I wanted to ensure everyone reading that I will update the blog to fill everyone in on the exciting weekend I just had in Philadelphia. I had intended to update the blog day-to-day while there, but no internet connection combined with the bike issues (some of you know...others will read about later) caused a shortage of time to do so.
I'm trying to get caught up with work and life, but rest assured I'll get a nice long blog put together describing the weekend events. Please check back to read about it.
For now, just know that I finished "in style" as Mr. Zainali likes to say, and that Philadelphia Triathlon participants who raced for TNT raised over $475,000 for cancer research.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Fundraising goal...check!
A HUGE thank you to my fantastic family and superb friends. It is a little over 7 days from the Philadelphia Triathlon, and I've met (and slightly exceeded) my goal!!! Unbelievable. I can remember when I initially contacted LLS/TNT before Jen was diagnosed, just to see what the fundraising amounts were. When the upwards of $3000 were mentioned...I was like "yeah right", I thought "no way", I said "that's unpossible!!!". It's clear that I underestimated the generosity of others in the face of a great cause.
The intent of this blog was to, in some small way, connect donors with exactly what this charity is all about. The people it touches (both patients and participants), the advances in treatment directly attributable to its researchers, and what the future of the organization means to those stricken by cancer. My hopes were that donations weren't thought of as for my campaign, but more for the cause. I understand personalization is a big reason why these programs are successful, but I didn't want everyone to lose sight of the overall reason I decided to do this.
On my blog, directly after I met my goal, I wanted to put together a post that could put things in perspective. Runner's World (although I have not paid them in 2 years) continues to send me issues periodically. I rarely read the articles, because...well I'd rather post to my blog than read, and you know how good I am at that. Regardless, I had a trip for work on Tuesday and the June issue came in the mail on Monday night. Without looking at the cover, I threw it in my bag. When I got on the plane, I noticed that it was an issue dedicated to "outrunning cancer". There were several articles on survivor stories, and the impact running has on cancer patients, and survivors. I found myself getting a little choked up on the plane to Chicago while reading through the issue - while trying to maintain my composure (it felt like the guy next to me was wondering...although I was probably just being paranoid). One article in particular rung home because it directly addresses programs like LLS's TNT. The article is very well put together, and instead of foolishly trying to regurgitate the content, I'm going to cut my blog short and ask that you read it...it will give you a very good idea of what your donations mean to so many people. It's a bit lengthy, but well worth the time.
I'll close by just humbly saying Thank You again...Enjoy!
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-588--13982-0,00.html
The intent of this blog was to, in some small way, connect donors with exactly what this charity is all about. The people it touches (both patients and participants), the advances in treatment directly attributable to its researchers, and what the future of the organization means to those stricken by cancer. My hopes were that donations weren't thought of as for my campaign, but more for the cause. I understand personalization is a big reason why these programs are successful, but I didn't want everyone to lose sight of the overall reason I decided to do this.
On my blog, directly after I met my goal, I wanted to put together a post that could put things in perspective. Runner's World (although I have not paid them in 2 years) continues to send me issues periodically. I rarely read the articles, because...well I'd rather post to my blog than read, and you know how good I am at that. Regardless, I had a trip for work on Tuesday and the June issue came in the mail on Monday night. Without looking at the cover, I threw it in my bag. When I got on the plane, I noticed that it was an issue dedicated to "outrunning cancer". There were several articles on survivor stories, and the impact running has on cancer patients, and survivors. I found myself getting a little choked up on the plane to Chicago while reading through the issue - while trying to maintain my composure (it felt like the guy next to me was wondering...although I was probably just being paranoid). One article in particular rung home because it directly addresses programs like LLS's TNT. The article is very well put together, and instead of foolishly trying to regurgitate the content, I'm going to cut my blog short and ask that you read it...it will give you a very good idea of what your donations mean to so many people. It's a bit lengthy, but well worth the time.
I'll close by just humbly saying Thank You again...Enjoy!
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-588--13982-0,00.html
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Almost There
18 days to go, and I'm at 93% of my goal...Thanks so much to the last few donors. You've really helped me get to the home stretch. I just need to cash in on a few promised donations, and I should be at my goal before the race! Again, I can't say thank you enough to everyone's generosity.
Almost a month has passed since my last post, and I'm sure everyone has given up on the blog. Have no fear just because I've been slacking on my blogging duties, I have not been slacking on training. Through the stress of my crazy work schedule lately, vacation, the KC Corporate Challenge, and the duties of keeping my (and Jen's) life the way we've grown accustomed - I'm still kicking my butt getting myself ready for this triathlon.
A quick update on Jen...she had her 3 month scans, still CLEAR!!! Still in remission!!! Only 9 more months to go and the odds of recurrance goes WAY down. She has still been having a little trouble with her lungs, a side effect of the radiation. Luckily she's not the first, and a pulmonologist had the answer...ROIDS. That's right people, my wife's juicing like Arnold in his hay-day. I'm talking before Maria, and "the maid". I'm just kidding...she's just taking a relatively mild (in comparison to Arnold) dose (albeit more powerful than what was originally prescribed) to aid in repairing the damaged tissue. The great news is we went to Shawnee Mission Park for a bike ride (anyone who has been there can attest to the challenging hills), and she did FANTASTIC. 2-laps, and a run without that old "I can't breathe" feeling she's been struggling with lately. We're hopeful that this means she's on her way back to her old fitness levels.
On a quick training note - I had the KC Triathlon a few weeks ago, and although we swam 250m less than previous years...I shaved 7 mninutes off my personal best. I also had a fun run on the beach when on vacation. 4 miles, on my toes, resulted in blisters and THROBBING calves for 2 days. I feel good, and am looking forward to 1 more brutal week before I taper down to get ready for the race!
As much as I want to write a nice long blog post to catch everyone up...I need to get to my soccer game. It's been a busy day, 10 hour work day, KCCC soccer practice, SMP swim/bike, and soccer game...I'll sleep well tonight.
Cheers everyone!
Almost a month has passed since my last post, and I'm sure everyone has given up on the blog. Have no fear just because I've been slacking on my blogging duties, I have not been slacking on training. Through the stress of my crazy work schedule lately, vacation, the KC Corporate Challenge, and the duties of keeping my (and Jen's) life the way we've grown accustomed - I'm still kicking my butt getting myself ready for this triathlon.
A quick update on Jen...she had her 3 month scans, still CLEAR!!! Still in remission!!! Only 9 more months to go and the odds of recurrance goes WAY down. She has still been having a little trouble with her lungs, a side effect of the radiation. Luckily she's not the first, and a pulmonologist had the answer...ROIDS. That's right people, my wife's juicing like Arnold in his hay-day. I'm talking before Maria, and "the maid". I'm just kidding...she's just taking a relatively mild (in comparison to Arnold) dose (albeit more powerful than what was originally prescribed) to aid in repairing the damaged tissue. The great news is we went to Shawnee Mission Park for a bike ride (anyone who has been there can attest to the challenging hills), and she did FANTASTIC. 2-laps, and a run without that old "I can't breathe" feeling she's been struggling with lately. We're hopeful that this means she's on her way back to her old fitness levels.
On a quick training note - I had the KC Triathlon a few weeks ago, and although we swam 250m less than previous years...I shaved 7 mninutes off my personal best. I also had a fun run on the beach when on vacation. 4 miles, on my toes, resulted in blisters and THROBBING calves for 2 days. I feel good, and am looking forward to 1 more brutal week before I taper down to get ready for the race!
As much as I want to write a nice long blog post to catch everyone up...I need to get to my soccer game. It's been a busy day, 10 hour work day, KCCC soccer practice, SMP swim/bike, and soccer game...I'll sleep well tonight.
Cheers everyone!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Get Ready...here it comes
I have certainly made a better habbit of missing posts than I have of posting posts. I guess that's just the type of blogger I am. Again, I'll try to make up a couple/few weeks in a post. Last post I was at 75%...now I'm at 87% of my goal. YEAH!!!
This is attributable mostly to my wonderful wife who threw me a surprise 30th birthday party, and in lieu of gifts asked for donations. Perfect! Not only do I never know what to ask for, but am actually really uncomfortable being the center of attention (especially when opening gifts). This worked out so well. Not only did I not have to think about what I wanted, people didn't have to think about what to get me, and MOST importantly LLS is that much closer to their goal.
It was really good to see everyone. I was surprised, but in hindsight I should have known it was coming because of several "hints" throughout the week. It's funny how your subconscious notices things but your conscious mind doesn't put the pieces together to the point of realization. That must be what they mean when they tell us we only use 10% of our brains, or maybe they just told me that so I have an excuse for all the stupid thing I say (and do).
Ever been in an everyday social interaction with someone where your answer doesn't quite address their question, and (more or less) makes you look and feel like you just missed the short bus because you set your alarm for 5pm instead of 5am? Happens to me all the time. Example: Sitting at a restaurant it's standard operating procedure for your server to extend plesantry by inviting you to "enjoy your lunch", to which my brain (subconscious or conscious depending on your opinion of me) would reply "you too". In attempt to salvage the respect I demand from my severs I cleverly add "Uh...you know...when you have your lunch" Damage done. Oh, my favorite is passing a co-worker in the hallway when they ask "what's happening?". Now, this doesn't even REQUIRE a response, just simple greeting protocol. A simple nod would be a satisfactory response and you'd be successful in keeping the charade that you've never lost your sunglasses while they're on your head. Instead, I like to respond "Good".
I digress (and actually digress pretty well if you ask me)
Here comes the heat, whether or not you love or hate it - here it comes. I for one am not a big fan, because I have what you call a little bit of a weight problem that results in a little bit of a sweat problem. I've noticed that my sweat quantity has increased exponentially over the course of the last couple weeks. I always remember thinking how good it feels to actually sweat after the winter training months because I forget that I'm one of those who sweat so much that I'll actually saturate and overheat. I've experienced this a few times - it's like hitting a wall, only it happens WAY earlier than it should. Hopefully we get lucky and the temps stay in the 60's for a few more weeks.
Training has been good in the last few weeks. I've had a 20mi ride, followed by a 30mi ride, and then an 8mi run in subsequent weeks. I've also been pushing up the distances in the pool, and combining weight trainings incrementally. If I could just figure out how to get a yoga session in there. I'm cautiously optimistic about my fitness level at this juncture knowing the big challenges are still in front of me for this particular endeavor.
Work is succeeding in keeping my stress levels high, and although training is doing it's part in giving me an outlet (really a good give-take) it's resulting in restless nights and some missed sessions (usually foregoing the first of my "two-a-day" sessions). On top of work, my company participates in the KC corporate challenge - an Olympic style competition that pits local businesses against each other to establish a "fun" bragging right. I like to do a couple/few events that I enjoy, but sometimes I wonder why I put myself through it. Of course there is fundraising/training attached to all of it. I don't know how people do this with kids. All this combined...I have a busy few weeks approaching, but luckily I also have vacation coming up. May and June will not be void of interest...Stay Tuned
I promise I'll wait a long time until my next post :)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
_____Block
What did you fill in the blank with? Think about that for a second...hmmm.
I knew this would happen, I need to post on my site, but don't really have anything to say. I hear this is called writers block, but I'm really not a writer so we'll have to figure out something else to call it when it pertains to me. Nonetheless, I promised to keep this blog rolling, so against the urge to watch (ignore) American Idol with Jen, I'll just start molesting my keyboard in hopes that it results in some witty banter that everyone will enjoy.
Challenges - people always talk about how they like to be challenged, pushed, and driven. Sometimes I wonder what exactly drives people to really want to get outside their comfort zones. Does comfort tow the line with laziness, and we feel guilty? Perhaps it's just that perpetual drive for self improvement that we all strive for. Now, I'm about to get a little philosophical, so bear with me...Booger, Booger, Fart, Fart, Weiner. Think about THAT for a second...boogers. Did you laugh? Congratulations, your comical capacity hasn't gotten past the 3rd grade.
Ok, I'll really do have some challenges coming up. First work is really ramping up and becoming more stressful than I typically allow. This usually translates to bad (and sometimes lack of ) workouts. I've done a good job so far of not letting that happen. I'm hoping to keep this trend rolling. I missed official training this week on account of almost $4 gas, but I did run a much hillier route to keep me on my toes. The bike shop still has my bike, but luckily I have a "spare", and got on the trainer a bit. I really need to get on the swimming - Wednesdays haven't been as accommodating as they were. That's about it for training...longer and more intense.
Good news! - more donations are rolling in, I'm now at 75% of my goal with 66 days until the Philadelphia Triathlon. Again feel overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends, and friends and family of family and friends. Thank you again! I hope everyone feels as happy as I do to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
I'm really proud of Jen, she is struggling with what we're still thinking are the residual effects of treatments. Her stamina and lung capacity is holding her back in her running and cycling. I experienced a little of this, but I chalked mine up to age, and it passed relatively quickly. I try to sympathize, but all I can do is try to be supportive. Remember me saying that you're never rid of cancer? Well it's true. It keeps popping up here and there. Despite it's best efforts, she keep pushing ahead. Through the frustration of having to work SO much harder for what came with much less effort last year, she keeps on going.
Proud of you babe! You're so strong and you're going to get where you want, it just may take a little longer.
Booger...:-)
Random thought: - has anyone ever taken a picture of a dog turd and posted it on facebook with the caption "It's pretty much the same thing that you're posting" I almost did.
I knew this would happen, I need to post on my site, but don't really have anything to say. I hear this is called writers block, but I'm really not a writer so we'll have to figure out something else to call it when it pertains to me. Nonetheless, I promised to keep this blog rolling, so against the urge to watch (ignore) American Idol with Jen, I'll just start molesting my keyboard in hopes that it results in some witty banter that everyone will enjoy.
Challenges - people always talk about how they like to be challenged, pushed, and driven. Sometimes I wonder what exactly drives people to really want to get outside their comfort zones. Does comfort tow the line with laziness, and we feel guilty? Perhaps it's just that perpetual drive for self improvement that we all strive for. Now, I'm about to get a little philosophical, so bear with me...Booger, Booger, Fart, Fart, Weiner. Think about THAT for a second...boogers. Did you laugh? Congratulations, your comical capacity hasn't gotten past the 3rd grade.
Ok, I'll really do have some challenges coming up. First work is really ramping up and becoming more stressful than I typically allow. This usually translates to bad (and sometimes lack of ) workouts. I've done a good job so far of not letting that happen. I'm hoping to keep this trend rolling. I missed official training this week on account of almost $4 gas, but I did run a much hillier route to keep me on my toes. The bike shop still has my bike, but luckily I have a "spare", and got on the trainer a bit. I really need to get on the swimming - Wednesdays haven't been as accommodating as they were. That's about it for training...longer and more intense.
Good news! - more donations are rolling in, I'm now at 75% of my goal with 66 days until the Philadelphia Triathlon. Again feel overwhelmed by the generosity of family, friends, and friends and family of family and friends. Thank you again! I hope everyone feels as happy as I do to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
I'm really proud of Jen, she is struggling with what we're still thinking are the residual effects of treatments. Her stamina and lung capacity is holding her back in her running and cycling. I experienced a little of this, but I chalked mine up to age, and it passed relatively quickly. I try to sympathize, but all I can do is try to be supportive. Remember me saying that you're never rid of cancer? Well it's true. It keeps popping up here and there. Despite it's best efforts, she keep pushing ahead. Through the frustration of having to work SO much harder for what came with much less effort last year, she keeps on going.
Proud of you babe! You're so strong and you're going to get where you want, it just may take a little longer.
Booger...:-)
Random thought: - has anyone ever taken a picture of a dog turd and posted it on facebook with the caption "It's pretty much the same thing that you're posting" I almost did.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Keep Truckin'
I'm going to have to fast forward since I'm becoming bad at keeping promises, and maintaining the blog week-to-week. I mean, really, now that the weather is nice...who wants to stay inside and be on the computer (especially when that's what you do for work)? I'll try to get caught up with this (abbreviated) post and keep up for the rest of the trip.
My last "to be continued" post mentioned a slump. Ultimately my brief vacation combined with a little lull in the fundraising efforts resulted in 5am trainings seeming just a little too early, the dungeon (my basement...AKA training headquarters) seemed a little too dark and damp, and my legs seemed just a little too heavy, and instead of "attacking" workouts I returned to my winter form of just going through the motions. After a week of the motions, and just when I was determined to power through, I developed a BRUTAL stomach flu. I won't bore you with any of the details (OK, I won't embarass myself, because it would likely be quite funny to outsiders to describe my misfortune), but let's just say that if I was working out as hard as my bathroom, I'd be running the Boston marathon next year.
Luckily it only lasted a couple weeks, and while I didn't get behind, I certainly didn't move toward my goal by much. I'm happy to report that training efforts have resumed to their normal vigor, and fundraising...well, still at a bit of a standstill. I'm hoping that my last e-mail/letter campaign will pay some dividends and I have a few more followers, and LLS has a few more dollars. Regardless, I'll continue to work the streets (yeah, it's a little like it sounds) for funds, and trying to be creative to attract potential donors. I have some more ideas, and hopefully everyone can get in on the fun.
FAST-FORWARD...last weekend was our first full brick workout. Again I travelled out to BFE to join my team for our weekly training. This week we started at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex. We set out to swim in the pool, ride around Johnson County and then Run...yeah, just run. When we got to the pool, the first thing I noticed was that there were no lane markers. Typically for a triathlete this is a good thing because it simulates more of an open water effect rather than a pool, because the lane dividers deaden the waves created by the patrons happily slugging through the pond. Unfortunately, it also means you have to pay extra close attention to make sure you're staying in your lane. Although I thought I was doing a good enough job, the EXTREMELY POLITE woman next to me didn't exactly share my thoughts. Coming back to my 8th (or 9th...I always lose track in the pool) turn, the GRACIOUS woman calmly asked if I could shift my swim slightly so she could have just a little more room. Oh who am I kidding...This (insert derogatory noun), grabbed my leg as if I was ignoring her (maybe I was...). As I surfaced to see what was important enough to grab a perfect stranger in the pool wearing...swimming gear, I was greeted with a look that would make you think I had just drowned her cat (I always make the correlation to upset people and cats). Startled, I stopped and asked what the problem was to which she replied - "you need to move over, because I'm already hugging the wall and I almost ran into you twice". Normally I would have apologized and just made every effort to stay out of her way, but I was almost done and frankly didn't care since this request was a steep order considering there were no lane markers...I simply replied "ok", and continued swimming. I didn't really notice, but I think she came up again at the end of the pool because I was crowding her again, but I was getting out to start my bike and well...didn't care.
After my swimming experience, to which my team all heard about from the coach and hackled me as the "lane hog", I headed out on my bike. A relatively eventless bike ride through southern Johnson County. I dropped a chain which caused a little damage to my new bike, but the shop is operating on it now, and should be good as new by tomorrow. The run also was relatively uneventful, nonetheless I finished with good pace and feel. Overall I was very happy with my workout.
When we got back, we were informed that our least experienced team member, Melissa, was still out on her bike. Coach Dave seemed worried and asked if I would set out to see if everything was alright. I re-suited up and headed back onto the bike course to look. After about 3-4 miles I started to honestly get worried. First I forgot my phone, and once again...don't know CPR, and I thought what was I going to do to help? I don't have pegs for her to ride, and no handlebars either. Luckily as I crested a hill, there she was just peddling along trying to ignore the cars roaring beside her. Bless this girl for undertaking this adventure. She has little experience in endurance racing, and I could tell doesn't have a bunch of experience on the bike (her knuckles were white she was hanging on so hard). Against the odds, by herself, and with mechanical troubles on her bike - she kept on trucking through the workout. Absolutely no quit, and a smile on her face the entire time. By the time we got back to the center, the rest of the team had finished up their runs. Not once did Melissa think of quitting, and as a sign of comraderie - Joeli (another team member) volunteered to run the route a second time with her. What did I tell you - GREAT people.
So that gets us up to present. Hopefully I'll keep up, and the posts will be more frequent (and shorter). I'm still not to my goal yet, so if anyone has any ideas, or would like to help - I'm all ears.
Thanks again!
My last "to be continued" post mentioned a slump. Ultimately my brief vacation combined with a little lull in the fundraising efforts resulted in 5am trainings seeming just a little too early, the dungeon (my basement...AKA training headquarters) seemed a little too dark and damp, and my legs seemed just a little too heavy, and instead of "attacking" workouts I returned to my winter form of just going through the motions. After a week of the motions, and just when I was determined to power through, I developed a BRUTAL stomach flu. I won't bore you with any of the details (OK, I won't embarass myself, because it would likely be quite funny to outsiders to describe my misfortune), but let's just say that if I was working out as hard as my bathroom, I'd be running the Boston marathon next year.
Luckily it only lasted a couple weeks, and while I didn't get behind, I certainly didn't move toward my goal by much. I'm happy to report that training efforts have resumed to their normal vigor, and fundraising...well, still at a bit of a standstill. I'm hoping that my last e-mail/letter campaign will pay some dividends and I have a few more followers, and LLS has a few more dollars. Regardless, I'll continue to work the streets (yeah, it's a little like it sounds) for funds, and trying to be creative to attract potential donors. I have some more ideas, and hopefully everyone can get in on the fun.
FAST-FORWARD...last weekend was our first full brick workout. Again I travelled out to BFE to join my team for our weekly training. This week we started at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex. We set out to swim in the pool, ride around Johnson County and then Run...yeah, just run. When we got to the pool, the first thing I noticed was that there were no lane markers. Typically for a triathlete this is a good thing because it simulates more of an open water effect rather than a pool, because the lane dividers deaden the waves created by the patrons happily slugging through the pond. Unfortunately, it also means you have to pay extra close attention to make sure you're staying in your lane. Although I thought I was doing a good enough job, the EXTREMELY POLITE woman next to me didn't exactly share my thoughts. Coming back to my 8th (or 9th...I always lose track in the pool) turn, the GRACIOUS woman calmly asked if I could shift my swim slightly so she could have just a little more room. Oh who am I kidding...This (insert derogatory noun), grabbed my leg as if I was ignoring her (maybe I was...). As I surfaced to see what was important enough to grab a perfect stranger in the pool wearing...swimming gear, I was greeted with a look that would make you think I had just drowned her cat (I always make the correlation to upset people and cats). Startled, I stopped and asked what the problem was to which she replied - "you need to move over, because I'm already hugging the wall and I almost ran into you twice". Normally I would have apologized and just made every effort to stay out of her way, but I was almost done and frankly didn't care since this request was a steep order considering there were no lane markers...I simply replied "ok", and continued swimming. I didn't really notice, but I think she came up again at the end of the pool because I was crowding her again, but I was getting out to start my bike and well...didn't care.
After my swimming experience, to which my team all heard about from the coach and hackled me as the "lane hog", I headed out on my bike. A relatively eventless bike ride through southern Johnson County. I dropped a chain which caused a little damage to my new bike, but the shop is operating on it now, and should be good as new by tomorrow. The run also was relatively uneventful, nonetheless I finished with good pace and feel. Overall I was very happy with my workout.
When we got back, we were informed that our least experienced team member, Melissa, was still out on her bike. Coach Dave seemed worried and asked if I would set out to see if everything was alright. I re-suited up and headed back onto the bike course to look. After about 3-4 miles I started to honestly get worried. First I forgot my phone, and once again...don't know CPR, and I thought what was I going to do to help? I don't have pegs for her to ride, and no handlebars either. Luckily as I crested a hill, there she was just peddling along trying to ignore the cars roaring beside her. Bless this girl for undertaking this adventure. She has little experience in endurance racing, and I could tell doesn't have a bunch of experience on the bike (her knuckles were white she was hanging on so hard). Against the odds, by herself, and with mechanical troubles on her bike - she kept on trucking through the workout. Absolutely no quit, and a smile on her face the entire time. By the time we got back to the center, the rest of the team had finished up their runs. Not once did Melissa think of quitting, and as a sign of comraderie - Joeli (another team member) volunteered to run the route a second time with her. What did I tell you - GREAT people.
So that gets us up to present. Hopefully I'll keep up, and the posts will be more frequent (and shorter). I'm still not to my goal yet, so if anyone has any ideas, or would like to help - I'm all ears.
Thanks again!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Continued and More (update)
It’s been so long since my last post that I ended “to be continued” I actually had to re-read it so I could figure out how I wanted to proceed. I have some excuses, but in effort to move on we won’t talk about thoseJ.
So as I realized it was for real, I grabbed every piece of clothing in my car to put on hoping it would be enough to keep me warm. Unfortunately, what I really needed were good cycling gloves and shoe covers, and there are no substitutes. Nonetheless, again I was determined (thinking of the blog) that this wasn’t going to be the diary of the wimpy kid. So I threw my 2 pairs of running gloves on and said goodbye to my feet that would surely be sacrificed to frost bite. As we set off, my feet and hands numbed up pretty good, but not as bad as I expected. When we hit the first hill, I couldn’t hang behind the leader anymore because I needed to get my blood flowing. Once I attacked the first big hill, I felt some blood flow to my fingers (sorry feet). After I concluded that I wasn’t going to be penalized my extremities, as if my very realization was the cause, the sun came out making things all that much better. Against all odds…I made it out to the turn-around and (contrary to the wishes of the wind) made it back.
You forgot I had to run after this bike ride didn’t you…me too. Upon arrival Coach Jen, after congratulating us (and razzing me a little), got after us to “practice our transitions”. Ok lady...I’m not planning on having 3 pairs of gloves, a hat, socks, shorts, and a parka to worry about in my transition in Philly. This wasn’t exactly a good trial run to work on transition, but I tried to hurry. After I got my shoes on I started off running. Have you seen “The Office” episode where Kevin goes to Jim and Pam’s wedding with Kleenex boxes for shoes? Imagine those were filled with water and then frozen solid…that’s what it felt like to run after this bike ride. Thud, thud, thud for at least the first half mile. Once my feet began to thaw (or melt…I couldn’t tell), began the needles. It felt like both feet were asleep, REALLY asleep. That lasted for about a mile or so. Once I finally got a little comfortable, I realized I only had a bit to go, so I reveled in the fact that although not a juggernaut in the distance category, this workout certainly was up there on the “bad-a$$” scale.
The week of 3/13 was particularly special. It marked the “silent mile” and family fun event for TNT. It was really great because Jen got to come with me to training to meet the team and to be honored as a cancer survivor. After driving around for a couple minutes trying to find the mysterious entrance to this place, we arrived where we got rememberance/recognition ribbons and Jen got a balloon to recognize her as a survivor. We listened to the honor patients explain what TNT and LLS meant to them. We heard heartwarming stories of survival, and support assisted and provided by LLS. It was really eye-opening to see the impact a handfull of people working at a task for a cause has on someone in for the fight of their life. Fresh off the emotional presentations, we set off; vowing to reflect in silence for the first and last miles of our run. I thought about why I decided to get involved with this (obvious), and thought about the thousands of people who weren't as lucky as Jen to get such a "curable" disease. The kids we all see on the St. Judes commercials with ALL (leukemia), and their families' trials and tribulations. Dealing with the emotional baggage of having a child with cancer combined with the real world consequences. It all seemed so overwhelming. It was somewhat bittersweet as I ran in silence; you feel good that you're doing something, but it makes you feel a little helpless that you're not doing more.
After the silent mile training session we headed down to NKC to “sell” beads at the Snake Saturday parade. I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t good, and didn’t take rejection well. I figured everyone would be happily open their pocket books and throw me money upon request simply because I represented a wonderful cause and had a strand of green beads I knew they couldn’t live without. Like I was the old creepy guy on the float at Mardi-Gras and they were the…well you get the picture. It wasn’t like that at all, and it got to me. Every “no thanks” I heard might as well have been a “What do you think I’m stupid…why would I ever give you money for such an unworthy cause, and stupid trinket” or (and not to cast judgment on the demographic) “Them ain’t Dale Earnhart beads, I ain’t payin’ no $1 for nuthin’ that don’t say Coors, Nascar, or Larry the Cable Guy”. I felt rejected every time. Jen was so much better, probably because she got rejected WAY less. She was a fundraising rock-star machine. Luckily she was willing to do most of the “heavy lifting” while I toted the loot and told my story when asked. Overall the team raised over $1000 for LLS at the parade…way to go TEAM!
Next weekend came March Madness, and it honestly started off pretty good. Jen and I always talked about taking off the first 2 days of the NCAA tournament that just-so-happen to coincide with St. Paddy’s day, because we don’t get anything done at work anyways. So we called it a little celebration/vacation of watching basketball and drinking green beer. To kick things off, I got up on Thursday and set out to run 6 miles. Now, I’m not totally electronically dependent, and can usually tell about how far I’ve gone, about what my exertion rate is, and about how much more I can take. However, on this particular run I decided to go “blind” and let my Garmin do the work. The idea would be 3 miles out, and when Garmin said to turn back I would. Only somewhere between my house and…my neighbors house, Garmin died. I was on my own. So I ran what I thought felt like 3 miles and turned back. When I finally mapped it I had run 7.2 miles.
GREAT! What a way to start the vacation off…little did I know the slump was coming.
To be continued
No really – I made up 2 weeks this time, and I’ll make another post this weekend. I promiseJ
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