Great Strides!

The past 7 days were amazing! Last Saturday our team ran 20 miles...a major mental hurdle for me! I felt the most discouraged around mile 13 (because it was HOT and traffic was high on Palos Verdes drive). I finished feeling surprisingly strong (with the help of Coach Ed and a co-worker I happened to meet along the way). With a couple of brief walking breaks and many big hills along the way, I finished in a little over 4 hours. I certainly won't be breaking any records at the marathon, but my goal this first time around is to simply finish.

I also reached my fundraising goal this week of $2,500!! With the help of my amazing parents, (who held a garage sale Saturday morning as I ran) many generous friends and additional family members, we did it in just the nick of time! God bless Facebook and those special people who responded to my plea to raise that last $100 on the final day. :)

Tomorrow we taper to 12 miles for our long run, while maintaining steady mileage throughout the week. This week I slacked a bit on my daily runs, since I was traveling for work and putting in long hours. Hopefully I won't pay for it tomorrow morning...

Thanks again to all who have offered, and continue to offer any kind of support...I can't wait to fill you in on the big day! Meanwhile, I'll keep you updated on my progress over the next 2 weeks. Let the countdown begin!

If you are curious, here is a breakdown of how your donations to LLS are allocated:

Reflections

This last week has been a challenge, in many ways. Not even a month ago, my Uncle was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and was sent home to live with my parents on hospice care. My parents were amazing throughout his time with them, and were both present when he passed away Friday morning. This was much more sudden than we originally anticipated, as he was initially told he had three months to live. I am just so thankful he was not in pain, and died in a peaceful, loving home. So many people are not this fortunate.

I'll be honest. When I decided to join the LLS Team in Training program, my intentions were primarily centered around getting in better shape and running a marathon to celebrate my 30th birthday. While these points are still an important part of why I'm training, my purpose has been significantly enriched by the events of the last month.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society not only supports cancer research, but provides educational resources for patients and families. I believe that the lack of educational resources (or perhaps lack of awareness around existing resources) is a significant obstacle for so many who suffer from such devastating illnesses. I am proud to raise funds for an organization that funnels resources AND creates awareness/educational opportunities.

On a related but lighter note, I decided to attend group practice Saturday morning for some fresh air and a new activity (other than planning, worrying, and mourning). We ran 10 miles, which is farther than I've ever run. EVER. The route we took in Palos Verdes was very hilly...the slow, gradual kind that made me want to beg any oncoming car for a ride back to my own. I felt fairly strong for the first 7-8 miles, but the last few were definitely challenging. Part of the problem was related to dehydration, as Coach Gail helpfully pointed out. I don't drink enough during my runs, for fear of side aches. At this point I'll risk it in exchange for the dizziness I experienced Saturday. Shot blocks are my new favorite source of nutrition during runs, and I downed 2 packs. Without the ladies in my pace group, there is no way I could finish these runs. They are so supportive and positive.