This was a big week for Team In Training-Recommitment was upon us and we had to resign with the team based on if we felt we could raise all $4000 dollars by May 16th. I am not a quitter and I know that this is the best thing I could ever participate in, so I resigned. It is scary though I am only at $1700 dollars and the thought of having to back the rest of that money up if I don't raise it is terrifying. I have to continue with this challenge though. Here are the reasons why I have chosen to do a marathon and complete TNT:
. To help find a cure for all those people-men, women and children-who are afflicated with blood cancers.
.To prevent any family from having to go through the pain that it is to have one of their own suffer from blood cancer.
.To raise money to find a prevention for blood cancer.
.Because one day, someone in my family, one of my friends, one of my friends children, or coworkers, etc. could be afflicted by the illness.
.To prove to myself that I am a runner and I can run 26.2 miles.
.To prove to myself that when I put my mind to it, I can achieve whatever it is.
.To show my family and friends how far I have come in 5 years and that I will live my life to the fullest and appreciate every moment.
.For my Uncle Charlie who emulates, for me, how much of life and the world there is.
.Because I CAN.
It's about stepping outside of yourself. Anything is possible. So possible that none of us are immune to cancer. Just because you haven't been affected directly at this point does not mean there is no reason not to help. Running a marathon for me is possible. I have enough family, friends and coworkers in my life that raising the funds should be possible. Those close to me may never fully understand the emotions and the sense of fulfillment this opportunity provides for me, because they will not be there running with me. However, those close to me have the amazing opportunity to contribute to this cause and be a hero with me.
Other than the recommitment, I went home this past weekend for Easter. Kerry and I ran our 10 miles in Chatham. We risked our lives on busy streets with no sidewalks. Oh and then there were the constant inclines and hills. Running with Kerry was great, but we definitely missed the Team and also the fun trails in the DC area. We did manage to hit up a bagel place after our run, however, have no fear.
This coming weekend we are running in the National Half Marathon. Other than that, it's been a fairly quiet week, just the norm.
Please be sure to check out my site and help make a difference with me!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
What an inspirational week
Well after the last weekend I had that was filled with running in conditions that were not too pleasant--rain, hills and frigid temperatures--I was looking forward to running in pleasant conditions. On Tuesday night, Kerry and I ran our quick 4 mile Tuesday run together. We left the house thinking, oh we will just get this over with real fast, it's just 4 miles; however, this was not such the case. Those 4 miles felt like the marathon. Thankfully, Kerry was feeling the same way as I was---and for no better way to describe it other than death. Normally while on a run, you like to catch the lights so that you aren't constantly standing around waiting to cross streets, on Tuesday though, we were praying to catch the lights so that we could stop. It was defeating. There we were, struggling through an easy run, when on Saturday, we kicked ass running up and down hills for what my teammates told me was an 8 mile run. How could this be? Well the answer was simple and it was because our bodies were just tired. We put them through a tough weekend, and running on Tuesday was not what they wanted to do. But that's why we have easy 4 mile runs on Tuesdays, to get our bodies back into business. This does not do so much for you mentally, however. It's a blow to your confidence and frustrating.
Needless to say, I took Wednesday, the day for cross training, off because I knew that my body still needed a break. I got up at 5:30 Thursday morning to do my 4 miles before work. In addition to work that morning, I was taking volunteers to the Hope Lodge in Baltimore to make dinner for the patients and their caregivers that evening. I knew that by the time I got back from Baltimore, I would not want to go to the gym to run 4 miles, so 5:30am wake up call it was! Thankfully, the run was MUCH better than Tuesday! I forgot how much I enjoyed running in the morning! Also, for as much as I love running with other people, there is a great peace to running by yourself from time to time. It is a great way to begin the day, clear your mind, enjoy the beautiful morning. The world is so much more peaceful at that time. I concentrated on the sound of my breath and shoes methodically hitting the pavement and I was very much in a zen place. Needless to say, 17 hours later as I climbed into bed, I fell sound asleep!
Saturday morning was a day I had been kind of dreading, and it was more out of fear than anything! On Saturday, I met with my Team in Bethesda to run the Capitol Crescent Trail for 12 miles. I haven't run 12 miles in quite some time, so the thought of it really made me nervous! I woke up again at 5:30 that morning to eat a bowl of cereal and make my way to the trail for our 7:30 am start. Prior to the run, I ate a GU, which is not really how I like to start my mornings! It's not the flavor that is so terrible, it's more the consistency. For those of you who don't know, Gu is this little silver packet of energy gel. It comes in various flavors, ranging from plain to banana to chocolate to expresso to tri-berry, etc. As I said, the flavor=not so bad, the lovely consistency is the part that you have to get over. If you eat Gu and fall madly in love with it, you have issues. But, it works! I don't take Gu for any run under 8 miles. I also learned the hard way during the half marathon that if I don't consistantly take it, like every 4 miles, my stomach gets quite angry with me. So, I take it 15 mins prior to my run and then about every 4 miles, or like every 45 minutes. That morning I was consuming the tri-berry which is quite delightful if you swallow it ASAP and wash it down with lots of water. I have tried other routes of energy, such as shot blocks--which is kind of like a gummi bear, but not really at all, then there are jelly beans and bars. But I like the Gu because it's quick, doesn't take a lot of space up, and works for me. So one bowl of cereal, some Gu and I was ready to hit the trail. The morning was quite beautiful, little chilly with the wind prior to us getting out there, but the sun was coming out and, well, it beat running in pouring rain! Before the run, we all gathered around Coach Tina and did our stretching routine. As we bent over doing the one stretch, Tina did her usual, "I hope nobody had beans last night" comment, but this time took it a step further and added, "I've been on the toilet 4 times already this morning." Oh, runners, what can I say, you learn A LOT about each other quite quickly! Tina then told us that there would be a lot of TEAM members on the trial today because besides our group, the Spring athletes were on the trail as well, running their 18 miles that day! I thought to myself, oh god that is insane, 18 miles! And then laughed because I realized oh crap, I'm headed that way myself! In addition to letting us know about lots of Team members on the trail, Tina told us that NBC would be on the trail filming one of the marathoners training because she is blind. Once again, I attempt to shame anybody reading this blog who attempts to tell me that they can't run, or even walk a considerable distance, as I was among many body types, athletic abilities on Saturday AND ran with a blind woman and a woman who has leaukemia and they are all out there determined to keep going.
After our moment of silence remembering who we were running for, we were off running the 12 miles. We were instructed to remember, this is training, not a race, go slow! In addition, we were told that the first half of the run to Georgetown was downhill, while the second half back the Bethesda was all uphill. GRAND! Here we go! So my pace group set off and I could not look back! At around mile 4, our pacer Hector was like, uhm is it just me, or are we running really fast? And then he said that we were pacing a 8 minute mile. To which we all were like, wow that is borderline ridiculous. So we all backed off, especially with 8 miles ahead, and a long uphill climb. That is, we all slowed up, minus our one teammate Moses who just took off. We saw him at the turn around, and he made it look easy! Running past, all cheery in his green shorts. Mind you, we are all boggled by this as Moses came to the run telling us he had had 6 Miller Lights the nite before. As he ran by us, we are like, Moses, how the hell are you doing this right now--pacing a consistant 8 minute mile---and he shouted, 'carbo loading on 6 miller lights!". I can assure you all that could never be me. I would probably be puking in the bushes. But hey, whatever works for ya!
The trail we were on was so beautiful and there were so many people out! Kerry and I kepts saying how much we wished we had a camera. The houses that we saw were magnificent, seeing little waterfalls, and there were certain parts with tunnels and such that were absolutely gorgeous. I am finding many hidden treasures in DC, so much so that now when I know I have visitors coming, I don't even want to show them monuments, but rather the trails! It's amazing to be on the trails and see everyone out--it's like a whole other world that nobody knows exists! There were water stations for the various running programs that had volunteers handing out water and cheering everyone on! And of course, with all the Team members on the trail, there were many shouts of "GO TEAM!" which is a huge motivator as I said last week. Kerry and I kicked butt and ran the 12 miles in 1:46. The miles actually flew by which was due to the beautiful surroundings, the cheering and the good conversations. At around mile 11/11.3 Kerry and I were coming up on this bridge overpass on one of the roads in Bethesda. I hate this bridge so much for two reasons: one, it shakes incredibly much and literally makes me feel sick--even though it isn't a long bridge--and two, the incline leading up to it is ridiculous. The only positive to the bridge is that you know the run is pretty much over once you get over it. Kerry and I saw the bridge in the distance, with our heavy legs moving forward, and started swearing at the sight of it. Just before we started to climb the incline, came Coach Tina, shouting "There are my ladies! Way to go girls! You are kicking butt you and just look so great!" I practically wanted to burst out in tears, she was amazing! We told her how much we hated the bridge and she agreed saying, "it scares the shit out of me!" We talked about what a perfect day it was to be out on a run, and then corrected ourselves and said, it's a great day to be alive. Before we knew it, we were over the bridge without even realizing it. Kerry and I got a jolt of energy and finished our run and I know it was because of Coach Tina and her enthusiasm! All my teammates agree that everyone needs a Coach Tina in their pocket!
The run was over, we stretched, I struggled to get up off the ground, and then we all went across the street to treat ourselves to bagel sandwiches. Team Hector sat around, mouthing our bacon, egg and cheese on a bagel and had some laughs. Later that night, everyone came over my house for a little st.patty's day fun and a little team bonding. I feel like I've known these people forever and I don't know what I would do with my life without being apart of this. I can't imagine not knowing these people, not waking up at 5:30 and be greeted by the incredible coaches and teammates. I love every minute of this experience and I can only hope that everyone that is reading this, or who is in my life not reading this, has something that makes them feel this great and fulfilled as this experience does for me.
It's been a really inspiring week for me. Between my trip up to the Hope Lodge for work, being on the trails with my teammates, I'm standing a little taller each day. These experiences have put so much perspective on life for me that I have become much more relaxed and aware of what is important. Yesterday, we had a Look Good Feel Better training at work for the beauty professionals that want to help volunteer for the program. This program teaches women how to deal with the side effects of chemo and radiation, virtually giving them a make over and they walk out with a bag of makeup worth about 300 dollars. It is an amazing program. During the training, we have a patient come in for the trainers to do the demonstration of a session with. This particular woman came in all down, not wanting to be there. She even commented to me, you're just so full of energy, I am not there. I laughed and said that I was excited for her to find out what was in store for her and assured her that her spirit would change. My did it. That woman walked out looking and feeling like a million bucks! By the end of the training, this woman who came in with her head hung low, was up dancing with her new wig on, making jokes and just feeling good, like the progam says. At the end, she stayed after all the volunteers left and I was just speaking with her and she kept thanking me over and over again, and she sai, what a great day! Without even thinking, I blurted out, everyday alive is a great day. Now understand, most of these women look at me, a young girl out of college, not much life experience and no cancer, and they probably think I don't know what I'm talking about-so sometimes I keep my thoughts like that to myself. But yesterday, it just popped out. And Ms. Jean, the patient, said to me, my god that was beautiful, you are so right. I can't attribute this attitude to anything but my experiences with Team In Training and my job. I have been blessed to make it this far, especially from where I was a few years ago,and I just realize more and more how amazing things are. How amazing it is that I can give a wig to a woman and have her whole spirit lift and make her feel not sick, to have the ability and the courage to get out and run, to raise money for a good cause. I don't thnk I will forget the moment I had with Tina and Kerry on the bridge when the sun was out, the temperature was perfect and it just hits you, it's a great day to be alive, like I said. I'm glad that I can pass that on to others, especially those who forget that. I certainly know what it's like to want to quit and I hope I can keep spreading those words to others, you're alive, it is great, no matter what.
I am going home finally on Thursday for Easter weekend! I am so excited to be in NJ and to see my family, it's been too long! I will be running 10 miles on Saturday with Kerry, so if you're in town, look out for us!
I'm going to end with a quote Coach Tina sent us last week that was written by a veteran coach of TNT and the quote was about Team In Training. She sent this out in preparation for the recommittment date that is upon all the members. Basically, I'm signing all the paperwork assuring I will have raised $4000 dollars by May 16th--otherwise, I'm footing the bill. Please help spread the word and donate: http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaSNess
Here is the quote:
“This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; leaving in its place something that I have trade for it. I want it to be a gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.”~W.Heartsill Wilson~
Needless to say, I took Wednesday, the day for cross training, off because I knew that my body still needed a break. I got up at 5:30 Thursday morning to do my 4 miles before work. In addition to work that morning, I was taking volunteers to the Hope Lodge in Baltimore to make dinner for the patients and their caregivers that evening. I knew that by the time I got back from Baltimore, I would not want to go to the gym to run 4 miles, so 5:30am wake up call it was! Thankfully, the run was MUCH better than Tuesday! I forgot how much I enjoyed running in the morning! Also, for as much as I love running with other people, there is a great peace to running by yourself from time to time. It is a great way to begin the day, clear your mind, enjoy the beautiful morning. The world is so much more peaceful at that time. I concentrated on the sound of my breath and shoes methodically hitting the pavement and I was very much in a zen place. Needless to say, 17 hours later as I climbed into bed, I fell sound asleep!
Saturday morning was a day I had been kind of dreading, and it was more out of fear than anything! On Saturday, I met with my Team in Bethesda to run the Capitol Crescent Trail for 12 miles. I haven't run 12 miles in quite some time, so the thought of it really made me nervous! I woke up again at 5:30 that morning to eat a bowl of cereal and make my way to the trail for our 7:30 am start. Prior to the run, I ate a GU, which is not really how I like to start my mornings! It's not the flavor that is so terrible, it's more the consistency. For those of you who don't know, Gu is this little silver packet of energy gel. It comes in various flavors, ranging from plain to banana to chocolate to expresso to tri-berry, etc. As I said, the flavor=not so bad, the lovely consistency is the part that you have to get over. If you eat Gu and fall madly in love with it, you have issues. But, it works! I don't take Gu for any run under 8 miles. I also learned the hard way during the half marathon that if I don't consistantly take it, like every 4 miles, my stomach gets quite angry with me. So, I take it 15 mins prior to my run and then about every 4 miles, or like every 45 minutes. That morning I was consuming the tri-berry which is quite delightful if you swallow it ASAP and wash it down with lots of water. I have tried other routes of energy, such as shot blocks--which is kind of like a gummi bear, but not really at all, then there are jelly beans and bars. But I like the Gu because it's quick, doesn't take a lot of space up, and works for me. So one bowl of cereal, some Gu and I was ready to hit the trail. The morning was quite beautiful, little chilly with the wind prior to us getting out there, but the sun was coming out and, well, it beat running in pouring rain! Before the run, we all gathered around Coach Tina and did our stretching routine. As we bent over doing the one stretch, Tina did her usual, "I hope nobody had beans last night" comment, but this time took it a step further and added, "I've been on the toilet 4 times already this morning." Oh, runners, what can I say, you learn A LOT about each other quite quickly! Tina then told us that there would be a lot of TEAM members on the trial today because besides our group, the Spring athletes were on the trail as well, running their 18 miles that day! I thought to myself, oh god that is insane, 18 miles! And then laughed because I realized oh crap, I'm headed that way myself! In addition to letting us know about lots of Team members on the trail, Tina told us that NBC would be on the trail filming one of the marathoners training because she is blind. Once again, I attempt to shame anybody reading this blog who attempts to tell me that they can't run, or even walk a considerable distance, as I was among many body types, athletic abilities on Saturday AND ran with a blind woman and a woman who has leaukemia and they are all out there determined to keep going.
After our moment of silence remembering who we were running for, we were off running the 12 miles. We were instructed to remember, this is training, not a race, go slow! In addition, we were told that the first half of the run to Georgetown was downhill, while the second half back the Bethesda was all uphill. GRAND! Here we go! So my pace group set off and I could not look back! At around mile 4, our pacer Hector was like, uhm is it just me, or are we running really fast? And then he said that we were pacing a 8 minute mile. To which we all were like, wow that is borderline ridiculous. So we all backed off, especially with 8 miles ahead, and a long uphill climb. That is, we all slowed up, minus our one teammate Moses who just took off. We saw him at the turn around, and he made it look easy! Running past, all cheery in his green shorts. Mind you, we are all boggled by this as Moses came to the run telling us he had had 6 Miller Lights the nite before. As he ran by us, we are like, Moses, how the hell are you doing this right now--pacing a consistant 8 minute mile---and he shouted, 'carbo loading on 6 miller lights!". I can assure you all that could never be me. I would probably be puking in the bushes. But hey, whatever works for ya!
The trail we were on was so beautiful and there were so many people out! Kerry and I kepts saying how much we wished we had a camera. The houses that we saw were magnificent, seeing little waterfalls, and there were certain parts with tunnels and such that were absolutely gorgeous. I am finding many hidden treasures in DC, so much so that now when I know I have visitors coming, I don't even want to show them monuments, but rather the trails! It's amazing to be on the trails and see everyone out--it's like a whole other world that nobody knows exists! There were water stations for the various running programs that had volunteers handing out water and cheering everyone on! And of course, with all the Team members on the trail, there were many shouts of "GO TEAM!" which is a huge motivator as I said last week. Kerry and I kicked butt and ran the 12 miles in 1:46. The miles actually flew by which was due to the beautiful surroundings, the cheering and the good conversations. At around mile 11/11.3 Kerry and I were coming up on this bridge overpass on one of the roads in Bethesda. I hate this bridge so much for two reasons: one, it shakes incredibly much and literally makes me feel sick--even though it isn't a long bridge--and two, the incline leading up to it is ridiculous. The only positive to the bridge is that you know the run is pretty much over once you get over it. Kerry and I saw the bridge in the distance, with our heavy legs moving forward, and started swearing at the sight of it. Just before we started to climb the incline, came Coach Tina, shouting "There are my ladies! Way to go girls! You are kicking butt you and just look so great!" I practically wanted to burst out in tears, she was amazing! We told her how much we hated the bridge and she agreed saying, "it scares the shit out of me!" We talked about what a perfect day it was to be out on a run, and then corrected ourselves and said, it's a great day to be alive. Before we knew it, we were over the bridge without even realizing it. Kerry and I got a jolt of energy and finished our run and I know it was because of Coach Tina and her enthusiasm! All my teammates agree that everyone needs a Coach Tina in their pocket!
The run was over, we stretched, I struggled to get up off the ground, and then we all went across the street to treat ourselves to bagel sandwiches. Team Hector sat around, mouthing our bacon, egg and cheese on a bagel and had some laughs. Later that night, everyone came over my house for a little st.patty's day fun and a little team bonding. I feel like I've known these people forever and I don't know what I would do with my life without being apart of this. I can't imagine not knowing these people, not waking up at 5:30 and be greeted by the incredible coaches and teammates. I love every minute of this experience and I can only hope that everyone that is reading this, or who is in my life not reading this, has something that makes them feel this great and fulfilled as this experience does for me.
It's been a really inspiring week for me. Between my trip up to the Hope Lodge for work, being on the trails with my teammates, I'm standing a little taller each day. These experiences have put so much perspective on life for me that I have become much more relaxed and aware of what is important. Yesterday, we had a Look Good Feel Better training at work for the beauty professionals that want to help volunteer for the program. This program teaches women how to deal with the side effects of chemo and radiation, virtually giving them a make over and they walk out with a bag of makeup worth about 300 dollars. It is an amazing program. During the training, we have a patient come in for the trainers to do the demonstration of a session with. This particular woman came in all down, not wanting to be there. She even commented to me, you're just so full of energy, I am not there. I laughed and said that I was excited for her to find out what was in store for her and assured her that her spirit would change. My did it. That woman walked out looking and feeling like a million bucks! By the end of the training, this woman who came in with her head hung low, was up dancing with her new wig on, making jokes and just feeling good, like the progam says. At the end, she stayed after all the volunteers left and I was just speaking with her and she kept thanking me over and over again, and she sai, what a great day! Without even thinking, I blurted out, everyday alive is a great day. Now understand, most of these women look at me, a young girl out of college, not much life experience and no cancer, and they probably think I don't know what I'm talking about-so sometimes I keep my thoughts like that to myself. But yesterday, it just popped out. And Ms. Jean, the patient, said to me, my god that was beautiful, you are so right. I can't attribute this attitude to anything but my experiences with Team In Training and my job. I have been blessed to make it this far, especially from where I was a few years ago,and I just realize more and more how amazing things are. How amazing it is that I can give a wig to a woman and have her whole spirit lift and make her feel not sick, to have the ability and the courage to get out and run, to raise money for a good cause. I don't thnk I will forget the moment I had with Tina and Kerry on the bridge when the sun was out, the temperature was perfect and it just hits you, it's a great day to be alive, like I said. I'm glad that I can pass that on to others, especially those who forget that. I certainly know what it's like to want to quit and I hope I can keep spreading those words to others, you're alive, it is great, no matter what.
I am going home finally on Thursday for Easter weekend! I am so excited to be in NJ and to see my family, it's been too long! I will be running 10 miles on Saturday with Kerry, so if you're in town, look out for us!
I'm going to end with a quote Coach Tina sent us last week that was written by a veteran coach of TNT and the quote was about Team In Training. She sent this out in preparation for the recommittment date that is upon all the members. Basically, I'm signing all the paperwork assuring I will have raised $4000 dollars by May 16th--otherwise, I'm footing the bill. Please help spread the word and donate: http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaSNess
Here is the quote:
“This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; leaving in its place something that I have trade for it. I want it to be a gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.”~W.Heartsill Wilson~
Monday, March 10, 2008
Come Perfect Weather, Rain or Wind Chill, I'm out on the Road...
Another week is down! Down to 12 weeks until I run 26.2 miles in San Diego!
Last week was a very long week, again! I did break the $1,000 mark for fundraising! Not all the money is noted on my site currently because I got checks in the mail. Thank you to everyone who has sent me money--I promise the thank you notes are on their way, I just haven't had much time to myself! I still have a long way to go by way of fundraising, but I have to be optimistic!
Which is the same attitude I have to have in relation to my running. Tuesday here in Washington was absolutely beautiful. Hit up near 70 degrees and everyone was outside running. Thursday was nearly the same; however, there were rain showers in the evening. When I left work, it was pouring ran, by the time I got home, the rain stopped so I put on my running clothes and got out of the house as soon as possible to try to beat the next downpour. With a mile left, it began to pour. I felt so hardcore.
Then there was Saturday morning. I was greeted at my 6am wake up call to cold and rain. Not exactly the kind of weather that makes you leap out of bed at the crack of dawn on Saturday to go do a long run. Kerry came to pick me up at 6:45 and we were both not in the best of spirits. We arrived at the site of our long run and sat in the car until the last possible moment, trying to stay warm. Suprisingly, crappy weather and all, we had a great turnout for the run. As we were waiting to start the run, the staff handed out Team In Training hats to those of us who had raised $500 dollars. This changed the mood of the Team completely. So, with my new hat on, we made our way out onto the trail---that is, AFTER they told us that we would be running for no more than an hour and a half on a trail that was constant hills. GREAT! At least I got my new hat....My pace group led the pack on the killer trail of rolling hills. We ran at a good 8:45 pace, which is no easy feat when there was really no break in the action. It was so inspiring to see all of us out there, tackling this trail on a miserable, grey morning. At two different points, we were running in torrential downpour and everyone kept shouting 'Go Team!'. During the second downpour, we were headed up another steep hill and I started to sing the Rocky Theme song outloud--anything to keep us going! There was never a lull in the spirits of the Team. Our coaches were out there with us, giving us tips on the proper ways to go up and down the hills--"SHORTER STRIDES!....LET THE GRAVITY PULL YOU DOWN!!...BOUNCE ON THE BALLS OF YOUR FEET!"...All of the coaches are absolutely amazing. Coach Tina is this tiny ball of energy. You can be in the worst mood of life, and then you see her and you forget your worries. She has so much enthusiasm and love for this organization and her team, it's hard to hate that you are up at 6 am and spending your Saturday morning with her. Coach Chip is a former Army man. Last week, he was talking about his fastest mile. Upon our amazement at how fast he was, he said, well you would be surprised at how fast you can run with 30 pounds of gear on your back and you hear the clipping of someone setting a rifle up to shoot you. I nearly wet my pants. That was until he told the story of running the San Diego marathon. He had a previous miniscus (totally don't know how to spell that word and im too tired to look it up) problems in his knee that came back to haunt him around mile 17. He was resolved that his race was over, let his friend go ahead and he began to walk. At mile 20, there was a beer stand on the side for the crowds, so he got two beers, to which, magically his knee felt better and he went on and finished the marathon. Chip, you are my hero.
Soooo, my group did not run for the full hour and a half bcs everyone in my pace group was running in an 8k the next day, so we ended up running only about 7 miles. Following the run, we had our Honored Teammate Picnic inside the high school next to the trail we ran. It was a fun time to spend with our teammates, and then we listened to our honored teammates--those leukemia survivors and patients. In addition to our honored teammates, we heard from our fellow teammates and their stories of why they were running and who they were running for. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people touched by this disease. I would also like to point out, that 3 of the stories told, were by people who ran with TEAM In Training once before and had no relationship to leaukemia or lymphomal; however, following their participation, had been affected by the cancer. This is what I try to tell people. You never know. The point is to raise money to help those with the cancer and to prevent anyone from having it ever again. We heard about the loss of children, the loss of parents, the survival and continuous battle of our honored teammates, and one of my fellow marathoners, the wife of one of the coaches, who for the first time openly spoke about her 11 year battle with leukemia. She has never had treatment and the doctors and convinced it is the running that keeps her going--and she said that she will not stop running until there is a cure. I have never seen a husband and wife so in love-her husband, one of our coaches, just held her hand the whole time, looking at her with teh most reassuring eyes, as this woman admitted her sickness to her teammates--if she can run with leukemia, I can run with my clean bill of health. And I will raise money for her and all the other amazing individuals I heard from that day. The survivors called US the heroes-and in turn I call my donors heroes because it is the money from the donors that make this all possible. Some of the people in the room that morning could not stress enough that their doctor's were funded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and it was the funds from Team in Training that funded the drugs that are the reason they are alive today. How AWESOME is that?
Being a part of Team in Training I honestly can not put into words what an amazing experience it has been. I feel like I've known my teammates forever. Someone on Saturday morning, one of the triathaletes, described it as a family, and I could not say it any better myself. It is an emotion that I can properly do justice and I wish that everyone I knew could experience. I know that if everyone I knew were in the room with me on Saturday, no questions asked, would be shelling out the money for me. I can't even stress to you how awesome and honored and blessed I am that I decided to be a part of this team.
But anyways, that was Saturday. Then SUNDAY. oh man. Sunday Kerry and I had signed up for the St. Patty's Day 8k down on Pennsylvania Ave. We went down Sunday morning, wearing our Green Beer Taste Testers shirts, and Irish beads at 7:30am Sunday. Waiting for the race to start was the COLDEST experience of my life. I shivered off my Special K bar in no time and was convinced that if I were on the Titanic, I would have been the first to die. Kerry and I even almost left the wind chill was so bad. We stuck it out though and ran the race at an 8:33 pace. It was the worst experience. The course was terribly laid out and the people in DC running the race were just LAME. In fact, I am so over how terrible that race was, that I don't even want to write about it. Just never do the St. Patty's Day race in DC. Leave that type of a race for the NY/NJ folks who know how to properly worship that holiday.
Please check out my page and donate to this amazing cause!:http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaSNess
Next week, 12 miles!
Last week was a very long week, again! I did break the $1,000 mark for fundraising! Not all the money is noted on my site currently because I got checks in the mail. Thank you to everyone who has sent me money--I promise the thank you notes are on their way, I just haven't had much time to myself! I still have a long way to go by way of fundraising, but I have to be optimistic!
Which is the same attitude I have to have in relation to my running. Tuesday here in Washington was absolutely beautiful. Hit up near 70 degrees and everyone was outside running. Thursday was nearly the same; however, there were rain showers in the evening. When I left work, it was pouring ran, by the time I got home, the rain stopped so I put on my running clothes and got out of the house as soon as possible to try to beat the next downpour. With a mile left, it began to pour. I felt so hardcore.
Then there was Saturday morning. I was greeted at my 6am wake up call to cold and rain. Not exactly the kind of weather that makes you leap out of bed at the crack of dawn on Saturday to go do a long run. Kerry came to pick me up at 6:45 and we were both not in the best of spirits. We arrived at the site of our long run and sat in the car until the last possible moment, trying to stay warm. Suprisingly, crappy weather and all, we had a great turnout for the run. As we were waiting to start the run, the staff handed out Team In Training hats to those of us who had raised $500 dollars. This changed the mood of the Team completely. So, with my new hat on, we made our way out onto the trail---that is, AFTER they told us that we would be running for no more than an hour and a half on a trail that was constant hills. GREAT! At least I got my new hat....My pace group led the pack on the killer trail of rolling hills. We ran at a good 8:45 pace, which is no easy feat when there was really no break in the action. It was so inspiring to see all of us out there, tackling this trail on a miserable, grey morning. At two different points, we were running in torrential downpour and everyone kept shouting 'Go Team!'. During the second downpour, we were headed up another steep hill and I started to sing the Rocky Theme song outloud--anything to keep us going! There was never a lull in the spirits of the Team. Our coaches were out there with us, giving us tips on the proper ways to go up and down the hills--"SHORTER STRIDES!....LET THE GRAVITY PULL YOU DOWN!!...BOUNCE ON THE BALLS OF YOUR FEET!"...All of the coaches are absolutely amazing. Coach Tina is this tiny ball of energy. You can be in the worst mood of life, and then you see her and you forget your worries. She has so much enthusiasm and love for this organization and her team, it's hard to hate that you are up at 6 am and spending your Saturday morning with her. Coach Chip is a former Army man. Last week, he was talking about his fastest mile. Upon our amazement at how fast he was, he said, well you would be surprised at how fast you can run with 30 pounds of gear on your back and you hear the clipping of someone setting a rifle up to shoot you. I nearly wet my pants. That was until he told the story of running the San Diego marathon. He had a previous miniscus (totally don't know how to spell that word and im too tired to look it up) problems in his knee that came back to haunt him around mile 17. He was resolved that his race was over, let his friend go ahead and he began to walk. At mile 20, there was a beer stand on the side for the crowds, so he got two beers, to which, magically his knee felt better and he went on and finished the marathon. Chip, you are my hero.
Soooo, my group did not run for the full hour and a half bcs everyone in my pace group was running in an 8k the next day, so we ended up running only about 7 miles. Following the run, we had our Honored Teammate Picnic inside the high school next to the trail we ran. It was a fun time to spend with our teammates, and then we listened to our honored teammates--those leukemia survivors and patients. In addition to our honored teammates, we heard from our fellow teammates and their stories of why they were running and who they were running for. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people touched by this disease. I would also like to point out, that 3 of the stories told, were by people who ran with TEAM In Training once before and had no relationship to leaukemia or lymphomal; however, following their participation, had been affected by the cancer. This is what I try to tell people. You never know. The point is to raise money to help those with the cancer and to prevent anyone from having it ever again. We heard about the loss of children, the loss of parents, the survival and continuous battle of our honored teammates, and one of my fellow marathoners, the wife of one of the coaches, who for the first time openly spoke about her 11 year battle with leukemia. She has never had treatment and the doctors and convinced it is the running that keeps her going--and she said that she will not stop running until there is a cure. I have never seen a husband and wife so in love-her husband, one of our coaches, just held her hand the whole time, looking at her with teh most reassuring eyes, as this woman admitted her sickness to her teammates--if she can run with leukemia, I can run with my clean bill of health. And I will raise money for her and all the other amazing individuals I heard from that day. The survivors called US the heroes-and in turn I call my donors heroes because it is the money from the donors that make this all possible. Some of the people in the room that morning could not stress enough that their doctor's were funded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and it was the funds from Team in Training that funded the drugs that are the reason they are alive today. How AWESOME is that?
Being a part of Team in Training I honestly can not put into words what an amazing experience it has been. I feel like I've known my teammates forever. Someone on Saturday morning, one of the triathaletes, described it as a family, and I could not say it any better myself. It is an emotion that I can properly do justice and I wish that everyone I knew could experience. I know that if everyone I knew were in the room with me on Saturday, no questions asked, would be shelling out the money for me. I can't even stress to you how awesome and honored and blessed I am that I decided to be a part of this team.
But anyways, that was Saturday. Then SUNDAY. oh man. Sunday Kerry and I had signed up for the St. Patty's Day 8k down on Pennsylvania Ave. We went down Sunday morning, wearing our Green Beer Taste Testers shirts, and Irish beads at 7:30am Sunday. Waiting for the race to start was the COLDEST experience of my life. I shivered off my Special K bar in no time and was convinced that if I were on the Titanic, I would have been the first to die. Kerry and I even almost left the wind chill was so bad. We stuck it out though and ran the race at an 8:33 pace. It was the worst experience. The course was terribly laid out and the people in DC running the race were just LAME. In fact, I am so over how terrible that race was, that I don't even want to write about it. Just never do the St. Patty's Day race in DC. Leave that type of a race for the NY/NJ folks who know how to properly worship that holiday.
Please check out my page and donate to this amazing cause!:http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaSNess
Next week, 12 miles!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Team Hector WOOP WOOP!!!
Another week down and what a week it was! Between working 12 hours a day at my job and running, I was so busy, trying to squeeze in time to get everything in! On Tuesday I ran a quick 3 miles in between work and meetings later that night for work. It was a nice night on Tuesday, not too cold and a break in the rain.
On Thursday, Kerry and I ran the 3 miles together. We did my little loop that has 2 really nice sized hills. Did I mention that it was about 25 degrees out when we ran? Yeah, about that. I doubled up on my socks and my gloves. It is amazing how much the technical clothing does keep you warm and dry though. I think we ran a fast 3 miles just to get out of the cold!
Saturday we met our Team In Training folks out in Ashburn, VA--about 35 minutes away out in farm country. The Potomac Running company put on another shoe seminar for us, and then we headed out onto the trail to do 8 miles. It wasn't sooo cold that morning, but the wind was downright vicious. Not to mention, I was not thrilled to run 8 miles surrounded by farmland. I'm not a nature lover, I like to run in the city where there is lots to look out, and car fumes to inhale. The first 2 miles of the run were against the wind, the next 4 were with the wind, and the final 2 miles were against the wind AND uphill. I felt pretty strong for the first 6 miles, but those last two were a killer. Maybe it was the lack of things to look at, but I couldn't help getting the you're crazy to think you can run 26.2 miles thought out of my brain. I'm not gonna lie, I had to even say it outloud. So, I asked my teammate Moses who had ran a marathon before, when does it get easy. And he laughed, saying, it doesn't get easy until the taper weeks. It's just so frustrating to go out week after week and still struggle, and not feel really strong. But his words really encouraged me that I'm not alone. In addition to his comforting words, there is always the encouragement of running with the team. Not only were the Team In Training runners on teh path, but the Team In Training cyclists that are training for the Century Ride in Washington on the path as well. Everytime we passed either a runner or a cylcer, everyone cheered 'Go TEAM!' It's those little things that I absolutely love about this whole experience! It's so great to be a part of a team again. And it's SO nice to run with other people, laughing and talking along the way. I ran the 8 miles in a 1:09, so I was pretty happy with that-wanted to die, but still happy. Then we went back into the Potomac Running Store where I proceeded to spend money because I was like a kid in a candy store! Technical clothing just does it for me, what can I say?
We have been spoiled by these short runs that reality is starting to set in. Next Saturday, we are scheduled to run for 2 hours. Mind you, the last time I ran for 2 hours, I ran 13.1 miles. So apparently, I am running a half marathon on Saturday! On Sunday, Kerry and a few of our friends are doing the St.Patty's day run in DC. We are just going to have fun with it--dress in ridiculous garb--ie. green and white top hat with orange beard. Oh yes, you better believe it! At the end of March, a bunch of us from 'Team Hector' are going to run in the national half marathon here in DC together as well! So it's pretty evident that my life is slowly being taken over, but I love it!
Speaking of 'Team Hector,' we are working on that name. I told Kerry that we should just write 'Asshole' on our arms when we run in the marathon, because we are assholes for coming up with the idea to do this. That way when people yell to cheer for us, they would say 'Go Asshole!' Anyways, it's kind of been the standard joke now. I guess Kerry mentioned it to our Captain Hector and he thought it was great haha. Clearly, we will not be representing the 'Leukemia and Lymphoma Society' under such a title, but I know I will be chuckling to myself throughout many of those miles at the thought of 'Team Asshole.'
Anyways, that is all for now. I am hoping that the cold weather is just about over. I am also hoping that I can actually do this.
Please check on my progress on my site! I am almost at $1000! Which, to be honest, is not that great compared to my teammates! Da I hope I can raise the money!
On Thursday, Kerry and I ran the 3 miles together. We did my little loop that has 2 really nice sized hills. Did I mention that it was about 25 degrees out when we ran? Yeah, about that. I doubled up on my socks and my gloves. It is amazing how much the technical clothing does keep you warm and dry though. I think we ran a fast 3 miles just to get out of the cold!
Saturday we met our Team In Training folks out in Ashburn, VA--about 35 minutes away out in farm country. The Potomac Running company put on another shoe seminar for us, and then we headed out onto the trail to do 8 miles. It wasn't sooo cold that morning, but the wind was downright vicious. Not to mention, I was not thrilled to run 8 miles surrounded by farmland. I'm not a nature lover, I like to run in the city where there is lots to look out, and car fumes to inhale. The first 2 miles of the run were against the wind, the next 4 were with the wind, and the final 2 miles were against the wind AND uphill. I felt pretty strong for the first 6 miles, but those last two were a killer. Maybe it was the lack of things to look at, but I couldn't help getting the you're crazy to think you can run 26.2 miles thought out of my brain. I'm not gonna lie, I had to even say it outloud. So, I asked my teammate Moses who had ran a marathon before, when does it get easy. And he laughed, saying, it doesn't get easy until the taper weeks. It's just so frustrating to go out week after week and still struggle, and not feel really strong. But his words really encouraged me that I'm not alone. In addition to his comforting words, there is always the encouragement of running with the team. Not only were the Team In Training runners on teh path, but the Team In Training cyclists that are training for the Century Ride in Washington on the path as well. Everytime we passed either a runner or a cylcer, everyone cheered 'Go TEAM!' It's those little things that I absolutely love about this whole experience! It's so great to be a part of a team again. And it's SO nice to run with other people, laughing and talking along the way. I ran the 8 miles in a 1:09, so I was pretty happy with that-wanted to die, but still happy. Then we went back into the Potomac Running Store where I proceeded to spend money because I was like a kid in a candy store! Technical clothing just does it for me, what can I say?
We have been spoiled by these short runs that reality is starting to set in. Next Saturday, we are scheduled to run for 2 hours. Mind you, the last time I ran for 2 hours, I ran 13.1 miles. So apparently, I am running a half marathon on Saturday! On Sunday, Kerry and a few of our friends are doing the St.Patty's day run in DC. We are just going to have fun with it--dress in ridiculous garb--ie. green and white top hat with orange beard. Oh yes, you better believe it! At the end of March, a bunch of us from 'Team Hector' are going to run in the national half marathon here in DC together as well! So it's pretty evident that my life is slowly being taken over, but I love it!
Speaking of 'Team Hector,' we are working on that name. I told Kerry that we should just write 'Asshole' on our arms when we run in the marathon, because we are assholes for coming up with the idea to do this. That way when people yell to cheer for us, they would say 'Go Asshole!' Anyways, it's kind of been the standard joke now. I guess Kerry mentioned it to our Captain Hector and he thought it was great haha. Clearly, we will not be representing the 'Leukemia and Lymphoma Society' under such a title, but I know I will be chuckling to myself throughout many of those miles at the thought of 'Team Asshole.'
Anyways, that is all for now. I am hoping that the cold weather is just about over. I am also hoping that I can actually do this.
Please check on my progress on my site! I am almost at $1000! Which, to be honest, is not that great compared to my teammates! Da I hope I can raise the money!
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