P.S.

It is not too late to donate!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you for helping me to raise $5000 to fight blood cancers! This is $1000 than I had hoped to raise...you are truly good friends and good people. Please come celebrate this success at the Great Nabob (on Lower Queen Anne) this Sunday evening from 5:30pm to 9pm. I would love to hug each of you in person to thank you for your support and encouragement. Less than TWO WEEKS until I run!!!

Close to $5000!

With you help I have raised $4769.58! This is far beyond my goal of $4000 to fight blood cancers. THANK YOU! But with only about $230 more, this number could be $5000! With only 2 weeks left, I am ambitious enough to think that we can get there. If you haven't yet donated, it's not too late. And if you have already donated, but feel inclined to give more...please do! You are making a real difference directly funding research against blood cancers. Thank you again for your suppport!

"You play soccer?"

Today after a not-so-great run, I was walking dejected from the Lake back to my apartment. Suddenly, a voice came out of nowhere, "you play soccer?" I looked around. Again, "you play soccer?"...it came from a guy in a car parked at the traffic light. "Uh, yeah" I said (after all, I did USED to play...and I had no idea why a stranger would hang out his window to ask this). "Nice legs. I mean fanTAStic legs". And then he drove off. Hmmmm....this running thing has even more perks than I expected. Maybe I will continue it into the winter after all.

Under where?

It's simple really. Clothes, and what you wear under them should be comfortable, right? Mhm...especially when you are running long distances. My two-hour training runs have taught me important lessons. No cotton, lots of body glide (it's for runners...get your mind out of the gutter!), and the RIGHT underwear. Just in case any of you were wondering, I'm happy to report that I've got the underoo situation handled. Let me know if you need some of the wisdom passed on. It was a rough journey getting here.

3 weeks and counting

I cannot believe that the Nike Women's Marathon is JUST around the corner. This past Saturday, my second ever 12 mile run made me sure that I am ready! I have to say, that I'm a little slower and sweatier after running that far than I had imagined. My original vision of the race went something like this: sailing across the finish line "glowing" and galloping at an easy 7 minute mile as hoards of people congratulated me and gathered to take my picture. I have come to realize that my ideal image of how I would complete this race is, in fact, highly unlikely. But I am sure of a few things. One is that I could not be happier or prouder that I have taken this journey. Doing this in honor of Bjorn has helped me to deal with losing him, has given me the opportunity to talk about him often, and has helped me to feel that I am making a difference to someone. Second is that I have learned to actually ENJOY running...something I did not at all expect. And third is that I have grown as an individual. It's true what they say that you can solve (at least for a little while) almost any issue by going on a good run.

So, now I realize that my part of this journey has actually been the "easy" part. I have learned and grown and gained a self-confidence I did not expect. Oh yes, and I run "like a girl"...which I have come to recognize as a compliment! Team in Training has also given me the chance to better connect with my community and to bring my friends together to have parties and KICK cancer butt! Heck, my fundraising at Rock Bottom Brewery even turned into an impromptu LC reunion. Now that's my kind of event :)

But I could not be ready to head to the Nike Women's Marathon without the support I have gotten from all of you! I believe that donating is the "hard" part...especially with the economy going the way it is. But you have given so generously. My close friends and family, you have been wonderful. Thank you!!! And to those of you who don't have much to give and gave anyway, and to those of you who barely know me and have also given THANK YOU!!! You have made an investment in the health of those who are ill, in the care they deserve to receive, and in the research that will one day prevent people from becoming ill in the first place. So, from the bottom of my healthy/fit heart ;) Thank you again.

This is what I look like after running 12 miles

Fund Raising Goal MET!!!

Well, it is official: I have met my fund raising goal of $4,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...and surpassed it!!! I am so excited to be in this position 6 weeks before my big race. Now anything I can raise before October 19th is just that much more to go to fight blood cancers. THANK YOU so much for your support! I could not have done this without your love, encouragement, and of course, your generous donations. I have been moved to hear your personal stories about how blood cancers have touched your lives, and have really enjoyed having the opportunity to talk about my friend Bjorn and how special he was to me. Please keep his family in your thoughts. And I have been reminded what fun, supportive and generous friends I have in my life. You continually come to my events, cheer me on and ask how my training is going. I can't thank you enough for all that you have done. I hope that my training and fund raising may have inspired you to take on a similar challenge in honor of something or someone that you love! I am so excited to be able to donate this much money in honor of Bjorn...thank you again.
Catherine

Saturday, 9/6 at 2pm...save the date! Croquet, raffles, fun!!!

The longest run of my life...so far!

On Saturday I ran...12 MILES!!!! WAAAAAH!

Beer drinkers kick cancer in a BIG way!

Thank you so much to all of you who joined the party at the Rock Bottom Brewery yesterday. The turn-out was incredible. Clearly, you all love beer (especially $2 good beer) and HATE cancer. I was graced with appearances from old friends, high school friends, team friends, friends of friends, and even made some new friends over the course of the evening. I was honored to meet the father of my mentor, Nadine. He has just begun treatment at the Cancer Care Alliance for multiple myeloma (just like Bjorn had), but made the effort to come with his family to my event. Having them there made me even more proud that my supportive and giving friends came out in droves to kick cancer. I also met, Chris, a friend of the Brewmaster, and a leukemia survivor of 6 years. Hearing him talk about what it was like to not be able to eat, sleep or do anything when he was going through treatment made me all the more grateful that we could all enjoy good beer, good company and a raise so much money to fight blood cancers.

So, what was the grand total, you ask? A WHOPPING $820!!!! I can barely believe it myself! This puts me very close to my fundraising goal of $4000, and that much closer to finding a cure. Thank you all so much for your support and your generosity. Somewhere Bjorn is smiling that beer drinking can be so powerful!

Rock Bottom Brewery (Seattle) party, Thursday 8/7, 5:30pm

$2 beers. All proceeds go to my race. Be there or be square.

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=FVNANFFVEJDVKZRDIDEB

You are so generous, you are winning me awards!

Today I attended my first Saturday "long run" team practice. At the beginning, they make announcements and check everyone in. Nadine, my mentor, gave an update on her father's treatment...which sounds incredibly familiar, as her father is battling the same cancer Bjorn did. And then they passed out fundraising awards. Little did I know that I raised the 2nd most in donations last week for anyone on my team! A whopping $657!!! They gave me a special race tag which said that I was 2nd and I wore it today through my entire 6 1/2 mile run. I was so proud. So a BIG THANK YOU to all of you! We are making a difference to those with blood cancers and to their families...and you have given so much this week that I got to show off how generous my friends, family and coworkers are!

I think Beej must have put in a good word with the Big Guy

When I joined Team in Training on a whim back in May, I knew that I was in for something good. But I had no idea what a journey this would be. The running itself has changed me...physically (yes, I know that my muscles are getting ridiculous) and mentally. My teammates, mentors and coaches have become fast friends and inspirational motivators. But most of all, talking with people about why I am doing this race and asking for their help has taken on a life of its own.

Just a few days ago, I commented to my best friend Jenny that I felt apprehensive about meeting my fundraising goal of $4000. I am so grateful for the generous donations I have already received, and I know that every little bit helps. But I could not help but feel the pressure of my fast-approaching race and fundraising deadline.

However, something incredible has happened in the past two days. Just when I thought it might be time to worry, everything has fallen into place. First and foremost, my team "campaign manager", Jenny, has been all over getting the word out about my race for Team in Training. She has been enthusiastic and hands-on, and I can't express how much I appreciate her love and support. Then, I went to a team dinner at my mentor, Nadine's house...where my teammates and I brainstormed a kick-ass (kick cancer ass, that is) party. This event is going to be out of control: croquet, jello shots, raffles (be there Sept. 13th)! Next, I voiced my apprehensions at a Team run on Tuesday, and not 40 minutes later, I was offered a volunteer position at the Seafair beer gardens (from which all tips will go toward our fundraising goal). And Finally, today, the opportunity to hold a $2 beer party at Rock Bottom Brewery (also the unveiling of a new beer called the "Nice Weisse") simply fell into my lap! Okay, okay, so there are some wonderful TNT teammates who have pulled some major strings here (thank you, Jeff!)...but wow! On top of this, a few friends who own popular local establishments have gone out of their way to say that they will host, fund and donate to events that I hold for my race. What an amazing couple of days!

Tonight I am happier than I have been in a very long time. As I told my roommate, Katrina, "I feel high on life!" I have seen that all I have to do is ask for the support. My friends and teammates (not to mention people I have never met!) have happily joined in my mission to fight the cancer that took my good friend. I cannot help but think that Beej may have put in a good work for me "upstairs" and that he is pretty darn pleased with all that is being done to fight cancer. So far my team has collectively raised over $330,000! I think often about how Bjorn encouraged anyone and everyone to become bone marrow donors, even as his body was rejecting his new marrow. Bjorn was such a great friend, and such a selfless guy who just loved life. I am grateful that this experience is teaching me so much about what friends will do out of love. I think that Bjorn would be proud that I am trying to live my life fully and enjoy every moment. (Oh, and I think he's proud too that I am using beer and fun parties to kick cancer butt!!!)

I am a winner because I can finally keep up with Winner!

It's official. I'm finally in good enough shape to keep up with my fun-run buddy, Andrew Winner. Tonight he got me out of the house to break in my new Mizunos. And we literally SPRINTED to the end of our 2.8 mile run. Yeah!

Cartwheels, kegs and Catherine's longest run yet!

The past few weeks have been a blur of fundraising/training activity!!! Thanks to Jenny and Amit for hosting a fabulous barbeque a few weekends ago in honor of both my 27th birthday and of my race efforts. The weather was beautiful, the burgers off the sleek new grill were delish and the company was fantastic! Thanks to an enthusiastic and creative round of fundraising "challenges", the total raised that day was $357!!! Thank you to all of you who gave so generously. And a special thanks to Brendan Sweeney who's pockets seemed to floweth over. (Don't worry, I performed all kinds of silly and surprising feats...including cartwheel after cartwheel...to earn the donations! There is video somewhere.) We enjoyed an appearance by two of my teammates, Kelly who ran 14 miles the day before, and Nadine, my fearless and upbeat mentor. And Baby David Calhoun even came and hung out with his family...it was so fun to meet him! For those of you who were not there, be assured, there is more fun on the horizon.

In other recent events I ran 7 miles on Saturday! This is the farthest I have ever run in one stretch, and MAN do I feel good about it! About halfway through the run I decided that my coach was right and that I should purchase new running shoes (I bought Mizuno's with arch supports today). However, there is something empowering about passing insanely "in shape" people on the outside track at Green Lake, and knowing that they took notice that you didn't stop after one or two laps. I feel that I have finally gotten on board with a training program and that my body is fully cooperating. Even the high school cross country boys told me to "bring the heat!" Oh, I brought it.

Now, for my next challenge. I have to figure out how to convince my body not only that running long distances on Saturdays is fun...but also to wake up at 6:30am to do so. For anyone who knows me and knows how much I love to sleep. You understand that this is a monumental challenge. I'm looking for running buddies, encouragement and donations to keep me going!!!

Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be!!!

And that's where I was all weekend! Well, not exactly in Beverly Hills, although I did get a manicure and pedicure just off Rodeo Drive. I spent the last five days in beautiful, sunny, Los Angeles with my sister, her husband, and their cutie baby, my nephew. We had a fantastic time! I have to say, I was not shy to snuggle and kiss that baby as much as possible while we were in the same town together. And I am convinced that he is destined to become a great runner (since his legs and arms seem to always be "running")...maybe he can accompany me on runs when I am old and grey. (Oh, and did I mention that his name is Raiss? Perfect for a star runner!) My trip involved a professional photo shoot of the baby, lots of walks, good food...and a morning working out on the famous Santa Monica stairs. For those of you northwesterners, this may not mean much. But to those of you who keep up religiously on you US Weekly and People magazines, you may recognize this as the place many celebs and their trainers workout. It involves literally walking (or running if you're in crazy good shape) up and down the stairs. They are wood planks, just wide enough for the people going down not to brush elbows with those going up. Oh, and if you're quick, you might be able to pass someone. Well, being in training for a half-marathon, I took a look at this stairway and thought, "no problem". I don't know if it was the beautiful Cali weather, the hot Cali bods, or just the deluded self-confidence that everyone seemed to have at the stairs...but I decided that this was going to be easy. And it was...for the first time down and back up. But oh baby did my quads burn as I began my third and then fourth rotation down and up (walking by this point.) After four, my legs were shaking, I was heaving like my lungs were at 25% capacity, and I was beginning to understand why all the "regulars" looked so darn fit. But I was determined to keep up with my brother-in-law, John, who does between 5 and 10 rotations (crazy!!!) So, I toughed it through that last rotation...muscles shaking, losing my balance on many of the steps. I may not have been that rock-hard, super tan, designer sunglasses-wearing Cali type, but I was going to finish strong. And I did! The 3 days of VERY sore muscles since the stairs have only made me a regret a little bit the effort I put forth on Friday. But I am proud that I can stand among the bronzed and buff LA crew who run the Santa Monica stairs on a regular basis!

It's my birthday and I'll run if I want to!

As of June 18th, I am officially in my "late twenties". It's quite an interesting transition and I have to say that my life looks a lot different than I had imagined it at this point. I thought I would have my career, my relationships, and my hopes and dreams mostly figured out. Hah! Joke's on me. While I have very few of the above figured out, the challenges and experiences of the past year have certainly shaped who I am. I think so often about Bjorn and wonder about what things he would have done beyond the age of 26. One thing is for sure, as usual, he would have spent tons of his time with friends and enjoying good people, good weather, and all the little things I am so quick to "check off" in my planner. This summer, as my friends begin to get married, have children, graduate from undergrad and grad school, I am consciously taking time to enjoy every moment of what "matters" in my life. Holding my new nephew, wedding dress shopping with my best friends, running on a beautiful June evening, and learning to use a chainsaw to clear a mountain trail have been some of the most recent joys for me. And I find that I'm happier just living day to day than I have been in a long time. I think this year of 27 is going to be pretty darn great. Now, as I plan my next adventure...skydiving?...I am often reminding myself to slow down and just enjoy the moment.

P.S. In lieu of birthday gifts, please consider giving to my run!

Proverbial training hurdles

Many of you have been so wonderful in asking, "how is the training going?!" Well, for the past few weeks...it wasn't going very well. Between learning a new full-time job, going to school and all of life's other activities, I ran myself ragged. As a result, I ended up with shingles (an unpleasant combination of shooting chest pains, headaches, and people saying, "you have what?!" as they slowly back away). Well, after dropping my microbiology class, and taking a few weeks to slow down, I am feeling much better, thank you. Today I put the ol' trainers on for the first time in two and a half weeks. 3 miles in hilly St. Edwards Park taught me that I have some work to do to get back on board with my training. But the good news is that I am well enough to do so now. Keep me in your thoughts and call me if you want to go for a run with me :)

Faubion family gives big!

Gimme an "F", gimme an "A", gimme a "U", gimme a "BION"!!! What's that spell? Big donors!!! Thank you to Jenny, Barbie, Tom and Kristin (Coovert, formerly) Faubion for your generous $100 donations each and for getting my fundraising going! This family has single-handedly helped me to surpass the 5% mark in meeting my ultimate goal...$4000 to give to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Woohoo! Feel the excitement.

Oh, and if you are wondering how my training is going, I went to the gym the other night to run on the treadmill AFTER my microbiology class got out at 9:00pm. (Oh yeah, I'm serious about this training business.) So, I hope that gives you an idea. And this weekend, I will do the "ultimate West-side work out experience". I will attempt to run the Santa Monica stairs with my brother-in-law. Hopefully some hot celebrity with a nice behind will run ahead of me as "motivation". (Please excuse the overuse of quotation marks if you hate air quotes as much as Bjorn did!)

Donation Ins and Outs

If you donate $100 or more, here is the form you need to claim your frequent flier miles from Alaska Airlines: http://www.teamintraining.org/chapter/wa/1316479/alaska_airlines_form.pdf

All donations are 100% tax deductible!

Your company may match your donation...which would be great for me! Please call your HR department to see if they do.

Catherine's Team in Training Blog

It's official! I have finally made the move into the age of technology (not bad for a girl who grew up with a black & white TV, and an 8-track in the family station wagon!) If you are visiting this blog, you have probably heard that I have decided to train for the Nike Women's Marathon. You know, I just didn't have enough going on with working full time at Children's Hospital, and going to school to complete prerequisites for nursing school :) Well, true to my very busy nature, I have signed up for this incredible challenge...and I intend to have a great time seeing it through!

The inspiration and motivation for my training, my fundraising, and my run itself...is my friend, Bjorn Nielsen. Bjorn, or Beej, as many of us called him, passed away in January of multiple myeloma at the age of 26. As Bjorn's mom said to me in an email, Bjorn would never have wanted to run a half marathon himself (he much preferred sitting in his comfy chair, or drinking a cold brewsky). But I know he would have supported me with a "you go for it, buddy!" He was the kind of guy who always had time for his friends and who had a real pinache for making time for the "important" stuff...like sportin' aviator sunglasses, cheering on the Huskies, and going to barbeques and theme parties! I miss him so much, and I am acutely aware that no one should ever have to go through what Beej did during his two year battle with cancer. But brave it, he did, and always with his trademark sense of humor. Cue the "ma ma ma myeloma!"

So, I begin my training this week to remember Bjorn...and to "kick some cancer butt" (as someone so eloquently put it at our kick-off event last weekend). I also begin working toward my fundraising goal of $4000. Most of what I raise will go straight to cancer research and directly to help families dealing with blood cancers (a small amount will pay for my race expenses). I hope that each and every one of you will support me, as I will need it! Come to my fundraising parties, comment on my blog, run with me, visit my website, give what you can, and cheer me on!!! I have not decided for sure yet if I will run the half or the full marathon. But either way...San Francisco, here I come!