UGH!!!

Running outside in Wisconsin in the winter is not fun!!! I have done pretty good sticking to the training schedule. Last Sunday I got 12 in with the team, ran Tuesday and Friday inside, Thursday and today both outside. The outside has been horrible. It was unbelievably cold last Sunday, then this week it "warmed up." It's been in the 30s and very humid. The slushy mess on the roads have been terrible. Sidewalks in Sun Prairie are AWFUL! There is an ordinance in Sun Prairie about clearing you sidewalks people!!! Today is was so humid - temperature in the low 20s with fog. I called it quits after 12 miles when I looked like an icicle. My knees and calves really hurt today!

Ugh, only 6 weeks until the marathon. I'm about $400 away from my fundraising minimum and am in need of some fundraising ideas so can earn the rest. Do you have any ideas? I did work the beer stand at the rodeo last night - not too exciting and not much in the way of tips. At least New Orleans should be warmer than here!

A LONG TIME

Wow! It's been a really long time since I posted! From Thanksgiving to New Year's I have to say my attempts at running were lack-luster at best. It seemed like every weekend was full of stuff for the holidays and the weekdays were just as busy with activities, teaching classes and work in general. Oh, don't forget that blizzard that seemed to take away several days.

We spent Xmas in Bertha with James' family. There was a "blizzard" for our trip there. Seems like we spent most of the time there shoveling. I did manage to get one run in, on pretty the only treadmill in the Bertha area. That's quite the story, ask me about it sometime! We came home to head down the Chicago for my nephew's baptism. Of course riding out storms in Minnesota and Illinois. The drives were just lovely. My parents spent 5 days with us and we managed to get in a 4th b-day party for Christopher and celebrate the family Xmas. I needed the New Year's weekend to recover from my vacation!

I have been doing pretty good with runs since January 2. It has been bitterly cold here in Wisconsin, making running outside dangerous. I have spent alot of time on the treadmill - BORING!!! At this point I have 45 days until the marathon. I still need to raise some funds, but I think it's doable. I'm going to work at the rodeo this Saturday in hopes of earning a few tips to put towards the fundraising goal.

THANKSGIVING

Had a great day. Ran my first Berbee Derby - 5,000+ runners on a cold, wet and windy day. Finished the 10K in 50:58, my new personal best. Went to have dinner at the Madison Club with Christopher & James' mom, and James even got to join us. Spent the rest of the afternoon/evening on the couch watching football and reading the Black Friday ads! What more could I ask for???

In looking back on the year, I think about what I have to be thankful for...it's certainly seems fitting that I could be angry that cancer took someone at such a year age. However, it provided me and my family an opportunity to reevaluate what is truly important in our lives. We definitely spent more time with family & friends this past year and less time worrying about if the house was clean enough to eat off the floor. There's something to be said about scheduling your priorities rather than prioritizing your schedule...

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and keep in mind the words of a short poem - life treasures are the things that often come without price - family, friends and health.

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME...

Well, it's been 3+ weeks since my last post. It certainly has been a busy few weeks! Enjoyed Halloween and then was off to the WPRA State conference. That was an adventure. I have decided that next year I will be a participant only! I did partake in a little run while I was spending time at the Kalahari Resort.

Training has certainly had it's ups and downs. Last week was a great week weather wise and I was able to run 3 days during lunch. Great opportunity to clear my head if nothing else. I was also able to take part in the team run on Saturday - 10 miles. Felt pretty good and wasn't sore the next day which is a good sign. Another busy week this week with work. Have gotten 2 of 3 runs in so far. Have to figure out when I am going to get my long run in this weekend. Planning to head to IL to see my new nephew - Benjamin William. He was born 11/3. Weighed in at 6 lbs, 9 oz and was 19 inches long. I'll post a picture just as soon as I figure out how to get the picture message from my phone to my computer!!!

Recommittment is 2 1/2 weeks away. I still need to raise $1000 to make my total requirement. PLEASE consider donating if you can. Keep in mind all the people you could potentially help. Granted it won't bring back Dick, but think of Andrew and maybe he might be able to live to 64 because there is a cure. Andrew attends daycare with Christopher. At 2 he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He turned 5 on Sunday. Tomorrow he will have to be put under general anesthesia to undergo a round of chemo. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. This is why I do this...

FALL 15K

Well, it had been one week and one day since my last run. Today was the Fall 15K Race in which the proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Several members of the team participated. I had elected to run the relay option - 3 people running a 5K each - with Jo and Roz, 2 teammates. Roz has never run a race before. We picked here up at 7:30 am (James & Christopher came along and volunteered at one of the Water stations with fellow TNT alum). She said she was nervous, but James told her it's just like a training run except there might be a few more people and at the end you might be able to get your time. We met Jo and the rest of the team at the LLS tent. Shortly before we were to start, Jo received a phone call that her grandfather was in the hospital and not doing well. The team all agreed that Jo needed to leave (thank goodness her husband was there to drive her). At that same time James & Christopher headed out with the vehicle. This was prove to be important when Roz & I had to figure out how to get her to the relay exchange point as Jo's husband was originally going to drive us. Roz & I went to the team orientation and wondered how we should get to the exchange point. We were so fortunate that a group of ladies were also doing the relay. The team's name is JNJ and I wish I had gotten more info! These 4 women had all been roommates and now get together once a year - one even flew in from France! Well, they were so kind. They drove Roz to the exchange point while Nicole (one of the team members) and I headed to the start. These ladies stood with Roz and helped her out and even gave me a ride back to the finish so I could see Roz!

Anyway, Nicole and I were off to a really good start until I felt this sharp pain in my foot. I was trying to figure out how I would have gotten something inside my shoe. I had to stop because it was getting quite painful. In the bottom of my shoe was stuck a SHARP stick. It went through the sole of my shoe, the padded insert and was like a needle point driving into my sock. I was trying to get it out when a fellow team member stopped to help me. Mike is my witness as to how long and sharp this thing was!!! I ended up having to pull it out of the bottom of my shoe with my teeth!!! When I finally got my shoe re-situated, I tried to run with Mike for a while (he's way too fast) and had to let him go ahead. I made it through the 10K in about 55 minutes - which isn't too bad considering I had to stop for a while with that stinking stick!

I saw Roz finish and she did really well. She said she got a little nervous and walked a bit, but she looked strong coming across the finish line. Thanks to the JNJ team for your support too! All the TNT participants finished and for many it was the longest race they had even done (Roz & I ended up being the only relay that ran for TNT.) Congrats!

SICK

UGH! I have this chest thing going on in which I have no voice and now I'm starting to cough (and this lovely green stuff is coming up). I have not run again since Saturday as I have no energy. I have had to teach though which stinks and is not helping with the recovery! Tomorrow is the fund raising clinic. I'm looking forward to meeting more of the winter team since I have been unable to make the recent team runs. We have a race coming up this Sunday - the Fall 15K. I am going to do the relay with 2 teammates - Jo & Roz. I hope to feel better by then.

Well, I managed to get in a few runs this week. I started the week off well with the listed Monday & Tuesday runs. Wednesday was a rest day and I tried to play catch-up with housework. Thursday was a scheduled 5 miles that I didn't get to. James left on Friday for his annual hunting trip to North Dakota. James will be scattering some of his father's ashes in the hunting land they both enjoy. Friday was another busy day with sister-in-law Erica coming for the day to take Christopher to Pumpkins in the Park - one of my infamous events at Parks & Recreation. We were then able to spend the afternoon all together.

I did manage to get 4 miles in this morning before going to teach fitness classes to cover at Parks & Rec. I spent the afternoon catching up on computer stuff. Tomorrow is a new day and I'm hoping to get a run in!

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...

IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME

Wow, it's been a long time since my last post and a lot has happened since then.

August 2 James & I ran the Inaugural Chicago Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon. We spent Saturday, the day before the race walking all over the city. James is too cheap to pay for a taxi! We were having to push the stroller loaded with stuff and also carry it up stairs. James managed to hurt his leg doing so and needless to say we did too much the day before the race. We attended the Team In Training Inspiration dinner at the Hilton - it was small and nice. My brother, sister-in-law, cousin and her husband all stayed downtown and watcher Christopher so we wouldn't have to worry about him during the race. We stayed at the University Club of Chicago (my friend Christine noted that place is a little "uppity" but we got a good deal).

It was great to be able to walk out Sunday morning and be just blocks off the start line. James and I were in corral 5 of 21 and crossed the start line 5 minutes after the gun went off. James thought I started out too fast, he kept up, then tried to pull away. I caught him at the end (Christine is my witness) and we both finished in 1:55! A PR for me, and one second slower for James. The course was nice and there were a lot of people cheering which was great. A good experience, except for the expo.

August went by fast as James made another trip home to see his dad. I'm glad he did and wish I would have gone too. On August 31, 2009, James' dad died.

A WEEK TO GO!

A week from today is the Chicago 1/2! Boy the summer has flown by! We spent the weekend in Bertha. It was a lot of traveling for the little time we spent, but well worth it. Dick was having some really good days. We spent 2 hours on Friday afternoon having family photos taken. We decided to have the photographer take one of James & I in our jerseys with Dick. Even the photographer cried...

We got it 2 runs. We ran 8 miles yesterday - quite the head wind. Had some good hills, so of course I ran rather well:-) Today we did a quick 4 miles (I don't think it was quite 4 otherwise we are really quick). Of course since it was short and flat, James took off today. Have a few more days to get some shorter runs in and on Friday we will head down to Chicago. Hoping that some family & friends will be there to cheer us on.

SATURDAY NIGHT

Well, it's Saturday night and I am so tired. I didn't get a run in today (or yesterday for that matter). The weather in Wisconsin has been cool and windy. My run on Wednesday had me battling the wind so much I don't think I made a lot of forward progress! Apparently, it's warmer in parts of Alaska right now...

The 1/2 is 2 weeks away and I am feeling drained! I have to get myself into gear and try to get excited. So much to do at work and home that I am finding it hard to fit in training. I am also back to teaching classes regularly at the club; I really didn't miss not having to teach...We are heading back to Bertha next weekend to see Dick and to have family photos taken. I am looking forward to it and hope to be able to get some good runs in.

MARATHON UPDATE

It's been 2 1/2 weeks since the marathon...hard to believe. The marathon went well. I finished in 4:24 (4 hours 24 minutes) and averaged 10 minute miles. James finished in 4:37. I felt really good until the last 2 miles or so! The day was sunny and 75 degrees (which is so not Seattle weather). It actually felt pretty warm by the time we were done due to the lack of cloud cover and shade along the course.

The course itself was very tough. A LOT of hills. Miles 15-20 seemed to be a gradual incline the entire way. The scenery was beautiful. Although I didn't see it, there was a bald eagle along one part of the course that participants were stopping to take a picture of because it was so close. We ran along the Washington Bridge (I think that's the name) and had an unbelievable view of Mt. Rainier - many people stopped along the bridge to take photos as well. I didn't stop myself except to walk through the later water stations. I was having a hard time coordinating running and drinking my water. (Just call me Grace.)

When I crossed the finish line I stopped running, however my body felt like it was still in motion. My victory photo looks terrible considering I was so dizzy and my stomach was really upset. After that I had to sit down with my head between my legs until I was able to see straight. I somehow managed to get myself over to the TNT tent and check in to find that Dick's cousins were waiting there to congratulate us. It perked my up a bit, however I still needed to spend time in the restroom emptying my insides:-) They seemed surprised that I finished before James, however the rest of us probably weren't:-)

The experience as a member of Team in Training was unbelievable. There were over 1400 TNT participants that raised over $4 MILLION for LLS at the Seattle RNR Marathon. I would recommend this program to anyone. We were treated so well by the staff! It was nice having a coach bus to take us to the start line in Tukwilla while the regular participants went by school bus! Team in Training also had a tent at the finish line area with food and beverage available to us - it was great! They even had a shuttle available to take us back to the hotel. Our coach actually suggested walking, however the enormous blister on my one untaped toe really hurt along with my feet, legs and rest of body!

That night there was a Victory Party hosted by TNT. We went for a short time - to eat some food primarily. We came back and kept moving - did a little shopping - to help alleviate the soreness. The plane ride home was difficult. I had the window seat and 2 people were seated next to me. I was unable to get up and move for the 4+ hours. Little stiff and sore when we landed.

It took a few days to fully recover, but we are now back to the grind. We will be running the inaugural Rock N Roll Chicago 1/2 marathon on August 2 in honor of Dick and James' b-day. We have teamed up with the Chicago IL Team In Training for the Inspiration Dinner. We would really like to have some of our IL friends and family cheering us along the way. Our friend Tina was on the course in Seattle around mile 18-19; she had a great sign and gave us a well needed hug and told us to keep going. It was great. She also took some pictures, and all I have to say is "God Bless Texas!" (For the picture of the Clydesdale athlete with no shirt and the small Texas flag as shorts.) We could really use a little inspiration, so if you could join that would be great. Check out the link for the race: http://chicago.competitor.com/

SHORT UPDATE

So, in the midst of writing my last post. The ceiling began to leak in our room - really leak! (It was the outline of the bathroom above us.) Needless to say we are now in a new room - bigger with quite the view of Seattle (Space Needle, buildings downtown and the water)! Off to get ready to meet our friend Tina!

WE'RE HERE

WE ARE IN SEATTLE!!! We arrived yesterday at 11 am local time. There are 28 of us from Wisconsin - runners, family, friends, coaches, mentors and support staff. After being herded through the airport to collect baggage, boarding the shuttle and checking in at the hotel (Crowne Plaza on 6th & Seneca), we were finally able to run into Subway and get some food! Then we once again herded together to board the shuttle to the Expo to pick up our race packets. (I keep referring to our group's traveling as herding because James and a fellow teammate kept "mooing" when ever we had to line up and get moving - so typically of James, no?)

We got to the Quest Expo Center to pick up our race packets - no line it was easy. Then we entered the Expo - we spent 3 hours just perusing the vendor booths and listening to speakers. It was very cool to see all the different people! We received many free samples of things and purchased several souvenirs. When will we ever run the INAUGURAL Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon again?

After the Expo, James and I went with 2 of our teammates Lia & Leann. We went to the Crab Pot. It was pretty cool. James took a picture of the huge pots of food that were dumped on the table for us to eat.

We are up early this morning (well actually it's sleeping in for us since it's really 8:30 am CST). We are watching the morning news which is featuring the Rock N Roll marathon. There are 25,000 runners slated to run! Today we are spending our free time with Tina, one of my college friends. We will post more later!

LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!

Hard to believe, but at this time in 2 weeks we will just be returning from Seattle! Another very busy week with work - both the previous one as well as the one in front of me. Most of our summer programs start this week = lots to do!!! We did manage a team run and lunch yesterday. We traveled out to Mt. Horeb to run the hills and dine at Leann's home. They own about 60 acres in a beautiful area. The views were gorgeous. My rear end is a little sore from the hills. Unfortunately, upon completion of the run yesterday the top of my foot began to hurt - BAD! from my big toe to my ankle. It has swelled and it is sore to walk on. So, we decided to skip the group run with the fall team today to rest.

Our "rest" was comprised of traveling to the Wisconsin Dells - shopping at the outlet mall and going to Noah's Ark! (How pathetic that on my day off I go to a waterpark...) Christopher really enjoyed it. We are all a little pink, but not too bad. The water was so cold it numbed my foot and made it feel better. Now, it's getting sore again. I hope this is nothing serious...

It's been a week since my last post, but our lives continue to be quite hectic. My car was in the shop all last week being repaired from my car accident. (I was rear ended as part of a 4 car crash!) It is as good as new.

I have worked alot - of course - in the past week. The weather has not been cooperating with me, so the pool finally opened today. I spent the day on deck due to being short staffed. I am a little sunburned. I have somehow managed to get all my runs in - including the 3+ hour one on Sunday (after work). My knee remains a little stiff and sore, but it's improving.

Tonight was the official send-off from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's official we have our purple jerseys to be worn for the race. We also received our tickets and information for the race weekend. It's only 2 1/2 weeks away!!!

A final note that we can still take donations through tomorrow. PLEASE, consider donating if you haven't done so already. Apparently, James & I are in the lead for the top fundraiser for our area - THANKS!

Don't forget we hosting our own send-off party on Saturday, June 20 starting at 3pm. Eat, drink & be merry. (Please RSVP by June 18.)

IT'S JUNE ALREADY???

I can't believe it's already June! We have 25 days until the marathon! We only have 8 more days to accept donations that will count towards our total. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated! We couldn't have done this without you!

I have worked everyday since mid-May with the exception of the 1/2 marathon day...I am exhausted and have had a hard time fitting in running. After working a full day both Saturday & Sunday I came home to start my long run at 5:30pm. I actually felt pretty good! I was surprised. I didn't get 16 miles in, but I did manage a 1/2 marathon distance before deciding to head back home. I wasn't sore either as I thought I might be. Today turned out to be a pretty good weather day, and I was actually home by 5pm tonight, so both James & I decided to do a long run. I ran about 9 miles. It certainly did not feel as good tonight. It really took a while to loosen up and I could feel myself limping a little at the beginning. I felt okay when I finished. I tried some "BODY GLIDE" tonight - it's suppose to prevent chaffing. I keep getting a line from my sports bra that really hurts. It seemed to help tonight. James got 8 miles in as well and seems to feel pretty good. Our only problem is that "we stink" according to Christopher and need to take a shower!

WHAT A WEEK

The week has flown by considering I have worked quite a few hours already and have ALL weekend to work. This is a really busy time of year for me. The pool opens a week from tomorrow and there is so much to have ready. I also have 2 new responsibilities this summer - a new concession stand to run and the Concerts in the Park series (a park commission member oversaw these the past 10+ years, but decided to retire this year). I am feeling quite overwhelmed trying to manage work and running...

Sunday and Monday my knees (and James' knees) were very sore. Otherwise I felt okay (besides being tired). We met our coach Jackie for an easy 4 mile run on Tuesday. I was very stiff and my right knee just didn't seem to bend that well. I really didn't feel as if I had "warmed up" or loosened up during the entire run. My right knee has continued to be stiff and sore this week. Wednesday & Thursday I worked late and didn't run. Today I spent the day at the WPRA Aquatic Seminar. Upon arriving home I knew I needed to run. James & I decided to run together and James opted to push Christopher in the stroller. We ran about 5 miles. I felt myself limping the 1st 2 miles or so, then I finally felt a little looser and my stride seemed easier to manage. It was really the last 1/2 mile in which I felt sufficiently warmed up and comfortable with my running. We will see what my knee says tomorrow.

June 10 is our fundraising deadline. We want to raise as much as we possibly can and encourage you to share our cause with others - THANKS!

MADISON 1/2 MARATHON

James and I competed in and completed our 1st 1/2 marathon today. Our day started at 4:30am when we all got up to get ready to head to the course. We were out the door by 5:30am - we piled into my mother-in-law's minivan (my mom & dad, my inlaws, Christopher, James & I) and were to the Alliant Center parking lot by 5:55 am. My father didn't really think that we needed to leave that early...until they began realizing and hearing about the several mile back-up on the highway trying to get to the Alliant Center. In the long run they were very happy that we had left so early!

It was the first time our parents had seen us run. James finished in 1:54 and I finished in 1:57. It was great to have Dick at the finish line! The whole thing was a little overwhelming for everyone involved and instead of heading to Brat Fest, we headed home and prepared a big breakfast. Needlessly to say we have spent most of the day relaxing!

James and I lined up with the pace group for the 2 hour time. The group started off much faster than the 9:10 mile pace we were suppose to be holding. Our first 5 miles was at a faster pace than we had run for CrazyLegs. The 2nd half of the race was tiring and both of us really slowed down. We definitely can not start that fast for the full marathon! I had taped my toes and parts of my foot that had blistered last weekend on my long run. No blisters there, but on a toe I didn't tape!

At least tomorrow we have the day off from running; James is on call and I do have to work for a couple of hours. The next 2 weeks are going to be tough - I will be working alot, plus I have to run! (Less than 2 weeks until the pool opens.) As a reminder, we only have until June 10 to submit donations. So, if you can encourage anyone to make a final donation to our cause we would greatly appreciate it!

DANO WINS MAN OF THE YEAR!

I am pleased to say that Dano, our TNT teammate, won the inaugural LLS Man of the Year Award last night - Congrats!!! I will post some pictures soon!

Tomorrow is the Madison 1/2 Marathon. We are currently resting on the porch passing the time. Getting a little nervous as this will be the longest run in terms of a race that we have done. I am hoping it goes okay. We will be leaving at 5:30 am to get to the race. We will post after we finish tomorrow!