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
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
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?
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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:
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
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
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
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Few Things My TnT Experience Has Taught Me:
- Running with a group makes the miles pass faster
- Try and stay on your feet
- Stay away from balloons (They mark the last of the runners at Disney ... anyone after the balloons gets picked up by the bus!)
- Listen to your coach, mentor and fellow runners -- they know what they're talking about
- Running without music is a good way to be alone with your thoughts
- I don't like cross country (I'm still sorry, Jamie!)
- There are a lot of supportive runners out there
- No one looks good in a Christmas sweater
- A run is a great way to start the day
- Rebel never gets tired
- Running in the rain is actually enjoyable
- Running in single-digit temps is not
- People are generous when you ask them to support a good cause
- Nothing beats a good pair of shoes
- People throw a lot of trash on the side of the road
- The first mile never gets any easier
- Showering at work isn't the end of the world
- Everyone should push themselves to do something they never thought they could
- Drivers don't pay attention to the road (or people running on the side of the road)
- You can never stretch enough (an IT Band injury hurts like hell!)
- The body can be hot and cold at the same time
- You really can change your life (and the lives of others) just by putting one foot in front of the other
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 BELOWWednesday, December 26, 2007
The Big 1-0 (and a half)
Well, this is it. My distance training is done. If I'm not ready now, I won't be ready for the race.
Sunday was the Big Day -- the day I ran my first double digit distance. It still feels a little strange to say that, despite the fact that over the months of training I've slowly started to think of myself as more of a "runner."
I'm definitely not fast, I'm sure my form is way off and I certainly don't have a runner's body (darn it!). But I like running. And, to me, that makes me a runner.
I ran 10 miles on Sunday. Yes, 10 miles. (Actually, it ended up being 10 1/2 miles.) It was the longest training run we'll do before the Big Race. Surprisingly, it felt good.
Maybe it was the warmer weather. (Boy, it sure is nicer running when it's in the 30s, a welcome change from the single digits I endured last week!) Maybe it was knowing that this run was the last shot at a long run before the race.
Whatever it was, I was pleasantly surprised that Sunday's run wasn't a struggle.
I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was a bit nervous about the Big 1-0 on the training schedule. My mid-week training schedule hasn't been what it should be lately -- a battle for daylight, sub-freezing temps and the busy holiday season are a bad mix for training.
I made sure to hydrate a little more than I normally would on Saturday night and Sunday morning. I ate a good breakfast and did lots of stretching.
We started out slow, making our way through downtown Portsmouth. At points, we carefully navigated snowbanks and icy spots.
Our team is small now. Just me and the Disney marathoners, Kara and Erika. It was nice to have a small team on Sunday as we talked about all the Disney details -- where we would be to cheer each other on along the route, how we'd get to the airport, what we'd pack.
Race Day is finally in our sights -- not just a pie-in-the-sky training goal. We're talking details and thinking about what it will be like.
Dave, our mentor, ran the Disney Marathon last year and shared some inside tips with us. Kara and I agreed that we'd like to have Dave with us in Florida. He's a great mentor, running with us every week, offering us encouragement and practical advice -- not to mention a much-needed donation to our fundraising campaigns last week.
After the Downtown Loop, I ran the Newcastle Loop. It's been a while since I've run this route. It felt good to see the familiar sights and know the landmarks. It felt good to see Coach Jack pull up in his car along the route to check in on my progress. It felt good to hear Coach Jack and Dave clapping as I made it to the Old Mobil Water Stop -- only one mile to go at that point.
Dave joined me for the last mile. He pulled ahead of me as we turned into the school to end Sunday's run, so he couldn't see me smiling as I finished my 10+ miles on Sunday. But I know I was smiling.
We'll use the next couple of weeks to taper down our runs, giving our legs a chance to rest up for Race Day. (Judging by my tired legs Monday morning, I'll enjoy the shorter runs -- and be better prepared for some tired legs after Race Day.)
Despite the months of training and preparation, I can't believe that the Disney Half is just 16 days away. And I'm ready.
REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
Sunday was the Big Day -- the day I ran my first double digit distance. It still feels a little strange to say that, despite the fact that over the months of training I've slowly started to think of myself as more of a "runner."
I'm definitely not fast, I'm sure my form is way off and I certainly don't have a runner's body (darn it!). But I like running. And, to me, that makes me a runner.
I ran 10 miles on Sunday. Yes, 10 miles. (Actually, it ended up being 10 1/2 miles.) It was the longest training run we'll do before the Big Race. Surprisingly, it felt good.
Maybe it was the warmer weather. (Boy, it sure is nicer running when it's in the 30s, a welcome change from the single digits I endured last week!) Maybe it was knowing that this run was the last shot at a long run before the race.
Whatever it was, I was pleasantly surprised that Sunday's run wasn't a struggle.
I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I was a bit nervous about the Big 1-0 on the training schedule. My mid-week training schedule hasn't been what it should be lately -- a battle for daylight, sub-freezing temps and the busy holiday season are a bad mix for training.
I made sure to hydrate a little more than I normally would on Saturday night and Sunday morning. I ate a good breakfast and did lots of stretching.
We started out slow, making our way through downtown Portsmouth. At points, we carefully navigated snowbanks and icy spots.
Our team is small now. Just me and the Disney marathoners, Kara and Erika. It was nice to have a small team on Sunday as we talked about all the Disney details -- where we would be to cheer each other on along the route, how we'd get to the airport, what we'd pack.
Race Day is finally in our sights -- not just a pie-in-the-sky training goal. We're talking details and thinking about what it will be like.
Dave, our mentor, ran the Disney Marathon last year and shared some inside tips with us. Kara and I agreed that we'd like to have Dave with us in Florida. He's a great mentor, running with us every week, offering us encouragement and practical advice -- not to mention a much-needed donation to our fundraising campaigns last week.
After the Downtown Loop, I ran the Newcastle Loop. It's been a while since I've run this route. It felt good to see the familiar sights and know the landmarks. It felt good to see Coach Jack pull up in his car along the route to check in on my progress. It felt good to hear Coach Jack and Dave clapping as I made it to the Old Mobil Water Stop -- only one mile to go at that point.
Dave joined me for the last mile. He pulled ahead of me as we turned into the school to end Sunday's run, so he couldn't see me smiling as I finished my 10+ miles on Sunday. But I know I was smiling.
We'll use the next couple of weeks to taper down our runs, giving our legs a chance to rest up for Race Day. (Judging by my tired legs Monday morning, I'll enjoy the shorter runs -- and be better prepared for some tired legs after Race Day.)
Despite the months of training and preparation, I can't believe that the Disney Half is just 16 days away. And I'm ready.
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 BELOWMonday, December 10, 2007
The Sales Pitch
The TnT program is about more than running. It's about achieving goals, helping others, doing things you never thought possible... and making lifelong friends.
That's a summary of what program organizers and past participants told us at the Info Night back in August.
I went to Info Night just to learn more. Maybe I'd take home a packet of information, think it over for a few days, then decide whether to join the program.
Yeah, that was my plan.
But after a sales pitch like that (it included a tear-jerking video of cancer patients thanking the runners, smiling participants crossing the finish line and other feel-good images), I took out my pen and starting filling out the paperwork left on our chairs. I think I might have even started filling out the paperwork before the video was done.
Jamie and her daughter, Summer, were in the seats in front of me.
She and I smiled at each other and might have made a friendly comment in passing. I don't think either one of us knew what we were getting into. I'm sure we were both questioning whether we could actually complete this challenge.
Little did I know that Jamie would become more just the girl in front on me at Info Night.
Since that day, Jamie and I have become friends. It started with us meeting up during the week for runs or competing in local races. But then our friendship grew to activities other than running. We've shared stories about our lives, offered advice, grabbed coffee together, did Christmas shopping, talked and shared plenty of laughs.
Just normal friend things.
On Saturday, Jamie and I went to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Erin's house. (Yes, I'm including a photo. How could I not include a photo of a party with an Ugly Christmas Sweater theme?)
Erin is another fellow runner. She is a past participant of the TnT program, but still often joins the group for Sunday runs. After her TnT race, she kept running. As Jamie and I flipped through the photo album of her races, we decided we want to keep running.
Erin probably doesn't know it, but Jamie and I look at her as the success story of the program. Perhaps our unofficial mentor. She did it, so can we.
I guess those people at Info Night were right. Now all I have to do is finish my 13.1 miles.
REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
That's a summary of what program organizers and past participants told us at the Info Night back in August.
I went to Info Night just to learn more. Maybe I'd take home a packet of information, think it over for a few days, then decide whether to join the program.
Yeah, that was my plan.
But after a sales pitch like that (it included a tear-jerking video of cancer patients thanking the runners, smiling participants crossing the finish line and other feel-good images), I took out my pen and starting filling out the paperwork left on our chairs. I think I might have even started filling out the paperwork before the video was done.
Jamie and her daughter, Summer, were in the seats in front of me.
She and I smiled at each other and might have made a friendly comment in passing. I don't think either one of us knew what we were getting into. I'm sure we were both questioning whether we could actually complete this challenge.
Little did I know that Jamie would become more just the girl in front on me at Info Night.
Since that day, Jamie and I have become friends. It started with us meeting up during the week for runs or competing in local races. But then our friendship grew to activities other than running. We've shared stories about our lives, offered advice, grabbed coffee together, did Christmas shopping, talked and shared plenty of laughs.
Just normal friend things.
On Saturday, Jamie and I went to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Erin's house. (Yes, I'm including a photo. How could I not include a photo of a party with an Ugly Christmas Sweater theme?)
Erin is another fellow runner. She is a past participant of the TnT program, but still often joins the group for Sunday runs. After her TnT race, she kept running. As Jamie and I flipped through the photo album of her races, we decided we want to keep running.Erin probably doesn't know it, but Jamie and I look at her as the success story of the program. Perhaps our unofficial mentor. She did it, so can we.
I guess those people at Info Night were right. Now all I have to do is finish my 13.1 miles.
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 BELOWMonday, December 3, 2007
Jingle Bell Time is a Swell (?) Time
As we turned the corner toward the starting line, a wintry blast of wind whipped our faces.
"Whose idea was this?" Katie said.
Yep, it was mine.
"You are never allowed to pick out races again," Jamie said to me.
And so started the Jingle Bell Run on Saturday. According to a weather report later in the day, it barely reached 4 degrees with the windchill factor in Concord.
Just a few days into my TnT program in August, I put two Jingle Bell Runs on my calendar, both of which were fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation. Unfortunately, my IT Band problems prevented me from doing the 10K in Portsmouth a few weeks ago, so I was determined to make the 5K in Concord on Saturday.
And so I did -- despite the chilly temps and a hectic planned workday creating a float for Manchester's Christmas Parade (later cancelled due to the cold and wind).
Katie, a co-worker-turned-friend, agreed to join Jamie and I with her sister-in-law for the 10 a.m. race start.
It's a good thing we planned to go as a group. I have to admit that if I was planning on running solo I might have taken one step outside and decided against it. But knowing there were people waiting for me, made me know I couldn't back out. So I bundled up in several layers and headed out.
The four of us (five if you include Katie's dog, Buffy) found each other amid the Santa Claus hats, running elves and other Christmas costumes.
The race went rather quickly. It was a nice course. No hills. Jingle Bells pinned to the runners' sneakers made a festive sound as we made our way through the 3-mile loop.
Somewhere along a dirt road on the route, a woman chatted with me as we ran. "Why do we do this?" she asked as the snowy wind hit our faces. I laughed slightly and said, "Because we like it???" ( I emphasized the question marks strongly.)
We talked a little the type of weather we like to run in, other races around the state and a few other topics. As we parted ways (I can't remember if I pulled ahead of her or she went ahead of me), I thought more about here question: Why do we do this?
I thought about the training schedule for my half marathon. I thought about the social aspect of meeting a few friends for a Saturday morning run. And I thought about my mom, whose rheumatoid arthritis has taken away many of her physical abilities and required numerous joint replacement surgeries.
That's why I ran on Saturday. The four of us running together donated around $100 to the Arthritis Foundation with our registration fees.
I know that no matter how miserable the weather was -- the bone-chilling temps and snowflakes in the air -- or how busy the rest of her day was supposed to be, my mom would give anything to be able to run like that.
And I'm sure, when her doctor introduces a new treatment, she'll be reminded that perhaps it was funded with money from the Arthritis Foundation. My $23 registration fee and a bit of cold on a Saturday morning could make a difference.
Suddenly it didn't seem so cold after all. Okay, that's a lie. It still seemed ridiculously cold, but it still made the end of the run a little easier.
Read more answers to the question "Why Do I This?" at these posts (both of these are linked under the September archive):
The Cancer Center:
www.disney13miles.blogspot.com/2007/09/cancer-center.html
I Run Because I Can:
www.disney13miles.blogspot.com/2007/09/i-run-because-i-can.html
REMEMBER, I'M DOING THIS FOR A GOOD CAUSE.
"Whose idea was this?" Katie said.
Yep, it was mine.
"You are never allowed to pick out races again," Jamie said to me.
And so started the Jingle Bell Run on Saturday. According to a weather report later in the day, it barely reached 4 degrees with the windchill factor in Concord.
Just a few days into my TnT program in August, I put two Jingle Bell Runs on my calendar, both of which were fundraisers for the Arthritis Foundation. Unfortunately, my IT Band problems prevented me from doing the 10K in Portsmouth a few weeks ago, so I was determined to make the 5K in Concord on Saturday.
And so I did -- despite the chilly temps and a hectic planned workday creating a float for Manchester's Christmas Parade (later cancelled due to the cold and wind).
Katie, a co-worker-turned-friend, agreed to join Jamie and I with her sister-in-law for the 10 a.m. race start.
It's a good thing we planned to go as a group. I have to admit that if I was planning on running solo I might have taken one step outside and decided against it. But knowing there were people waiting for me, made me know I couldn't back out. So I bundled up in several layers and headed out.
The four of us (five if you include Katie's dog, Buffy) found each other amid the Santa Claus hats, running elves and other Christmas costumes.
The race went rather quickly. It was a nice course. No hills. Jingle Bells pinned to the runners' sneakers made a festive sound as we made our way through the 3-mile loop.
Somewhere along a dirt road on the route, a woman chatted with me as we ran. "Why do we do this?" she asked as the snowy wind hit our faces. I laughed slightly and said, "Because we like it???" ( I emphasized the question marks strongly.)
We talked a little the type of weather we like to run in, other races around the state and a few other topics. As we parted ways (I can't remember if I pulled ahead of her or she went ahead of me), I thought more about here question: Why do we do this?
I thought about the training schedule for my half marathon. I thought about the social aspect of meeting a few friends for a Saturday morning run. And I thought about my mom, whose rheumatoid arthritis has taken away many of her physical abilities and required numerous joint replacement surgeries.
That's why I ran on Saturday. The four of us running together donated around $100 to the Arthritis Foundation with our registration fees.
I know that no matter how miserable the weather was -- the bone-chilling temps and snowflakes in the air -- or how busy the rest of her day was supposed to be, my mom would give anything to be able to run like that.
And I'm sure, when her doctor introduces a new treatment, she'll be reminded that perhaps it was funded with money from the Arthritis Foundation. My $23 registration fee and a bit of cold on a Saturday morning could make a difference.
Suddenly it didn't seem so cold after all. Okay, that's a lie. It still seemed ridiculously cold, but it still made the end of the run a little easier.
Read more answers to the question "Why Do I This?" at these posts (both of these are linked under the September archive):
The Cancer Center:
www.disney13miles.blogspot.com/2007/09/cancer-center.html
I Run Because I Can:
www.disney13miles.blogspot.com/2007/09/i-run-because-i-can.html
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
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