My apologies.
We were fortunate enough to spend last weekend in San Diego with my parents. The weather was wonderful, and I got to run on Coronado Island - quite fun, really! However, the brief weekend created a rather hectic week. My workload has been quite high lately (for which I am very grateful!), so I was a bit stressed and tired all week.
The last two Saturday long runs have been 4 miles. I have done both runs in under an hour, keeping pace with my goal of 15 minute miles. Like I said before, this past week was quite hectic, which unfortunately did affect running. I only got in one good run on the week. So I was surprised when I still managed yesterday's four miles in 55 minutes.
I went to a fundraising seminar on Tuesday evening. It was full of great ideas. I'm excited to hopefully put some of them to use. First, I am looking for babysitting opportunities to raise some money. Like I've mentioned before (I think), all money that I donate directly gets matched by my company 2:1. So, any cash that I can make is triple valuable. If I can get a couple of $100 babysitting nights (oh, to be so lucky!), I would be very close to my goal! I'm also going to be selling Gold Canyon Candles and Arbonne products. In today's economy I understand if people don't have a lot of excess money lying around. But, if they were going to buy skincare products or candles anyway, maybe they will be willing to buy through the fundraiser. I sure hope so!
As of this morning, I am over halfway to my goal of $3500!! This includes money that Matt and I will be giving as well as my company match money. How exciting! This may actually happen!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Slowly making progress
Sorry it's been awhile since I've written. I have continued to train. I ran/walked last Thursday (2 miles), Saturday(almost 3 miles), Monday (2 miles) and Yesterday (3.1 miles). I'm staying under the 15 minute mile pace which continues to be my goal. Yesterday was especially difficult as I worked out outside around my grandma's house since we're house-sitting for her. It meant lots of hills! But I finished the 3.1 in 44 minutes which is a little over a 14 minute mile. I was definitely proud of myself! I will hopefully run/walk the same route this evening. But that all depends on what time I get out of here and if I have any plans for tonight (those are still uncertain).
I am so grateful for all of the encouragement. Thank you everyone!
Oh, and please keep Dax in your prayers. He is a little boy suffering from AML Leukemia and has a very painful rash right now. I am running in his honor. You can track his progress through this disease on www.caringbridge.org/visit/daxlocke.
Thanks again!
I am so grateful for all of the encouragement. Thank you everyone!
Oh, and please keep Dax in your prayers. He is a little boy suffering from AML Leukemia and has a very painful rash right now. I am running in his honor. You can track his progress through this disease on www.caringbridge.org/visit/daxlocke.
Thanks again!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Just a bit sore
I had a friend ask me if I'd be sore after Monday's workout. I confidently said no, and I was right. But today, after two tough workouts in a row, I am definitely feeling it a bit. It's a good sore, though. It's wonderful to know that my body is able to do what I request of it, and that I am able to push myself beyond my comfort levels, if just for a short while.
Speaking of pushing myself, I really pushed for the whole two miles last night. I finished in 25:45, beating Monday by 1:30. I was also able to jog about half of the time. This is of course nowhere near where I want to be, but it's fun to know that I am on the way!
I've spent lots of time talking about my training and pushing myself, but the real reason that I am doing this is for patients who are suffering. One such little boy is named Dax Locke, and it is in his name that I will be racing in May. He is a one year old who was diagnosed with AML Leukemia in July. He is currently at St Jude where he has undergone chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and radiation treatment (his last day of radiation is today!). He has had to spend much time in isolation. What an amazingly difficult life for such a little boy. He is my inspiration. I look at the pictures of him, both when he has been sick in bed and when he has been feeling better and out and about, and my heart breaks for him and his family. It doesn't seem quite right or fair that children should have to suffer so much, and it seems that I, as a healthy adult woman, should be doing whatever little or much I can to help find a cure. This is why I run (or walk), and why my sore legs don't so much matter.
Speaking of pushing myself, I really pushed for the whole two miles last night. I finished in 25:45, beating Monday by 1:30. I was also able to jog about half of the time. This is of course nowhere near where I want to be, but it's fun to know that I am on the way!
I've spent lots of time talking about my training and pushing myself, but the real reason that I am doing this is for patients who are suffering. One such little boy is named Dax Locke, and it is in his name that I will be racing in May. He is a one year old who was diagnosed with AML Leukemia in July. He is currently at St Jude where he has undergone chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and radiation treatment (his last day of radiation is today!). He has had to spend much time in isolation. What an amazingly difficult life for such a little boy. He is my inspiration. I look at the pictures of him, both when he has been sick in bed and when he has been feeling better and out and about, and my heart breaks for him and his family. It doesn't seem quite right or fair that children should have to suffer so much, and it seems that I, as a healthy adult woman, should be doing whatever little or much I can to help find a cure. This is why I run (or walk), and why my sore legs don't so much matter.
Monday, February 9, 2009
First official workout
So today was my first official workout. I was still by myself, but I was on the schedule given to me by my coach. The goal for the day was 1-2 miles walking or running. I jogged/walked at about a 4.5 mile pace and finished in 27:18 on the treadmill. Unfortunately the rain was coming down a bit hard to workout outside. I definitely want to improve that time, but it was only 2.5 weeks ago when it took me 52 minutes to do a 5k. It's amazing how fast your body responds as you begin to push it!
Today was great, too, because Matt came with me to the gym. He's decided to push himself as well. It's of course frustrating how easily he can do anything, but it's fun to be working towards goals together and have him there at the end of my workout. It makes it that much better!
I got my first donation this evening. Very exciting! It's quite overwhelming to be raising this money knowing the state of the economy, but I trust that things will come together, and I will train as if they already have. I'm sure I'll come up with some creative ways to raise the funds as well. Maybe a PF Chang's dinner or some homemade jewelry or something.
Thanks for reading!
Today was great, too, because Matt came with me to the gym. He's decided to push himself as well. It's of course frustrating how easily he can do anything, but it's fun to be working towards goals together and have him there at the end of my workout. It makes it that much better!
I got my first donation this evening. Very exciting! It's quite overwhelming to be raising this money knowing the state of the economy, but I trust that things will come together, and I will train as if they already have. I'm sure I'll come up with some creative ways to raise the funds as well. Maybe a PF Chang's dinner or some homemade jewelry or something.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Kickoff Celebration
Like I said below, I have decided to join TNT and complete the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on May 31. It's a bit of a daunting task, but when I compare it to what the victims of Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers have faced and continue to face, I know that I can do my piece.
Today was the kickoff celebration for the Spring season. Athletes from all of the events were there, as were the coaches. What an exciting place to be! There were hikers, cyclist, triathalon competitors and, of course, us run/walkers. We also were able to listen to one of the honored heros speak. Honored heros are people who have faced, or are currently facing, a blood cancer. They put a face to what we are doing and why we are doing it. I don't have all the names and details complete, but I would like to relay a story that was told to us this morning. The gentleman who spoke was a former high school All American in football and track here in Phoenix. He went to ASU where he played football and graduated in 1995. In 1997 he was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia only treatable by a bone marrow transplant. He was given 3 years to live as no donor was found. In 1999 a donor was finally located. The transplant was in November of that year. He was in the hospital for 3 months and not able to see too many people as his immune system was completely shot. By the time he was released, he was so weak that he could only walk for 15 minutes at a time at a 3 mph speed. This disease stole 7 years of his life. Since then, due to LLS funding of research, a new drug has been created for this type of Leukemia. It is so successful that it was able to put a member of the LLS board into remission after only 7 days. This is what LLS is all about - providing cures and improving the quality of life for patients.
I am so humbled by this task of assisting to raise these funds. I hope that I am successful and able to compete. There is nothing I want more than to give my all in support of those whose suffering is far worse than I could ever imagine.
If you feel so led, please stop by my donation page. You can give a tax deductible donation straight to the foundation through the website. See me personally if you would rather give cash. Thank you so much for your time!
Today was the kickoff celebration for the Spring season. Athletes from all of the events were there, as were the coaches. What an exciting place to be! There were hikers, cyclist, triathalon competitors and, of course, us run/walkers. We also were able to listen to one of the honored heros speak. Honored heros are people who have faced, or are currently facing, a blood cancer. They put a face to what we are doing and why we are doing it. I don't have all the names and details complete, but I would like to relay a story that was told to us this morning. The gentleman who spoke was a former high school All American in football and track here in Phoenix. He went to ASU where he played football and graduated in 1995. In 1997 he was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia only treatable by a bone marrow transplant. He was given 3 years to live as no donor was found. In 1999 a donor was finally located. The transplant was in November of that year. He was in the hospital for 3 months and not able to see too many people as his immune system was completely shot. By the time he was released, he was so weak that he could only walk for 15 minutes at a time at a 3 mph speed. This disease stole 7 years of his life. Since then, due to LLS funding of research, a new drug has been created for this type of Leukemia. It is so successful that it was able to put a member of the LLS board into remission after only 7 days. This is what LLS is all about - providing cures and improving the quality of life for patients.
I am so humbled by this task of assisting to raise these funds. I hope that I am successful and able to compete. There is nothing I want more than to give my all in support of those whose suffering is far worse than I could ever imagine.
If you feel so led, please stop by my donation page. You can give a tax deductible donation straight to the foundation through the website. See me personally if you would rather give cash. Thank you so much for your time!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Team in Training here I come
So, if you ready my facebook "25 Things" you would find out that one of my life goals is to "run" (complete, really) a marathon. Well, yesterday I was presented with a unique opportunity to do so. We had an organization called Team in Training come and speak to us about opportunities to work with them.
In case you are not familiar with them, TNT is a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, " the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services," according to their website. As a TNT participant, I will not only complete the San Diego Marathon on May 31, but I will also commit to raising $3500 for the foundation, 75% of which will go straight to research and patient care. I will also receive training classes and coaching so that I am able to be successful at my goal of completing the marathon.
I will begin seeking support in the next couple of days. It's quite scary, but I am excited to see people continue to give their money to help others. I am blessed to be a part of such a group!
In case you are not familiar with them, TNT is a part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, " the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services," according to their website. As a TNT participant, I will not only complete the San Diego Marathon on May 31, but I will also commit to raising $3500 for the foundation, 75% of which will go straight to research and patient care. I will also receive training classes and coaching so that I am able to be successful at my goal of completing the marathon.
I will begin seeking support in the next couple of days. It's quite scary, but I am excited to see people continue to give their money to help others. I am blessed to be a part of such a group!
Monday, February 2, 2009
facing discouragement
OK, so I know that I say over and over again that I just want to be healthier and feel better about myself, but I am still so tied to the number on that scale. Especially on Saturday mornings at Weight Watchers. In case you hadn't guessed, my results were not near where I wanted them to be this past weekend. In fact, since working my butt out and eating right all week, I was still only down one pound. I was especially discouraged because I was .4 pounds away from 20 pounds lost and 1.4 away from my 10% goal I have been striving for for so long. I was in tears when I weighed in. I really thought that I had done it last week. I did stay for the meeting, though, and was a bit encouraged with the talk of goal making and hearing other members express their own frustrations. I am not in this battle alone.
When I got home, I talked to Matt about it a bit, and he put me in my place. He asked if I was looking for a number on a scale or to be healthier. If what I want is to manipulate that scale, I can do so with cheap tricks. But if health is what I'm after, I need to keep doing what I'm doing. It will pay off eventually. What a great husband to remind me of my goals and love me in my discouragement!
I did use that number on the scale as a tool to evaluate what I am doing and how it is working. Looking through my tracker, I don't think I have been eating enough, especially with the amount of trips to the gym I've been making. So, I made a conscious decision to go over the points that I'm allotted each day and use some of those activity points on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this also gave me a bit of license to eat how I wanted yesterday. I didn't do quite as poorly as I could have, but I did enjoy some lo mein, cake and pizza. Wow. That sounds bad. But I had the points to use, and we've all got to enjoy ourselves once in awhile. It was the big game and we were celebrating my birthday. Both good excuses :-)
I didn't make it to the gym on Saturday. I had a wedding shower to attend, and Matt and I celebrated our 2 year dating anniversary with a re-created first date. It was wonderful. I was going to try and make the missed session up with a trip on Sunday, but between church and lunch and hanging with his family, I just couldn't do it. So, I was one day shy last week. Hopefully I'll be back to 5 days this week, starting tonight. I also get to try a new recipe this evening after getting back home from the gym. It's Mandarin Chicken straight from the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.
Well, it's back to work for now. Here's to a great week 3!
When I got home, I talked to Matt about it a bit, and he put me in my place. He asked if I was looking for a number on a scale or to be healthier. If what I want is to manipulate that scale, I can do so with cheap tricks. But if health is what I'm after, I need to keep doing what I'm doing. It will pay off eventually. What a great husband to remind me of my goals and love me in my discouragement!
I did use that number on the scale as a tool to evaluate what I am doing and how it is working. Looking through my tracker, I don't think I have been eating enough, especially with the amount of trips to the gym I've been making. So, I made a conscious decision to go over the points that I'm allotted each day and use some of those activity points on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this also gave me a bit of license to eat how I wanted yesterday. I didn't do quite as poorly as I could have, but I did enjoy some lo mein, cake and pizza. Wow. That sounds bad. But I had the points to use, and we've all got to enjoy ourselves once in awhile. It was the big game and we were celebrating my birthday. Both good excuses :-)
I didn't make it to the gym on Saturday. I had a wedding shower to attend, and Matt and I celebrated our 2 year dating anniversary with a re-created first date. It was wonderful. I was going to try and make the missed session up with a trip on Sunday, but between church and lunch and hanging with his family, I just couldn't do it. So, I was one day shy last week. Hopefully I'll be back to 5 days this week, starting tonight. I also get to try a new recipe this evening after getting back home from the gym. It's Mandarin Chicken straight from the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.
Well, it's back to work for now. Here's to a great week 3!
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