel free to. Your coupon code will cover the first $14.50 of your order. To those families that have lost a member to the war, we send you our deepest respect, love and condolences.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE PAGE: http://herobracelets.org/?page_id=1082

___

Want to donate yourself?!? Be a Patron... click here.

Welcome to Afghanistan...

We did it AGAIN!

We are back in Afghanistan and on our way home.

Total Miles this month: 4,408

Total Miles : 25,828.00

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners...

Retired Marine, MSgt Tom Hart, biking in support of all Marines of 2/7.

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners...

"Logging my miles for 2/7! Yay Wardogs! "

Rachel Abelson with daughter, Lilly, after running a half marathon.

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners...

Karen Hancock cycling for husband, CDR James Hancock

September Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your SEPTEMBER miles! Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by October 15th so I can calculate and share the news here!

Evening Walk

...Walking on Sunshine...

WHO: Anyone participating in the 2/7 "I ran to Afghanistan" program or anyone who wants to participate... Bring your friends! Wear your 'Ran to Afghanistan' gear!

WHAT: 3 miles ... walk or run

WHEN: Friday, OCTOBER 17 @ 5:00pm

WHERE: The PT Course (off Del Valle, across the street from TMO)

WHY: To build your October miles and meet other wives/loved ones who live in the area. If you can't make it this month- we'll have another next month!

It is cooling off- so wear appropriate weather gear. Also bring your own hydrating materials. Dogs and Strollers welcome!!

Any questions- please e-mail: RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

21,236 MILES!

Unbelievable!! We have made it to Afghanistan, home to the states, and are almost back to Afghanistan.... we are so close- just a few thousand shy... I can hardly believe it. And what's even better is- our guys are going to be back in just a few short months!!

Thank you to everyone who is sending in their miles. You have made this program the success it is! Your Marines and Sailors are lucky to have you in their lives- supporting them in all they do!For those of you who haven't in a while- send them in no matter how many you have- every step helps!

SHIRTS Updated

I've had some request for shirts with more options... please check out the store. We are now offering a sweatshirt and a red shirt for 'Support Your Troops'- RED Fridays! Also for you dog lovers out there- a dog Ran to Afghanistan shirt.

See the Store- CLICK HERE

August Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your AUGUST miles!

Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by September 15th so I can calculate and share the news here!

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners...

The McNicoll twins- Ashley (left) & Kaitlyn (right) walk with Mom (Erica- not pictured) every morning for Daddy.

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners

Jennifer Johnson after running a 5k in Puerto Rico

Fellow Ran to Afghanistaners...

"I am proud to be participating in this program and the next time I visit my daughter in 29 Palms I hope to be able to come out for one of the evening walks and have the chance to meet you and the other spouses. God bless you and all the other ladies and your husbands!"

Kathy Gurule

Los Lunas, New Mexico

Got a picture...

send it to RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

We made it home and are headed back.

We have now accumulated 16,529 miles!

We are already 729 miles into our 7,900 mile trek back to Afghanistan. Thanks everyone who has made this an amazing feat.

August Evening Walk

I like to Move it ...Move it...

WHO: Anyone participating in the 2/7 "I ran to Afghanistan" program or anyone who wants to participate... I will bring out registration forms incase you have not filled one out. Bring your friends! Wear your shirts!

WHAT: 3 miles ... walk or run

WHEN: Friday, August 22th @ 7:00pm

WHERE: The PT Course (off Del Valle, across the street from TMO)

WHY: To build your August miles and meet other wives/loved ones who live in the area. If you can't make it this month- we'll have another next month!

Please remember it is hot- please bring your own hydrating materials. Dogs and Strollers welcome!!

Any questions- please e-mail: RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

July Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your JULY miles! Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by August 15th so I can calculate and share the news here!

We made it!!

Within two months- we have walked, run, biked, and swam the distance to our loved ones in Afghanistan. We are already on our way back home!

This month's miles:

4,749

Total Miles we've accomplished:

11,299

T-shirts are available...

To Order CLICK HERE

June Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, I may have incorrectly typed in your e-mail, so please e-mail me your JUNE miles! Include your first and last name and your monthly total. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

I am very excited to see how well we did this month!! I anticipate that we will be on our way back! If you haven't started yet- today is the day! Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim! Please have your miles in by July 10th so I can calculate and share the news here!

Photos from Evening Walk

Thanks to everyone who came out for our second evening walk! It was discussed to make this a weekly event, which I think is a great idea. Any thoughts about which day is best... leave a comment here!

Thanks Beth for taking pictures!

After adding up our April and May miles, drum roll please, we have run 6,477 miles. AMAZING!

We are way more than half way there. Only 1,423 more miles to go until we've reached Kandahar, Afghanistan. Can you believe it! Keep it up and let's see how many times we can get to our loved ones and back. These Marines/Sailors are worth every mile and every ounce of sweat.

Need a visual?

Company Breakdown:

Echo- 1,136

Fox- 1,095

Golf- 1,446

H&S- 2,105

Weapons- 354

All of 2/7- 341

June Evening Walk

Come Watch the Sunset with me...

WHO: Anyone participating in the 2/7 "I ran to Afghanistan" program or anyone who wants to participate... I will bring out registration forms incase you have not filled one out.

WHAT: 3 miles ... walk or run

WHEN: Friday, June 20th @ 6:30pm

WHERE: The PT Course (off Del Valle, across the street from TMO)

WHY: To build your June miles and meet other wives/loved ones who live in the area. If you can't make it this month- we'll have another next month! Also look for our an "Afternoon at the Pool" events starting this month.

Please remember it is getting hot- please bring your own hydrating materials. Dogs and Strollers welcome!!

Any questions- please e-mail: RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

MAY Miles

An e-mail just went out to all! But incase you didn't receive it, e-mail me your April/MAY miles! Please include your first and last name. RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

I am very excited to see how well we did this month! I have a feeling we could be close! For those of you who were able to start early in April- please feel free to include those miles... for those of you who might have just gotten started- please send what you've completed in May. If you haven't started yet- today is the day! Remember you don't have to run- you can walk, bike and or swim!

Please have your miles in by June 10th so I can calculate and share the news here!

100 Members!

Congrats! We've reached one of our first goals... to get 100 members. Let's not stop there- please continue to spread the word to other loved ones of 2/7 to show these guys we support them. There are over a 1,000 Marines in 2nd Battalion 7th Marines... we can do better than 100 of us! And remember the more members we have the more times we are likely to Run to Afghanistan!

Company breakdown:There are 4 people are 'running' for all Marines/Sailors in 2/7. 39 people are 'running' for a Marine or Sailor in ECHO. 14 people are 'running' for a Marine or Sailor in FOX. 23 people are 'running' for a Marine or Sailor in GOLF. 15 people are 'running' for a Marine or Sailor in H&S. And 5 people are 'running' for a Marine or Sailor in Weapons.

To get a registration form e-mail: rantoafghanistan08@gmail.com

Photos from the Evening Walk

Thanks to everyone who came and made our first Evening Walk a success! Even though the weather was wacky all day- some brave I ran to Afghanistaners came to show their support for their husbands and friends enduring mud and the cold. Stay tuned for the next evening walk. Keep tracking those miles...

FAQs

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions I've been receiving! If you have any other questions please feel free to comment here or send me an e-mail!

1. How and when do I give you my miles?
If you have sent me an e-mail I most likely have sent you a mileage chart to track your own miles. If you would like one- please send me an e-mail. Be sure to be tracking your own miles. On the first of every month an e-mail will go out requesting your monthly miles also a notice will be posted here on the website. For example: On June 1st... an e-mail will be sent asking for your May Miles. (For those of you who got an early start in April- you will be able to include them... for those of you who have just begun- all miles are important and help- so please send what you have for that month no matter what.)

2. Do I have to live in 29 Palms to participate?
Absolutely NOT! You can be anywhere and participate! The more the merrier! We want to see how many times we can get to our loved ones and back! We are a diverse group from all over the country and you can do this program whether you are here or in Timbuktu. All you need are some good tennis shoes and a motivated heart.

3. I want a t-shirt! When and where can I get one?
T-shirts are in the works. Please be patient with me... as soon as they are finished you will be notified via e-mail and on this website.

4. Is this a fundraiser?
NO. This is not a fundraiser, the basic point is to show support for our Marines and Sailors and keep healthy while our men are away.

5. It's almost June- is it too late to join?
No- it is never too late to join. Any and all miles will help!! To request a registration form e-mail rantoafghanistan08@gmail.com

6. I don't like to run- do I have to run?!
No- you can walk, bike, swim, or run your way to Afghanistan... got something even more creative to chart your miles- lets hear it.

7. Do I have to be a wife to register? Can my parents join?
Any and all family members are welcome, as well as, friends and other sources of support for our guys are encouraged to join as well. As said before- the more the merrier! We want our Marines and Sailors of 2/7 to know we are thinking about them.

Evening Walk

Anyone up for an evening walk??

WHO: Anyone participating in the 2/7 "I ran to Afghanistan" program or anyone who wants to participate... I will bring out registration forms incase you have not filled one out.

WHAT: 3 miles ... walk or run

WHEN: Friday, May 23rd @ 7:00pm

WHERE: The PT Course (off Del Valle, across the street from TMO)

WHY: To build your May miles and meet other wives/loved ones who live in the area. If you can't make it this month- we'll have another next month!

Please remember it is getting hot- please bring your own hydrating materials.

Any questions- please e-mail: RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

The Beginning...

Our beloved 2/7 Marines and Sailors are on their way to make yet another difference, this time in Afghanistan. It was just a few short months ago that we welcomed them home from Iraq. Now we can start counting down the days until our Husbands, Fathers, Sons, Brothers, Nephews, Cousins will be back on our soil in our loving arms.

This deployment we have a great way to stay connected with our Marines and Sailors, stay in shape, and get outdoors... we are going to run to Afghanistan (and hopefully back!)...

Join me, as well as, many other 2/7 Spouses, Families, and Friends in walking, running, biking, and or swimming the miles to Afghanistan. It is approximately 7,900 miles from the Los Angeles area to Kandahar, Afghanistan. No one person could do this alone in seven months; so collectively as a Marine Corps family- let's do it together!

Please e-mail RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com for a Registration form. Once completed, start moving! A monthly e-mail will be sent to remind you to send in your mileage for the month- please include any pictures you have of yourself taking those steps! Shirts will also be made so if you are interested in purchasing, let me know. This blog will be updated with the progress we are making so be sure to bookmark it!

Thank you for making the run with me.

Come home safe Marines!

I ran to Afghanistan...

The Program:
The "2/7 I ran to Afghanistan" is an initiative designed to promote well being, relieve stress, and build cohesiveness among the 2/7 family. This program is just one more way that we can support our brave Marines and Sailors.

Participation:
The program is open to any spouse, child, family member, or loved one of a 2/7 Marine or Sailor. May 1st, 2008 is the official start date and if you are able to do any miles in April, simply add them to your May total. It is never too late to join!

Getting Started:
First, complete the registration form and send it in. From there, start moving and logging your miles. Each month, an e-mail reminder will be sent to collect your monthly total. If you do not have e-mail, please be sure to mail your miles every month to the address on the registration form. Look for monthly progress reports and updates on any happenings on this blog.

Going the Distance:
The total distance from Twentynine Palms, California to Afghanistan is 7,900 miles and going there and back is 15,800 miles. Collectively, if each person commits to walking, running, biking, or swimming several miles each week, we will have "traveled" to Afghanistan and possibly back!

I encourage everyone to set a personal goal based on their fitness level. If 100 people commit to walking 11 miles a week for 7 months, the total miles walked is equivalent to the distance between 29 Palms and Afghanistan. Remember, this is fun- walk with friends, take your dogs out, push those strollers, hit the trails with your bike, swim when it's hot...

Keeping in Touch:
To submit your progress or if you have questions or comments about the "I ran to Afghanistan" program, please write to:

RantoAfghanistan08@gmail.com

(e-mail: Ran to Afghanistan ZERO EIGHT)