Each Wednesday our team has track night. It is Week 9, and because of the craziness going on the past few months this was my first one! It was awesome. It kicked my butt! It was fun :) I really need to build my endurance, and I can tell that this is what has been lacking in my ability to decrease my time. All in all I ran almost 3 miles tonight.
After the tough workout, some of the team went over to this little dive across from the track. I was able to finally get to know a few more people that didn't include huffing and puffing! Can I say (yes, once again!) how GREAT Team in Training is! Tonight was so relaxing and enjoyable. With things returning to normal (what is normal again?) soon, I will get to enjoy these nights a lot more if my work schedule allows! Next week is a pizza run. Not sure exactly what that entails, but I am pretty sure it involves two of my favorite things!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Is This What Recovery is Like?
This weekend was supposed to be a 10 mile training run on Saturday with TNT. I still have a horrible cough, so I set out to do the half marathon training schedule, which was only 5 miles. My body is still a little sore from last weekend, so I had a hard time getting those 5 miles out. My pace was only a 12 min. mile. It was a little discouraging, but then I kept thinking about the HUGE accomplishment I had the week before.
We started with our team meeting, and the coaches read a letter from the mom of our Honored Teammate, Hunter. Hunter passed away earlier that week. Then the father of a survivor got up and talked to us. It definitely is an inspiration to the purpose of what we are running for. We each got a picture of Hunter to keep with us. Cancer Sucks!
Sunday was the Shamrock Run. I signed up for the 8K, so another 5 miles. It was great to have Eric home, he was finally able to see me finish a race that he wasnt in! The course took me through Downtown Portland. It was a nice course, and some unexpected hills. My pace was a little better than on Saturday, but still not as good as usual. I was glad I did not sign up for the 15k! It felt good to finish, although my knees were killing me.
I still have the cough, and I am still sore. Yesterday was my rest day. I am gearing up to go out for a small run, just to get out there. I am hoping to feel better because tomorrow is Track Night! I have not been able to go yet, and this would be my first time.
We started with our team meeting, and the coaches read a letter from the mom of our Honored Teammate, Hunter. Hunter passed away earlier that week. Then the father of a survivor got up and talked to us. It definitely is an inspiration to the purpose of what we are running for. We each got a picture of Hunter to keep with us. Cancer Sucks!
Sunday was the Shamrock Run. I signed up for the 8K, so another 5 miles. It was great to have Eric home, he was finally able to see me finish a race that he wasnt in! The course took me through Downtown Portland. It was a nice course, and some unexpected hills. My pace was a little better than on Saturday, but still not as good as usual. I was glad I did not sign up for the 15k! It felt good to finish, although my knees were killing me.
I still have the cough, and I am still sore. Yesterday was my rest day. I am gearing up to go out for a small run, just to get out there. I am hoping to feel better because tomorrow is Track Night! I have not been able to go yet, and this would be my first time.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Damn Cancer
Our TEAM received some horrible news this week. The TEAM's honored teammate Hunter, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday evening. I personally had more awful news that one of my honorary team members Luke has had his AML return. A family friend also had a co-worker lose her husband to leukemia.
The fact that anyone has to go through this is unacceptable. We need to take Cancer down, and we need to take it down NOW. Tomorrow I have a ten mile run scheduled with my team. I am not feeling 100% but as long as it is not harmful, I will be running all ten. Then on Sunday I will be running in the Shamrock Run 8K in Portland to benefit Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
I wouldn't normally say this, but it is how I am feeling today....and I apologize if I offend anyone.
Cancer....
You have taken too many people away from their loved ones. It is your time to be taken away. All I have to say to you, is Fuck You.
The fact that anyone has to go through this is unacceptable. We need to take Cancer down, and we need to take it down NOW. Tomorrow I have a ten mile run scheduled with my team. I am not feeling 100% but as long as it is not harmful, I will be running all ten. Then on Sunday I will be running in the Shamrock Run 8K in Portland to benefit Doernbecher Children's Hospital.
I wouldn't normally say this, but it is how I am feeling today....and I apologize if I offend anyone.
Cancer....
You have taken too many people away from their loved ones. It is your time to be taken away. All I have to say to you, is Fuck You.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
To the Finish
Well, I promised the rest of my experience, so here goes!
After hobbling to the refreshment area (I didn't feel any of this pain until I finished) I got some water, PowerAde and a banana. The lines to get a picture was way too long. My patience just wasn't there, and I really wanted to see CB and the rest of my family. My brother came up to me with a huge hug telling me how proud he was as well as my mom, CB and Andrea. CB was wearing her Cinderella dress and came up to me and told me she was also proud of me. She wanted my medal though, and I was NOT going to part with that!
There were princesses all around, and not just the runners. So CB and I got our picture with Snow White. Then as we were walking away from her Cinderella came up to CB and we got her picture with her. Cinderella was so sweet. Then I walked over to the merchandise tent, I could now get the "I Did It" shirt. I couldn't move too well, so I opted not to have my medal engraver there and I just wanted to eat. So we tried to find a place for breakfast. It is amazing when your body can tell you what you need. I just want salt, lots of salt. So I broke down and got eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and pancakes. Sadly, I ate almost all of it. And since my run I have been SO hungry! So I am trying to eat healthy foods, but vacation does not make that easy.
CB kept touching my medal and telling me how she was so proud of me. It made everything worth it. The medal was nothing compared to her telling me that. I know that I am teaching her to be healthy. My brother and his girlfriend had to head back down to Ft. Lauderdale, which was hard on my mom, CB and I. Thankfully my mom took CB to the pool so I could take a nap. My body was still really sore when I woke up, and Eric sent me a message telling me to go get a massage. So he twisted my arm, I did. What a great idea! The resort was giving a free 30 min. massage with each 60 min. massage. So I was able to get a 90 min. massage. I almost fell asleep so many times. It felt amazing.
I feared that Monday morning I would wake up unable to move, but surprisingly I felt great! CB and I took my mom to the airport and then hit DisneyWorld again. I was able to walk without any problems. Today I can tell my body is ready for a run. I just want to get out there, even if only for a few minutes. This afternoon CB and I might go for a small jog. Amazingly, that is about the only thing she has really wanted to do today. I had no idea how great it would feel.
Sadly, one of the children I am running for in June may have relapsed. He was admitted this weekend to DCH to have a biopsy done on a mass. It breaks my heart. He has had two bone marrow transplants, and survived. Now he and his family have to deal with this. He is such a fighter and has such a strong faith. His parents and siblings are heartbroken. Too many families have had to go through this. Cancer SUCKS! Please, if you are able in any way visit my TNT fundraising site and donate. Remember, even something as small as a $5 donation can go so far! Help me to help find a cure for this horrible disease.
After hobbling to the refreshment area (I didn't feel any of this pain until I finished) I got some water, PowerAde and a banana. The lines to get a picture was way too long. My patience just wasn't there, and I really wanted to see CB and the rest of my family. My brother came up to me with a huge hug telling me how proud he was as well as my mom, CB and Andrea. CB was wearing her Cinderella dress and came up to me and told me she was also proud of me. She wanted my medal though, and I was NOT going to part with that!
There were princesses all around, and not just the runners. So CB and I got our picture with Snow White. Then as we were walking away from her Cinderella came up to CB and we got her picture with her. Cinderella was so sweet. Then I walked over to the merchandise tent, I could now get the "I Did It" shirt. I couldn't move too well, so I opted not to have my medal engraver there and I just wanted to eat. So we tried to find a place for breakfast. It is amazing when your body can tell you what you need. I just want salt, lots of salt. So I broke down and got eggs, hashbrowns, bacon and pancakes. Sadly, I ate almost all of it. And since my run I have been SO hungry! So I am trying to eat healthy foods, but vacation does not make that easy.
CB kept touching my medal and telling me how she was so proud of me. It made everything worth it. The medal was nothing compared to her telling me that. I know that I am teaching her to be healthy. My brother and his girlfriend had to head back down to Ft. Lauderdale, which was hard on my mom, CB and I. Thankfully my mom took CB to the pool so I could take a nap. My body was still really sore when I woke up, and Eric sent me a message telling me to go get a massage. So he twisted my arm, I did. What a great idea! The resort was giving a free 30 min. massage with each 60 min. massage. So I was able to get a 90 min. massage. I almost fell asleep so many times. It felt amazing.
What a princess looks like after finishing a half marathon :)
(Just kidding.....the wine bottle was already empty!)
Sadly, one of the children I am running for in June may have relapsed. He was admitted this weekend to DCH to have a biopsy done on a mass. It breaks my heart. He has had two bone marrow transplants, and survived. Now he and his family have to deal with this. He is such a fighter and has such a strong faith. His parents and siblings are heartbroken. Too many families have had to go through this. Cancer SUCKS! Please, if you are able in any way visit my TNT fundraising site and donate. Remember, even something as small as a $5 donation can go so far! Help me to help find a cure for this horrible disease.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Officially a Princess!
I DID IT!!!! I completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Honestly, I was not sure I could do it. The farthest I have ever run at one time was 7 miles. Not the greatest training plan but sometimes life gets in the way. In fact, I was contemplating not even running it a few weeks ago because I was not sure if I would have anyone to watch CB while I ran since Eric was probably not going to join us. Well, both my youngest brother (who lives in Fort Lauderale) and his girlfriend came up and my mom came out to Orlando with me and CB. Eric also asked me to run, so I decided I would.
We arrived in Orlando on Wednesday night, after a long day of flying. My body was a little cadywhompus from my jaunt to Tampa two days ago. So I was exhausted! I just wanted to sleep. Getting to sleep about one am was not good for me. We then were able to check into our resort early and my mom, CB and I headed over to Shades of Green Resort to get our tickets to the Disney Parks. With Eric being on Active Duty, I got to enjoy one the benefits of 4-day passes for $99 to four of the parks. What a beautiful resort! We will definitely stay there the next time we come down here. My little brother then joined us that evening.
Friday we hit the Expo at ESPN World of Sports. I was greeted with Fairy Dust. Then I got my bib for the race! After I got my bib, I went to collect Clair's bib and ears. She was running in the children's race the next day. Then it was to get my goodie bag! Each runner got a purple mesh bag that had our t-shirt and other goodies in it. I then bought another t-shirt. I was not going to get an "official" shirt that said "I Did It" quite yet, just bad juju. Then it was off to Disney World! The only time I had been there was when I was pregnant with CB. The excitement on her face was awesome! Getting onto rides took awhile though with the lines. Taking a four-year old through DW and having to explain patience is not fun. But Splash Mountain was a hit! She loved it. After about 7 hours, we left to pick up my brother's girlfriend at the airport. Another late night! I was a little disappointed I didn't get a short run in, but I was just too tired.
Clair's race was Saturday morning and we were supposed to be there at 9:45 am. Well, because of some frustration and confusion, we didn't pull into the parking lot until 9:55. Our spot was almost a mile from the entrance, so I took off with CB. I started carrying her, but it didn't last long and she wanted to run. So I let her down and she took off running. She was hustling! I was running right behind her, and she ran the whole way to the track. I was very impressed. We arrived at the track and a volunteer told me that we were ok on time....relief! So after they finished the mile run, CB ran the 200 meter race. I ran behind her and got video of her running for Eric (too bad he will probably get motion sick watching it). When she crossed the finish line she was so happy (and I was SO proud!) She was then given her medal. It brought tears to my eyes. Then we hit Animal Kingdom. It was so much more calm than DW. CB ate her way through the park. By the end of the afternoon she was crashing, and I knew I had to get some sleep.
My brother bought some GREAT Italian food, and I was ready to carbo load. Oh my goodness! It was so good. About 9 pm I crawled into bed. I needed to get up at 3 am on Sunday, and I wanted a good night sleep. Well, sleep never happened. At 2:30 am I decided oh well....I am going to do my hair. At 3:25 am I left the hotel room to get to Epcot. When I got there the area was full of people ready to run. At 4:30 they had us walk to the start line. It was a mile walk to get to the corrals, but a good warm up. I hit the port-a-lets and got into Corral B. It was an hour before the run started and I was freezing. At 5:50 I couldn't feel my toes. Then the Fairy Godmother came out to inspire us to find our inner princess. My corral start time was 6:07. So the first corral started to fireworks and cheers at 6 am. Then we started. It was so exhilarating! But after I passed the first set of port-a-lets I felt like I had to go to the bathroom again. Damn mommy bladder! So next stop was the next station. Thankfully they were not too far apart. So at mile 2.5 I hit the bathroom and started back up. My pace was about an 11 min mile. My goal was to never hit a 12 min mile.
The course was great, there were Disney characters along the way. I didn't stop because I was afraid near the end I would need to walk, and that would slow my time down and I really wanted that finisher's medal! Along the way I sent texts to my brother and mom because I wanted them to know when I was expecting to hit Main Street, which is where they were. We came into Disney World at mile 5.4. The crowd was cheering everyone on, and I saw my brother, his girlfriend, my mom and CB. I kissed CB and kept going. It was surely an energy boost. Winding my way through DW I came through Cinderella's castle. I kept telling myself, I can do this...I can do this. Then the course took us through Frontier Land and out of the park. After mile 7, I knew I was over the hump but I had never gone farther than this. I told myself if I was tired, I could walk after the Clif Shots station at mile 8.4. Well I may have slowed down (alot), but I didn't walk. Since my time was still good, I decided heck I was going to take my picture with some characters! Mile 9.5 had the heroes of Disney....5 (incredibly) cute guys and I was in the middle of them! Soon after that was Jack Sparrow....(and OMG, he looked just like Johnny did in the movie!) SWOON. Well the photographer couldn't get the picture to take on my phone, so after holding him for a few moments I decided oh well!
The miles then hit double digits. My confidence was bursting. I was going to finish! So I continued to go, my pace was getting up to a 12 min mile. I didn't care anymore, I wanted to keep going no matter how slow I was. The course was going up the ramp to Epcot where the finish was. Mile 11 was getting closer. I couldn't believe I was only 2 miles from finishing. My time was 2 hours and 10 minutes. I set off with 2 hours and 45 minutes being my finish time. Mile 12 came and went. I couldn't believe I was only a mile away. There were people everywhere cheering all of the runners on. As we made a loop at mile 12.5 the volunteers told us we were only half a mile away, keep going. Tears started welling in my eyes. I was ecstatic that I was finishing and sad because Eric wasn't there to share this with me. He has been a huge support to me, and I know that without his encouragement I probably would not have done this. As I made the turn towards the finish line I looked for my Chear Squad (the name given to those who had reserved seating at the finish line....). As I neared the finish line, I saw them (literally AT the finish line!) and threw my arm in the air, I DID IT! About 200 feet from the finish line the finisher's medal was placed around my neck! And guess what....my official chip time was 2 hours, 45 minutes and 49 seconds! (Which did not take into consideration my bathroom break). So I even beat my goal! But I hurt like hell. My knees hurt, and I could hardly walk, but I did it. What an awesome feeling!
Stay tuned for the rest tomorrow......
We arrived in Orlando on Wednesday night, after a long day of flying. My body was a little cadywhompus from my jaunt to Tampa two days ago. So I was exhausted! I just wanted to sleep. Getting to sleep about one am was not good for me. We then were able to check into our resort early and my mom, CB and I headed over to Shades of Green Resort to get our tickets to the Disney Parks. With Eric being on Active Duty, I got to enjoy one the benefits of 4-day passes for $99 to four of the parks. What a beautiful resort! We will definitely stay there the next time we come down here. My little brother then joined us that evening.
Friday we hit the Expo at ESPN World of Sports. I was greeted with Fairy Dust. Then I got my bib for the race! After I got my bib, I went to collect Clair's bib and ears. She was running in the children's race the next day. Then it was to get my goodie bag! Each runner got a purple mesh bag that had our t-shirt and other goodies in it. I then bought another t-shirt. I was not going to get an "official" shirt that said "I Did It" quite yet, just bad juju. Then it was off to Disney World! The only time I had been there was when I was pregnant with CB. The excitement on her face was awesome! Getting onto rides took awhile though with the lines. Taking a four-year old through DW and having to explain patience is not fun. But Splash Mountain was a hit! She loved it. After about 7 hours, we left to pick up my brother's girlfriend at the airport. Another late night! I was a little disappointed I didn't get a short run in, but I was just too tired.
Clair's race was Saturday morning and we were supposed to be there at 9:45 am. Well, because of some frustration and confusion, we didn't pull into the parking lot until 9:55. Our spot was almost a mile from the entrance, so I took off with CB. I started carrying her, but it didn't last long and she wanted to run. So I let her down and she took off running. She was hustling! I was running right behind her, and she ran the whole way to the track. I was very impressed. We arrived at the track and a volunteer told me that we were ok on time....relief! So after they finished the mile run, CB ran the 200 meter race. I ran behind her and got video of her running for Eric (too bad he will probably get motion sick watching it). When she crossed the finish line she was so happy (and I was SO proud!) She was then given her medal. It brought tears to my eyes. Then we hit Animal Kingdom. It was so much more calm than DW. CB ate her way through the park. By the end of the afternoon she was crashing, and I knew I had to get some sleep.
My brother bought some GREAT Italian food, and I was ready to carbo load. Oh my goodness! It was so good. About 9 pm I crawled into bed. I needed to get up at 3 am on Sunday, and I wanted a good night sleep. Well, sleep never happened. At 2:30 am I decided oh well....I am going to do my hair. At 3:25 am I left the hotel room to get to Epcot. When I got there the area was full of people ready to run. At 4:30 they had us walk to the start line. It was a mile walk to get to the corrals, but a good warm up. I hit the port-a-lets and got into Corral B. It was an hour before the run started and I was freezing. At 5:50 I couldn't feel my toes. Then the Fairy Godmother came out to inspire us to find our inner princess. My corral start time was 6:07. So the first corral started to fireworks and cheers at 6 am. Then we started. It was so exhilarating! But after I passed the first set of port-a-lets I felt like I had to go to the bathroom again. Damn mommy bladder! So next stop was the next station. Thankfully they were not too far apart. So at mile 2.5 I hit the bathroom and started back up. My pace was about an 11 min mile. My goal was to never hit a 12 min mile.
The course was great, there were Disney characters along the way. I didn't stop because I was afraid near the end I would need to walk, and that would slow my time down and I really wanted that finisher's medal! Along the way I sent texts to my brother and mom because I wanted them to know when I was expecting to hit Main Street, which is where they were. We came into Disney World at mile 5.4. The crowd was cheering everyone on, and I saw my brother, his girlfriend, my mom and CB. I kissed CB and kept going. It was surely an energy boost. Winding my way through DW I came through Cinderella's castle. I kept telling myself, I can do this...I can do this. Then the course took us through Frontier Land and out of the park. After mile 7, I knew I was over the hump but I had never gone farther than this. I told myself if I was tired, I could walk after the Clif Shots station at mile 8.4. Well I may have slowed down (alot), but I didn't walk. Since my time was still good, I decided heck I was going to take my picture with some characters! Mile 9.5 had the heroes of Disney....5 (incredibly) cute guys and I was in the middle of them! Soon after that was Jack Sparrow....(and OMG, he looked just like Johnny did in the movie!) SWOON. Well the photographer couldn't get the picture to take on my phone, so after holding him for a few moments I decided oh well!
The miles then hit double digits. My confidence was bursting. I was going to finish! So I continued to go, my pace was getting up to a 12 min mile. I didn't care anymore, I wanted to keep going no matter how slow I was. The course was going up the ramp to Epcot where the finish was. Mile 11 was getting closer. I couldn't believe I was only 2 miles from finishing. My time was 2 hours and 10 minutes. I set off with 2 hours and 45 minutes being my finish time. Mile 12 came and went. I couldn't believe I was only a mile away. There were people everywhere cheering all of the runners on. As we made a loop at mile 12.5 the volunteers told us we were only half a mile away, keep going. Tears started welling in my eyes. I was ecstatic that I was finishing and sad because Eric wasn't there to share this with me. He has been a huge support to me, and I know that without his encouragement I probably would not have done this. As I made the turn towards the finish line I looked for my Chear Squad (the name given to those who had reserved seating at the finish line....). As I neared the finish line, I saw them (literally AT the finish line!) and threw my arm in the air, I DID IT! About 200 feet from the finish line the finisher's medal was placed around my neck! And guess what....my official chip time was 2 hours, 45 minutes and 49 seconds! (Which did not take into consideration my bathroom break). So I even beat my goal! But I hurt like hell. My knees hurt, and I could hardly walk, but I did it. What an awesome feeling!
Stay tuned for the rest tomorrow......
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Run Like A Princess
Tomorrow is the day! I will wake up at 3:00 am to head to Epcot Center to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Sorry for the lack of updating....it has been a busy and CRAZY week and a half. So be thinking of me while you are sleeping soundly :)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Today I embarked on a solo run through the rain and the chill. Logged in almost 4 miles. So I have now hit 100 miles since January that I have run!! With the races it will only increase.
Sunday will be the Disney Princess Half Marathon. I still need a tiara ;) And some bling. Making sure I have enough packed for myself as well as Clair has been proven to be not such a simple task. I look forward to exploring the parks, seeing my little brother and hopefully enjoying some sunshine.
I am now at $950 in donations for TNT. Once I hit $1400, I recommit and I WILL be doing this soon! Thank you to all that have donated.
Well better get some sleep. Leaving tomorrow with a long day of flying, with a four year old!
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