Today was my first workout with Team In Training. It was a pretty easy one, but boy are some of those guys and girls fast! I guess I really have my work cut out for me now. The good news is, my group (Placer County) seems to have about the same sense of humor as I do. That should be interesting. Also, it seems like we're all going to get along pretty well. I'm looking forward to the social aspects of this journey.
Also, don't forget, I'm doing this to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, please DONATE to this cause.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
A little Snag...A Great Victory
Well, my time in Lake Tahoe didn't go as planned. I didn't feel very good when I arrived on Wednesday, so I took it easy: watched a movie, had a good meal, and hung out with my co-workers. The next day, I was sick as a dog. So, just after dinner, I came home, cutting my trip short by one day.
The hiatus put me a little behind. I had four days off in a row, I usually only take two days off in a row once a week. I was anxious to get out the door this morning, even though I'm not 100%. So I woke up, had a very light breakfast, stretched and took off running.
There is an intersection, not too far from home, that I always thought would be a good half-way point for an out-and-back run. So I aimed for it and ran. It is a beautiful day in Georgetown; fifty degrees, bright blue sky, and a mild breeze. It's also very quiet. I'm not used to being home on weekdays, so I guess this was a special treat. I was so enthralled with the splendor that I never looked at my watch.
The route has a very long (gradual but long) hill in the middle. On the way up I needed to take a short walking break and was a bit disappointed in myself. But I kept one foot in front of the other until I reached the half way point.
I ran the entire way back with little trouble and was actually feeling pretty good when I turned into my driveway. I stopped my watch and took a double-take. "Thirty nine minutes?" Until today, my longest run was just over two miles and/or twenty five minutes. I looked up the route online and calculated it at 3.28 miles. That is a significant increase in time and distance that I was not expecting. I am really excited, because today, I know that I'm going to do this thing. I'm going to finish a half-marathon. It's a good day.
Don't forget, I have a long way to go in training and fund-raising. Please consider a DONATION in honor of those battling Leukemia and Lymphoma.
The hiatus put me a little behind. I had four days off in a row, I usually only take two days off in a row once a week. I was anxious to get out the door this morning, even though I'm not 100%. So I woke up, had a very light breakfast, stretched and took off running.
There is an intersection, not too far from home, that I always thought would be a good half-way point for an out-and-back run. So I aimed for it and ran. It is a beautiful day in Georgetown; fifty degrees, bright blue sky, and a mild breeze. It's also very quiet. I'm not used to being home on weekdays, so I guess this was a special treat. I was so enthralled with the splendor that I never looked at my watch.
The route has a very long (gradual but long) hill in the middle. On the way up I needed to take a short walking break and was a bit disappointed in myself. But I kept one foot in front of the other until I reached the half way point.
I ran the entire way back with little trouble and was actually feeling pretty good when I turned into my driveway. I stopped my watch and took a double-take. "Thirty nine minutes?" Until today, my longest run was just over two miles and/or twenty five minutes. I looked up the route online and calculated it at 3.28 miles. That is a significant increase in time and distance that I was not expecting. I am really excited, because today, I know that I'm going to do this thing. I'm going to finish a half-marathon. It's a good day.
Don't forget, I have a long way to go in training and fund-raising. Please consider a DONATION in honor of those battling Leukemia and Lymphoma.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mental?
I have to admit, this is odd to say--it's odd period--but I cannot wait to run tomorrow. I'm heading up to South Lake Tahoe tomorrow for a corporate retreat. I need to be there early to make sure one of the houses is opened and heated before people arrive, so I'm going to set the thermostat and go for a run.
It's been bitter cold up there, well below freezing, so I'm going prepared. Still the weather and the altitude should give my lungs a wake-up call. I guess it really doesn't matter what I do, I love Lake Tahoe. It is other-worldly. So running shouldn't be any different...right?
I'll go for two runs over the three days that I'll be there, a fitting end. When I return from the serenity of Lake Tahoe, the real work begins. I officially begin training with my team on Saturday. I have no idea what to expect. A friend who has volunteered with Team In Training, has assured me that I will be okay; at least for the first few weeks, "...then it gets tough." She informed me today. I'm bit anxious. Who isn't on a new adventure, right?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my run and I'll post a few pics this weekend to show you just how beautiful life can be.
Hey, while you're waiting...check THIS out!
It's been bitter cold up there, well below freezing, so I'm going prepared. Still the weather and the altitude should give my lungs a wake-up call. I guess it really doesn't matter what I do, I love Lake Tahoe. It is other-worldly. So running shouldn't be any different...right?
I'll go for two runs over the three days that I'll be there, a fitting end. When I return from the serenity of Lake Tahoe, the real work begins. I officially begin training with my team on Saturday. I have no idea what to expect. A friend who has volunteered with Team In Training, has assured me that I will be okay; at least for the first few weeks, "...then it gets tough." She informed me today. I'm bit anxious. Who isn't on a new adventure, right?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my run and I'll post a few pics this weekend to show you just how beautiful life can be.
Hey, while you're waiting...check THIS out!
Monday, January 26, 2009
The First Hurdle is Behind Me
Whenever I take on something, it consumes me for a few days. Everything I think about, dream about, and talk about revolves around my new found adventure. Excitement and anxiety seem to go hand-in-hand during these times of immersion, and yesterday was no different. I was antsy yesterday afternoon. So, after sending my first (of many) fund raising emails, I went for a run in the snow.
As I ran, I started thinking about how much was between me and a half marathon. There is a lot of training, dozens of pounds to lose, miles to be run, aches and pains to be had; but, the hurdle that concerns me the most is fund raising. I know how difficult the economy is right now. Many of my friends and family have far less money than they are used to. How could I possibly ask them to give?
I reached the half way point of my run at the bottom of a very long hill. Carolyn (my Wife) and I ran this route a few weeks back and I had to walk the entire thing. This time I dug in and began to run up hill. It was difficult and I had to walk a few yards in the middle, but by the time I got to the top I had done something that was impossible for me a few weeks back. I got back to the house and realized that this run is much bigger than I first thought. The distance is secondary. My race is to help people who need something that is impossible now, a cure. The money that is raised as I train will fund a cure for a merciless killer. How could I NOT ask for donations? A cure may not come this week, or next, but it will come as long as there are people committed to finding it.
This morning, I looked at my donation's page before work and sighed. This is a big task. But when I got to work, two of my friends (whom I had emailed) told me that they wanted to donate. Another told me that our company would match--dollar for dollar--employee contributions. A good friend emailed me, asking how to help. But, most unexpected of all, a new friend, from across the globe, became the first to donate. There is NO WAY I can turn back now.
Please DONATE today.
As I ran, I started thinking about how much was between me and a half marathon. There is a lot of training, dozens of pounds to lose, miles to be run, aches and pains to be had; but, the hurdle that concerns me the most is fund raising. I know how difficult the economy is right now. Many of my friends and family have far less money than they are used to. How could I possibly ask them to give?
I reached the half way point of my run at the bottom of a very long hill. Carolyn (my Wife) and I ran this route a few weeks back and I had to walk the entire thing. This time I dug in and began to run up hill. It was difficult and I had to walk a few yards in the middle, but by the time I got to the top I had done something that was impossible for me a few weeks back. I got back to the house and realized that this run is much bigger than I first thought. The distance is secondary. My race is to help people who need something that is impossible now, a cure. The money that is raised as I train will fund a cure for a merciless killer. How could I NOT ask for donations? A cure may not come this week, or next, but it will come as long as there are people committed to finding it.
This morning, I looked at my donation's page before work and sighed. This is a big task. But when I got to work, two of my friends (whom I had emailed) told me that they wanted to donate. Another told me that our company would match--dollar for dollar--employee contributions. A good friend emailed me, asking how to help. But, most unexpected of all, a new friend, from across the globe, became the first to donate. There is NO WAY I can turn back now.
Please DONATE today.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Most Frightening Part
I have never set out to raise money before. Well, not officially anyway. After a good night's sleep and a strong cup of coffee this morning, I'm beginning to realize that raising $3,100+ is going to be a difficult task. Does anyone with more experience in this area have any ideas? I'm open to just about anything constructive. Thanks in advance.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
See What Boredom Get's You...
Well, now I've done it. I have been so bored lately. Since I left a career in ministry, I have felt like I wasn't really doing anything to make the world a better place. I lost connections with most of my friends and I found myself bored.
It's been four years. I needed something to do. At the behest of my Doctor, I started running. He told me that unless I did some serious work and lost some serious weight (50 lbs.) he was going to essentially kick my butt. Needless to say, my wife was also in line for that event, so I decided to do something; because honestly, the two of them could probably take me.
On a whim, I Googled "running" and stumbled upon the Couch to 5k Program on coolrunning.com . I started out 6 weeks ago and barley was able to run 1 minute. Today, I went for my first 25 minute continuous run (a little over 2 miles). It's hard, but oddly enough, I'm starting to actually like it.
I finished my run in the rain this morning and then took a much bigger and more frightening chance. I joined the Team In Training.
Like I said, I need to make a difference in this world, this is a small way for me to help some people out that really need it. Please take a minute to check out the Team In Training website. Or, better yet, help me get together enough money to actually do this thing. I need to raise over $3,000. Visit my fund raising page HERE. I know that the economy stinks and that many of you don't have much to give, but every little bit helps. Also, keep checking back or add this blog to your watch list (Click the "Follow This Blog" button on the sidebar) so you can get regular and honest updates on my progress.
13 miles is a long way to run...what did I get myself into?
It's been four years. I needed something to do. At the behest of my Doctor, I started running. He told me that unless I did some serious work and lost some serious weight (50 lbs.) he was going to essentially kick my butt. Needless to say, my wife was also in line for that event, so I decided to do something; because honestly, the two of them could probably take me.
On a whim, I Googled "running" and stumbled upon the Couch to 5k Program on coolrunning.com . I started out 6 weeks ago and barley was able to run 1 minute. Today, I went for my first 25 minute continuous run (a little over 2 miles). It's hard, but oddly enough, I'm starting to actually like it.
I finished my run in the rain this morning and then took a much bigger and more frightening chance. I joined the Team In Training.
Like I said, I need to make a difference in this world, this is a small way for me to help some people out that really need it. Please take a minute to check out the Team In Training website. Or, better yet, help me get together enough money to actually do this thing. I need to raise over $3,000. Visit my fund raising page HERE. I know that the economy stinks and that many of you don't have much to give, but every little bit helps. Also, keep checking back or add this blog to your watch list (Click the "Follow This Blog" button on the sidebar) so you can get regular and honest updates on my progress.
13 miles is a long way to run...what did I get myself into?
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