Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Next Generation

I guess I'm not officially part of the TnT program anymore, meaning I'm not training for a specific event or fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

But I'm still very much a part of the Tnt program. Or at least I hope to be.

Last night I went to the Informational Night for the next team. There was a small group of runners (perhaps only two right now---anyone interested?) and several people there to sign up for a triathlon. (See, running a half marathon seems pretty sane when compared to some of the other events.)

At one point, a girl in the back row raised her hand and expressed doubts about whether she could actually run a half or full marathon in a few short months. We knew how she felt. Just a few months ago, we were in her shoes, wondering if we could actually complete this challenge.

Dave, Jack, Erin, Kara and I all chimed in. Yes, you can. And we really mean it.

We were there because we truly believe in the program, the training and the people. We know it can change your life. That girl in the back row will find out soon enough.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Worth A Thousand Words

The Disney Half Marathon is behind me. Yep, 13.1 miles done.

It was an awesome experience, one that's difficult to fully explain. As our coach and mentor told us when we returned from Florida, you really can't describe what it's like until you've been there. As always, they were right.

The run was great and my excellent training paid off. But it was about more than just the running. Sure, I ran 13.1 miles -- definitely farther than I ever imagined. But I also met some great friends along the way, developed a passion for running and supported a great cause in the process. We helped save lives.

I posted a few more photos below that I hope will share just a fraction of what the weekend was like. More stories and photos will be posted soon, I promise. Be sure to check back.

For now, please accept my many thanks for your support of this project. With your help, I raised more than $3,700 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our nationwide team, made up of 1,800 runners, raised $5.3 million!

Yes, $5.3 million. Incredible.

I truly encourage everyone to try something like this. Trust me, you can do it and it will change your life.




Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I DID IT!


I've been told that I have a knack for capturing a scene or experience and putting it into writing. But I don't think anyone can really share what the Disney Marathon Weekend experience was like.

Over the next several days (or perhaps weeks) I will do my best to share the weekend with you, keeping in mind that I have a job to catch up on, a dog who misses me and a charming friend I'd like to see this week.

For now, I'll just proudly say I FINISHED and had the time of my life doing it.

Stay tuned for more photos and stories from my Disney Marathon Weekend.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

3,500 Down, 13.1 To Go

WE DID IT! I've officially surpassed my goal of raising $3,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Many, many thanks to everyone who donated generously. I can't say enough about the support I've received.

I wish that everyone who donated could be with me in Disney to see the cancer survivors on the sidelines telling me that what we've done has made a difference in their lives. (Darn it, if only I could find a way to carry a camera to take pictures along the way!)

The fundraising part of this challenge (which was perhaps even more challenging than the actual run) has truly showed me how supportive and open people are. Just ask and people are willing to help support a good cause.

My donations came from friends and family, near and far. Some came from long-time friends and other from people I know just casually on some of the boards I sit on.

I am truly impressed by everyone who was willing to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (and me!) during the past few months. Please know that your money will go to good use -- and your support will never be forgotten!

Thank you again.

(Phew, one thing I won't be thinking about during the 13.1 miles on Saturday...)

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW

Big Brother Tracking

As I'm running in Disney on Saturday, I'll be crossing over a sensor in the road, which will track my progress through a computer chip that will be attached to my shoe.

Very high tech and slightly Big Brother-esque, huh?

You can sign up with the following link to get my results during the race, sent to email or phone:

If you're interested, the sign-in will ask you to enter an email and password. You then choose how often you want to receive an alert. You can get an alert when I pass 5K, 10K, 15K and Finish. Or, you can opt to just be notified when I cross the Finish Line.

Keep in mind the race start time is 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Hopefully I'll be well into the race while most of you are sitting around the house in your pjs and enjoying a morning cup of coffee.


REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Last Mile

Our team training is official over.

The small team of three ran our final miles together yesterday, enjoying every step of the route.

I had the chance to run and chat with Kara more than I have in previous runs. It was nice to take the scenic route along New Castle Beach, despite the ice and snow.

We made our way along the New Castle Loop and talked about how far we'd come in just a few months. We talked about how Coach Jack and Dave give more support than they probably realize.

We're anxious for this weekend's run -- the Real Thing. I'm filled with excitement, something I rarely admit or show. I really can't wait to get there, to run the 13 miles and to achieve something I never thought possible.

As we stopped at the Old Mobil for a quick water break on Sunday, I realized that
this will be the last run as a team. The next time I will see these girls will be our bags will be packed.

"See you at the airport," I told the girls as I turned the corner to make the final mile back to the school.

As much as I enjoyed the first five miles with Kara, it was nice running that last mile by myself.

My running felt better than it had in a while, probably due in part to the warmer weather. I had done six miles without a problem. I ran the last mile faster and stronger than the previous five.

It was a great feeling crossing my imaginary finish line at the school. There was no cheering crowd, no timers, no cameras, no celebration at the end.

It was just me, taking some quiet pride in how far I'd come.

Now I'm ready for the Big Finish at Disney. Bring on the crowds, the celebration -- and the medal.


REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.

Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW

Friday, January 4, 2008

I'm Getting Up at What Time??

Below is a recap of the Race Day Itinerary I received via email this morning. Wow, it's going to be an early morning! I think getting on the shuttle by 3 a.m. will be harder than the actual 13-mile run.

HALF MARATHON RACE DAY SCHEDULE

  • 2:15 a.m. - Race Day Breakfast - “Half Marathoner” Breakfast
  • 3:00 a.m. Shuttles to Start - All participants using Disney transportation must board the bus by 4:00am.
  • 6 a.m. - Half Marathon Start. Runners should plan to arrive at Epcot® by 4:00 a.m. Plan on a 20-minute walk from the start zone to your corral


The Half Marathon Course
The Walt Disney World® Half Marathon will start from Epcot®, then participants will run to the Magic Kingdom® Park, then back to Epcot® for an exhilarating finish.

Time Limit – 3.5 hours VERY IMPORTANT!
There is a 3 1/2 hour time limit for volunteer participants (16-minute mile pace). All runners/walkers need to maintain a 16-minute mile pace throughout the event. The sweeper bus will begin picking up participants as soon as they drop off the 16-minute mile pace. Further, all runners/walkers need to be at the 10K mark by 1 hour and 39 minutes. Those volunteer participants not at these points will be picked up by the sweeper bus and brought to the finish line.

Temperature
Temperatures in Florida will range greatly. Please be prepared for both warm and cold weather. We urge volunteer participants to bring a garbage bag or throwaway clothing with them to the start for warmth.

Medical Information
Medical stations will be located along the course approximately every two miles.

Half Marathon Finish Line
There will be a TNT tent at the finish line. It is imperative that you check in after the race so that we know that everyone has finished the race safely. You will receive your 13.1 pin when you check in.

Finisher’s T-shirts and Medals
All runners and walkers who finish in the allotted time will receive finisher’s medal. All finisher certificates will be mailed in March along with a Marathon Recap.


REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

By The Numbers

A few weeks ago, I received my official race packet in the mail for the Disney Marathon Weekend. It was packed with information on transportation, registration, purchasing commemorative items and many race details.

Tucked inside was a simple piece of cardboard. The instructions said I am to bring it to the check-in table the day before the race.

In small type was my name, age and official race number: 30315

Here are a few other numbers of interest:

  • Number of miles run to date: 180
  • Total donations raised to date: $2,836
  • Cost of the new pair of running shoes I bought last week: $64
  • Number of TnT runners traveling together next week: 175
  • Total the team has raised since August: $264,211
  • Number of days until the Disney Half Marathon: 9
  • Number of hours it will take to complete the run: 2 1/2
  • Number of miles in the Half Marathon: 13.1
  • High temp on race day (according to 10-day forecast): 77

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW


Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Classic Hangover for the Hangover Classic

Somehow I don't think you'll find any pre-race regimen that includes greasy Chinese food, a few alcoholic drinks and a 3 a.m. bedtime.

But that's exactly what my Race Eve consisted of last night. I have a pretty good excuse, I think, considering it was New Year's Eve. Plus, the race was called the Hangover Classic and it's part of a Run for Beer race series.

So, what harm could a few drinks and a late night do?

Turns out, I ran my the personal best time for 5K. (Okay, let's not point out the fact that I've only run three or four races, so it's not like there are a lot of times for me to beat. But each one is getting better, so I'm happy with that.)

I ended up finishing the race in 27 mins and 32 seconds, an 8:52 per mile pace.

I really wasn't intending on setting a new personal best. Actually, when I opened my eyes this morning, I wasn't intending on running at all.

I had that groggy feeling, my head ached and my stomach was in knots. Yikes, did I have a classic hangover for the Hangover Classic?

Perhaps a slight hangover -- thanks to a personal bartender that made me extra large drinks and introduced me to two new concoctions.

My head and stomach told me to bail out on the race.

Isn't New Year's Day a day to rest and relax? Perhaps I could have an easy day around the house and watch my alma mater University of Illinois play in its first Rose Bowl since 1984. (As I write this, the Illini are losing 20-0 to USC. Oh, go Illini.)

I hadn't pre-registered for the race, so it would be no loss. But I had committed to Erin, Jamie and two other girls, Brooke and Monica, that we would start the new year off on the right foot with a race.

If not for them waiting for me in Portsmouth to drive to the race, I surely would have opted to stay in bed this morning. (I was so close to staying home after receiving Jamie's text message saying she was going to skip the race.)

But the rest of us made it, all admitting that we had second thoughts about the race when we woke up this morning.

We piled into Monica's car and drove to Salibury. We made our way across an extremely icy parking lot to the bar where the race registration/check-in was held. I'm sure that same bar was packed with New Year's revelers just hours before.

But this morning it was transformed into a race headquarters with runners of every age, shape and size filling the somewhat dark room. I couldn't believe how many people were there, about 900 runners if you go by the race numbers they distributed.

There were actually two races - a 5K and a 10K. The four girls opted for the 5K, an out-and-back along the beach roads in Salisbury. The "back" gave an added bonus of the cold ocean wind whipping our faces, which confirmed that I would not be participating in the optional ocean plunge at the end of the race. (I don't need a commemorative mug that badly.)

Dave, my TnT mentor, was there for the 10K. We saw him just as the race was about to start and again as the 5K runners passed by the group of 10K runners lining the road. (The 10K had a delayed start to let us 5K-ers get a headstart.)

As we passed through the group of 10K-ers lining the road, they cheered and encouraged the runners. It made me note again that runners are so supportive of each other, even if they don't know you. I think we all want to see another runner do well, finish and enjoy the event.

Dave was certainly among that group, waving and cheering to Erin and I as we started the race. I'll have to pretend he's on the sidelines at Disney, since our coaches and mentors traveling with us will be people I haven't met yet.

Running these races makes me more aware of how hard it is to pace yourself in a large group of runners. I honestly had no idea how I was doing until I turned the corner and saw the clock.

This skill, if I can master it in 10 days, will surely come in handy in Disney. With a field of 16,000 runners, I'll need to find some way to set own pace. (Note to self to remember to pack my stopwatch to wear during race.)

I'm not in it to win it. I just want to finish, and more importantly, enjoy it.

I don't want or need an 8-something-minute mile. I want to be able to sustain a steady pace for the entire 13 miles. Wow, 13 miles. That's 10 more than I did today.

But this morning's 3.1 miles wasn't a struggle. At this point, it shouldn't be.

I finished nicely, running down the chute to record my time and grabbing a bottle of water at the end. Erin finished slightly ahead of me. Brooke and Monica weren't far behind. We met at the finish line, gave some high fives and headed back home -- feeling great.

Run a race on New Year's Day? Sure, what better way to cure a hangover...

REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Have you donated to my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society? If not, please consider doing so. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntma/Teresa. Please pass this link to everyone you know. Every dollar helps me get a little closer to the Disney 13.1!

TO POST A COMMENT, CLICK ON THE "# comments" LINK BELOW