Preparing for and then actually completing a marathon means many different things to many different people.

For some, it signifies an incredible personal achievement, perhaps the greatest athletic endeavor they have ever undertaken.

For others, it is a means by which they can bring attention to and even raise money for a cause that is important to them.

And for still others, conquering 26.2 miles and all the obstacles that go along with that is a way to pay tribute to a loved one who has endured some great adversity himself.

For Heather Howard and her father Al Grimshaw, completing Sunday's 29th annual Dunkin' Donuts Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth, Mass. represents all of those things -- and more.

"We're getting really excited," said Howard, 36, of Cumberland, who last fall convinced her father to run a marathon with her to honor and support longtime friend Jonathan Blais.

"My father and I are so pumped. We feel rested, have been tapering and my best friend Heather Howes, who also knows Jon, will be flying up from Virginia to run the last 6 with me."

Several months earlier, Blais -- a Seekonk triathlete known as "The Blazeman" -- had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressively debilitating and fatal disease commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Although his condition is rapidly deteriorating and he already is confined to a wheelchair, Blais -- who last fall became the first person with ALS to complete the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii -- has been determined to do whatever he can to expedite the search for a cure.

"Jon is a big part of my childhood; he is like another son to my parents," said Howard, who grew up in Seekonk, a mile from Blais and his family. "Jon is verbose, lively and straightforward. I expect him to walk through the door speaking loudly and excitedly about something he is passionate about. It is difficult watching someone so healthy and energetic decompose before your very eyes. It is even harder not to be able to stop the disease. It is important to Jon to one day find a cure, not for him, but for the next husband, wife, daughter, son, mother, father, grandson that is diagnosed. If my dad and I can contribute in some small way to his goal, we will do it."

Grimshaw, who began running more than a dozen years ago when his daughter encouraged him to participate in the Boston College Relays being hosted by her college team, already has done seven marathons.

But for Howard -- a standout track and cross country runner at Seekonk High School and then at BC in the late 1980s and early '90s -- it will be her first.

The father and daughter have been meeting each Saturday for their long runs, and both say it has been a wonderful experience that has allowed them to reconnect.

"We've always been close, but we haven't had any quality time together because of the business of life," said Howard. "My dad and I have had meaningful talks being out for 20-plus-mile runs together. It has been special, just the two of us sharing with one another personal struggles, encouraging one another and supporting each other in our sadness for Jon. At times we would scream on our runs, 'Team Grimshaw runs for Team Blazeman!' Each long run was for Jon. It made the long runs easier to attack."

"I pretty much train on my own, and it's been a real joy having an opportunity to train with Heather on some long runs," added Grimshaw, 59. "When you go out for three hours with one of your kids, you get to share a lot."

A clinical social worker at Women and Infants Hospital and the mother of four, ages 3 to 10, all of whom she home-schools, Howard had an already hectic schedule before adding a marathon to the mix. But while all of the training required easily could have become just another stress in her life, it has actually been "a peaceful and enjoyable experience," she says, thanks in large part to the support and encouragement of her husband Vernon.

Howard says she also knows all too well that any discomfort she may feel pales in comparison to what Blais is going through.

"Running a marathon is nothing to me. What Jon has to do every day when he opens his eyes is amazing," she said. "He is still striving to raise awareness. He is still running towards the prize. Instead of giving up, he is pushing through the agony of a marathon every day."

As part of their marathon challenge in Blais' honor, Team Grimshaw is accepting donations for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Therapy Development Fund. Contributions, made payable to ALSTDF c/o The Blazeman Fund, can be mailed to: Howard, 36 Howe St., Cumberland, R.I. 02864. For more information, e-mail Thehowards6@verizon.net or log on to http://www.alswarriorpoet.com/diary.html

cthorn@projo.com / (401) 277-7340