If you've visited my Donation page you've seen the tagline on my page: Running for Life. I created that tagline for my page, and to me it has several meanings.
First, I want to be young when I'm old. Running will help me be fit and healthy -- and have life.
Second, I continue to run, after starting a year ago, with the intent that it will be a life-long activity.
Third, and most importantly, I'm running so that other people can have health. I heard at one of my TNT meetings that a cure for Leukemia could happen within 10 years, and once that cure is found, other cancer cures will likely follow. This is an incredible thought! And in the meantime, the money that Leukemia Lymphoma Society puts toward patient care services helps make life better for patients with blood cancers.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Running in the Rain
Yesterday was a group run number three -- 70 minutes. It was also the first group run to have rain. It was coming down pretty steadily, and was cold too. In fact, when I left home, the drops were heavy; dropping more than dripping. Thankfully, it didn't stay that way too long, and by the time I finished my run, the rain had finished to. I am glad that I had the foresight to bring a dry shirt and sweatshirt, though. I would have been extremely cold by the time I got home if I hadn't.
We met at Barkley Village; the Railroad Greenway goes through the residential area, eventually meeting Alabama Hill, and continuing into Whatcom Falls Park. I didn't go into the park, but plan to do so another time. Despite the rain, and the vast number of puddles dotting the trail, there were a lot of people out; and not just my fellow TNT-ers, either. I'm always glad to know that people are using the trails that the parks department has worked to develop.
As is usual for me, the first 10-15 minutes were the worst for me. I warm up, then start running and always feel like I don't want to keep going. But I do, and by the end, I find my pace and feel good (even if a little tired). It makes me wonder: am I meant to be a longer-distance runner, or not a runner at all? I ran the whole time, with a brief water stop in the middle, which makes me feel good about my training so far!
We met at Barkley Village; the Railroad Greenway goes through the residential area, eventually meeting Alabama Hill, and continuing into Whatcom Falls Park. I didn't go into the park, but plan to do so another time. Despite the rain, and the vast number of puddles dotting the trail, there were a lot of people out; and not just my fellow TNT-ers, either. I'm always glad to know that people are using the trails that the parks department has worked to develop.
As is usual for me, the first 10-15 minutes were the worst for me. I warm up, then start running and always feel like I don't want to keep going. But I do, and by the end, I find my pace and feel good (even if a little tired). It makes me wonder: am I meant to be a longer-distance runner, or not a runner at all? I ran the whole time, with a brief water stop in the middle, which makes me feel good about my training so far!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Cuz Opposite is Opposite
Yesterday morning it was windy and rainy here, and I confess the last thing I really wanted to do was head out for a run. I kept myself busy until early afternoon when I usually go out, then grudgingly pulled on my fleece, hat, and rain coat, laced up my shoes and left for my 30 minute run. And wouldn't you know! I hit a calm in the weather. The trail was wet, and I did get sprinkled upon a bit, but it wasn't bad at all. I got home and actually felt warmer than I did before I left.
Ahh, but today. Today began overcast, then mid-morning I could see patches of blue sky from the window, and the sun was peaking out. And I smiled and said a little word of thanks. Again, I kept myself busy until after lunch, then laced up my shoes, put on my fleece and hat and left for another 30 minuter. And wouldn't you know! Not five minutes out, it began to rain (and I without my rain jacket.) Very cold rain. Icy almost. I cursed. Aloud. I got home colder than I was before I left.
I will say, it did not downpour, as I thought it might, so I am glad for that. But it was very cold today. Not a bad run all told, though. I did feel good to breath some crisp air. And for the first time on this trail, I saw a raccoon, no doubt scurrying to dryer places.
Ahh, but today. Today began overcast, then mid-morning I could see patches of blue sky from the window, and the sun was peaking out. And I smiled and said a little word of thanks. Again, I kept myself busy until after lunch, then laced up my shoes, put on my fleece and hat and left for another 30 minuter. And wouldn't you know! Not five minutes out, it began to rain (and I without my rain jacket.) Very cold rain. Icy almost. I cursed. Aloud. I got home colder than I was before I left.
I will say, it did not downpour, as I thought it might, so I am glad for that. But it was very cold today. Not a bad run all told, though. I did feel good to breath some crisp air. And for the first time on this trail, I saw a raccoon, no doubt scurrying to dryer places.
Monday, February 19, 2007
A Big Thank You
A big Thank You to all the women at Design-her Gals. The cool likeness of me that you've seen on my letterhead, emails, and website was made possible by Design-her Gals. If you aren't familiar, you should check out the website! Once you register, you can create and save up to six different gals. The site has a great array of clothing, accessories, and "fun stuff" to hold in your hands, so you can customize a gal for all the different moods or interests you have. Then you can use your gal on notecards, business cards, letterhead, invites, stickers and a bunch of other things. You can also send e-cards for free.
Another reason why I really love the company is that they use the sight to raise funds and awareness for their Gal to Gal foundation, which supports Stage 4 breast cancer patients. And while that is their passion, Jeanne, the founding gal, was generous to support Leukemia Lymphoma society by donating my e-gal to me. Thank You!
Another reason why I really love the company is that they use the sight to raise funds and awareness for their Gal to Gal foundation, which supports Stage 4 breast cancer patients. And while that is their passion, Jeanne, the founding gal, was generous to support Leukemia Lymphoma society by donating my e-gal to me. Thank You!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Feelin' it Today!
Yesterday really was a great workout. I know because I'm feeling it today. I woke up with stiff, tiredly-sore legs. Usually I just feel a little stiffness in my calves if I haven't stretched well enough, but today I was sore practically from the waist down (or more acurately, from the lower-back down). I sat with a cup of coffee and heat on my legs, which revived them (mostly). I'm pretty certain this is only one of many mornings that I'll be feeling a little pain.
We had a really lovely church service this morning, and it gave me the chance to reflect on being called to do service to others, which is what this project is about. I really hope I'll be able to help some people through the funds that I raise. I'm so thankful for my health!
We had a really lovely church service this morning, and it gave me the chance to reflect on being called to do service to others, which is what this project is about. I really hope I'll be able to help some people through the funds that I raise. I'm so thankful for my health!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Today's Group Run
We met this morning at 8 a.m. for our weekly group run. Thank God the sun was peaking out, and that the sunrise is coming earlier. It would have been very hard to drag my sorry butt out of bed had it been dark! Today was a 60 minute-run (up from last week's 50) but I surprised myself again by running the entire time. There seem to be only four or five of us who are actually running, and it still amazes me that I am one of them! "Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew” (unknown). I ran across that quote this week, and I think it's really true.
Today's trail was at the Stimpson Nature Reserve, which is a beautiful area off Lake Louise Road toward Sudden Valley. This was my first time on the trail, but I will definately go back! I encourage any of you "trail mongers" to visit it as well. It was extremely peaceful, and the trail was well-maintained. There are two connected trail loops; the shorter one is a little easier route and is about a 1.6 miles. The larger loop is about 3 miles and is much hillier. A great workout for the buns and thighs, I will say! It is really a credit to our community that we have so many wonderful trails, people who donate land, and people who maintain it! Any of you out-of-towners: if you're coming to Bellingham for a visit, be prepared to head to this trail with me! (And some of you in-towners might be prepared as well.)
Today's trail was at the Stimpson Nature Reserve, which is a beautiful area off Lake Louise Road toward Sudden Valley. This was my first time on the trail, but I will definately go back! I encourage any of you "trail mongers" to visit it as well. It was extremely peaceful, and the trail was well-maintained. There are two connected trail loops; the shorter one is a little easier route and is about a 1.6 miles. The larger loop is about 3 miles and is much hillier. A great workout for the buns and thighs, I will say! It is really a credit to our community that we have so many wonderful trails, people who donate land, and people who maintain it! Any of you out-of-towners: if you're coming to Bellingham for a visit, be prepared to head to this trail with me! (And some of you in-towners might be prepared as well.)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Intro to Team in Training
I am training to participate in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. I'm completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. I need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance the Society's mission. Thank You!
My first group training run was Saturday, February 10, and it went well. Our team meets weekly to train, but I am also running on my own four days a week, which is new for me! Two years ago I was not running at all, and even one year ago I would not have thought that I'd be training for a marathon!
As challenging as this is, I'm sure fighting blood cancers is far worse, and I keep my focus on that. I'm thankful for my health, and hope that my efforts can bring health to more people.
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance the Society's mission. Thank You!
My first group training run was Saturday, February 10, and it went well. Our team meets weekly to train, but I am also running on my own four days a week, which is new for me! Two years ago I was not running at all, and even one year ago I would not have thought that I'd be training for a marathon!
As challenging as this is, I'm sure fighting blood cancers is far worse, and I keep my focus on that. I'm thankful for my health, and hope that my efforts can bring health to more people.
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