The last post!

Once again, training and fundraising as a member of Team in Training has been an incredible experience.

It's already been two weeks since the race. I intended to write a post sooner but Luke and I stayed on in California to visit friends and sightsee for a few days, and arrived home just in time for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary celebrations. In the week since that celebration, I've been busy trying to catch up on all the things that didn't get done while I was preparing for the marathon. I still haven't had much time to reflect on my experiences race weekend but, all the same, here goes...

The arrival
I rebooked my flights with United to avoid the possibility of being stranded by an Air Canada strike so landed in San Francisco a few hours later than expected - having spent a lot more time on airplanes than I intended. On the upside, the stopovers meant I got great views of both Chicago and Los Angeles en route.

When my flight finally landed, I boarded the BART (train) to get downtown. (I knew from a previous visit to SF that it was the easiest and least expensive way to reach the city centre.) On my way out of the station, as I struggled through a turnstile with my gear, a man ahead of me turned back to help. We were still chatting as we made our way up to street level, with me yanking my rolling suitcase up the stairs behind me. Suddenly, the suitcase felt lighter and I turned to see that another man had stepped forward to lift the suitcase. Seriously, how many good Samaritans can you meet in a single block? It was a lovely way to begin my visit to the the city.

Finally at ground level, I offered sincere thanks to both my knights in shining armour and walked quickly to the hotel where I immediately changed into clean clothes and headed out the door to attend the first of three major warm-up events.

Warm-up events
Event number 1 was a TNT reception for "top fundraisers".  I attended as a guest of one of my teammates, Heather who, together with her colleague Lori, had raised over $12,000.  A wonderful accomplishment! 

The high point of the evening (aside from meeting some of my teammates in person for the first time) was taking in speeches from a number of very committed TNT supporters - including the legendary Joan Benoit Samuelson. It was a thrill just being in the same room with her! 

Event number 2 was a team gathering back at the hotel where my teammates and I got to know one another better, decorated our shirts for race day, and celebrated our achievements before tucking in for a good night's sleep.

The final event was the inspiration dinner held on Saturday - the evening before the race. We arrived at the Moscone Center to be greeted by coaches and staff from across the US and Canada who cheered loudly as participants and guests entered the hall.  The food left something to be desired but no one cared. It was awesome having 3700 TNT runners, their coaches, supporters and guests together in one place. 

John Bingham (another running hero of mine who I got to meet in person in Chicago) gave a funny, inspirational speech, as did a wonderful woman (whose name I've forgotten, unfortunately) who told us about her son - a blood cancer survivor - and how she and her sisters had raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research by participating in running and triathlon events - though none of them had been distance runners before taking up the challenge. Amazing!  Kara Goucher (yes, that Kara Goucher) took to the stage as well - to thank us for our hard work and wish us well in the race.

Of course, the best part of the night was learning that the TNT participants in this one race had raised $12.7 million dollars! When the number was announced, you could hear the cheer from blocks away.

Race day



I slept well and woke up at 5:00 am feeling relatively rested. The team gathered in the hotel lobby at 6:00 for a team photo and we made our way to the start line under the leadership of Coach Ramona (that's her in the purple wig on the far left) who, having run the race a few times, knew exactly where we needed to drop our gear and line up. The weather was perfect - cool but comfortable - as we waited for the race to start.

The full marathoners on our team - Andrea, Stephanie and me

Joan Benoit Samuelson and Kara Goucher said a few encouraging words, we listened to a fabulous rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and we were off.

The course was spectacular.  The first few kilometres took us through the business district so dawn was breaking as we caught our first glimpses of the harbour.

A view of Alcatraz Island as daylight came on

As planned, I stopped every now and again to take pictures and set a moderate pace for the first half - which was more challenging than expected because my Garmin wasn't working properly and I had to rely on "perceived effort" and occasional mile markers to calculate how fast I was running. In retrospect, I think not having my Garmin was a good thing because it forced me to listen to my body more closely - especially during the first half of the race where all the biggest hills were.

After running along the waterfront, the route took us up, up, up... through the Presidio past the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, then down towards The Great Highway where this photo was taken.

You can make out the finishers' tents in the distance but those of us running full marathons wouldn't see the inside of them for a long while yet.

The next stop was Golden Gate Park where Andrea and I yelled cheery hellos as we crossed paths once again. (She was coming out of the park just as I was heading in.) After that, it was on to The Great Highway for a long loop that took us along beautiful beaches and around a lake before we headed back to the finish. I loved running beside the ocean, listening to waves crashing on to the beach. It was just like home - except for the surfers!!

Six or seven kilometres from the finish, my knee began to tighten but it didn't lock up and - just when I needed her most - Coach Ramona appeared at my side encouraging me to run as fast as I could to the finish line. By that time, I knew I was going to run a "personal best" and I think she was more excited than I was!  Nonetheless, rather than savouring the moment with me, she turned back a few hundred metres from the finish line to look for Steph and run with her to the finish. What an incredible runner - and incredible person - Ramona is.  My teammates and I ran full and half marathons that day. Ramona ran 58 kilometres while looking after the members of her team and any other TNT runners who needed help. Mind-boggling.

Needless to say, I was feeling pretty darned pleased as I crossed the finish line - as you can tell from the video posted here and the photos here. And here's a picture of me showing off my finisher's shirt and Tiffany necklace after the race!  You gotta love a course that finishes on the beach!

The last thing I want to say is this: During the race, I wore an inspiration band with the names of people I wanted to think about during every mile of the race - all of whose lives had been affected by cancers. When things got tough, those names helped me to be determined and grateful - determined to honour them by running the best race I could, and grateful to be alive and able to run in such a beautiful place among so many incredible women.

I like to think that Jon, Maeve, Annette and Michael (all lost to cancer) were with me in spirit. It sure felt like they were. But, in any case, they were in my thoughts every step of the way - as they were so often during this last long year of training. 

Celebrating with my teammates
The evening after the race, Luke and I joined my teammates and their families and friends for a delicious post-race meal at an Italian restaurant close to the hotel. Folks were tired but happy so there was lots of laughter, as well as a few tears. Many of us had met previously by email and through facebook but it was the first opportunity to let down our hair and really get to know one another and we all made the most of it.

A final word of thanks
Of course, I have to conclude by expressing sincere thanks once again. To Kirsi, for being such an amazing inspiration in ways too numerous to count. To Jon's family and friends, for their unwavering support and encouragement. To my husband, Luke, who puts up with my running addiction (even encourages it!), who has whole-heartedly supported all of my TNT adventures, and who remained loving and patient throughout the craziness of race weekend. To my friends, family, colleagues and sponsors who donated so generously to the LLSC. Together, they contributed more than $6,000 for cancer research and patient support. To my chiropractor, Dr. Eric Helson, whose exceptional care, terrific sense of humour and sound advice have helped me recover from many injuries over the past nine years. To our coaches, Ramona and Theresa, for their encouragement, patience, wise advice and passion for TNT.  To Cheryl (our TNT staffer), for all her efforts on our behalf. And, finally, to my teammates whose enthusiasm, commitment, and stories of loss and survival were an inspiration each and every day.

Until next time...

P.S. If you're interested, you can go here to see a few more pictures taken before, during and after the race.

A "PB" and a lot of money raised for cancer research!

I'll write a proper post about my experiences here in California when I return home - but thought I would just take a few minutes to provide a quick update in the meantime.  The race on Sunday was AMAZING!! Truly! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, the energy of 20,000 women lining up at the start line together was infectious and I ran a personal best marathon time of just over 4:36!

That isn't fast by world class standards of course - but it's a full 12 minutes faster than my marathon in June, and 11 minutes faster than my best time in Chicago in 2009 - which is amazing given how much tougher the course was. The best part was that I actually felt pretty good at the end - despite the killer hills, despite an inadequate taper, despite my knee feeling stiff and sore for the last 7 or 8 kms!  What an incredible feeling it was to cross the finish line knowing I'd run so well (for me!) and that friends, family, colleagues and a few people I didn't even know had donated close to $6,000 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada!

As I said, I'll be sure to write a proper update when I return home. Until then, my sincere thanks to all who supported me in this project - my inspirations, my wonderful sponsors, my ever-growing TNT family, our incredible coaches (Ramona and Theresa) and of course my husband - without whose love, patience and generous support none of this would have been possible.

Week 20: Postscript

Notwithstanding the pending Air Canada strike, it looks like I'll make it to San Francisco in time for the race.  Aeroplan helpfully rebooked me on a United Airlines flight this morning.  And Husband is now rebooked too - which is awesome! I'm really looking forward to having him there to greet me at the finish line.

Week 20: One week to go! Focusing on inspiration and strategy!

Total kms this week:  23.5kms
Total kms in 20 weeks: 784.5kms

Longest run: 11.5 kms

Other training: walking, yoga

Fundraising to date: $4,905

One week to go. One week until I'm in San Francisco celebrating with my husband and TNT flex teammates, having completed my sixth marathon - at least, I hope so!

Though my training runs felt great this week, the tapering gremlins were busy.  Every twinge, every ache, every scratchy throat a cause for panic until I reminded myself (again and again) that it's normal to feel this way.  It's normal to have trouble sleeping, to feel a bit tight and achy, to be afraid that I've completely, totally and absolutely forgotten how to run any distance longer than 10 or 12kms.  Everyone feels like this just before a marathon. No need to panic. I've trained well. I'm as ready as I can be.  Now, I just have to wait. And rest. And try to think positive thoughts.

In order to keep my mind off all the things that could go wrong next Sunday (nausea, dehydration, muscle cramps, knee pain - to name a few), I've focused on two main things this week:

(1) My inspirations: All the people I'm running for - the people I know who have been touched by cancers, my teammates and their honourees, Gregor Gillis, and most of all Jon and Kirsi.  (BTW, there are still a few spots on my inspiration band if there's anyone you'd like me to think about as I climb the hills of San Francisco.)

(2) My mantra for the race: "Fun, Form, Fraternity". Given how tough the course is, a PB ("personal best" time) is unlikely so I might as well enjoy everything I can - the crowds, the entertainment, the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and the company of thousands of fellow TNT runners.  In order to do that, I need to pay close attention to my pace and form. I want to start the race at a really comfortable pace and speed up only gradually in the second half if and when I feel ready. The last thing I want to do is push too hard in the early miles and give my knee an excuse to lock up like it did in June.

Week 19: Two weeks to race day!

Total kms this week:  33kms
Total kms in 19 weeks: 761 kms

Longest run: 12 kms

Other training: walking, yoga

Fundraising to date: $4,530

Two weeks.

It really doesn't seem possible that two weeks from tonight I'll be celebrating my 6th marathon (I hope!) in San Francisco.  I'm almost sad that my latest TNT adventure will be over so soon. It's been good to have an all-consuming project on which to focus these past few months - good to be reminded each and every day that life is precious and that there are so many kind and generous people in the world.  

Friends are already asking whether I'll run another marathon next year. I'm not sure. A lot depends on how this one goes and how my body feels afterwards. If things go well, I think I may tackle one more long race (a 50km "ultra") early next summer in celebration of my 50th birthday.  If not, perhaps I'll concentrate on shorter distances and see if I can run them a little faster instead.  

Fundraising

The total my sponsors have contributed continues to grow for which I'm sincerely grateful. This past week, a number of colleagues from work donated and several others told me they intend to - so I'm still hoping to reach $5,500 before I board the plane for SF. Coincidentally, one of my colleagues went to school with Jon in Fredericton and remembers him as fondly as I do. What a small world!

Training

This week's runs felt good and I kept faithfully to my schedule - which was hard because my body wanted to run farther than my coaches recommended. I took their advice though and kept the distances short, concentrating on quality instead.  I must say it was a confidence-booster to feel so relatively strong and energetic. And last night - for the first time in months - I managed to sleep 8.5 hours in a row - which I hope means my body is finally getting the message that it's time to rest up for race day. 

There have definitely been times this week when I felt the edginess that comes with tapering - but, on the whole, I'm still feeling okay. So long as I eat right, get lots of rest, finish breaking in my new shoes (don't worry, coach, they're coming along nicely!), and avoid getting sick, I'll be as ready as I ever have been to run a marathon. And I can't ask for more than that. 

Thanks to all who have already sponsored me. Your encouragement and support have meant more than you'll ever know.

If you haven't sponsored me yet and would like to, please visit my on-line fundraising page at www.tinyurl.com/not-about-the-necklace. Thanks so much!

Week 18: Three weeks from today...

Total kms this week:  38.5 kms
Total kms in 18 weeks: 728 kms

Longest run: 20 kms

Other training: walking, yoga (2 hours)

Fundraising to date: $4,251

Three weeks from today I'll be finishing my sixth marathon in San Francisco (I hope).  I can't believe it's so close!!

I'm writing this in the Porter lounge at the Ottawa airport, having just spent a terrific few days attending a meeting for work and relaxing with Husband. Despite a fairly frantic schedule, I managed to squeeze in two runs this weekend - a mellow 20kms along the Rideau River on Friday and a wonderful 12kms at "race pace" today. It felt great running through the old "hood" and it was a special treat to have Husband along for company for portions of both runs. It's truly impressive how far he's able to run with so little training!  He keeps in shaping cycling and whatnot, but still... amazing!

Anyway, this was my last moderately big week of training.  From now until race day, I'll focus on doing shorter runs at race pace, making sure I eat right and get enough rest - while putting on a final fundraising push.

Speaking of fundraising, I was very pleased when two old friends and a new friend I recently met through my local running club stepped up to support me this week.  I feel blessed to be surrounded by such warm and generous folks and am genuinely grateful to all who've sponsored me so far.

One of my supporters asked me this week whether I had a time goal for this marathon. Truthfully, I'm far too type A not to have one - though I'm trying not to be too ambitious given how hilly the course is. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish in something under five hours (as I have in my previous 5 marathons). If I have a really great day, with no repeat of the "cranky" knee I had in New Glasgow and Chicago, maybe I'll even pull off a personal best. Frankly, if I run anything in the 4:30s, I'll be thrilled.

Whatever happens, I promise to post results as soon after the race on October 16th as I can.

Thanks again to all my sponsors!

 

BTW, the two pics above were taken today as Husband and I enjoyed a delicious post-run supper outside. It was a lovely warm day - more like summer than fall - so we decided to make the most of it!

Week 17: Honouring Terry’s Memory

Total kms this week:  62.5 kms

Total kms in 17 weeks: 689.5 kms

Longest run: 35 kms

Other training: walking, yoga

Fundraising to date: $4,001

Done. My hardest week of training is behind me so I can now focus on resting and healing fully before race day – exactly 4 weeks from today. 

The high point of my week was participating in the 31^st Terry Fox Run this afternoon. For those who may not have heard of him, Terry is one of our great Canadian heroes. When he was just 18 years old, he lost his right leg to bone cancer.  Determined to make a difference, he decided at the age of 21 to run a “Marathon of Hope” across Canada (from Newfoundland to BC) to raise funds for cancer research.   

Sadly, he wasn’t able to complete his journey.  After running 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles) – nearly a marathon a day - the cancer returned as he was running through northern Ontario and he was forced to return home to BC where he died less than a year later.

Terry’s death was a tragedy but his legacy lives on. Shortly after his death, his mother, Betty, organized the first Terry Fox Run. Runs are now held annually around the world and it is estimated that more than half a billion dollars has been raised for cancer research. Betty kept her son’s memory and mission alive until she passed away herself in June of this year.

This is why we taper...

I'm just home from another 8km run at race pace.  It felt okay for the first 5km but I have to admit the last 3km felt tough.  Last night's 8 km run with my friend Sue felt much the same.

I'm trying not to panic.

I know it's normal to feel tired at this point in marathon training. That's why tapering's so important.  After four months of hard training, my body simply needs some rest to prepare for race day - and I'll just have to see it gets it.

Somehow.

Curbing my type A tendency to do "just a little more" training will be a big challenge, as will the demands of my various work, family and volunteer commitments over the next month.  But I'm optimistic. After all, once this week is behind me, I'll be running fewer kilometres less intensively.  So long as I eat right, get enough sleep and remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, there's every chance I'll finish my 6th marathon "upright and smiling" having raised a bunch of money for a great cause and honoured two very special friends.

I hope so anyway.

Week 16: Five weeks until San Francisco – savouring my blessings

The last kilometre of my 33km run yesterday!

Total kms this week: 62 kms
Total kms in 16 weeks: 627 kms
Longest run: 33 kms
Other training: long beach walks, swimming
Funds raised to date: $4,001.00

It’s hard to believe but, if things go as planned, I’ll be running the final miles of the San Francisco Nike Women’s Marathon five weeks from now. With just one more tough week of training ahead before I begin tapering, I’m excited and relieved the finish line is in sight. 

I really love running so I’ve mostly enjoyed my training this summer.  Nevertheless, it has begun to take a toll.  It will be nice not to have to plan every weekend around my training schedule. This weekend, for example, I ran a total of 41.5 kilometres (almost a full marathon!) over two days - 33kms yesterday and 8.5 kms today – which didn’t leave time for much else.

Of course, since today is September 11^th, the tragedy of the attacks on the US and the death and destruction that's followed (and continues) are top of mind.  However, I've decided to avoid the special reports on radio and TV and honour those who've died by savouring my own life and many blessings instead.

Week 15: On vacation…and getting ready for two final weeks of tough training

Total kms this week: 38 kms
Total kms in 15 weeks: 565 kms
Longest run: 17 kms
Other training: long beach walks
Funds raised to date: $4,001.00

It’s been a mellow week. I’ve been on vacation and focussing on eating well and getting as much rest as possible before I launch into two more weeks of tough training. It’s been lovely in many ways but it’s also given me a taste of what my taper’s going to feel like. Icky. After all these months of training, even a day or two without running makes me feel antsy as heck. Thank goodness for other things to keep me occupied.

Today, it was a long walk along the coast between Broad Cove and Green Bay, where I took the picture above. It was a spectacular hike even with the fog rolling in. The wind was wild and the waves rolled large rocks against the shore making a sound I haven’t heard since our trip to Newfoundland several years ago. Truly breathtaking. We’ll be back for another hike soon.

Now that I’ve had a bit of breather, it’s time to kick back into full gear. On the agenda for this week – 3 or 4 short runs of between 5 and 10 kilometres each, followed by a 32-34 km run on the weekend. The forecast looks good for next Sunday so I’m thinking another hilly route is in order and there’s a 5k race in Lunenburg on Saturday that looks like fun.

Unfortunately, it’s been a slow week on the fundraising side because, for the most part, I've been off-line. Besides, I knew that people were just finishing up summer holidays and preparing to go back to work but, hopefully, there’s time enough to put on another push once folks have got their feet back on the ground. It would be great to raise another $2,000 before I head for San Francisco in six weeks (gulp!).

Thanks to everyone for their support so far – especially to my very patient and loving husband for all his encouragement and for taking such great care of me while he’s been in Nova Scotia this summer. Thanks too to all those who inspire – Jon and Kirsi, Gill and Gregor, Jane and Brent, Michael and Maeve, Christine, Jack and many others. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.

Week 14: Hills, hills and more hills

 

Total kms this week:  62 kms
Total kms in 14 weeks: 527 kms
Longest run: 33 kms
Hills: 7 (but they were 50% longer than usual!)
Other training: yoga
Funds raised to date: $4,001.00

The big news this week is that my sponsors have now contributed just over $4,000 – meaning my initial fundraising target has been met!  My sincere thanks to each and every one of them. Their support means so much – not just to me, but to Kirsi, to Jon’s family, and to all who benefit from the work of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Of course, with nearly seven weeks to go until race day, I plan to continue fundraising in hopes of raising even more. It’s a great cause, and every dollar will make the hills of San Francisco seem that much easier to climb.

Speaking of hills, not only did I run more kilometres this week than I have any other this summer, but I ran as many hills as I could in the process.  After completing a final hill training session Thursday evening, I selected a LSR route for the weekend that incorporated another series of tough hills (one of which is pictured above). None was as long or as steep as those I’ll be running in San Francisco but I’m hopeful they were nevertheless a reasonably good test for my right knee, which (aside from a few mild twinges en route home Thursday evening) performed well. 

I’m on vacation this coming week so plan to recuperate a bit by running three or four relatively short runs (nothing longer than 16-20 kms), then launch myself into two final weeks of tough training before beginning my “taper” in mid-September. (During my taper, I’ll gradually reduce the intensity of my training in an effort to let my body heal as fully as possible while maintaining race readiness.)  I’ve got to admit I’m looking forward to it.

Because I planned to run a marathon in San Francisco this fall and expected it to be a challenge, I’ve essentially been in training all year.  In fact, I reviewed the data stored on my computer this week and realized that I’ve run more than 1200 kms since January – an average of just over 35 kms per week and new high for me – which I hope means I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to tackle the hills of San Francisco.  Seven weeks from today, I’ll know for sure. 

In any case, my heartfelt thanks once again to all who have sponsored me. Your support and encouragement mean more than I can say. And, if you haven’t yet sponsored me, I hope you’ll consider visiting my fundraising page where you can make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada using your credit card or PayPal. 

Thanks, everyone!

Week 13: My inspiration band

Chicago - just before the race

Kilometres this week: 49 kms 
Total kms in 13 weeks: 465 kms
Long run: 23 kms (on a very hot and humid day!)
Hills: 10!

Other training: yoga (2 hours), boot camp 

Funds raised to date: $3615.00

The following is a post I wrote August 25, 2009 when I was training to run the Chicago Marathon.  The sentiments I expressed then are just as true today. I still have the band I wore in Chicago (you can see it in the pic above) and I plan to wear it again in SF - along with second one containing the names of the people I've gotten to know or heard about from their loved ones over the past two years. If you have a name you'd like added to my new inspiration band, please leave a comment below or send me an email.

*  *  *

I was thinking about inspiration today as I headed out for my long run. In the past, inspiration for my running has tended to be things like the size of my waistline, the data on my heart rate monitor, or the latest issue of Runner’s World. My training for Chicago is inspired by something completely different – a desire to pay tribute to those whose lives have been touched by blood cancers and to contribute to finding cures for all forms of the disease.

Many marathoners wear a pace band on their wrists when they race. The band sets out the time it will take them to reach every mile marker if they are running at their goal pace. I’m going to wear a different kind of band – an inspiration band – one that lists the names of people I know, or know of, who have been victims of leukemia or lymphoma. My plan is to put 26 names on it – one to provide inspiration for each mile of the race. So far, I’ve collected 9.

Week 12: Lots and lots and lots of running

Halifax harbour from the bridge this morning

Kilometres this week: 58 kms 
Total kms in 12 weeks: 416 kms

Other training: no time for much else!

Funds raised to date: $3365.00

No time to write much tonight after one heck of a busy weekend. In addition to running 42kms (10 yesterday and 32 today), I went on a road trip to attend a MacIntosh family picnic yesterday, spent time on the waterfront this afternoon and visited with a friend this evening - so I'm tuckered out, to say the least.

In any case, it's probably enough to say that my training went very well again this week. I was especially pleased with today's long run because I managed to get out on the road shortly after 7:00 a.m. before it got too hot and felt great throughout - despite the fact that my route included  a number of fairly tough hills.

Plans for the coming week include lots more running, and another push on the fundraising side. There are a number of people who've said they intend to sponsor me but haven't yet, so another (gentle) reminder appears to be in order. :-)  I'm still hoping to raise at least $4,000 before I head for San Francisco in nine weeks time. My goodness, the time is going quickly! 

Have a great week, everyone!

Week 11: Catching up!

Kilometres this week: 46 kms
Total kms in 11 weeks: 357.7 kms

Other training: a wicked "boot camp" class, yoga

Funds raised to date: $3310.00

The high point of this week was exchanging messages with Kirsi, one of my honourees. As I mentioned previously, she and I and a few friends are planning a 50th birthday trip together in the new year so emails were flying this past weekend as we reached final agreement on a destination and dates for the trip.

Kirsi also sent pictures from her summer vacation - part of which she spent sailing with friends. I especially love this one of her at the helm - in her TNT hat! Looking at her now, it's hard to believe she was as ill as she was.

Here's another great one from the same trip. It's wonderful to see her looking so relaxed and happy!

For those who are interested, I've posted a few more photos on "her" page (which you can reach by clicking here.)

Training
Because I was out of town until Monday night, it was a short training week but I still managed to squeeze in four excellent workouts over six days. In place of hill training on Thursday night, I tackled my first ever boot camp session. Given how sore my legs felt for two or three days after, I'm pretty sure I got at least as much strength training out of that session as I would have gotten out of running 8 or 10 hills. In any case, I made sure to incorporate some good steep hills into my other runs this week, and my knee held up well.

Week 10: Resting and recouping

Kilometres this week: 21 kms
Total kms in 10 weeks: 321.7 kms

Other training: yoga, resting and eating!

Funds raised to date: $2560.00 

Our TNT coaches tell us that rest is part of training - that our bodies need occasional breaks so they can recover and get stronger after a series of tough workouts - which was my justification for skipping a long slow run this past weekend and focussing on resting and eating lots instead.  I didn't have much choice in any case given that I was on the road visiting with hubbie in Ottawa and driving to Bracebridge and back (10 hours return) to attend a friend's marriage celebration.

Though my total mileage for the week was low, the training I managed to do was of good quality. I ran eight hill repeats last Wednesday evening, a hilly 5kms in Bracebridge and 8kms at a challenging (for me!) pace with a TNT friend Brent in Ottawa yesterday - where it was already incredibly hot and humid by 7:30 am!

Much as I enjoyed my time in "Upper" Canada, I must say it felt good to return to the more moderate climate of HRM last night and I look forward to the training I have planned for the week ahead - which includes more hills and a 29km run on Saturday.

In terms of fundraising, four new sponsors stepped up to make donations this week bringing the grand total to 33 so far. I'm still a long way from achieving my initial goal of raising $4,000 but I remain optimistic given that the race is still eleven weeks away.

By the way, I had a note from Kirsi a few days ago saying that she'd just returned from vacation and had had a marvellous time. Now that she's back home, she and I and our two other college roommates will have to get more serious about planning our big 50th birthday trip in January!  It's wonderful that the four of us are still able (and still want!) to go on adventures together after all these years.

I hope you and yours are enjoying a happy and healthy summer so far. If you haven't yet sponsored me... well, you know the drill. :-)  I'd really appreciate whatever support you are able and willing to provide.

Another way to help: Make a blood donation!

I made a blood donation tonight. It's something I really enjoy doing. The clinic staff always makes me feel so darned special.  Plus, lots of people I care about have needed blood transfusions at one time or another so it seems like the least I can do.

When Jon was in hospital undergoing treatment, people asked what they could do to help. One of the things he suggested was that they donate blood, plasma or platelets - so one lunch hour a group of us who worked with him went to the local blood donor clinic en masse. I remember that we laughed a lot. And talked about Jon. And tried hard to distract and encourage the newbies who were nervous about making their first donations. It was a good day - a day when we were all happy we could do something to help and still felt optimistic that Jon would recover from the leukemia that eventually took his life.

Please consider making a blood donation if you're able to. Less than 4% of eligible Canadians do - and you really could save a life - two or three even. I promise it won't hurt a bit. And did I mention they treat you to cookies and juice after?

For more information on donating blood, click here.

Week 9: 25 kms along my favourite piece of shoreline


Kilometres this week:  48 kms
Total kms in 9 weeks:  300.7 kms

Other training:  yoga, several long beach walks
Funds raised to date: $2260.00 

It's been another great week in terms of fundraising. A masssive thank you to all those who've sponsored me so far. Your support and encouragment mean more than I can say.

It's been a great week in terms of training as well. Tuesday, I ran a mellow 7kms with my friend Sue - which was all I could manage after my chiropractor, Eric Helson, had another go at my right calf Monday night. The treatment hurt like the dickens but seems to have been effective so I'll head back for more of the same later this week. (In all seriousness, if you live in HRM and require chiropractic care, I'd highly recommend Dr. Helson. As well as being a heck of a nice guy, he's a marathoner, an ironman, and an amazing diagnostician.)

Thursday night, I managed six hill repeats; Saturday, I ran an easy 8kms along the river; and - for a special treat - I ran nearly 25kms along my favourite piece of Nova Scotia shoreline yesterday.  I hadn't run the same route since last February on a cold, windy day when the scenery looked quite different. (Click here to read an account of my February run and here to see pictures.)  By contrast, yesterday was glorious - mostly sunny and warm with a cool breeze that made running very comfortable. The photo below was taken by a fellow beachlover near the end of the route, as I made my way back across Crescent Beach. 

Week 8: Savouring how lucky I am

Kilometres this week:  41.5 kms
Total kms in 8 weeks:  242.7 kms
Other training: 2 hours yoga, several long beach walks
Funds raised to date: $1810.00 

What does this photo have to do with TNT?  Well, it's my favourite from amongst those I took at the beach today where I spent the afternoon with a good friend and various members of my family. We walked, talked, listened to the waves and - yes - even swam in the cold north Atlantic.  It was a few hours of well-earned rest and relaxation after a big weekend of training.

Following my first foray into hills on Thursday, I tackled a long slow 21kms yesterday without triggering a major knee issue. In fact, my knee felt so good after running 16kms at a sensibly slow pace that I was able to pick it up considerably for the last 5kms and arrived home feeling strong and energized!

This morning, I hit the road again - this time with my friend Karen who was visiting for the weekend.  I introduced her to my favourite 8km loop along the river, then added a little distance so she could see some of Bridgewater's fine old century homes as well.  Our pace was a leisurely one because I was recovering from my LSR and because, as always when we run together, we talked non-stop. :-)  Back at the house, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fresh strawberries and cream, toast, That Dutchman's gouda and cafe latte on the back deck, before packing up to head to the beach.

This weekend brought home to me again one of the things I like best about being a member of TNT - being reminded regularly to savour just how lucky I am to be alive and healthy enough to go for long mellow runs, body surf in the ocean, eat wonderful food and spend time with the people I love.

If you haven't sponsored me yet, I hope you'll consider it!

Whohooo!! Hill training!

Last evening. In the pouring rain. I am so "hard core".  :-)

Seriously, it felt great!  I only ran four relatively short hills, but it was a start and my knee held up well.  I was especially pleased that running downhill didn't hurt, which was my biggest concern.  Given that there will be lots of hills in San Francisco, it was a relief to begin incorporating some serious hill work into my training finally. I followed it up with some lovely long yoga stretches when I got home and iced my knee before bed to ward off any stiffness this morning - which seems to have worked.

As a reward for my efforts, I ran along a favourite path through Birch Cove Park en route home.  It was still pouring rain so I had the park to myself and the path was barely passable in places on account of all the overgrown vegetation (the upside of all the rain we've had this summer.) Only a few hundred feet from a busy neighbourhood street, I felt as if I was in the midst of a forest miles from anywhere.  It was magical really. In fact, it was so lovely I stopped in a small clearing for several minutes just to drink in the beauty and silence all around me.

That's what I love about running. If I didn't run, I likely would have been stuck in my apartment feeling grumpy about another evening of cool rainy weather in July. Instead, I was outside enjoying all that beauty and doing some terrific training.  How great is that?!

Week 7: On vacation (sort of) but still running!

Kilometres this week:  35 kms
Total kms in 7 weeks:  201.2 kms
Other training: 2 hours yoga, several long beach walks
Funds raised to date: $1610.00

The big news this week is that I had a lovely note from Kirsi who reported that she was doing well and looking forward to a two week vacation - part of which she hoped to spend sailing with friends.  It makes me very happy to think of her enjoying herself after all she's been through. She also mentioned that she'd read the notes friends had left on "her" page, and on my TNT fundraising page and that it made her happy and proud to know they were thinking of her and willing to sponsor me.  So, if you know Kirsi (and even if you don't!) - please consider becoming a sponsor and/or leaving your own note for her.

Training
I was on vacation these past two weeks - well sort of. I worked every day but stayed at our country place with my husband who was on vacation - officially, at least. The reality is that he spent most of his time working on house repairs, gardening and spoiling me!  And I must say that arriving home to healthy and delicious home-cooked meals every night and having so much time with him and our two beloved cats made it feel like a vacation for me too. The only downside was that I spent nearly three hours a day commuting back and forth to the city every day - though of course it was worth it!

Week 6: Getting back into the groove

Kilometres this week:  26kms
Other training: 2 hours yoga
Funds raised to date: $1410.00

Training
I got back into a more normal training groove this week with three runs - the longest of which was 13kms along the LaHave River and through Peace Park (where this photo was taken).  My right leg felt great during the two shorter runs (on Tuesday and Friday) but I had to call my husband to rescue me when my knee seized up and became very painful at around the 12km mark today - which was disappointing because I had planned to run 20kms.

It's irritating to be dealing with an injury - but at least it's early in enough in my training that I know I have lots of time to figure out what the trouble is before race day. My chiro did some serious (read "painful") work on my right calf and hamstrings last week and taught me two new stretches which seem to be helping so hopefully I'll be back to full strength before long. This week I'll focus on easy running, yoga and ice. Hill training will just have to wait until the knee is up to it.

Fundraising
My fundraising got a boost this week when several former College classmates responded to an appeal I sent late last week with donations and messages of support for Kirsi - for which I'm truly grateful. My plan for the coming week is to reach out to more former classmates, catch up on thank you notes, and investigate a couple of fundraising projects for later this summer.

If you haven't yet sponsored me, please consider visiting my TNT fundraising page soon!  www.tinyurl.com/not-about-the-necklace. My initial goal is to raise $4,000 by August 1st so any amount you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated!

BTW, click here for more pics from my long run today. I feel so lucky to be able to run in such beautiful places.

In Celebration of Kirsi

I've not yet written much about Kirsi on this blog - though I think of her every day and am so very grateful she is alive and well because of modern treatments for Hodgkin's disease.

We now think of Hodgkin's disease as an almost entirely curable form of cancer - but it wasn't always. UK statistics from the 1970s show five-year survival rates back then were between 50 and 60%  - so, clearly, a great deal of progress has been made in understanding and treating HD in the 40 years since.

Unfortunately, there is still much to learn about other kinds blood cancers. In Canada, leukemia remains the number one disease-killer of children under 19 and the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults has doubled since 1973.The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada was established in 1955 to fund Canadian researchers who focus on leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and Hodgkin's disease. Over the years it has funded hundreds of prominent researchers who have made significant progress in developing better, less invasive treatments in their quest to find permanent cures.  It also provides support and information to those who are diagnosed with those diseases.

Week 5: Recovering and Refocusing on Fundraising

Kilometres this week:  15 kms
Other training: Lots of walking and stretching!
Funds raised to date: $985.00

Training
Training was at a low ebb this week while I recovered from running the Johnny Miles marathon last weekend. I was walking pretty carefully the day after the race but, fortunately, by Tuesday was able to trot down the stairs to the ferry terminal almost normally - which I hope means full recovery isn't far off.  (For those who've never seen it, this YouTube video "The Day After the Marathon" is hilarious and pretty much says it all!) 

I took the rest of the week slowly and ran only two relatively short runs - 4kms on Thursday and 11kms today - though I also did as much walking and stretching as possible. The Thursday run felt surprisingly good, but my right leg got a little cranky again this morning so clearly further rehab is in order.  On the upside, having to take it slowly this morning meant I had the chance to enjoy the sight and scents of dozens of saltwater rose bushes blooming along the route (one of which is pictured above).

When I saw my chiro the day after the race, he assured me my legs were in decent shape all things considered so hopefully today's discomfort was nothing but a faint echo from last weekend. Time will tell - but I'm determined to stay optimistic at this stage.

Fundraising
In terms of fundraising, I was greatly encouraged when Jon's folks made a generous donation in support of my run this past week, which was followed by several other large donations including one from my mother and father-in-law. In addition, a number of friends and colleagues offered to sponsor me without being prompted. So all in all it feels like things are coming along nicely - although I'll have to continue to be diligent.

While slowly easing my way back into training over the next few weeks, I hope to focus more of my time and energy on fundraising. This weekend, I made detailed plans for my next round of appeal letters which I'll start sending out later in the week. In addition, I'll follow up with several people who've already said they want to sponsor me. I also need to begin thinking about what kind of fundraising event I could hold this fall.  (Suggestions, anyone?)

If you're reading this and haven't yet made a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada in support of my run, I hope you'll consider it!  I still have a long way to go to reach my initial goal of $4,000 so any amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated!!

Week 4: Lessons to learn

Kilometres this week:  46.2 kms
Other training: 2.5 hrs yoga
Funds raised to date: $685.00

Okay, first the good news. I finished the Johnny Miles marathon today - all 42.2kms of it. And I had awesome companions for the adventure including my longtime running buddy, Susan (pictured with me here before the race) and her good friend, Robin. I felt terrific beforehand and the weather wasn't bad for running (cool and overcast to start with occasional periods of rain and sun to make it interesting). What else? Well, I wore my TNT training shirt so TNT got a little advertising. I had a new personal best for portapottie visits before and during a race - four before and two during.  (I know. How is that possible??) I had a pretty strong finish. Hmmmm.  And I suppose I learned that I'm even tougher than I thought I was - though, to be honest, that's a lesson I could have done without.

Now, the not so good news.  To begin with, no PB.  My chip time was 4:48:19 so my personal best remains Chicago in 4:47:09.  The first 10 kms were great. Susan, Robin and I ran along on pace and feeling good. At the half marathon turnaround point, I waved goodbye, and trucked up the hill towards the full marathon turnaround.  As I turned to head back down the hill, a sharp pain - reminiscent of Chicago - shot through my right knee and up the outside of my leg into my hip.  The difference was the pain didn't hit in Chicago until more than half way through the race.  I must confess I briefly panicked but managed to get it together enough to attempt to assess my situation logically.  Ten kilometres into a 42.2km race, I was hobbling.  Drop out? Run a half? Keep going? Cry?  I decided to keep going and see if I could figure out what the problem was.

Race day: The icing on the cake

With any luck, two days from now I'll just be completing my "warm-up" marathon in New Glasgow. 

The thought both excites and terrifies me. I'm excited about finally getting a chance to see what I can do, and terrified that I won't succeed in achieving a personal best (PB) time, let alone running the race in less than 4:30.

I know I shouldn't be so focussed on my time goal. It's just that I'm still type A enough to have trouble letting go of it altogether - although, as my friends keep reminding me, the race is really just the icing on the cake. The best thing about running a marathon is all the training leading up to it - not to mention the many friends made along the way and the hours spent pondering life, the universe and everything in beautiful, scenic places. And, as a member of Team in Training, you can add to that list all the money raised to fight cancers. So - yup - the race itself is important but it's not the most important thing.

In any case, I know the keys to doing well on Sunday are to relax, listen to my body, have faith in myself, trust my training and savour the icing. I get to be out there running when so many others can't. And I get to try to run a marathon faster than I ever have. How delicious is that?!

Week 3: Keeping the faith and remembering Jon

Kilometres this week: 27 kms
Other training - 2.5 hours yoga
Funds raised so far: $645

It's been a strange week. On the one hand, I'm excited because I finally feel like I'm really going to do this - train and fundraise to run the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon in October. We had our first session with our fabulous TNT coaches, Ramona and Theresa, Monday might, and I sent out an initial appeal to potential sponsors and booked a hotel for our stay in San Francisco.

On the other hand, I've been tapering (i.e. reducing my training) in preparation for the marathon I'll run in New Glasgow this coming Sunday - meaning my body and head feel all twitchy and out of sorts from the sudden drop in physical activity. I ran my last serious training run - 10km at race pace - on Saturday. It didn't feel as easy as I'd hoped so I'm trying to rest as much as possible this week in hopes I arrive at the start line feeling fresher than I did last weekend.

My goal for this marathon is to run a sub-4:30 (finally!) and reward all those people who showed such faith in me two years ago - the last time I attempted it in Chicago. Currently, the forecast is for a reasonably cool, overcast day but it's June in Nova Scotia so anything's possible. If Sunday is hot and humid, it will be difficult to improve on my personal best time of 4:47 given that I've done nearly all my training in much cooler temperatures.

But I'm trying not to think about that too much. After all, there's nothing I can do about the weather. What I can do is eat properly, get lots of rest, make contingency plans, think positive thoughts and show a little faith in the training and my body's ability to go the distance. 

I got a great note from one of my sponsors this morning. She and Jon were friends and she said she thinks of him often - how much he loved his job and what it meant to him - and told me she has one of his business cards on her desk to help her keep things in perspective when her own work gets a bit frustrating. What a wonderful illustration of how Jon's life - though far too short - affected so many people in positive ways!

I think of Jon often too - especially when I'm training. A love of running was one of the things he and I had in common. I won't have his card with me on Sunday, but I guarantee I'll be thinking about him. And, if things get tough for whatever reason and I start to lose faith that I can run all 42.2 kms, I'll remind myself of just how hard he fought to stay alive through all those long months of treatment, and how lucky I am to be out there attempting to finish another marathon - let alone finish one in under four and a half hours.

Thanks for the inspiration, Jon! I promise I'll do my best to make you proud - on Sunday, and in the weeks and months ahead.

Week 2: Un-predicting race times and fundraising results

Kilometres this week: 32 kms
Other training - 2.5 hours yoga
Funds raised so far: $300

I've gotten very wary of predicting finishing times for my races. Sometimes things go far better than I hope. Other times, not so much. In the past few months, I've had two unexpectedly awesome races.  In March, I ran the Around the Bay 30km race in Hamilton hoping to finish somewhere between 3:15 and 3:30 and finished in just under 3:08 - which was incredibly thrilling for a tortoise like me.  Then today, I ran a 5km race on a tough hilly course in Chester (where this picture was taken - after the race, of course) hoping to finish in something like 27:30 and crossed the line in 26:36.  What's most exciting for me about these results is that they suggest I might actually be ready to finish my next marathon in under 4 and a half hours. It would be wonderful if I finally pulled it off because it's something I've wanted to do for awhile and I felt I let my sponsors down when I failed to achieve that goal in Chicago.

I've discovered the same unpredictability applies to fundraising.  When I started training for Chicago two years ago, I set an initial goal of $6,000 and thought perhaps I was being a bit too ambitious. However, as it turned out, colleagues, friends and people I'd never met were more generous than I dared hope and contributed nearly $8,000. I was truly overwhelmed and inspired by their support.

Even more overwhelming and inspiring were the stories I heard along the way - of loved ones lost, still fighting or living cancer free - and all the people who cared about them and stepped up to help on their journey - however it ended.

Before the Chicago Marathon, I wrote the names of 26 people on a bracelet - people I either knew personally or learned about in the course of my training and fundraising who had had leukemia or some other form of cancer - so that I had someone to think about during every mile of the race.  Those names kept me going through some pretty tough miles when my knee (and just about every other part of me) hurt. I plan to make a bracelet for San Francisco as well - so please send me the names of anyone you'd like me to be thinking about. If I end up with more than 26 names, no problem.  I'll just make a bigger bracelet, and fundraise and train that much harder.  And all the while I'll be praying and singing and hoping for an end to all forms of cancer.  Ooh, child...

Running and singing for Gregor

I'm running a marathon in just over two weeks. Not the one I'm running to raise funds for TNT, but the Johnny Miles Marathon in New Glasgow on June 19th.  I registered for Johnny Miles because I thought it would be a useful warm-up for San Francisco in October. Also because I thought I might finally be ready to run 42.2 kms in less than four and a half hours - though that seems less likely than it did a few months ago. For whatever reason, I've started having issues with my right knee and lower back so am headed off to see my chiropractor tomorrow to see what he can do to help.  In the meantime, I'm breathing deeply and trying not to panic. I know from experience that minor twinges and anxiety are normal when "tapering" for a big race. In fact, I blogged about it when I was preparing to run the Around the Bay 30km race in March. (Click here to read that post.)

Focusing on other things is the key to dealing with the anxiety and, goodness knows, there's no shortage of other things to focus on. For instance, Gregor Gillis, this season's honoured teammate for Team in Training Halifax. He's an amazing little boy fighting a very nasty form of leukemia as well as an assortment of other health issues. His mom, Melanie, posted a note on Facebook today to say that he's starting chemo again.  Her message was heartbreaking. She wrote that, because he looked so happy this morning, she found it hard to look at him knowing what was about to happen. And she asked that each of us keep him in our thoughts and join her in singing (in our hearts, if nowhere else) Ooh Child - the song she sings to him (and sang to his brother Bergen who died in 2003 from a rare pulmonary condition). I, for one, will be singing it often as I train and fundraise for San Francisco in the coming weeks and months. I hope you'll join me.

Ooh Child (click on the title to hear the Five Stairsteps version of the song)

Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll get brighter
Ooh-oo child, things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child, things'll be brighter

Some day, yeah
We'll put it together and we'll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

Week 1: Getting started

Heading out for my long run

Kilometres this week: 29 kms
Other training - 1 hour yoga
Funds raised so far: $250

I'm rather arbitrarily referring to this as my first week of training for San Francisco. It isn't really - in the sense that I've known since January that I wanted to run the Nike Women's Marathon as a TNT participant and have been training regularly towards that goal.  But, for reporting purposes, I have to start counting somewhere.  So, let's call this Week 1.

It wasn't a big week in terms of mileage because I've begun tapering for a marathon I plan to run next month, and my husband was in town to celebrate our wedding anniversary. My total of just 29 kms was a big decrease from 70 kms I ran the week before. However, today's long run was not without its challenges.  Last weekend, when I ran 36kms, it was in cool and rainy 10 degree conditions. Today, I managed only half that distance when temperatures soared to 28 degrees (plus humidity). Neither my body nor my psyche were ready for such a sudden change in weather conditions. When I started to feel dizzy from the heat and dehydration, discretion seemed the better part of valour, and I turned towards home.  I'll try to squeeze in an extra 10km run tomorrow night to make up for the shorter distance today.

Training plans

A quick post about my training plans.  In theory, it shouldn't be too difficult to prepare for San Francisco. I've been running very regularly the last two years, and have lost 20 pounds since I begain training for Chicago. This year, I've already run a 30km road race (the Around the Bay Road Race in Hamilton) and am trained up to run the Johnny Miles Marathon in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia next month. (Last week - the peak of my training - I ran more than 70kms, including a long run of 36kms.) In short, I'm fitter and faster than I've been in a long time.

But here's the problem. When I trained for Chicago, I had one major asset I won't have this time around - my husband, Luke, who ensured I was fed, watered, encouraged and supported through 5 long months of training.  Of course, he'll be encouraging and supporting me, but mostly from afar because we're living and working in separate cities at the moment - which means I'll be responsible for feeding and watering myself.  I'm not sure how I'm going to find time to do that properly on top of working full-time, training and fundraising - but I'll have to figure it out if I want to arrive in San Francisco in good shape.

Incidentally, I don't have a time goal for SF at this point - though being the (recovering) type A personality I am, I'll likely come up with one. For the Chicago Marathon, I trained harder than I ever had with the goal of running under 4:30. In the end,  I only managed a disappointing 4:47 as a result of running too fast in the first 5 kms and experiencing some severe knee pain during the second half of the race (likely the result of going out too fast).

My goal for Johnny Miles is the same 4:30 - which, based on my 30km time in March (3:07:45), should be possible - but much will depend on the day. For the next month, I plan to focus on resting and sleeping lots, eating well, and training a little more gently to let my body heal fully so that I'm as strong as I can be on race day. If I finally succeed in running 42.2 kms in less than 4:30, perhaps I'll feel confident about setting the same goal for SF - though that would be ambitious given that it's a much more challenging course. 

At any rate, first things first. Johnny Miles next month, and then a heart to heart with my TNT coaches (who are fabulous, BTW!). I'll keep you posted.

Here I go again

It's official. I've registered to run the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon as a member of Team in Training Flex - a national team made up of partipants from across the country. I'm excited and a little nervous.  On the one hand, this is my second TNT event and my sixth marathon (assuming I successfully run my fifth next month), so I'm confident I can handle both the training and the fundraising. On the other, there's a little voice in my head musing about the challenges of fundraising for a second event (when friends and family were so generous the last time), and training when my life is so busy and my body is a couple of years older.

Fortunately, I had the pleasure of watching and cheering for a few dozen TNT participants who ran the Bluenose Marathon and Half Marathon yesterday. The looks on their faces as they passed - the pride, determination and, a few cases, tears - strengthened my commitment to going on this journey again. Also of great help were the notes of encouragement and support I received from Kirsi and Jon's family this week. They will be in my thoughts daily in the weeks and months ahead.

I hope you'll check back here often to see how my training and fundraising are going, and share my blog with your family and friends too.