I'm still here and I'm still running! Since my last post before the Light the Night event, I've still managed some pretty decent times during my training runs ------ OH WAIT------ you want to hear about the Light the Night event? You want to know how everything turned out?
Well, can I just say it rocked? That the last update from the local chapter indicated over $550,000 has been received and more money is coming in? Can I just say that the Thomson Reuters Light the Night team and its subteam, TRiumph exceeded our goals by $3,000? Again, I feel like shouting "hallelujah, can I get a witness??" Through so many individual efforts, a bowling/silent auction fundraiser, the company match and the corporate sponsorship, we were able to provide $16,550 towards the fight against blood cancers. Now, can I hear you say it too?
I am so proud of the team. They are such caring and invested individuals. Some of them are survivors, some of them are fresh from the loss of a loved one. All of them are truly amazing individuals and I am better for spending time with each of them.
Here's a picture of the team with Rod Carew
Note that this isn't all the team, just the ones that made it for the picture with Rod.
I have one thing left to do for this team and for all of you who have taken the time to read this journal and have possibly sponsored one of my training runs. I have to run a half-marathon and I have to keep my word. Remember that I said that if anyone gave me $1,000 I would put their name on my running shirt. Well, Thomson Reuters is matching my $1,000 so I'm going to proudly wear the company name and logo on my shirt. However, you see those amazing people in that picture above - well, they have stories too.
The man in yellow, well, that's Jon. He's a survivor. The redhead? That's Deb, she was walking in memory of her husband's cousin, Gordy. Somewhere in there is little Margie, another survivor. That white hat, that's Jon, again, a survivor. Paul and Jane, they walked in memory of their daughter Ann. Carla, her son Will. Amanda in honor of Samantha. Stories that I am priviledged to have heard and each of them has given me permission to add more to my shirt. When I run my half-marathon on November 13, it will be my honor to have the names of the loved ones on my back as well.
Now, about my training, it's been going well. I'm continuing to maintain a pace between 10-12 minutes per mile. I'm truly confident I've mastered the gut issues with the honey and honey based energy gels. There's some tweakiness in the right ankle, but it doesn't seem to be getting any worse. I don't feel as nervous about this race as I did last year at this time which makes my training kind of fun. Don't get the wrong idea, I said kind of fun. I'm still not in love with running, but it is starting to grow on me.
I'll try be more diligent in the coming days. I have some long runs ahead and I'm sure you'll want to know all about them. Ha!
Until next time...
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