We began our first TEAM in Training group run with a few clinics to go over running form and injury prevention. I was pretty anxious to get going on the run, but everything was very informative! Before the clinics began I was able to meet a few of my teammates. My group consists of people running the Virginia Beach Shamrock marathon, the National Marathon in DC, and the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN. I learned that saying "I'm running the Nashville marathon" isn't going to work as Nashville and National sound awfully alike. One individual I met really impacted my heart and my reasons for running this half marathon. With an empty chair beside me, Bob (I am going to protect his name for now) walked up and asked if the seat was free. We introduced ourselves and Bob revealed to me that he was just diagnosed with Leukemia. Bob has run multiple marathons, but since being diagnosed decided to run for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through TEAM in Training. Although Bob has run many marathons, he shared that he'll just be running a half as he does not know how his treatments will impact him physically. I was so impacted by this man who will be running a half and training through his Chemotherapy treatments. I am so grateful to be running for our honored teammate, but I am overwhelmed to be running alongside Bob. When the miles get tough, I will think of him! When my body hurts, I will think of him. When I fund raise, I will think of him and encourage others to think of him. Bob is every reason I am running this half marathon and I hope you will help me support LLS, which brings support to individuals like Bob! Did you know that $1000 provides 7 blood cancer patients financial aid to support medical treatment and travel to medical appointments for ONE YEAR?
As we walked out to start our run, I could have peed in my pants. Ok, not really, but I was nervous. A 3 mile run with about 30 people in the pack--- I felt like I was back in the 8th grade being timed to run the mile (you know what I'm talking about). We ran a few times around the parking lot to warm up and then did some stretches as a group with our amazing coaches! One of the coaches, Tina, was playing Jock Jams (the ORIGINAL) for us to warm up to! It was AWE-SOME!
For our run, we ran a 1 mile loop (square actually) 3 times. Down hill (side one), level street (side two), UPPP hill (side three), and one final level street (side four). The Hill almost got me three times--- But I made it!! I ran the first loop with Anna (one of my team mates) and then ran the last two by myself. It was a great run but my nerves were definitely there! I walked a little bit at the top of each hill (about 5 minutes in total time) but really felt great. Running in the cold is harder on my lungs, but they're doing well :)
Running with TEAM in Training is the best decision I could have made in 2009! I am working really hard to train for the Marathon and am also working hard to raise at least $3000 for the LLS! I have currently raised 10%, due to some awesome friends and donors. I still need to raise 90% and can use your help! Tell your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers. Even a $1 makes a difference! One idea is to start a kitty at work--- it's a great way to raise money over the course of time and it doesn't put any pressure on anyone. My fundraising page is a great place to start :) http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/cmc10/ashack
Thank you all again and stay in tune for more updates and stories from the road less traveled!
Ready to run--- 7:30AM
My first attempt at a picture!
No comments:
Post a Comment