STARTING OVER

On August 31, Dick lost his battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I received the call while I was sitting at a meeting, having just been asked to be the coach for the Team In Training Triathlon Team starting in April 2010. As part of the process of becoming a coach, I need to shadow the 2010 winter season coach, attend Triathlon coaches training and training sessions with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In shadowing the current coach I will be assisting with clinics (the same ones James & I had to attend), assisting with team runs and mentoring current team members in regards to their training, fund raising and maybe just life in general. We are preparing the team to run either PF Chang’s Marathon in Arizona or the inaugural Rock ‘N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans. Unfortunately, the chapter cannot afford to send both the coach and myself to these events; only the coach will get to go. That’s why James & I have decided that I would also become a member of the team and fund raise, so I can be part of the team running the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in New Orleans on February 28.

I am ecstatic for the coaching opportunity; having begun to miss coaching and working with my triathletes. Had it not been for Dick suffering from this disease we wouldn’t have become a part of Team In Training. Dick served 14 months Active Duty in Vietnam. He underwent 14 months of active treatment before succumbing to this disease. Ironically enough, when I complete this marathon, I will have spent 14 months as an active member of Team in Training before assuming the role of coach. I am running in memory of Dick, and as a member of TNT I need to raise $2660. (Please note 75% of the money raised will go back to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for research, patient aid and education. It’s not to “send me” to New Orleans.)

Well, last Sunday I ran a 10k race - the Literacy Run as an event for the Pi Phi alum club. I ran okay and finished in 53:47 - a personal record for me. I haven't managed to run since...
The week was busy, and I claimed I was tired and I put it off. I taught 7 aerobics classes this past week. It was today though when after teaching Zumba I got an opportunity to speak with one of the participants that I realized only I can motivate myself. This student has lost a lot of weight and found joy in Zumba. She was talking about how she has gone out to get certified and it going to start teaching classes. She tries to make every Zumba fundraiser, party and class she can. She is so excited for Zumba and that's when I realized I need to get excited for the marathon! I know it must sound strange, but I haven't really been excited for the marathon itself, but rather the people and cause that I am working with. As I tell others, how do you expect to take care of others, if you don't first take care of yourself??? I guess I'll be focusing on myself for a little while...