The last two runs have been pretty darn good.
Friday was my first Friday and the start of the long weekend. After a teleconference with the Philippines, Maddie and I were out the door and running.
When we run by ourselves, we run a bit of a different route that allows Maddie to be off-leash for small stretches. This is good for both of us as it allows each of us to run at our own pace or, as in Maddie's case, chase that squirrel up the tree. We run past softball fields and ponds, through Carrolls Woods Park and experience a few hills.
Unbeknownst to me, part of our route was being used for a school race, so we were running into groups of young, energetic kids for about half a mile. They make it look so effortless. I hate them. Not really, I just felt my age - a lot.
We ran 5 miles with an average pace of 11:22 min/mile. Looking at my records from a year ago, that's almost the exact same pace. This was kind of discouraging, but I shouldn't let it be. At least I haven't slowed down!!
Today's run saw us out the door at 5 a.m. It's REALLY dark at 5 a.m. so I opted for the route we usually run with Sue & Josie as it's pretty well lit. I had a plan based on an idea my daughter gave me. I would run 10 minutes, walk 1. This went really well, but for a small change - I ran the first two miles without stopping then walked 1 minute. I worked this routine for the entire 5.75 mile route and averaged a 10:42 min/mile. Looking at my stats on mapmyrun.com, I really did keep it fairly tight for time.
I think I'm running very close to my donation miles but I've got about $750 dollars to make my goal. I'd sure appreciate the extra motivation and LLS would appreciate the donation.
In 2012, 300 LLS-supported research projects represented a total commitment of nearly $236 million around the world. Nearly $2.4 million is allocated right here in Minnesota! That's pretty impressive!
To make a donation - please go to http://pages.lightthenight.org/mn/TwinCt1212/reneehedstrom
Oh and I'm still looking for some tune suggestions! Leave a note with a song suggestion and why you think it'd be a good tune for running.
Thanks a bunch!!
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Friday, October 28, 2011
A Slacking Blogger
I'm so sorry! I've been such a slacker at updating the blog, letting you know what's going on with my running. Believe me, it's because all my free time is busy with either running or getting ready for the race.
I've been getting in some good runs, 8, 9 and 11 mile runs. Times are averaging anywhere between 11 & 12:30 a mile, which makes me happy. I've had some issues with the asthma, the lungs don't want to work quite as well as I'd like them to, but I won't complain. The runs have been challenging, each in their own way. The 8 mile run was an out and back done on a long, hilly road on a cloudy, grey, windy day. The 9 and the 11 were done with Running Buddy and were pretty good runs, all in all.
I'm happier than I can even express that that all my stomach issues seem to be a thing of the past. Going from GU to Stingers was such a good move! I introduced Running Buddy to them and we're both hooked. The cherry flavored gels are reminiscent of the Luden's Cherry Cough Drops from our childhood memories. Yummy Goodness! Seriously - I could eat these things like candy! We also tried the pomegranate flavor and those are almost as tasty! Maybe I prefer the cherry flavored just because of the good memories they stir, but I'll be packing both for the race.
I have had some issues with a shin splint in the right ankle. It's just a sharp pain in that area just above the ankle bone where my foot and shin come together. That coupled with the numb feeling in the bottom outer area of my left foot has caused me to become rather concerned about the shoes I've been wearing. Just before the Woodbury Country Mile, I bought a pair of Ascics Kayano shoes. Like my Sauconys, they are a stability shoe, but I think they are "softer". With all the asphalt/concrete running I do for training, I'm not sure they are the right shoe for me, so I've gone back to the Saucony ProGrid Guide 4. I'll get a few runs before the race in the new shoes, but I'm sure they'll be just fine.
Clothing is next on the concerns list. While the weather is getting colder here in Minnesota, I'm finding that it's the perfect weather for me. I am much happier running when it's cooler than when it's warmer if I'm wearing the right clothing for the temperature. However, the race is in North Carolina, which means I will probably need to wear my warm weather running clothes. Last year, I ran the race in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. I plan on something similar for this year, but I may change the shorts to a pair of capris. I'll pack for all weather and decide the night before. One thing that won't be up for debate is my shirt.
I've ordered a Wear Your Number shirt. It will be printed with the race bib design on the front, along with my name. On the back will be the logo of my $1,000 sponsor, my employer, Thomson Reuters. Under that will be the words "Light the Night 2011" and a special printing.
The special printing will read as follows:
Running in memory of Will, Toodie, Gordy and Ann
Running in honor of Heidi, Noah, Cole, Charlotte, Mike, Jenna, Samantha, Margie, Jon & Christopher.
Even now, as I tell all of you about this, I am remembering more people who deserve a spot on my back. Michelle, Greg, Pete, John, Viktor ... just to name a few. While it makes my heart heavy to know that so many people are continuing to be affected by cancers, of all kinds, knowing that every day we are making strides towards a cure will make every single mile of those 18.1 miles worth it.
Yup - 18.1. I've decided that I want to run the Pamlico Jack Challenge. The Challenge is to run the 8k (5 miles) on Saturday morning and the half-marathon on Sunday. I'm pretty determined that this will be my last long run, so I want to go out with a bang. Most everyone I know, particularly the runners, are insisting that this will not be my last half, but I'm fairly convinced in my own mind that it will be. I've already run 3 more than I ever thought I would and after the OBX, I will have run 4 half-marathons in a year's time. That might not seem like a lot to those who run races every weekend, but it's 4 more than I ever thought I'd be able to do.
Right now, I'm feeling very selfish, not as altruistic as I was when I first started this adventure. I will continue to run, but I'm going to stay under the 10 mile mark. I want to run for the heck of it and for my health. I want to be able to skip a day without feeling guilty because I've screwed up my training schedule. Even as I write this, I realize that I'm slipping back into that "about me" mode that I was determined to stay away from.
I can't forget the reasons why I started this adventure - Cole, Charlotte, Noah, Heidi, MikeToodie and Will, and their families, people I've met through the years whose lives have been affected by blood cancers and I can't forget the reasons why I stay committed - Jon, Christopher, lymphoma survivors, and Paul & Jane, who lost their teenage daughter Ann, in February, all my 2011 LTN team mates; Greg, the brother-in-law who is a prostate cancer survivor; Michelle, the breast cancer survivor, Viktor who lost his earthly battle but finished the race and won the crown of life.
I will run as if my life depends on it.
I will run because someone's does.
I will run.
I've been getting in some good runs, 8, 9 and 11 mile runs. Times are averaging anywhere between 11 & 12:30 a mile, which makes me happy. I've had some issues with the asthma, the lungs don't want to work quite as well as I'd like them to, but I won't complain. The runs have been challenging, each in their own way. The 8 mile run was an out and back done on a long, hilly road on a cloudy, grey, windy day. The 9 and the 11 were done with Running Buddy and were pretty good runs, all in all.
I'm happier than I can even express that that all my stomach issues seem to be a thing of the past. Going from GU to Stingers was such a good move! I introduced Running Buddy to them and we're both hooked. The cherry flavored gels are reminiscent of the Luden's Cherry Cough Drops from our childhood memories. Yummy Goodness! Seriously - I could eat these things like candy! We also tried the pomegranate flavor and those are almost as tasty! Maybe I prefer the cherry flavored just because of the good memories they stir, but I'll be packing both for the race.
I have had some issues with a shin splint in the right ankle. It's just a sharp pain in that area just above the ankle bone where my foot and shin come together. That coupled with the numb feeling in the bottom outer area of my left foot has caused me to become rather concerned about the shoes I've been wearing. Just before the Woodbury Country Mile, I bought a pair of Ascics Kayano shoes. Like my Sauconys, they are a stability shoe, but I think they are "softer". With all the asphalt/concrete running I do for training, I'm not sure they are the right shoe for me, so I've gone back to the Saucony ProGrid Guide 4. I'll get a few runs before the race in the new shoes, but I'm sure they'll be just fine.
Clothing is next on the concerns list. While the weather is getting colder here in Minnesota, I'm finding that it's the perfect weather for me. I am much happier running when it's cooler than when it's warmer if I'm wearing the right clothing for the temperature. However, the race is in North Carolina, which means I will probably need to wear my warm weather running clothes. Last year, I ran the race in shorts and a short sleeved shirt. I plan on something similar for this year, but I may change the shorts to a pair of capris. I'll pack for all weather and decide the night before. One thing that won't be up for debate is my shirt.
I've ordered a Wear Your Number shirt. It will be printed with the race bib design on the front, along with my name. On the back will be the logo of my $1,000 sponsor, my employer, Thomson Reuters. Under that will be the words "Light the Night 2011" and a special printing.
The special printing will read as follows:
Running in memory of Will, Toodie, Gordy and Ann
Running in honor of Heidi, Noah, Cole, Charlotte, Mike, Jenna, Samantha, Margie, Jon & Christopher.
Even now, as I tell all of you about this, I am remembering more people who deserve a spot on my back. Michelle, Greg, Pete, John, Viktor ... just to name a few. While it makes my heart heavy to know that so many people are continuing to be affected by cancers, of all kinds, knowing that every day we are making strides towards a cure will make every single mile of those 18.1 miles worth it.
Yup - 18.1. I've decided that I want to run the Pamlico Jack Challenge. The Challenge is to run the 8k (5 miles) on Saturday morning and the half-marathon on Sunday. I'm pretty determined that this will be my last long run, so I want to go out with a bang. Most everyone I know, particularly the runners, are insisting that this will not be my last half, but I'm fairly convinced in my own mind that it will be. I've already run 3 more than I ever thought I would and after the OBX, I will have run 4 half-marathons in a year's time. That might not seem like a lot to those who run races every weekend, but it's 4 more than I ever thought I'd be able to do.
Right now, I'm feeling very selfish, not as altruistic as I was when I first started this adventure. I will continue to run, but I'm going to stay under the 10 mile mark. I want to run for the heck of it and for my health. I want to be able to skip a day without feeling guilty because I've screwed up my training schedule. Even as I write this, I realize that I'm slipping back into that "about me" mode that I was determined to stay away from.
I can't forget the reasons why I started this adventure - Cole, Charlotte, Noah, Heidi, MikeToodie and Will, and their families, people I've met through the years whose lives have been affected by blood cancers and I can't forget the reasons why I stay committed - Jon, Christopher, lymphoma survivors, and Paul & Jane, who lost their teenage daughter Ann, in February, all my 2011 LTN team mates; Greg, the brother-in-law who is a prostate cancer survivor; Michelle, the breast cancer survivor, Viktor who lost his earthly battle but finished the race and won the crown of life.
I will run as if my life depends on it.
I will run because someone's does.
I will run.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Feeling Stronger every day....
I've had to do my last few runs alone with Maddie. Running buddy is dealing with some severe plantars and is off until it's under control.
Of the past few runs, all between 4 & 6 miles, only one was a fail. I was going for six miles and it wasn't going to happen. I can't tell you why it didn't work, it just didn't. Was it too warm? Did I not prepare properly? I don't know. Some days are like that I guess.
The weather is cooler now and I'm loving it. The timing is perfect too, as I'm having to add on miles now to prepare for my next half-marathon. My asthma and allergies seem to be under control moreso now than in warmer weather. I'm able to run longer and farther without stopping for walk breaks.
I've worked out the stomach issues - I think. I hope. I really really hope. I still have some episodes of sprinting to and through the front door to the bathroom, but they are becoming fewer and father between. Diet is a huge factor and allowing myself enough preparation time prior to the start of a run is key.
I've added ice baths back into my recovery routine. It's excrutiating, but I think my legs feel so much better. I'm loving my compression leg sleeves too. They are the best!
Next weekend will be busy. Saturday is the 5k Dash for Dads. Carl and I are running as part of Team Save the Walnut in honor of our brother-in-law, Greg, a prostate cancer survivor. Sunday is the big day/night - the goal I've been running towards for three months now. Light the Night at Target Field. The Leukemia and Lymphoma's walk to honor survivors, victims and their families.
As encouraged as I feel about my running and as grateful as I am for all the support I've received thus far, I'm stressing out about the team's goal. My $1,000 goal is very close and with the company match, I'll make the $2,000. The team's goal is farther off. Fortunately, we have a team fundraiser for October that should help us accomplish our goal.
If you have time - please jump over to Jenna's blog, The RedHead Report. Jenna is now past 100 days from her bone marrow transplant. Her blog postings are much more real and interesting than mine. She writes about her experiences with her cancer and its treatment, not pulling any punches or looking for pity. She's pretty darn amazing.
I just run.
Of the past few runs, all between 4 & 6 miles, only one was a fail. I was going for six miles and it wasn't going to happen. I can't tell you why it didn't work, it just didn't. Was it too warm? Did I not prepare properly? I don't know. Some days are like that I guess.
The weather is cooler now and I'm loving it. The timing is perfect too, as I'm having to add on miles now to prepare for my next half-marathon. My asthma and allergies seem to be under control moreso now than in warmer weather. I'm able to run longer and farther without stopping for walk breaks.
I've worked out the stomach issues - I think. I hope. I really really hope. I still have some episodes of sprinting to and through the front door to the bathroom, but they are becoming fewer and father between. Diet is a huge factor and allowing myself enough preparation time prior to the start of a run is key.
I've added ice baths back into my recovery routine. It's excrutiating, but I think my legs feel so much better. I'm loving my compression leg sleeves too. They are the best!
Next weekend will be busy. Saturday is the 5k Dash for Dads. Carl and I are running as part of Team Save the Walnut in honor of our brother-in-law, Greg, a prostate cancer survivor. Sunday is the big day/night - the goal I've been running towards for three months now. Light the Night at Target Field. The Leukemia and Lymphoma's walk to honor survivors, victims and their families.
As encouraged as I feel about my running and as grateful as I am for all the support I've received thus far, I'm stressing out about the team's goal. My $1,000 goal is very close and with the company match, I'll make the $2,000. The team's goal is farther off. Fortunately, we have a team fundraiser for October that should help us accomplish our goal.
If you have time - please jump over to Jenna's blog, The RedHead Report. Jenna is now past 100 days from her bone marrow transplant. Her blog postings are much more real and interesting than mine. She writes about her experiences with her cancer and its treatment, not pulling any punches or looking for pity. She's pretty darn amazing.
I just run.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Aspen Ridge Honey Farm Honey Stix and a Run with my Honey!
Today started off a little challenging.
Some background: My dear husband is also in training for the Outer Banks Half-Marathon. Hubbster started running after the kids and I ran it last year and thought it sounded like fun. (We're still trying to figure out how he got that impression - eh, oh well.) He's done a couple of 5ks since January, the Resolution Run on January 1 and the Get in Gear 5k in April. He trains at the fitness center on the DT and has been primarily doing 3 miles at a time a few times a week. Last night, I convinced him that he needed to start doing long runs on the weekends and that we should start that this weekend.
The growling and grumbling was minimal. I think he thought I'd drop it or that we would wake up and it would be raining. He knows me well enough to know that I will give up under both conditions. Ha! I fooled him.
The alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. today. I was up after one snooze, into my clothes and laced on my shoes and down the stairs to take care of the dogs so he could have just a few more minutes. I was hoping the sounds I was making in the kitchen would drown out the growling and grumbling which it did until he came downstairs.
After all the fussiness in the kitchen, we were out the door by 7:30, off to do 5-6 miles. The first mile and a half was more of the same. How could I expect him to run twice as far as he's run so far? Grouse, grouse, grumble, grouse. At this point, I'm praying for patience and a sweet spirit until finally I give into my baser self and tell him to lose the bad attitude or else. He must have seen something dangerous in my eyes, because he did stop with the trash talking and focused on his running.
I decided to try for 5 miles, rather than 6. It seemed like the right thing to do. We would run until he felt the need to walk and then we'd walk, probably farther than he really needed to, but I was trying to be nice.
At 2.5 miles, I think I found my running fuel! Something natural, something tasty and easy! Aspen Ridge Honey Farms Honey Stix! I had stuck two in my new Camelback handheld water bottle, one for each of us. I popped the cherry one, sucked half of it down and gave the other half to my better half.
I also had Lemon Tea flavored Nuun in the water bottle, after having been persuaded by my daughter to give it a try. I'm not a fan of the flavor, but again, here is something that doesn't seem to cause any issues! So very excited!
Okay - back to the run. We ended up doing 4.5 miles, short of my goal for the run, but I was letting Hubster decide when to quit. Now that he's done 4.5 with no adverse problems, I think getting him to do a longer run will be easier.
I'm ahead of my donations now in miles. I still have a ways to go to hit my goal at which point, I can turn my focus on helping my team meet its goals. If you're reading this, would you please consider a small donation. The company I work for matches dollar for dollar, so your donation is doubled! How cool is that!? I hope you'll consider.
I hope to tell you about my friend Heidi in my next post. I think you'll enjoy getting to know her as much as I do.
Until then, I'll be running along.
Some background: My dear husband is also in training for the Outer Banks Half-Marathon. Hubbster started running after the kids and I ran it last year and thought it sounded like fun. (We're still trying to figure out how he got that impression - eh, oh well.) He's done a couple of 5ks since January, the Resolution Run on January 1 and the Get in Gear 5k in April. He trains at the fitness center on the DT and has been primarily doing 3 miles at a time a few times a week. Last night, I convinced him that he needed to start doing long runs on the weekends and that we should start that this weekend.
The growling and grumbling was minimal. I think he thought I'd drop it or that we would wake up and it would be raining. He knows me well enough to know that I will give up under both conditions. Ha! I fooled him.
The alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. today. I was up after one snooze, into my clothes and laced on my shoes and down the stairs to take care of the dogs so he could have just a few more minutes. I was hoping the sounds I was making in the kitchen would drown out the growling and grumbling which it did until he came downstairs.
After all the fussiness in the kitchen, we were out the door by 7:30, off to do 5-6 miles. The first mile and a half was more of the same. How could I expect him to run twice as far as he's run so far? Grouse, grouse, grumble, grouse. At this point, I'm praying for patience and a sweet spirit until finally I give into my baser self and tell him to lose the bad attitude or else. He must have seen something dangerous in my eyes, because he did stop with the trash talking and focused on his running.
I decided to try for 5 miles, rather than 6. It seemed like the right thing to do. We would run until he felt the need to walk and then we'd walk, probably farther than he really needed to, but I was trying to be nice.
At 2.5 miles, I think I found my running fuel! Something natural, something tasty and easy! Aspen Ridge Honey Farms Honey Stix! I had stuck two in my new Camelback handheld water bottle, one for each of us. I popped the cherry one, sucked half of it down and gave the other half to my better half.
I also had Lemon Tea flavored Nuun in the water bottle, after having been persuaded by my daughter to give it a try. I'm not a fan of the flavor, but again, here is something that doesn't seem to cause any issues! So very excited!
Okay - back to the run. We ended up doing 4.5 miles, short of my goal for the run, but I was letting Hubster decide when to quit. Now that he's done 4.5 with no adverse problems, I think getting him to do a longer run will be easier.
I'm ahead of my donations now in miles. I still have a ways to go to hit my goal at which point, I can turn my focus on helping my team meet its goals. If you're reading this, would you please consider a small donation. The company I work for matches dollar for dollar, so your donation is doubled! How cool is that!? I hope you'll consider.
I hope to tell you about my friend Heidi in my next post. I think you'll enjoy getting to know her as much as I do.
Until then, I'll be running along.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I'm still here~
But barely!
It's been a rough few weeks since I last posted. The sweltering humidity and heat or is it the sweltering heat and humidity has been the cause of much consternation.
I don't do heat and humidity well. Just thinking about the combination seems to cause my pores to open and gallons of sweat to exude from my body at an unbelievable rate. Imagine if you can what running 5 or 6 miles in weather with a 115 degree heat index can do. I know I wrote about this before but I can't emphasize enought that it was ugly, people, just ugly. Carl looked at me when I came in and wondered if I'd run through the neighborhood water sprinkers. (I had but only to cool my legs and our Maddie dog off.) I couldn't have been wetter standing in the shower. The best part of it is that this run was a 5 mile run on a Sunday morning that started at 6:00 a.m. 6:00 A.M.!!
Am I the only one who thinks that is insane??
Oh - wait, you probably think I was insane for even attempting to run 5 miles in that kind of weather.
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results* - then you'd right because I not only did that run, but I did another 5 mile run under the same conditions two days later, another after that again and a six mile run after that!
I am a sweat bucket. I can easily lose 3-4 pounds after a run in these conditions. Not really the way I want to be losing weight. I end up feeling weak and tired - generally, just miserable all over. Being a woman of a certain age, I think my personal summers contribute something to my ability to sweat. The only time I don't really feel them is when I'm running. Hey! I just found a real positive to running!!
I went back to the fitness center in our neighborhood and used the DT (dreaded treadmill) and found that even being in an air conditioned room doesn't do a thing to inhibit the sweat glands in their performance. It does, as I've mentioned before, inhibit my spitting, but only so far as I spit into a rag rather than on the floor. I only did 2.5 miles before calling it quits there due to time constraints not physical conditions.
With the 6 mile run, I was running with my tunes and my fuel belt with a mixture of Gatorade's new G2 series Perform and water. I was hoping this watered down drink wouldn't have the same effect on my stomach as GU, but hope wasn't enough. I think my neighbors are really impressed by my sprinting home. If only they knew. Not so impressive. Sharts... definitely not a girl's best friend.
This morning, Running Buddy and I hit it again. She's back from vacation and the weather was a gift from God! 64 degrees, 59 degree dew point. Yes, yes, yes! And a nice breeze. Even more Yes! Yes! Yes! It was wonderful for our 4.5 mile run.
Thanks to all my fabulous donors: Kate, Erin, Cha, Helga, Sue, Arlene & Larry. Kate actually pushed me to run 10 miles! Yay!
Today was the Light the Night Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to provide information and recruit walkers for the Walk, September 25. I'm very excited to say that we were able to get 24 people signed up to be part of the Thomson Reuters team.
One of our new team members is a father who just lost his daughter in February to leukemia. Those are the hard moments. I watched as he strongly put his name down on the sign up sheet and admired him as he encouraged his friends to do the same. I wondered if I would have the ability to be so controlled were it my daughter. Teammate Cindy is the stepmother of Jenna, the author behind The Redhead Report, who is currently fighting the good fight. Another team member lost his mother two years ago this month and yet another is a survivor. These people have a personal interest. They know the "story of leukemia" even better than I do.
It's humbling.
And so I run.
Runs since last blog post:
07/23 - 5.07 miles 12:27 min/mile
7/24 - 2.61 miles 11:05 min/mile (run with my Carolina boy Tim)
07/29 - 6.02 miles 11:17 min/mile - followed by a 4.5 mile bike ride.
08/01 - 2.65 miles 12:04 min/mile (Dreaded Treadmill)
08/03 - 4.59 miles 11:51 min/mile (Running Buddy)
*attributed to Albert Einstein
It's been a rough few weeks since I last posted. The sweltering humidity and heat or is it the sweltering heat and humidity has been the cause of much consternation.
I don't do heat and humidity well. Just thinking about the combination seems to cause my pores to open and gallons of sweat to exude from my body at an unbelievable rate. Imagine if you can what running 5 or 6 miles in weather with a 115 degree heat index can do. I know I wrote about this before but I can't emphasize enought that it was ugly, people, just ugly. Carl looked at me when I came in and wondered if I'd run through the neighborhood water sprinkers. (I had but only to cool my legs and our Maddie dog off.) I couldn't have been wetter standing in the shower. The best part of it is that this run was a 5 mile run on a Sunday morning that started at 6:00 a.m. 6:00 A.M.!!
Am I the only one who thinks that is insane??
Oh - wait, you probably think I was insane for even attempting to run 5 miles in that kind of weather.
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results* - then you'd right because I not only did that run, but I did another 5 mile run under the same conditions two days later, another after that again and a six mile run after that!
I am a sweat bucket. I can easily lose 3-4 pounds after a run in these conditions. Not really the way I want to be losing weight. I end up feeling weak and tired - generally, just miserable all over. Being a woman of a certain age, I think my personal summers contribute something to my ability to sweat. The only time I don't really feel them is when I'm running. Hey! I just found a real positive to running!!
I went back to the fitness center in our neighborhood and used the DT (dreaded treadmill) and found that even being in an air conditioned room doesn't do a thing to inhibit the sweat glands in their performance. It does, as I've mentioned before, inhibit my spitting, but only so far as I spit into a rag rather than on the floor. I only did 2.5 miles before calling it quits there due to time constraints not physical conditions.
With the 6 mile run, I was running with my tunes and my fuel belt with a mixture of Gatorade's new G2 series Perform and water. I was hoping this watered down drink wouldn't have the same effect on my stomach as GU, but hope wasn't enough. I think my neighbors are really impressed by my sprinting home. If only they knew. Not so impressive. Sharts... definitely not a girl's best friend.
This morning, Running Buddy and I hit it again. She's back from vacation and the weather was a gift from God! 64 degrees, 59 degree dew point. Yes, yes, yes! And a nice breeze. Even more Yes! Yes! Yes! It was wonderful for our 4.5 mile run.
Thanks to all my fabulous donors: Kate, Erin, Cha, Helga, Sue, Arlene & Larry. Kate actually pushed me to run 10 miles! Yay!
Today was the Light the Night Ice Cream Social sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to provide information and recruit walkers for the Walk, September 25. I'm very excited to say that we were able to get 24 people signed up to be part of the Thomson Reuters team.
One of our new team members is a father who just lost his daughter in February to leukemia. Those are the hard moments. I watched as he strongly put his name down on the sign up sheet and admired him as he encouraged his friends to do the same. I wondered if I would have the ability to be so controlled were it my daughter. Teammate Cindy is the stepmother of Jenna, the author behind The Redhead Report, who is currently fighting the good fight. Another team member lost his mother two years ago this month and yet another is a survivor. These people have a personal interest. They know the "story of leukemia" even better than I do.
It's humbling.
And so I run.
Runs since last blog post:
07/23 - 5.07 miles 12:27 min/mile
7/24 - 2.61 miles 11:05 min/mile (run with my Carolina boy Tim)
07/29 - 6.02 miles 11:17 min/mile - followed by a 4.5 mile bike ride.
08/01 - 2.65 miles 12:04 min/mile (Dreaded Treadmill)
08/03 - 4.59 miles 11:51 min/mile (Running Buddy)
*attributed to Albert Einstein
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Meet Cole & Charlotte - our 2011 Honored Heroes
Cole Christian
Cole, age six, was diagnosed with ALL in 2008 and will complete treatment on September 4th 2011! He enjoys playing games and sports, especially hockey, eating macaroni and cheese, and spending time with his family and new puppy. Cole hopes to one day be a hockey coach.
Charlotte Grimm
Charlotte was diagnosed at age two with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and is currently undergoing maitenance therapy. Now three years old, Charlotte loves dancing and being a big sister.
ALL - Acute Lymphomblastic Leukemia is the most common type of leukemia in children from infancy to age 19. It's the most common form of cancer in children ages 1-7. According to the National Cancer Society, there is an almost 91% rate of survival in children under the age of 5 and an amazing 66.4% in all ages!
Cole is the same age as my grandson Ben, Charlotte is a wee bit older than my grandson RJ. It is hard for me to fathom not doing something if either of them or their brothers were diagnosed with any form of cancer or other illness.
Like most runners, I think about things when I run ...
I think about the usual work and family stuff.
I think about my commitment to the upcoming Light the Night Walk. Actually, it was while I was running that I got the idea to use my running as a way to raise support for this year's walk. I remembered that I decided after my OBX Half-Marathon, that if I'm going to continue to run, I'm going to run for a purpose.
I've received a lot of physical benefits from my running, but I really need more of a reason, one that's less self-centered than maintaining my weightloss or keeping my cholesterol down. I don't want to belittle those things, my health is very important to me, but I want my training and my races to count for something other than a couple pounds or a few cholesterol points.
Tomorrow the plan is to run 5 miles with my training partner, Sue. I was really hoping there'd be some movement on my donation page to motivate me, but it's early and I'm pretty sure I can get myself going fairly easily right now. I'll need those motivators later in the training.
Hmmmm..... maybe I could bank miles now and later, when the donations come in, I've already got them covered. I could give into the little voice inside my head that encourages me to stay in bed and get more sleep. No one would know, right? Ha - you, dear readers, would know and I would know and I'm pretty sure that knowing that you know will be enough of a motivator to get my lazy butt up and moving.
Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave a comment or a message if you want to know more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Light the Night.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! It's great to have you be a part of my training as I prepare to run my third half-marathon!
First, some background...
I'm not really a runner. I'm too lazy and undisciplined to be a real runner. I started running one year ago in May and I'm pretty sure if it wasn't for running partner, my husband and my kids, I would have quit in June.
But -
I am passionate about the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in particular the yearly Light the Night Walk. This year, I am going to use running as part of my fundraising efforts towards my goal of $2,000.
You can follow my training progress on this site. I promise to be entirely candid and honest about the training - you will get to know the good, the bad and the ugly of training and leukemia and lymphoma.
My fundraising site is http://pages.lightthenight.org/mn/TwinCiti11/ReneeHedstrom
Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
First, some background...
I'm not really a runner. I'm too lazy and undisciplined to be a real runner. I started running one year ago in May and I'm pretty sure if it wasn't for running partner, my husband and my kids, I would have quit in June.
But -
I am passionate about the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in particular the yearly Light the Night Walk. This year, I am going to use running as part of my fundraising efforts towards my goal of $2,000.
You can follow my training progress on this site. I promise to be entirely candid and honest about the training - you will get to know the good, the bad and the ugly of training and leukemia and lymphoma.
My fundraising site is http://pages.lightthenight.org/mn/TwinCiti11/ReneeHedstrom
Thanks for joining me on this adventure.
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