YES, I will be running in the Seattle Rock N' Roll Marathon with my team.
No, I am not planning on completing the half or full marathons (THIS time). My coaches have said I will be back up to about 8 miles by then. I plan to run from the start to Ian's house (around the 6.5 mile mark on the course) and then cheer on my teammates from there.
YES, I still need your donations! I am about $200 from my goal and would love to raise more before the deadline in June. Overall, my team has raised over $130,000 during the past 5 months to directly fund blood cancer research.
No, I do not plan to give up. You will see me come back to run with Team in Training again!!!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
7 weeks later...a bit of injury perspective
My 2.5 planned weeks off from running turned into a full 6 weeks off. Yes, the stress fracture in my right foot was the culprit.
My wise coaches and doctor told me I could swim or bike instead. And I flirted with the idea of swimming regularly (and even bought the athletic swim suit, cap, and goggles to do so). But I was quickly discouraged by how much effort it was to find a pool with lap swim hours conducive to my schedule. And my bike has seen more rust in the last 4 years than riding. Mostly though, I was just frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn't do the one thing I wanted to do...run! (So frustrated, I haven't felt the urge to update my blog until now.)
For the past six weeks I exercised very little indeed. And I'll admit that I began to feel angry, stressed out, and a bit sorry for myself. My hopes of completing my first full marathon went down the drain. It was unclear if I'd even be able to do a half marathon this season (as it now looks like I won't). Any of you runners out there will understand how upsetting this is, to be so driven to achieve your distance goal only to have your body protest.
But an unexpected positive has resulted from my time off my pesky right foot. I have had a whole new Team in Training experience, one that I'm sure I would have missed were I more focused on drumming out the miles. Manning water stops, I have seen fast and slow team members alike pounding the pavement for hours...with smiles on their faces. I got to hear a cyclist on the Burke Gilman trail shout out, "my mother thanks you!" when he saw our Team in Training sign. I have had the opportunity to talk with captains, mentors and participants and to learn more about their personal reasons for joining Team in Training. I have cried with teammates over loved ones lost. I have laughed with them whenever we had reason to. And I have been so touched with how many people consistently ask how I'M doing...even in the midst of completing a grueling workout. Most importantly, I have been reminded that the reason I joined Team in Training in the first place is because of the people and amazing mission to which we dedicate ourselves. For parents, for friends, for siblings, for children, for friends of friends, and for complete strangers...this team works hard each weak to train and fundraise. I see everpresent hope in my teammates' faces and increased tenacity in their fundraising, as we work together to fund blood cancer research.
I am humbled by this experience. I have learned that perhaps my positive attitude is too contingent on positive circumstance. I see more than ever that great things are happening through Team in Training. Brave and strong and compasionate people are pushing themselves everyday for the good of others. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to be amongst these people and to participate in the mission to end blood cancers forever.
My wise coaches and doctor told me I could swim or bike instead. And I flirted with the idea of swimming regularly (and even bought the athletic swim suit, cap, and goggles to do so). But I was quickly discouraged by how much effort it was to find a pool with lap swim hours conducive to my schedule. And my bike has seen more rust in the last 4 years than riding. Mostly though, I was just frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn't do the one thing I wanted to do...run! (So frustrated, I haven't felt the urge to update my blog until now.)
For the past six weeks I exercised very little indeed. And I'll admit that I began to feel angry, stressed out, and a bit sorry for myself. My hopes of completing my first full marathon went down the drain. It was unclear if I'd even be able to do a half marathon this season (as it now looks like I won't). Any of you runners out there will understand how upsetting this is, to be so driven to achieve your distance goal only to have your body protest.
But an unexpected positive has resulted from my time off my pesky right foot. I have had a whole new Team in Training experience, one that I'm sure I would have missed were I more focused on drumming out the miles. Manning water stops, I have seen fast and slow team members alike pounding the pavement for hours...with smiles on their faces. I got to hear a cyclist on the Burke Gilman trail shout out, "my mother thanks you!" when he saw our Team in Training sign. I have had the opportunity to talk with captains, mentors and participants and to learn more about their personal reasons for joining Team in Training. I have cried with teammates over loved ones lost. I have laughed with them whenever we had reason to. And I have been so touched with how many people consistently ask how I'M doing...even in the midst of completing a grueling workout. Most importantly, I have been reminded that the reason I joined Team in Training in the first place is because of the people and amazing mission to which we dedicate ourselves. For parents, for friends, for siblings, for children, for friends of friends, and for complete strangers...this team works hard each weak to train and fundraise. I see everpresent hope in my teammates' faces and increased tenacity in their fundraising, as we work together to fund blood cancer research.
I am humbled by this experience. I have learned that perhaps my positive attitude is too contingent on positive circumstance. I see more than ever that great things are happening through Team in Training. Brave and strong and compasionate people are pushing themselves everyday for the good of others. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to be amongst these people and to participate in the mission to end blood cancers forever.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Stress fracture = no running for at least 2.5 weeks
DANG!!!
Over the last two weeks, I had been experiencing weakness and pain in the middle of my foot whenever I put weight on the ball of my right foot. As you might imagine, this is a problem when you're running.
I didn't ignore it...but my body compensated by putting weight on the outside of my foot. And, after 20 miles a week of training, my ankle and calf did not like this one bit. So, the last 2 days, they have been staging a full-blown rebellion. It took me more than twice as long to walk anywhere, as I hobbled about. And this is a problem when you work in a big hospital. The bathroom is about 1/8 mile from my office!
So, today I went to see the lovely sports medicine doctor, Robyn Fean, at UW Hall Health. She is young, kind, and a runner herself. And she had my foot x-rayed. She says I have an early stress fracture (which is funny because I'm never early for anything!) Treatment? Stay off it for a week, and only moderate walking for a week and a half after that. Then, we'll see. I guess I'll just work on resting up and drinking milk until then. But man! It is so frustrating to not be allowed to run! The irony here is that during all those busy weeks of school, work and training...there were many days when I felt bad for myself that I had to go run. Hmmm...maybe God is trying to teach me to be thankful for my normally able and fit body.
I'm allowed to swim and bike as much as I like. But this may be a challenge...since I don't have a swim suit, belong to a pool, or have a working bike (or helmet). Nice curve ball, Life.
Over the last two weeks, I had been experiencing weakness and pain in the middle of my foot whenever I put weight on the ball of my right foot. As you might imagine, this is a problem when you're running.
I didn't ignore it...but my body compensated by putting weight on the outside of my foot. And, after 20 miles a week of training, my ankle and calf did not like this one bit. So, the last 2 days, they have been staging a full-blown rebellion. It took me more than twice as long to walk anywhere, as I hobbled about. And this is a problem when you work in a big hospital. The bathroom is about 1/8 mile from my office!
So, today I went to see the lovely sports medicine doctor, Robyn Fean, at UW Hall Health. She is young, kind, and a runner herself. And she had my foot x-rayed. She says I have an early stress fracture (which is funny because I'm never early for anything!) Treatment? Stay off it for a week, and only moderate walking for a week and a half after that. Then, we'll see. I guess I'll just work on resting up and drinking milk until then. But man! It is so frustrating to not be allowed to run! The irony here is that during all those busy weeks of school, work and training...there were many days when I felt bad for myself that I had to go run. Hmmm...maybe God is trying to teach me to be thankful for my normally able and fit body.
I'm allowed to swim and bike as much as I like. But this may be a challenge...since I don't have a swim suit, belong to a pool, or have a working bike (or helmet). Nice curve ball, Life.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Successes so far...and some room for improvement
Successes!
1. Minimum fundraising met at $1260! (Now 100% of additional donations goes directly to blood cancer research...thank you!) My new season goal is $1800
2. After my longest training run yet (6 miles) I felt like I could keep going :)
3. I can now spit without getting it all over myself. Although, I do still do a funny little skip jump when I do it
4. My team has raised almost $100,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
Room for improvement:
1. Working on waking up for morning runs during the week (so I'm not tempted to miss them after 8 hours of work and 3.5 hours of class)
2. Figuring out how to eat enough...and how to make time for eating (not easy when you're not someone who cooks in the first place)
3. My apartment's cleanliness has gone to the wayside. I'm interviewing a cleaning lady next week
4. It's harder than I thought to maintain work performance, school performance, training, and relationships...but I'm tryin!
1. Minimum fundraising met at $1260! (Now 100% of additional donations goes directly to blood cancer research...thank you!) My new season goal is $1800
2. After my longest training run yet (6 miles) I felt like I could keep going :)
3. I can now spit without getting it all over myself. Although, I do still do a funny little skip jump when I do it
4. My team has raised almost $100,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!
Room for improvement:
1. Working on waking up for morning runs during the week (so I'm not tempted to miss them after 8 hours of work and 3.5 hours of class)
2. Figuring out how to eat enough...and how to make time for eating (not easy when you're not someone who cooks in the first place)
3. My apartment's cleanliness has gone to the wayside. I'm interviewing a cleaning lady next week
4. It's harder than I thought to maintain work performance, school performance, training, and relationships...but I'm tryin!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Minimum met...now 100% of donations goes to research!
Thank you all for helping me to reach my season fundraising goal of $1260!!! It is official...either you're VERY excited about supporting blood cancer research, or I set my goal too low. Either way, I'm so thankful to all of you who have donated so far.
The best part about having raised my season minimum so early, is that EVERY $1 I raise from now on goes ENTIRELY to blood cancer research and to help families dealing with blood cancers. No administrative fees, nada. All of your hard-earned dollars will directly fund the work that is so badly needed in finding better treatments and cures for blood cancers. So, if you haven't yet donated, please do! Or, if you have donated and would like to donate some more...you can do that too!
Just because my goal has been met, the work does not stop here. Just as I am up to 60 minutes for my long runs and am building up to 180 minute-runs eventually, I hope the fundraising wagon can keep on truckin'. Thank you again for all you have given and for visiting my blog to see updates!
The best part about having raised my season minimum so early, is that EVERY $1 I raise from now on goes ENTIRELY to blood cancer research and to help families dealing with blood cancers. No administrative fees, nada. All of your hard-earned dollars will directly fund the work that is so badly needed in finding better treatments and cures for blood cancers. So, if you haven't yet donated, please do! Or, if you have donated and would like to donate some more...you can do that too!
Just because my goal has been met, the work does not stop here. Just as I am up to 60 minutes for my long runs and am building up to 180 minute-runs eventually, I hope the fundraising wagon can keep on truckin'. Thank you again for all you have given and for visiting my blog to see updates!
Monday, March 1, 2010
This amazing thing called generosity
To my giving friends and family,
I am so humbled by the generous donations that have poured in from you over the last few weeks. Thanks to your support, I am only $34 from meeting my season goal of raising $1260 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! And my race isn't until JUNE! Thank you for all that you have given and continue to give. Your donations are going to a wonderful organization and to research to fight blood cancers. Individuals with these cancers, and their families benefit directly from the money you have given. It is my hope that more people will decide to donate, and that you will all consider attending my fundraising events later this season.
The best part about having reached my goal so early, is that every cent raised above and beyond $1260 will go COMPLETELY to blood cancer research. I am so proud and so happy to be able to make a difference like this. I could not have done it without you. THANK YOU!!!
I am so humbled by the generous donations that have poured in from you over the last few weeks. Thanks to your support, I am only $34 from meeting my season goal of raising $1260 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! And my race isn't until JUNE! Thank you for all that you have given and continue to give. Your donations are going to a wonderful organization and to research to fight blood cancers. Individuals with these cancers, and their families benefit directly from the money you have given. It is my hope that more people will decide to donate, and that you will all consider attending my fundraising events later this season.
The best part about having reached my goal so early, is that every cent raised above and beyond $1260 will go COMPLETELY to blood cancer research. I am so proud and so happy to be able to make a difference like this. I could not have done it without you. THANK YOU!!!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Who ya gonna call?
When it's raining hard
In your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
If you're feeling weird
'Cause runnin' alone ain't good
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
I ain't afraid a no creeps
I ain't afraid a no creeps
If you're seeing things
Runnin' just before bed
Who can you call?
ED BRADLEY
An invisible man
Creapin' by your tread
Oh who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
I ain't afraid a no creeps
I ain't afraid a no creeps
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
If you're all alone
Pick up the phone
And call
ED BRADLEY!!!
In your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
If you're feeling weird
'Cause runnin' alone ain't good
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
I ain't afraid a no creeps
I ain't afraid a no creeps
If you're seeing things
Runnin' just before bed
Who can you call?
ED BRADLEY
An invisible man
Creapin' by your tread
Oh who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
I ain't afraid a no creeps
I ain't afraid a no creeps
Who ya gonna call?
ED BRADLEY
If you're all alone
Pick up the phone
And call
ED BRADLEY!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
A little perspective
I was having one of those days today. You know, the kind where every person who talks with you says, "are you doin' okay? No, really." And even though the day didn't start out that badly, my attitude just kept getting worse. (I wonder if it had anything to do with this being an "off" day from running.) My new flat shoes that I bought purely for comfort were digging into my achilles'. And around 4:45pm, when I tried to register for my very necessary prereq class for next quarter...I found out it was full. I was ready to be done with the day. I decided on my way home to treat myself to a gift certificate manicure. So, I stopped into In-Spa in U-Village (they accept walk-ins, and it's close to the hospital). And, as I sat down to relax and shake off my day, I noticed a young girl in the chair across from me. She was having her toenails painted, as her mother and grandmother watched on, protectively. She had only whisps of short hair on her head, a cast on her arm...and it was then that I noticed the Seattle Children's Hospital wheelchair waiting next to her. I could tell hot pink was her favorite color. Everything she was wearing was pink. This little girl, who the nail technician later told me was only 6, was clearly undergoing some serious chemo treatments. She had left the hospital for a short break from dealing with cancer, poking, prodding and beeping machines...to have her toenails painted pink. My problems instantly felt insignificant. My day melted away. And, as I told her that I liked the color she had picked, this little girl gave me the most beautiful smile I have seen in ages. It's funny...going to the salon did make me feel a lot better...but it wasn't because of the manicure.
California dreamin'...
In November when I decided to sign up for a Team in Training marathon, I thought I was soooo smart. I thought, "I'm going to sign up for summer season so I get to train in beautiful spring weather!" But the first few rainy, cold, and dark weeks knocked me off my high training horse. I had even started fantasizing about moving to California. Two weekends ago, Maura, Jenny and I went to Carmel for the weekend, and my good weather fantasies were confirmed. California is the perfect place to train. Sand, sun, surf...and when you need some scenery to pass the time, take your pick between expert surfers catching huge waves, or 6 million dollar homes lining the cliffs. Yes, I was in runners' heaven. But then a small miracle happened...I returned to the most unseasonably warm weather Seattle has ever had in February. I really feel sorry for all you east coasters, because this past weekend in Seattle it was at least 60 degrees and beautiful! The mountains were in their full glory, flowers were blooming, and everybody and their brother was our enjoying the rays. A few hours after my long Saturday training run, I even got to go out on a ski boat with some friends on Lake Washington. Summer season was a good pick after all!
Sadly though, the sun is coming to an end tomorrow morning. I expect to do my 6:45am run in cold, downright wet weather. Dodging mud puddles has got to count as cross-training, right? It's true, Seattleites. Our early spring is back to rainy winter, as of tomorrow. So, stock up on your vitamin D (seriously, at Safeway...it's buy one bottle, get one free), because who knows when mother nature will be so kind again in the coming weeks.
Sadly though, the sun is coming to an end tomorrow morning. I expect to do my 6:45am run in cold, downright wet weather. Dodging mud puddles has got to count as cross-training, right? It's true, Seattleites. Our early spring is back to rainy winter, as of tomorrow. So, stock up on your vitamin D (seriously, at Safeway...it's buy one bottle, get one free), because who knows when mother nature will be so kind again in the coming weeks.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Lessons I have learned in my first two weeks back in training...
1. Wearing high heeled boots for 10 hours, then going for a run = a very bad idea
2. It is very difficult to go for a run after 8 hours of work and 3 hours of class
3. It is even more difficult to get up at 6:30am to run before work
4. I may have a small obsession with Mizuno shoes
5. A surprising number of people in Seattle are afraid to run in the rain
6. Running may be the answer to keeping me sane while I have so much on my plate
7. I love how people react when I tell them I'm training for a marathon
8. This season's Team is enthusiastic, very diverse, and some members have already run more marathons than I ever hope to run
2. It is very difficult to go for a run after 8 hours of work and 3 hours of class
3. It is even more difficult to get up at 6:30am to run before work
4. I may have a small obsession with Mizuno shoes
5. A surprising number of people in Seattle are afraid to run in the rain
6. Running may be the answer to keeping me sane while I have so much on my plate
7. I love how people react when I tell them I'm training for a marathon
8. This season's Team is enthusiastic, very diverse, and some members have already run more marathons than I ever hope to run
Saturday, February 6, 2010
My very first marathon - I need your support!
I am very excited to announce that I am training for another event with Team in Training this summer! I will run my first marathon on June 26, 2010, the Seattle Rock n' Roll Marathon! As an added bonus, I am acting as the Mission Captain for this season's marathon team. It is my job to help people share their personal connections to those who have or are battling blood cancers. I also remind teammates of why we fundraise: to further the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of improving the lives of those with blood cancers, and continuing to research cures! I feel fortunate to have this important role to talk with teammates and to help share their sometimes sad, but always inspirational stories. I train, as before, in honor of my good buddy, Bjorn. I run in his memory, and especially to further research toward a cure for multiple myeloma, which he battled so bravely. Beej, I miss your unmatched wit and humor, your truthful insight, and watching football with you (you would have loved the Super Bowl this year!)
Please join me in the fight against blood cancers. I'll be updating this blog with stories of my training and of my team's progress. You can help today by clicking on the link to my donation website, and giving (no matter how much) to help this worthy cause. Every little bit helps!
Catherine
Please join me in the fight against blood cancers. I'll be updating this blog with stories of my training and of my team's progress. You can help today by clicking on the link to my donation website, and giving (no matter how much) to help this worthy cause. Every little bit helps!
Catherine
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