The marathon is officially one week from today, and you won't frigging believe it, but I am SICK. I get sick once every few years - I don't get colds, I don't get the flu, I don't get fevers, none of that nonsense. And yet, for whatever reason, my body chose right now to get sick. The last time I was just plain old regular sick was April of 2006, just over 4 years ago. This is not bueno.
We had our last Saturday GTS (group training session) yesterday. We only had to run for an hour, and it was hell. Running with a chest cold is really unpleasant. I felt like there was an obese toddler sitting on my chest. That's right, not a regular, fits-into-the-normal-weight-range toddler; an obese toddler. It was just bad and I felt like crap afterward and mentally it messed with me. Thank god for Audrey, reminding me that it's just the cold that was keeping me down, I AM a better runner than that, and I will be fine. I'm actually taking western medicine right now - and praying to god it works.
I am currently watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition, because I had the genius idea that making myself cry would help get some of the mucus out of my nose. Seriously, that is my thought process - it makes sense in my head... Anyway... this episode happens to be about a woman who was battling leukemia. This woman was in her late 30s, and what saved her life was a bone marrow transplant from an anonymous donor. Sometimes the universe just knows when you need to be reminded of the big picture :)
So, now that I find myself within a week of the big race, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared shitless, but a marathon isn't nearly as scary as a cancer diagnosis. Gotta keep perspective! And this race doesn't have to be my be all, end all of this experience. I've been thinking about this lately - this has been a hell of a 4 months. I've met the greatest people and done things I never thought I could do. The race is really the icing on the cake. And this is a Rock N Roll marathon, meaning there are bands every mile or so. I fully intend to dance every time we stop for water, or every time I hear an awesome song. This may be my only marathon experience ever, why not enjoy the damn thing?! My finish time may not be stellar, but it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. It's about my journey. And I want to go through it dancin.
Countdown to San Diego: 7 days
Current Status: Sick, but calmer
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Angry
So I realize it's past 1am on a Tuesday night and I should be in bed banking some extra sleep time, but I'm too angry to sleep right now. I flew back from Missouri early this week because we have a mandatory San Diego send off meeting tomorrow night. I got home at 11:30, watched my DVRed episode of The Biggest Loser (which was awesome, I frigging love that show), and then I leafed through my BU SMG alumni "Builders and Leaders" magazine. There it was on page 36:
In Memoriam: Professor Jeffrey Beatty
Professor Beatty was my business law professor (LA245), and was hands down one of the most influential educators I have ever had. He passed away in December, after a 9 year battle with leukemia.
I never knew he was sick - and I hadn't heard that he passed away. He was the most charismatic man, full of energy, teaching with unparalleled enthusiasm while donning his signature bowtie. You don't get that kind of inspiring personality in intro classes in college. He taught all of us about tenants' rights, since he knew a lot of us were likely being taken advantage of by landlords in Allston and Brighton. He emphasized and even managed to convince Kazaa-addicted college students that intellectual property is the same as real property, and that illegally downloading is equivalent to walking into stores and stealing CDs and DVDs right off the shelves. That's a hard sell to a bunch of broke 20 year olds, but he got to us - this was dear to his heart, as he was a contributor to screenplays and a playwright himself. He spent a great deal of his career fighting for the less fortunate in immigration and discrimination cases. He got us to believe in the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt. He wasn't a corporate sell out lawyer. He set the most amazing example for all of us, and I never ever missed a law class. I am undoubtedly a better person for having known him. We are all better people for having learned from him. Without him, the law curriculum and the School of Management will never be the same.
I found an article on Boston.com that was written shortly after he died, where a friend of his was quoted. I think this sums him up perfectly: “He was taller than most people and better spoken than most people, and he was better looking and had better manners,’’ said Bill Wheatley, a friend from Petersham. “He was the kind of person who you felt always did the right thing, and he always knew what the right thing was, he never floundered.’’
I am SO ANGRY that this disease takes people like this. It couldn't take the serial killers or the rapists or drug dealers - it takes the man who was doing some GOOD in the world. This remarkable man didn't deserve this, and the future students will forever be missing out as they'll never get the benefit of his teaching. It is so goddamn UNFAIR. I try to stay positive in life in general, but tonight is one of those nights where I'm just mad. And sad. And frustrated. Today I am really really angry that we aren't more focused on getting to a cure.
Here is the article about Professor Beatty as printed in the magazine. Prepare to be blown away by this man's amazing life:
The School has lost a true Renaissance man. Professor of Business Law Jeffrey Beatty died December 20, nine years after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was 61 and lived with his wife Annabel in Belmont, Mass.
The passing of Beatty means the loss of a great teacher, sharp wit, playwright, legal mind, sartorial icon, and friend and mentor to many.
Best known at the School for his business law classes, taught from texts and cases he co-wrote with School of Management Professor of Busines Law Susan Samuelson, Beatty also had a serious interest in the not-so-serious. He would leave voicemails to his friends impersonating someone totally out of context, such as Pedro Martinez, the former Red Sox pitcher. He wrote plays that were voyages to the darker side of human comedy, full of wit and truth.
After graduation from Sarah Lawrence College in 1972, he started his professional life as a ballet dancer, but within a few years switched his focus and attended Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1978. For the next decade, he worked at Greater Boston Legal Services, representing indigent clients in immigration and discrimination cases. He and Annabel married in 1982. In 1987, he joined a private firm and began teaching at BU's School of Management the following year. Soon, he left private practice and developed the school's business law concentration.
Among the honors he garnered at BU was the Metcalf Cup and Prize, the university's highest teaching award, in 2007.
Miles for Professor Beatty tomorrow.
Countdown to San Diego: 11 days
Current status: Angry. Really fucking angry.
In Memoriam: Professor Jeffrey Beatty
Professor Beatty was my business law professor (LA245), and was hands down one of the most influential educators I have ever had. He passed away in December, after a 9 year battle with leukemia.
I never knew he was sick - and I hadn't heard that he passed away. He was the most charismatic man, full of energy, teaching with unparalleled enthusiasm while donning his signature bowtie. You don't get that kind of inspiring personality in intro classes in college. He taught all of us about tenants' rights, since he knew a lot of us were likely being taken advantage of by landlords in Allston and Brighton. He emphasized and even managed to convince Kazaa-addicted college students that intellectual property is the same as real property, and that illegally downloading is equivalent to walking into stores and stealing CDs and DVDs right off the shelves. That's a hard sell to a bunch of broke 20 year olds, but he got to us - this was dear to his heart, as he was a contributor to screenplays and a playwright himself. He spent a great deal of his career fighting for the less fortunate in immigration and discrimination cases. He got us to believe in the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt. He wasn't a corporate sell out lawyer. He set the most amazing example for all of us, and I never ever missed a law class. I am undoubtedly a better person for having known him. We are all better people for having learned from him. Without him, the law curriculum and the School of Management will never be the same.
I found an article on Boston.com that was written shortly after he died, where a friend of his was quoted. I think this sums him up perfectly: “He was taller than most people and better spoken than most people, and he was better looking and had better manners,’’ said Bill Wheatley, a friend from Petersham. “He was the kind of person who you felt always did the right thing, and he always knew what the right thing was, he never floundered.’’
I am SO ANGRY that this disease takes people like this. It couldn't take the serial killers or the rapists or drug dealers - it takes the man who was doing some GOOD in the world. This remarkable man didn't deserve this, and the future students will forever be missing out as they'll never get the benefit of his teaching. It is so goddamn UNFAIR. I try to stay positive in life in general, but tonight is one of those nights where I'm just mad. And sad. And frustrated. Today I am really really angry that we aren't more focused on getting to a cure.
Here is the article about Professor Beatty as printed in the magazine. Prepare to be blown away by this man's amazing life:
The School has lost a true Renaissance man. Professor of Business Law Jeffrey Beatty died December 20, nine years after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was 61 and lived with his wife Annabel in Belmont, Mass.
The passing of Beatty means the loss of a great teacher, sharp wit, playwright, legal mind, sartorial icon, and friend and mentor to many.
Best known at the School for his business law classes, taught from texts and cases he co-wrote with School of Management Professor of Busines Law Susan Samuelson, Beatty also had a serious interest in the not-so-serious. He would leave voicemails to his friends impersonating someone totally out of context, such as Pedro Martinez, the former Red Sox pitcher. He wrote plays that were voyages to the darker side of human comedy, full of wit and truth.
After graduation from Sarah Lawrence College in 1972, he started his professional life as a ballet dancer, but within a few years switched his focus and attended Boston University School of Law, graduating in 1978. For the next decade, he worked at Greater Boston Legal Services, representing indigent clients in immigration and discrimination cases. He and Annabel married in 1982. In 1987, he joined a private firm and began teaching at BU's School of Management the following year. Soon, he left private practice and developed the school's business law concentration.
Among the honors he garnered at BU was the Metcalf Cup and Prize, the university's highest teaching award, in 2007.
Miles for Professor Beatty tomorrow.
Countdown to San Diego: 11 days
Current status: Angry. Really fucking angry.
Monday, May 24, 2010
I Am The Luckiest
I am the luckiest TNT runner ever. As of today, I have raised $4,001 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and all I had to do was ask. I didn't have to do the crazy bar fundraisers or depend on corporate matches or throw major events to get the cash together. And today, I was just $52 shy of breaking 4 grand, and my angel of a friend Nicole donated $53. I can physically feel the support of Nicole and everyone else who is behind me. I feel really really strong with that.
Second, I have the best coach on the face of the planet. Coach Michael Conlon ran his 20th (yes, 20th) marathon on Sunday in Edinburgh, and unfortunately he had a very bad race. He said he physically and mentally imploded around mile 19, and he wasn't too psyched about the experience. BUT, he used that experience to share some very poignant thoughts with us, and I wanted to share part of his email with you (spelling and syntax is 100% Conlon). I think #6 is the most important one:
Here are a few things I want to share with you in regards to my most recent marathon experience…..
1- Whether this is your first endurance event or your 20th you MUST respect the distance, otherwise, the marathon gods will chew you up and spit you out during those last few miles.
2- There are no guarantees when it comes to marathons. You must be ready for anything and everything. Pick a marathon location where the weather is always perfect for running (50’s with overcast and likelihood of rain) and you will get unseasonably high temperatures with high humidity (mid 70’s with no shade…. Awesome). If I hear one more Scot say they NEVER get this type of weather in May…. Just my luck.
3- Wear sun screen regardless of what the weather looks like when you first get up in the morning.
4- Don’t underestimate warm whether and how it can effect (or is it affect?) you on race day. You must make the necessary changes to your race plan to accommodate for less than ideal weather. Some of you will have to alter your plans by 20 or 30 seconds/mile, perhaps more. My marathon HR zone is 150-160 beats/minute. Yesterday, I watched my HR climb from 149 in the early miles to 168 by mile 17 (note, my pace stayed the same). This is the direct result of warm weather running, a combination of dehydration and fatigue. It didn’t help that the aid stations were every 3 miles at that my race started at 10am. I am not sure what my HR was over the last few miles as I ripped over my monitor and threw it as far away as possible, haha. I guess I will have to buy a new one of those. :)
5- If the temperatures are high you MUST focus even more so on your race day nutrition. Water, sports drink (to replenish lost electrolytes), salt packs, extra gu for added calories (your body is working harder and you are burning more calories so you will need the extra energy), etc…..
6- Whether you meet your goals or not, completing a marathon or half marathon is still an amazing experience. You need to finish with dignity, pride and a smile on your face… as it was you, and only you, that had the courage and the will to continue on as times got tough. After 20 marathons, I still get chills as I approach the finish line, crowds cheering whether you are in first place or in last….. there’s no feeling like it. You need to soak it in and focus on what’s really important, all that you have accomplished. Remember, it’s not about the day but about the journey….. And regardless of time, whether a PR or a PW, there’s always next time…. :)
He is so wise! It really isn't about the day, it's about how far we've all come. I think this will be my one and only full marathon (I plan to continue doing halfs), but who knows, maybe the high of crossing the finish line after 26.2 will make me lose my mind and decide to do this again. Or maybe the drive to find a cure will keep me running and fundraising. This is the best thing I have ever done in my life - I know I keep saying that, but it doesn't stop being true.
Countdown to San Diego: 13 days
Current Status: Feeling the support, feeling good! (But still freaking out)
Second, I have the best coach on the face of the planet. Coach Michael Conlon ran his 20th (yes, 20th) marathon on Sunday in Edinburgh, and unfortunately he had a very bad race. He said he physically and mentally imploded around mile 19, and he wasn't too psyched about the experience. BUT, he used that experience to share some very poignant thoughts with us, and I wanted to share part of his email with you (spelling and syntax is 100% Conlon). I think #6 is the most important one:
Here are a few things I want to share with you in regards to my most recent marathon experience…..
1- Whether this is your first endurance event or your 20th you MUST respect the distance, otherwise, the marathon gods will chew you up and spit you out during those last few miles.
2- There are no guarantees when it comes to marathons. You must be ready for anything and everything. Pick a marathon location where the weather is always perfect for running (50’s with overcast and likelihood of rain) and you will get unseasonably high temperatures with high humidity (mid 70’s with no shade…. Awesome). If I hear one more Scot say they NEVER get this type of weather in May…. Just my luck.
3- Wear sun screen regardless of what the weather looks like when you first get up in the morning.
4- Don’t underestimate warm whether and how it can effect (or is it affect?) you on race day. You must make the necessary changes to your race plan to accommodate for less than ideal weather. Some of you will have to alter your plans by 20 or 30 seconds/mile, perhaps more. My marathon HR zone is 150-160 beats/minute. Yesterday, I watched my HR climb from 149 in the early miles to 168 by mile 17 (note, my pace stayed the same). This is the direct result of warm weather running, a combination of dehydration and fatigue. It didn’t help that the aid stations were every 3 miles at that my race started at 10am. I am not sure what my HR was over the last few miles as I ripped over my monitor and threw it as far away as possible, haha. I guess I will have to buy a new one of those. :)
5- If the temperatures are high you MUST focus even more so on your race day nutrition. Water, sports drink (to replenish lost electrolytes), salt packs, extra gu for added calories (your body is working harder and you are burning more calories so you will need the extra energy), etc…..
6- Whether you meet your goals or not, completing a marathon or half marathon is still an amazing experience. You need to finish with dignity, pride and a smile on your face… as it was you, and only you, that had the courage and the will to continue on as times got tough. After 20 marathons, I still get chills as I approach the finish line, crowds cheering whether you are in first place or in last….. there’s no feeling like it. You need to soak it in and focus on what’s really important, all that you have accomplished. Remember, it’s not about the day but about the journey….. And regardless of time, whether a PR or a PW, there’s always next time…. :)
He is so wise! It really isn't about the day, it's about how far we've all come. I think this will be my one and only full marathon (I plan to continue doing halfs), but who knows, maybe the high of crossing the finish line after 26.2 will make me lose my mind and decide to do this again. Or maybe the drive to find a cure will keep me running and fundraising. This is the best thing I have ever done in my life - I know I keep saying that, but it doesn't stop being true.
Countdown to San Diego: 13 days
Current Status: Feeling the support, feeling good! (But still freaking out)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Baby's First Half Marathon
Helloooooo all!
This morning I ran my very first half marathon. Now I know what you're thinking - Rachel, you fool, you've covered way more than 13.1 miles in your Saturday long runs, you've run a bunch of half marathons. BUT, I've never run a certified half marathon race. So, this morning I ran the 2010 Brooklyn Half Marathon! The race started at 7am, so I left my apartment at 5:30am and somehow managed to be borderline late. I got into my corral at 6:57am. Oops. At least I had a little warm up because I jogged to the park from the subway stop!
Overall I had a great race. I ran it nice and slowly, slower than my training pace so as not to aggrivate my ankle or burn myself out, my nutrition was good, my hydration was good, and I felt pretty awesome the whole time! The course was 2 full loops of Prospect Park and then you run down Ocean Parkway for like 5 and a half miles. It's strange being on such a long straight away during a race, but also kind of cool to run down the highway. The last half mile or so was on the boardwalk at Coney Island. Let me tell you, running on a boardwalk is dicey! If someone was running next to you, the clapboards would kick up on your side - I tried to run on the nails to avoid this problem, which largely worked. Coney Island, by the way - strangest place ever. I'd never really been before and I don't think I have any intention of going back. It's just a boardwalk with a bunch of questionable rides and cheesy shops.
I have to say, crossing the finish line was one of the coolest feelings ever. I was wearing my Team in Training t-shirt, so the announcer yelled out "Alright Team in Training! That's Rachel, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!" So. Freaking. COOL! And throughout the entire race people were cheering for me because of the TNT affiliation. That purple Team in Training t-shirt is a badge of honor, and I am so proud to wear it, and so proud to be part of this team. Shout out to Jasmine from Finish Line who came out to cheer us on!
And a member of Team Rachel got her ass up at 6:30am on a Saturday to come cheer me on! Major shoutout to the beautiful and fabulous Jenn Freeman. I was finishing my first loop of Prospect Park and suddenly I hear "GO RACHEL!". I turn to my right, and there's Jenn hopping along in her flip flops, with her purse and headphones. She even stuck around for my 2nd lap of the park. That kind of loyalty and support and love is really a rare thing in this world. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her.
I was sore after the race, obviously, but I stretched it out with Dom and Chad, who also ran the race, and then post ice-bath I felt a lot better. I was, however, very ready to stop after I crossed the finish line. I knew I could physically keep going, but I was really really ready to be done running. In my head, of course, I was like "Holy shit, I have to do that all over again in the full...". That is scary, and I'm already pretty nervous. I think it was because I was mentally banking on 13.1. Maybe for the full when I mentally bank on 26.2 it'll be easier. Either way, I'm so glad I did this race because now I feel more prepared for the full. And for now I'll enjoy the glory of my first ever half :)
Countdown to San Diego: 15 days
Current Status: STILL FREAKING OUT
This morning I ran my very first half marathon. Now I know what you're thinking - Rachel, you fool, you've covered way more than 13.1 miles in your Saturday long runs, you've run a bunch of half marathons. BUT, I've never run a certified half marathon race. So, this morning I ran the 2010 Brooklyn Half Marathon! The race started at 7am, so I left my apartment at 5:30am and somehow managed to be borderline late. I got into my corral at 6:57am. Oops. At least I had a little warm up because I jogged to the park from the subway stop!
Overall I had a great race. I ran it nice and slowly, slower than my training pace so as not to aggrivate my ankle or burn myself out, my nutrition was good, my hydration was good, and I felt pretty awesome the whole time! The course was 2 full loops of Prospect Park and then you run down Ocean Parkway for like 5 and a half miles. It's strange being on such a long straight away during a race, but also kind of cool to run down the highway. The last half mile or so was on the boardwalk at Coney Island. Let me tell you, running on a boardwalk is dicey! If someone was running next to you, the clapboards would kick up on your side - I tried to run on the nails to avoid this problem, which largely worked. Coney Island, by the way - strangest place ever. I'd never really been before and I don't think I have any intention of going back. It's just a boardwalk with a bunch of questionable rides and cheesy shops.
I have to say, crossing the finish line was one of the coolest feelings ever. I was wearing my Team in Training t-shirt, so the announcer yelled out "Alright Team in Training! That's Rachel, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!" So. Freaking. COOL! And throughout the entire race people were cheering for me because of the TNT affiliation. That purple Team in Training t-shirt is a badge of honor, and I am so proud to wear it, and so proud to be part of this team. Shout out to Jasmine from Finish Line who came out to cheer us on!
And a member of Team Rachel got her ass up at 6:30am on a Saturday to come cheer me on! Major shoutout to the beautiful and fabulous Jenn Freeman. I was finishing my first loop of Prospect Park and suddenly I hear "GO RACHEL!". I turn to my right, and there's Jenn hopping along in her flip flops, with her purse and headphones. She even stuck around for my 2nd lap of the park. That kind of loyalty and support and love is really a rare thing in this world. I'm so lucky to have a friend like her.
I was sore after the race, obviously, but I stretched it out with Dom and Chad, who also ran the race, and then post ice-bath I felt a lot better. I was, however, very ready to stop after I crossed the finish line. I knew I could physically keep going, but I was really really ready to be done running. In my head, of course, I was like "Holy shit, I have to do that all over again in the full...". That is scary, and I'm already pretty nervous. I think it was because I was mentally banking on 13.1. Maybe for the full when I mentally bank on 26.2 it'll be easier. Either way, I'm so glad I did this race because now I feel more prepared for the full. And for now I'll enjoy the glory of my first ever half :)
Countdown to San Diego: 15 days
Current Status: STILL FREAKING OUT
Friday, May 21, 2010
Kick It Kalo!
Hi all -
Some of you may remember Layla Grace, a little girl I discovered who was fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma. Unfortunately Layla lost her battle in March of this year at the tender age of 2 - her parents have set up a foundation in her name, and are doing fundraisers in Houston, where they are from. You can check out more information on her parents' blog at http://laylagrace.org/
I have another very small blood cancer patient that I just learned about via my cousin, Noel. His name is Mikalo, or Kalo for short, and he is a 4 year old from Boston who is currently in his second fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). On March 19th of this year, Kalo received a bone marrow transplant, which damn well may have saved his life. You can read more about Kalo's story here: http://www.kickitkalo.com/kickitkalo/Welcome.html
This got me thinking. I plan to read up on bone marrow transplants, and become registered as a potential donor after this marathon. 70% of blood cancer patients don't have a suitable donor in their family - SEVENTY PERCENT. That has to be unbelievably frustrating. If I could give my Grandpa every organ in my body, I would - we know he isn't eligible for a transplant due to his age, but if he were and I couldn't give it to him, I wouldn't stop until I found someone who could.
So, I want to help. The more involved I get in TNT and the more stories I hear about patients and treatments and research, the more I want to do. I don't know if I'll ever be a match for someone, but in the off chance that I am, I want to look into making it happen. For any expectant mothers out there, you can also donate cord blood, so please consider it as part of your birth plan. If you're interested in learning if you might be a match for a patient out there, and if you're between ages 18 and 60, you can join the Be The Match registry. Go here to learn more: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html
I just encourage all of you to not let your involvement stop with a read through of this blog or a one-time donation of your money. You can always give more, you can always do more. Please stay connected to this cause. I'll leave you with thoughts from one of our TNT campaign coordinators, Shawn, who has since left NYC but her awesome energy remains here in our amazing city:
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
In all the places you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
Some of you may remember Layla Grace, a little girl I discovered who was fighting stage 4 neuroblastoma. Unfortunately Layla lost her battle in March of this year at the tender age of 2 - her parents have set up a foundation in her name, and are doing fundraisers in Houston, where they are from. You can check out more information on her parents' blog at http://laylagrace.org/
I have another very small blood cancer patient that I just learned about via my cousin, Noel. His name is Mikalo, or Kalo for short, and he is a 4 year old from Boston who is currently in his second fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). On March 19th of this year, Kalo received a bone marrow transplant, which damn well may have saved his life. You can read more about Kalo's story here: http://www.kickitkalo.com/kickitkalo/Welcome.html
This got me thinking. I plan to read up on bone marrow transplants, and become registered as a potential donor after this marathon. 70% of blood cancer patients don't have a suitable donor in their family - SEVENTY PERCENT. That has to be unbelievably frustrating. If I could give my Grandpa every organ in my body, I would - we know he isn't eligible for a transplant due to his age, but if he were and I couldn't give it to him, I wouldn't stop until I found someone who could.
So, I want to help. The more involved I get in TNT and the more stories I hear about patients and treatments and research, the more I want to do. I don't know if I'll ever be a match for someone, but in the off chance that I am, I want to look into making it happen. For any expectant mothers out there, you can also donate cord blood, so please consider it as part of your birth plan. If you're interested in learning if you might be a match for a patient out there, and if you're between ages 18 and 60, you can join the Be The Match registry. Go here to learn more: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/FAQs_about_Joining_the_Registry/index.html
I just encourage all of you to not let your involvement stop with a read through of this blog or a one-time donation of your money. You can always give more, you can always do more. Please stay connected to this cause. I'll leave you with thoughts from one of our TNT campaign coordinators, Shawn, who has since left NYC but her awesome energy remains here in our amazing city:
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
In all the places you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thoughts Galore
I have many disconnected thoughts today, so bear with me! First, this coming Monday is our fundraising deadline. I am currently at just shy of $4,000 and have 78+ supporters. FOUR FREAKING THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! We blew away the minimum requirement and have gone above and beyond to provide cancer patients and families with assistance and support. I hope you all feel really good about that - it's a wonderful thing you've done.
Second, while I am fortunate enough to have crushed the minimum requirement, some of my fellow TNT participants are fortunate enough to NOT have a direct connection to a cancer patient, and they're having a little trouble meeting the minimum. My running buddy, the lovely Audrey, is one of those teammates. This girl has provided me with companionship, sanity, encouragement, and amazing support through some of the toughest runs of this season. She is running for patients and families she doesn't even know, all out of the goodness of her heart and the generosity of her spirit. If you have an extra $10 or $20 lying around, even if you've already donated to me, please consider donating to her. The link to her site is here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/rnr10/ayoung206j
Third, I hurt my ankle! It's nothing serious and I'm confident I'll be fine for race day, but I am experiencing some pain on the outside of my right ankle. I wanted to ask my coach about it but I couldn't exactly describe where it was hurting, so I made this handy diagram:
He was impressed with my amazing Microsoft Office skills, natch. Anyway I've been cross training since Sunday, and he cleared me to do tonight's tempo run, so I'm optimistic it'll be all good.
Fourth, this past weekend was my last weekend of drinking alcohol until race day. Today is day 3 of "dry life", and thus far it has been a struggle. Just to put it in perspective for you, on Monday night we went to the Cardinals game, and sat outside in the freezing temperatures while it "misted" (I won't say it "rained", but it felt like we were sitting in a cloud). Not drinking beer at a baseball game - particularly at BUSCH STADIUM - is just absurd, let alone when you're freezing your butt off, surrounded by imbibing co-workers and friends. Then yesterday we had a team outing/dinner (aka free drinks), followed by a Consultant Appreciation event at the Westin (aka open bar), which had a live band, strobe lights, disco balls, and awkward middle aged people dancing to the Black Eyed Peas whilst wearing suits and donning nametags. Believe me when I say drinks are necessary in that scenario - and I drank soda water with a lime. P-A-I-N-F-U-L. Tonight, I have volleyball, and this is less of a competitive league and more of a "beer in one hand" league. I'll be sippin on water. Awesome.
Last, I am running the Brooklyn half marathon this Saturday, and I am AMPED. I hate the course though - we have to do 2 laps around Prospect Park to cover the first 7 miles. What's with that? We then run down Ocean Parkway all the way to the Coney Island boardwalk. I'm going to run it at my training pace, and use it as a dress rehearsal for the big race in June. Hopefully I'll have some lessons learned coming out of it to help me develop my race plan for San Diego!
Countdown to San Diego: 18 days
Current status: Freaking out
Second, while I am fortunate enough to have crushed the minimum requirement, some of my fellow TNT participants are fortunate enough to NOT have a direct connection to a cancer patient, and they're having a little trouble meeting the minimum. My running buddy, the lovely Audrey, is one of those teammates. This girl has provided me with companionship, sanity, encouragement, and amazing support through some of the toughest runs of this season. She is running for patients and families she doesn't even know, all out of the goodness of her heart and the generosity of her spirit. If you have an extra $10 or $20 lying around, even if you've already donated to me, please consider donating to her. The link to her site is here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/rnr10/ayoung206j
Third, I hurt my ankle! It's nothing serious and I'm confident I'll be fine for race day, but I am experiencing some pain on the outside of my right ankle. I wanted to ask my coach about it but I couldn't exactly describe where it was hurting, so I made this handy diagram:
He was impressed with my amazing Microsoft Office skills, natch. Anyway I've been cross training since Sunday, and he cleared me to do tonight's tempo run, so I'm optimistic it'll be all good.
Fourth, this past weekend was my last weekend of drinking alcohol until race day. Today is day 3 of "dry life", and thus far it has been a struggle. Just to put it in perspective for you, on Monday night we went to the Cardinals game, and sat outside in the freezing temperatures while it "misted" (I won't say it "rained", but it felt like we were sitting in a cloud). Not drinking beer at a baseball game - particularly at BUSCH STADIUM - is just absurd, let alone when you're freezing your butt off, surrounded by imbibing co-workers and friends. Then yesterday we had a team outing/dinner (aka free drinks), followed by a Consultant Appreciation event at the Westin (aka open bar), which had a live band, strobe lights, disco balls, and awkward middle aged people dancing to the Black Eyed Peas whilst wearing suits and donning nametags. Believe me when I say drinks are necessary in that scenario - and I drank soda water with a lime. P-A-I-N-F-U-L. Tonight, I have volleyball, and this is less of a competitive league and more of a "beer in one hand" league. I'll be sippin on water. Awesome.
Last, I am running the Brooklyn half marathon this Saturday, and I am AMPED. I hate the course though - we have to do 2 laps around Prospect Park to cover the first 7 miles. What's with that? We then run down Ocean Parkway all the way to the Coney Island boardwalk. I'm going to run it at my training pace, and use it as a dress rehearsal for the big race in June. Hopefully I'll have some lessons learned coming out of it to help me develop my race plan for San Diego!
Countdown to San Diego: 18 days
Current status: Freaking out
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Last Long Run... Dun Dun DUNNNNN
This morning we had our last long run of the season. Next Saturday we'll be running 2 hours, and the week after that we'll be running 1 hour, and then the weekend after that it's MARATHON time!! It's kind of funny that a 2 hour run is no longer referred to as a "long" run. It's amazing how much our perspectives have changed in the past few months!
I was actually talking to Nicole about some of this yesterday, and I was telling her how nervous I am for the marathon. Being the amazing friend that she is, she reminded me how far I've come, and that I've already done so much that I never thought I could do. I remembered the first time I cleared 10 miles. It was March 27th, and I was in Austin running the full loop around Town Lake. I don't think I'll forget that day as long as I live. And that first time Audrey and I did 14 miles, officially clearing the halfway point. It was like holy shit, we can DO this.
It's really important for me to remember these things during these final weeks. 2 hours is still a long ass run - and a lot of people will never even make it to double digit miles, or a half marathon, and it's a big deal that I run more than a half marathon every week. I have come incredibly far. So much about this marathon is mental, and staying positive and BELIEVING I can do it is such a huge component. Today Audrey and I ran with Coach Rev, whose positivity enveloped both of us as she ran behind us. She and her buddy Tim ran with us the whole way, and Tim told us this story about people he knew who believed that they were going to win the lottery. There was no wavering - it was decided, they believed they would win the lottery. And they did. TWICE.
That speaks so much to the power of belief, and if you believe something strongly enough, the result is inevitable. If I believe I can run this marathon, I'll run this marathon. I'm hoping this also means that if Grandpa believes he'll beat the cancer, he will beat the cancer. If we believe strongly enough that there will be a cure, there WILL be a cure.
So, to that end, I will be spending the next 3 weeks focusing on believing in myself, trusting the process, and getting pumped for my very first marathon. This is the best and most important thing I have worked toward in my entire life. And I can do this.
I was actually talking to Nicole about some of this yesterday, and I was telling her how nervous I am for the marathon. Being the amazing friend that she is, she reminded me how far I've come, and that I've already done so much that I never thought I could do. I remembered the first time I cleared 10 miles. It was March 27th, and I was in Austin running the full loop around Town Lake. I don't think I'll forget that day as long as I live. And that first time Audrey and I did 14 miles, officially clearing the halfway point. It was like holy shit, we can DO this.
It's really important for me to remember these things during these final weeks. 2 hours is still a long ass run - and a lot of people will never even make it to double digit miles, or a half marathon, and it's a big deal that I run more than a half marathon every week. I have come incredibly far. So much about this marathon is mental, and staying positive and BELIEVING I can do it is such a huge component. Today Audrey and I ran with Coach Rev, whose positivity enveloped both of us as she ran behind us. She and her buddy Tim ran with us the whole way, and Tim told us this story about people he knew who believed that they were going to win the lottery. There was no wavering - it was decided, they believed they would win the lottery. And they did. TWICE.
That speaks so much to the power of belief, and if you believe something strongly enough, the result is inevitable. If I believe I can run this marathon, I'll run this marathon. I'm hoping this also means that if Grandpa believes he'll beat the cancer, he will beat the cancer. If we believe strongly enough that there will be a cure, there WILL be a cure.
So, to that end, I will be spending the next 3 weeks focusing on believing in myself, trusting the process, and getting pumped for my very first marathon. This is the best and most important thing I have worked toward in my entire life. And I can do this.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hello 6 Pack Abs, Goodbye 6 Pack Beers
So as it turns out, training for a marathon gives you pretty sick stomach muscles! On top of our twice-weekly strength workouts, the actual running itself tones your tummy more than you may think. I was looking at my stomach yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised at how toned that bad boy is. I may actually end up with a 6 pack by race day! And if not, I'll be damn close.
And speaking of 6 packs, this week marks my last week of drinking alcohol until the race. After this Saturday, it's water and cytomax until June 6th! Holy. Freaking. Shit. For those of you who don't understand us TNTers, we work hard and we play hard. Granted our tolerance is hideously low these days since our metabolisms are through the roof, so we are quite the sloppy crew when we throw back beers together, but still, we continue to play just as hard! You'll find us all at the bar over the next couple weeks, lurking in the corner, drinking soda water with a lime.
It's definitely getting to be crunch time. This Saturday is our last long run before we taper. We're running the GWB again, which means we'll get to deal with that bitch of a hill (vomit), but I actually had a really strong run during that path last time, so I'm optimistic it'll be a solid run. Then it's just focusing on consistency and strength and stretching and hydration and nutrition, and NOT psyching myself out! I have a feeling that last piece will be the hardest. But that's what the margarita I'm sipping on is for :)
And speaking of 6 packs, this week marks my last week of drinking alcohol until the race. After this Saturday, it's water and cytomax until June 6th! Holy. Freaking. Shit. For those of you who don't understand us TNTers, we work hard and we play hard. Granted our tolerance is hideously low these days since our metabolisms are through the roof, so we are quite the sloppy crew when we throw back beers together, but still, we continue to play just as hard! You'll find us all at the bar over the next couple weeks, lurking in the corner, drinking soda water with a lime.
It's definitely getting to be crunch time. This Saturday is our last long run before we taper. We're running the GWB again, which means we'll get to deal with that bitch of a hill (vomit), but I actually had a really strong run during that path last time, so I'm optimistic it'll be a solid run. Then it's just focusing on consistency and strength and stretching and hydration and nutrition, and NOT psyching myself out! I have a feeling that last piece will be the hardest. But that's what the margarita I'm sipping on is for :)
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fear and Mind Games
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. My marathon is now LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY. Are youuuuuuuuuuu kidding me.
I have been really in my head lately with all this stuff. The reality is that I'm in great shape, I can run 15 freaking miles in one shot, I've toned up a lot, my legs are ridiculously strong (seriously, you don't want me to kick you), and I physically feel better than I've felt in a long time. But for whatever reason, I cannot get my head on board! I keep doubting myself. I keep thinking "How the hell am I ever going to do this...". I also keep worrying that something will go wrong during the race. What if my knees give out? What if my IT bands stick? What if my hips go? What if my legs cramp? What if I physically can't keep running? What if I let all my supporters down? What if I let my Grandpa down? I can't let him down. I cannot let him down.
I keep sabotaging myself in the strangest ways. Like 2 weeks ago, I had frozen yogurt on a Friday. That may sound like a really little thing, but when you consume too much dairy inside 36 hours of a long run, you are basically destined to shit your pants. Glamorous, right? You wouldn't believe how many runners deal with "GI discomfort" just from regular running. Throwing dairy in there just amplifies the situation, and I think that was part of why that bridge run was so crappy for me - I just felt like my stomach was going to explode the whole time. Ugh. Fail.
I know I'm not supposed to have the dairy, and I'm not supposed to eat anything too fibrous, and yet I did it anyway. Like a big fat idiot. It's little things like that, and I keep finding myself doing them. I don't know what the hell I'm thinking... I think I'm just in freak out mode. I hope I'm just in freak out mode... I'm also hoping tomorrow morning I can get some wise words from Coach Mike to help get me through it and get my head right.
BAHHHHHHHHH.
I have been really in my head lately with all this stuff. The reality is that I'm in great shape, I can run 15 freaking miles in one shot, I've toned up a lot, my legs are ridiculously strong (seriously, you don't want me to kick you), and I physically feel better than I've felt in a long time. But for whatever reason, I cannot get my head on board! I keep doubting myself. I keep thinking "How the hell am I ever going to do this...". I also keep worrying that something will go wrong during the race. What if my knees give out? What if my IT bands stick? What if my hips go? What if my legs cramp? What if I physically can't keep running? What if I let all my supporters down? What if I let my Grandpa down? I can't let him down. I cannot let him down.
I keep sabotaging myself in the strangest ways. Like 2 weeks ago, I had frozen yogurt on a Friday. That may sound like a really little thing, but when you consume too much dairy inside 36 hours of a long run, you are basically destined to shit your pants. Glamorous, right? You wouldn't believe how many runners deal with "GI discomfort" just from regular running. Throwing dairy in there just amplifies the situation, and I think that was part of why that bridge run was so crappy for me - I just felt like my stomach was going to explode the whole time. Ugh. Fail.
I know I'm not supposed to have the dairy, and I'm not supposed to eat anything too fibrous, and yet I did it anyway. Like a big fat idiot. It's little things like that, and I keep finding myself doing them. I don't know what the hell I'm thinking... I think I'm just in freak out mode. I hope I'm just in freak out mode... I'm also hoping tomorrow morning I can get some wise words from Coach Mike to help get me through it and get my head right.
BAHHHHHHHHH.
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