LHT: What's involved in the training and preparation for the event?
Kercheville: Training for this event is very similar to training for a running marathon, in terms of duration and intensity. A typical week consists of 4 days of varied distance power rowing, 2 days of strength core training and one day of rest. I have followed a 16 week indoor-rowing marathon plan that involves many hours and calories burned, up to about 80,000 meters (about 50 miles) per week.

Additionally, having a full-time job, a spouse who travels almost every week and two very busy boys, has made this a logistical as well physical challenge. I'm nobody special, I just have a drive and spirit that makes this all possible!

LHT: Tell us about your overall goal and how readers can help contribute to the effort.
Kercheville: I've created two venues in which to receive support for the pantry. The first opportunity to participate is through my personal cause site (see his link at the bottom of the page) which offers way to provide the pantry with financial donations.

The second method is for people to donate food items, which can be brought to the event this Friday. I'm also happy to arrange to pick up donations personally, for people who want to donate but can't attend. I've raised about 20% of my $1,000 financial goal, and I don't have a specific goal for food donations - I'm just trying to get as much incremental food support as possible.

The items the pantry is most in need of include:

14.5 oz boxes of cereal
10 3/4 oz. cans of soup
1 lb. of corn meal
1 lb. bag of rice
1 lb. bag of beans
2 lb. bag of flour
2 lb. bag of sugar
16 oz containers of cooking oil

I have learned so many wonderful things about how hard people work on behalf of those who are in need, but I've also learned how staggering this problem of hunger really is. I'm starting to share my experiences with my two young sons. I believe that the sooner they get exposed to helping others, it will help make them better all-around people who hopefully won't ever take what they have or earn for granted.

I look forward to repeating the fundraiser next year, making it a "45 on 45!" event. My cause site will remain up, and I plan to take donations year-round, while I continue to work on events in between.

In the words of Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." How appropriate!

Make plans to attend the 44 on 44! this Friday, February 26th at the LA Fitness on Skillman at Walnut Hill in Lake Highlands.

Kercheville will begin rowing at 10:00 a.m. The event will last until approximately 1:30 p.m.

In honor of his efforts, LA Fitness is offering a 2-week pass to the club for anyone who brings donations to the event.

Remember, if you can't attend, Patrick will make arrangements to pick up your donation. You can also contact him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to make a monetary contribution.

We wish him all the best in his effort to bring awareness and relief to the thousands who suffer from daily hunger.