Truly I did not end my run today all stitched up--I actually ended up with a side stitch. I'm fairly certain it's a combination of starting out too fast and wearing too much clothing while running. As has been a theme of these posts, my type-A+ personality really interferes with my ability to do things at which I am not good. As I am a very new runner, I have a hard time recognizing that right now, this is my pace, and it will only improve with time and effort. I didn't expect to be setting world records, but I had hope to be a bit faster.
That said, I have finished all my runs (save number 13), and from May 11, 2008 through today, I ran for a total of 7 hours, 13 minutes, and 51 seconds. This is considerably more time* than I will spend running the half-marathon course in October.
Back to the stitch--I don't think I've ever quite experienced that stabbing/can't breathe sensation that a side stitch brings. Thanks to a teammate (that I don't yet know by name) and my mentor, Marianne, for stopping to help me get my breath and get back running. Next week, I'll try to start out slower and dress more appropriately for the weather.
Finally, in three weeks, I have raised $535** towards my goal of $4,000. I really appreciate everyone who has donated so far. I've gotten a couple of apology notes with some donations from people saying they were sorry that they couldn't donate more. Please don't apologize--every donation of every size helps towards the goal of curing blood cancers.
* I certainly hope that I will be running the half-marathon in under 7 hours!
** Donations can take a few weeks to show up on my fundraising page (located here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/nikesf08/rhaynes, so the total there is not always accurate to date).
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Missed Run (13 is unlucky)
Yesterday, I missed my run. I was up too late on Tuesday night (until 10 p.m.), and I couldn't get out of bed to run early. I figured that I would run after work, but that didn't happen--I worked later than I planned and was too tired to lace up my Sauconys. I felt like such a huge slacker last night, as I watched "Top Chef" and realized that I had missed a run.
But, today's a new day. I have my running gear with me at work, and I going to run with the Flying Irish tonight. As The Hives say, "You get up/you get down/and you try again."
But, today's a new day. I have my running gear with me at work, and I going to run with the Flying Irish tonight. As The Hives say, "You get up/you get down/and you try again."
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
What is an easy run (Run 12)?
This morning I managed to get out of bed early and run at 6 a.m. Getting out of bed early was helped by the fact that my friend Luke was going to run with me. Luke and his sister Devon (my best friend) are both natural athletes, so even though Luke has not been running quite as much as usual, he is still a considerably better runner than I. I'll admit, I was a little concerned that he'd think, "Wow. She's a little slow. Does she really think that she can RUN a half-marathon?"
Luke graciously agreed to run at my pace, and I tried to maintain a decent pace for the easy run scheduled for today (but not so easy that Luke had to walk). Although my footfalls and breathing got pretty heavy and loud towards the end, I managed to stay a few seconds back from Luke the entire time (despite the fact that I don't think he was even sweating). Since I am relatively new to running, this was for me a good run. Earlier this year, I'm certain that I would have had to walk and/or give up--the little accomplishments really keep you motivated.
According to everything that I've read and been told, an easy run is one during which you can have a conversation. There was certainly some talking, but it got less and less as the time wore on during the run. It's really a challenge for me to want to continue doing something at which I am not the best. Maybe running will help take my ego down a notch or two.
Luke did add that if I keep up the running, I'll get addicted. I can't imagine that being a bad thing, and it should be considerably less expensive than my Nordstrom addiction.
Luke graciously agreed to run at my pace, and I tried to maintain a decent pace for the easy run scheduled for today (but not so easy that Luke had to walk). Although my footfalls and breathing got pretty heavy and loud towards the end, I managed to stay a few seconds back from Luke the entire time (despite the fact that I don't think he was even sweating). Since I am relatively new to running, this was for me a good run. Earlier this year, I'm certain that I would have had to walk and/or give up--the little accomplishments really keep you motivated.
According to everything that I've read and been told, an easy run is one during which you can have a conversation. There was certainly some talking, but it got less and less as the time wore on during the run. It's really a challenge for me to want to continue doing something at which I am not the best. Maybe running will help take my ego down a notch or two.
Luke did add that if I keep up the running, I'll get addicted. I can't imagine that being a bad thing, and it should be considerably less expensive than my Nordstrom addiction.
Monday, May 26, 2008
This Is How We Do*
There have been a flurry of questions about my training for Nike. Trust me, there's no way that I could run 13.1 miles (in a row) tomorrow. I could complete 13.1 miles tomorrow, but I certainly would not be running them (and, it would really cut into my work day)!
Since I am running Nike with TNT, I have to raise at least $4,000 to even run the race. So, if I don't raise the $4,000, I either pay out of pocket to reach the $4,000 fundraising minimum, or, I don't get to run. But, I'm not worried about that at this point. In exchange for me raising $4,000, I get my entry fee paid, my travel expenses, and most importantly, I get training to actually be able to run the race.
My training lasts 23 weeks. Weeks 1-7 are a base phase, during which I will be running "easy" runs to build my endurance and to get my body accustomed to running consistently. I will run 5 days a week during those weeks. We run for time, not mileage, but, if you run at a slower pace, you have to run for a longer time period (to make sure you're getting ready for the longer runs later). During week 1, I ran for at least 150 minutes (I actually ran a little more than that). Week 2, I ran for at least 160 minutes (again, I ran a little more). Week 3: 170m minimum; Week 4: 190m minimum; Week 5: 190m minimum; Week 6: 200m minimum; and Week 7: 200m minimum.
During weeks 8-18, I will be in the strength phase. I'll still be running five days a week, but I will be upping my intensity and adding in hill and tempo runs throughout the week. The minimum time spent running during those weeks is: Week 8: 190m; Week 9: 200m; Week 10: 200m; Week 11: 210m; Week 12: 210m; Week 13: 220m; Week 14: 240m; Week 15: 200m; Week 16: 250m; Week 17: 200m; Week 18: 260m.
During weeks 19-23, I will be in the taper phase. I'll still be running 5 days a week, but I'll be running easier runs to allow my body to recover from the strength training to be prepared for my race (in week 23). The weekly running time minimums will be: Week 19: 190m; Week 20: 230m (four days of running only); Week 21: 160m (four days of running); Week 22: 130m (four days of running); and Week 23: 130m (four days).
Finally, on Sunday, October 19 (technically, the start of Week 24), I will run the Nike Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). That day, I'll be running for distance and not time.
* I have not forgotten grammar. This is the title of a song by The Game, and it's one of my favorite running/workout songs.
Since I am running Nike with TNT, I have to raise at least $4,000 to even run the race. So, if I don't raise the $4,000, I either pay out of pocket to reach the $4,000 fundraising minimum, or, I don't get to run. But, I'm not worried about that at this point. In exchange for me raising $4,000, I get my entry fee paid, my travel expenses, and most importantly, I get training to actually be able to run the race.
My training lasts 23 weeks. Weeks 1-7 are a base phase, during which I will be running "easy" runs to build my endurance and to get my body accustomed to running consistently. I will run 5 days a week during those weeks. We run for time, not mileage, but, if you run at a slower pace, you have to run for a longer time period (to make sure you're getting ready for the longer runs later). During week 1, I ran for at least 150 minutes (I actually ran a little more than that). Week 2, I ran for at least 160 minutes (again, I ran a little more). Week 3: 170m minimum; Week 4: 190m minimum; Week 5: 190m minimum; Week 6: 200m minimum; and Week 7: 200m minimum.
During weeks 8-18, I will be in the strength phase. I'll still be running five days a week, but I will be upping my intensity and adding in hill and tempo runs throughout the week. The minimum time spent running during those weeks is: Week 8: 190m; Week 9: 200m; Week 10: 200m; Week 11: 210m; Week 12: 210m; Week 13: 220m; Week 14: 240m; Week 15: 200m; Week 16: 250m; Week 17: 200m; Week 18: 260m.
During weeks 19-23, I will be in the taper phase. I'll still be running 5 days a week, but I'll be running easier runs to allow my body to recover from the strength training to be prepared for my race (in week 23). The weekly running time minimums will be: Week 19: 190m; Week 20: 230m (four days of running only); Week 21: 160m (four days of running); Week 22: 130m (four days of running); and Week 23: 130m (four days).
Finally, on Sunday, October 19 (technically, the start of Week 24), I will run the Nike Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). That day, I'll be running for distance and not time.
* I have not forgotten grammar. This is the title of a song by The Game, and it's one of my favorite running/workout songs.
I was not cut out to be a streaker
Wear layers, but think about how easily you can remove layers during your run. I'll leave the visual of me trying to take off my jacket and iPod (strapped to my arm)--while running--to your imagination.
The Good, [The Bad], and The Ugly (Runs 10 & 11)
Training runs 10 and 11 had completely different feels. Training run 10 ("The Good") was our second team practice run. "Halfers" were running for 40 minutes (for more on my actual training, check out my post entitled "This is how we do"). It was beautiful, a bit breezy, and clear at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 24. My Friday night are not very adventorous, as I have to be asleep in time to get up for my team practice runs--I have eaten a nice carb-y dinner (but, not too heavy) on the last two Fridays and crashed out by ten at the latest. No sugar and definitely no alcohol.
Anyhow, the 40 minute Good run was just that--I kept a great pace (except for the point when I was attempting to take off my jacket and my iPod (which was strapped to my arm on the outside of my jacket)), and I handled a couple of small hills with ease. I know one of my teammates, Susan, was behind me, probably wondering why my running motion was so spastic. After the team run, we had a shoe clinic at The Runner's Soul on Wall in Spokane. The Soul's owner talked us through foot mechanics and why you need a running-specific shoe. Great information. I had actually purchased my first pair of run-specific shoes that were fitted to me at The Soul earlier this year--a pair of Saucony Omni 6 Ultimates. They are ugly, but my feet love them. This was the first time that I had purchased running shoes for fit and not appearance. Don't expect this to extend to other areas of my life! I hear that Crocs are cozy, but I'd much rather wear a tall, pointy pair of Weitzmans anyday.
And now for The Ugly run (it was beyond bad)...Sunday morning. Saturday night I had a few glasses of wine and a Grey Goose and tonic at an event. Saturday afternoon, I was at my best friend Devon's baby shower, where I also consumed some sugar (an eclair "baby"--once you got past the initial weirdness about eating a "baby," they were delicious). Went to bed after midnight before my Sunday morning run, and I generally ate poorly on Saturday. Well, Sunday morning I went out for my easy 30 minute recovery run with Chad. I was dehydrated, sweaty, panting excessively, and I thought I might vomit. The best thing I can say about this run is that I finished it. My pace was a good minute per mile slower (at least) than Saturday's run. We did head to the lookout underneath the Monroe Street Bridge to watch the falls after. For those of you out of town, the Spokane River is at the highest it's been in forever. The lookout allows you to see the river run over the falls and through the dam--it is amazing and powerful. It was so loud we couldn't even hear each other talk, and we got treated to a spray of mist from the water down below (much needed after the Ugly run). I wish we would have taken a picture (I'll try to get one in the next couple of days to post).
Lesson learned: sugar is not my friend when running (which, I should have learned last week), nor is alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker, so the not drinking the nights before a run shouldn't be too hard.
Finally, I met Jan Giesa's sister-in-law Gayle at the baby shower on Saturday (my best friend Devon is married to the son of Gayle's brother-in-law). She was thrilled about my half-marathon training and fundraising, and she graciously offered to help sponsor my efforts. I really appreciate all the support I've received this early on in the training and fundraising. It's pretty amazing how many people's lives have been touched by cancer.
Runs 10 & 11 were fueled by the tunes of: Garth Brooks, Moby, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran, Blink-182, Counting Crows, Lupe Fiasco, AC/DC, Chingy, Pilot Speed, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, Nas & Jay-Z, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, The Crystal Method, and Korn.
Anyhow, the 40 minute Good run was just that--I kept a great pace (except for the point when I was attempting to take off my jacket and my iPod (which was strapped to my arm on the outside of my jacket)), and I handled a couple of small hills with ease. I know one of my teammates, Susan, was behind me, probably wondering why my running motion was so spastic. After the team run, we had a shoe clinic at The Runner's Soul on Wall in Spokane. The Soul's owner talked us through foot mechanics and why you need a running-specific shoe. Great information. I had actually purchased my first pair of run-specific shoes that were fitted to me at The Soul earlier this year--a pair of Saucony Omni 6 Ultimates. They are ugly, but my feet love them. This was the first time that I had purchased running shoes for fit and not appearance. Don't expect this to extend to other areas of my life! I hear that Crocs are cozy, but I'd much rather wear a tall, pointy pair of Weitzmans anyday.
And now for The Ugly run (it was beyond bad)...Sunday morning. Saturday night I had a few glasses of wine and a Grey Goose and tonic at an event. Saturday afternoon, I was at my best friend Devon's baby shower, where I also consumed some sugar (an eclair "baby"--once you got past the initial weirdness about eating a "baby," they were delicious). Went to bed after midnight before my Sunday morning run, and I generally ate poorly on Saturday. Well, Sunday morning I went out for my easy 30 minute recovery run with Chad. I was dehydrated, sweaty, panting excessively, and I thought I might vomit. The best thing I can say about this run is that I finished it. My pace was a good minute per mile slower (at least) than Saturday's run. We did head to the lookout underneath the Monroe Street Bridge to watch the falls after. For those of you out of town, the Spokane River is at the highest it's been in forever. The lookout allows you to see the river run over the falls and through the dam--it is amazing and powerful. It was so loud we couldn't even hear each other talk, and we got treated to a spray of mist from the water down below (much needed after the Ugly run). I wish we would have taken a picture (I'll try to get one in the next couple of days to post).
Lesson learned: sugar is not my friend when running (which, I should have learned last week), nor is alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker, so the not drinking the nights before a run shouldn't be too hard.
Finally, I met Jan Giesa's sister-in-law Gayle at the baby shower on Saturday (my best friend Devon is married to the son of Gayle's brother-in-law). She was thrilled about my half-marathon training and fundraising, and she graciously offered to help sponsor my efforts. I really appreciate all the support I've received this early on in the training and fundraising. It's pretty amazing how many people's lives have been touched by cancer.
Runs 10 & 11 were fueled by the tunes of: Garth Brooks, Moby, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran, Blink-182, Counting Crows, Lupe Fiasco, AC/DC, Chingy, Pilot Speed, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, Nas & Jay-Z, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, The Crystal Method, and Korn.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Apple Loop (Training Run 9)
Last night I ran with the Flying Irish Running Club, which meets at O'Doherty's every Thursday night at 5:45 p.m. to run at 6. They have a variety of 3-ish mile routes with everything from runners to walkers (and people with pets and children participating). There's no fee, you just have to show up and run. Apparently, if you run 6 times, you get a Flying Irish T-shirt. It is my understanding that to get "shirted" you must stand on the bar at O'Doherty's and tell a joke. I'm not sure if the joke needs to be an Irish joke or not. I have 3 runs to go until I get "shirted," so send me your jokes!
The Irish run last night was the "Apple Loop," which has to do with a program at Garfield Elementary and not the shape of the loop. It was drizzling during the run, but I kind of like that. The one drawback of the Irish runs is that they are primarily through town, so you often have to stop at corners and crosswalks to wait for traffic. So, if you're really worried about timing your pace, you'll have to take that into consideration. I treat it as a nice breather and nothing else.
9 training runs down, 115 to go! Last night's run featured the music of: Lily Allen, Duran Duran, Alkaline, Prince, Fergie, The All-American Rejects, Poison, Guns N' Roses, and Jay-Z.
The Irish run last night was the "Apple Loop," which has to do with a program at Garfield Elementary and not the shape of the loop. It was drizzling during the run, but I kind of like that. The one drawback of the Irish runs is that they are primarily through town, so you often have to stop at corners and crosswalks to wait for traffic. So, if you're really worried about timing your pace, you'll have to take that into consideration. I treat it as a nice breather and nothing else.
9 training runs down, 115 to go! Last night's run featured the music of: Lily Allen, Duran Duran, Alkaline, Prince, Fergie, The All-American Rejects, Poison, Guns N' Roses, and Jay-Z.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Water Hazard
I continue to battle getting out of bed for morning runs, so last night I ran right after work. Since my office is right across the street from Riverfront Park, I figured I would go run on the trail around the river. The Spokane River is running very high and very fast, due to our long, snowy winter and cold spring. The heat just came out of nowhere (and has since disappeared), so flooding is a real issue here.
I ran along the south side of the river, and turned by Gonzaga. As I approached where the trail dips under the Division Street bridge by the River Inn Hotel, there were cones and barricades and signs saying that the trail may be washed out. I decide to check, and sure enough, that portion of the trail was covered with probably 3-6 inches of water. I figured that getting swept over the falls wouldn't be good for my training, so I headed up the stairs to Division and headed back to the the other side of the river.
Apparently, the portion of the Centennial Trail where I had my team practice last Saturday (May 17) is completely washed out--it was dry but for one spot just a week ago.
Last night's run featured music by: AC/DC, The Chemical Brothers, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Jedi Mind Tricks, Alkaline Trio, and Common.
I ran along the south side of the river, and turned by Gonzaga. As I approached where the trail dips under the Division Street bridge by the River Inn Hotel, there were cones and barricades and signs saying that the trail may be washed out. I decide to check, and sure enough, that portion of the trail was covered with probably 3-6 inches of water. I figured that getting swept over the falls wouldn't be good for my training, so I headed up the stairs to Division and headed back to the the other side of the river.
Apparently, the portion of the Centennial Trail where I had my team practice last Saturday (May 17) is completely washed out--it was dry but for one spot just a week ago.
Last night's run featured music by: AC/DC, The Chemical Brothers, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Jedi Mind Tricks, Alkaline Trio, and Common.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Morning Person?
I am trying to get my runs in during the morning, but I am failing in week two. I am just not a morning person, but I know once the weather gets (and stays) hot that I will want to be running in the morning when it is still cool outside. I completed Sunday's run in the morning (around Hayden Lake--beautiful run), but Tuesday's run was at night (a loop around Browne's Addition that I like). Tonight's run will be at night, as well, since I didn't crawl out of bed until seven.
Since I'm only doing 30-40 minutes runs right now, I can usually hydrate a bit (about 4 oz.) and head out the door. As the runs get longer in the next 22 weeks, I'll have to figure out what works for me hydration and food wise and does not upset my stomach. Right now, I'm loving the Propel Endurance--lower cal with not much sugar (see Running Tip #1) and a bit of caffeine to get me out the door.
Sunday and Tuesday's runs were energized by the following artists on my little green nano: Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Lily Allen, Saul Williams, Jamiroquai, George Michael, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, and The Chemical Brothers.
Since I'm only doing 30-40 minutes runs right now, I can usually hydrate a bit (about 4 oz.) and head out the door. As the runs get longer in the next 22 weeks, I'll have to figure out what works for me hydration and food wise and does not upset my stomach. Right now, I'm loving the Propel Endurance--lower cal with not much sugar (see Running Tip #1) and a bit of caffeine to get me out the door.
Sunday and Tuesday's runs were energized by the following artists on my little green nano: Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Lily Allen, Saul Williams, Jamiroquai, George Michael, Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, and The Chemical Brothers.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Anonymous Donor?
I received an "anonymous donation" on my fundraising site. Thank you to whomever it is and know that I would be thanking you personally if I knew who you were.
Be Careful How You Enunciate
If you are running in a group, or by someone, and you want to say something to someone wearing headphones and running by, keep it short and make it something that people can lip-read.
For example, if you are trying to say that someone is a "halfer" (as in, running a half and not a full marathon), try very hard to enunciate--because running by and lip-reading/hearing, "She must be a heifer" is not good for your ego.
For example, if you are trying to say that someone is a "halfer" (as in, running a half and not a full marathon), try very hard to enunciate--because running by and lip-reading/hearing, "She must be a heifer" is not good for your ego.
1 down, 22 to go
The Nike Marathon is in October, so for me to be able to run 13.1 miles--in a row--I need ample training time. My training schedule includes approximately 23 weeks of training, running 5 days per week each training week. The training is based on time v. distance (for example, I may have to run 30 minutes as opposed to 3 miles). The first 7 weeks of training are the "easy" runs, where I should be able to complete my run and still feel as if I could continue to run further and faster.
The easy concept is fine when I run by myself. However, that type-A+ personality of mine can't really handle the easy run concept when running with others. Case in point, running with the Flying Irish, with the training group, or last Sunday with Chad. Now, I know I have limitations in running, but I will find myself trying to maintain pace or lap others, if only because I need to compete. However, as Jackie just told me, "Run your own race." I may need to write this on my hand next time I run in a group.
That said, I completed my first week of training on Saturday--with five runs of around 30 minutes each. All runs were fine (some faster than "easy" and some that include more hills than "easy" called for). Week 1's runs were fueled by: Propel Endurance Water, breakfast at Madeleine's (post-run), and the following artists on my iPod: Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Lily Allen, Saul Williams, Jamiroquai, George Michael, The All-American Rejects, Beck, Duran Duran, Rihanna, The Bravery, Amy Winehouse, Lupe Fiasco, Moby, Plain White T's, Nas, Chingy, The Roots, Janet Jackson, The Prodigy, Consequence, Justin Timberlake, The Rapture, The Chemical Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, The Bangles, Danger, Poison, Jay-Z, Guns N' Roses, and Fergie.
The easy concept is fine when I run by myself. However, that type-A+ personality of mine can't really handle the easy run concept when running with others. Case in point, running with the Flying Irish, with the training group, or last Sunday with Chad. Now, I know I have limitations in running, but I will find myself trying to maintain pace or lap others, if only because I need to compete. However, as Jackie just told me, "Run your own race." I may need to write this on my hand next time I run in a group.
That said, I completed my first week of training on Saturday--with five runs of around 30 minutes each. All runs were fine (some faster than "easy" and some that include more hills than "easy" called for). Week 1's runs were fueled by: Propel Endurance Water, breakfast at Madeleine's (post-run), and the following artists on my iPod: Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Motley Crue, Lily Allen, Saul Williams, Jamiroquai, George Michael, The All-American Rejects, Beck, Duran Duran, Rihanna, The Bravery, Amy Winehouse, Lupe Fiasco, Moby, Plain White T's, Nas, Chingy, The Roots, Janet Jackson, The Prodigy, Consequence, Justin Timberlake, The Rapture, The Chemical Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, The Bangles, Danger, Poison, Jay-Z, Guns N' Roses, and Fergie.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Sugar might actually be the devil
Do not eat sweets (specifically, half of a Great Harvest Bakery Magic Bar) right before bed time when you have a training run in the morning (you will experience serious intestinal distress).
Welcome to my training page...but, why is it here?
It's official, I have agreed to train for the Nike Women's Half Marathon and fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via Team-in-Training.
Team-in-Training (TNT) is the world's largest endurance sports training program, providing coaching and support for people participating, in, among other things, marathons and half-marathons. TNT started twenty years ago when Bruce Cleland ran the NYC Marathon with some friends, in honor of his infant daughter who had been diagnosed with leukemia. This is TNT's 20th year, and during those 20 years, TNT has raised more than $8,500,000 for blood cancer research.
TNT participants can choose from a variety of events to train for and complete. I have chosen to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon, which is held in San Francisco, California. This year, the race is on October 19, 2008. On that day, I will be running 13.1 miles. The Nike Marathon (and half-marathon) actually has partnered with TNT and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so all the participants in the Nike Marathon are running to raise money for blood cancer research (although, not all Nike Marathon runners are training with TNT). This year, there will be over 20,000 runners. The 2007 Nike Marathon raised $18.5 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
As a TNT participant, I will be running five days a week for 23 weeks (from May 11 to October 19) to prepare for the half-marathon, and I will be working to raise $4,000 for LLS. Of the funds I raise, at least 75% goes directly to research for cures and treatments for various blood cancers.
Why am I running? Early this year, Jan Giesa, the wife of John Giesa, one of the partners at the law firm where I work, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. At my first Reed & Giesa holiday party, Jan made a point of letting me know that she had heard great things about me from the partners and the firm. I was still in law school at the time and was basically hating life (for those of you who went to law school, you can sympathize). I was also the only law clerk in a firm with no female attorneys and no members of the professional staff who were my age. Going to that first firm event, I was a bit apprehensive, particularly about how all the partners wives would react to me (did I mention that not only am I the only female attorney here, but also the only associate attorney?). Jan (and all the wives) was very sweet to me, but Jan especially made a point of making me feel welcome. She has continued to do so from that party in 2005 until now.
John told us all at the firm about Jan's diagnosis, and I initially didn't know how to react. I cried in my office, but couldn't think of the right words to say (this coming from a litigator and a girl with a Masters in English Literature). I have been pretty lucky through this point in my life that no one really close to me has passed away. Both sets of my grandparents always lived far away, so we didn't get to see them as often, and they all lived long full lives, so it wasn't as tragic as it could have been for me. My parents, sisters, nephews, and niece are all here, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. I think the news of Jan's diagnosis really hit home because she always seemed so gracious and vibrant when I saw her. It was a hard realization that someone you just expect to be doing well is now very sick. Less than a month before her diagnosis, I sat next to her at another firm holiday party, and she was the sweet, engaging woman I knew her to be.
Her diagnosis came right before I turned 30, and I had been whining and complaining and generally feeling down about being 30 (and lying about my age); about huge student loan bills; about not being able to afford a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos; about whether or not I was getting crow's feet; and about whether or not I was too young to start buying anti-wrinkle eye cream. I am fairly certain that I had told someone that my life was pretty much over at that point. Being confronted with Jan's diagnosis really made me stop and think and PRIORITIZE. I was 30. I was not dead. I was healthy, done with school, and actually doing what I had always said I would do since I was a little girl (yes, I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was in grade school). I had worked off most of my law library gut, and I had a long and bright future ahead of me. So, when I learned about the opportunity to run with TNT to raise money for LLS, I asked Jan if I could run for her. As soon as she agreed, I signed up with TNT and started running.
During the TNT informational meeting, our Campaign Coordinator, Erik Nordstrom, shared with us this quote, "You have not lived until you have helped someone who can never repay you." I think that pretty much sums up what TNT is all about and why I am running. Please help me help TNT and LLS raise money for blood cancer research. I have to do all the running--all you need to do is make a donation. All donations are tax deductible (and you'll get a receipt for tax purposes). You can see my fundraising progress on my personal fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/nikesf08/rhaynes. You can even make donations online on my fundraising site with your credit card. Feel free to send any of your friends, family members, and co-workers the link to my fundraising page.
I'll be updating this page regularly--to keep you informed about my training and my fundraising progress. I am happy to report that after a course of intense chemotherapy, Jan is most likely in remission (I will keep you updated on her as well).
Team-in-Training (TNT) is the world's largest endurance sports training program, providing coaching and support for people participating, in, among other things, marathons and half-marathons. TNT started twenty years ago when Bruce Cleland ran the NYC Marathon with some friends, in honor of his infant daughter who had been diagnosed with leukemia. This is TNT's 20th year, and during those 20 years, TNT has raised more than $8,500,000 for blood cancer research.
TNT participants can choose from a variety of events to train for and complete. I have chosen to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon, which is held in San Francisco, California. This year, the race is on October 19, 2008. On that day, I will be running 13.1 miles. The Nike Marathon (and half-marathon) actually has partnered with TNT and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so all the participants in the Nike Marathon are running to raise money for blood cancer research (although, not all Nike Marathon runners are training with TNT). This year, there will be over 20,000 runners. The 2007 Nike Marathon raised $18.5 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
As a TNT participant, I will be running five days a week for 23 weeks (from May 11 to October 19) to prepare for the half-marathon, and I will be working to raise $4,000 for LLS. Of the funds I raise, at least 75% goes directly to research for cures and treatments for various blood cancers.
Why am I running? Early this year, Jan Giesa, the wife of John Giesa, one of the partners at the law firm where I work, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. At my first Reed & Giesa holiday party, Jan made a point of letting me know that she had heard great things about me from the partners and the firm. I was still in law school at the time and was basically hating life (for those of you who went to law school, you can sympathize). I was also the only law clerk in a firm with no female attorneys and no members of the professional staff who were my age. Going to that first firm event, I was a bit apprehensive, particularly about how all the partners wives would react to me (did I mention that not only am I the only female attorney here, but also the only associate attorney?). Jan (and all the wives) was very sweet to me, but Jan especially made a point of making me feel welcome. She has continued to do so from that party in 2005 until now.
John told us all at the firm about Jan's diagnosis, and I initially didn't know how to react. I cried in my office, but couldn't think of the right words to say (this coming from a litigator and a girl with a Masters in English Literature). I have been pretty lucky through this point in my life that no one really close to me has passed away. Both sets of my grandparents always lived far away, so we didn't get to see them as often, and they all lived long full lives, so it wasn't as tragic as it could have been for me. My parents, sisters, nephews, and niece are all here, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. I think the news of Jan's diagnosis really hit home because she always seemed so gracious and vibrant when I saw her. It was a hard realization that someone you just expect to be doing well is now very sick. Less than a month before her diagnosis, I sat next to her at another firm holiday party, and she was the sweet, engaging woman I knew her to be.
Her diagnosis came right before I turned 30, and I had been whining and complaining and generally feeling down about being 30 (and lying about my age); about huge student loan bills; about not being able to afford a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos; about whether or not I was getting crow's feet; and about whether or not I was too young to start buying anti-wrinkle eye cream. I am fairly certain that I had told someone that my life was pretty much over at that point. Being confronted with Jan's diagnosis really made me stop and think and PRIORITIZE. I was 30. I was not dead. I was healthy, done with school, and actually doing what I had always said I would do since I was a little girl (yes, I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was in grade school). I had worked off most of my law library gut, and I had a long and bright future ahead of me. So, when I learned about the opportunity to run with TNT to raise money for LLS, I asked Jan if I could run for her. As soon as she agreed, I signed up with TNT and started running.
During the TNT informational meeting, our Campaign Coordinator, Erik Nordstrom, shared with us this quote, "You have not lived until you have helped someone who can never repay you." I think that pretty much sums up what TNT is all about and why I am running. Please help me help TNT and LLS raise money for blood cancer research. I have to do all the running--all you need to do is make a donation. All donations are tax deductible (and you'll get a receipt for tax purposes). You can see my fundraising progress on my personal fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/nikesf08/rhaynes. You can even make donations online on my fundraising site with your credit card. Feel free to send any of your friends, family members, and co-workers the link to my fundraising page.
I'll be updating this page regularly--to keep you informed about my training and my fundraising progress. I am happy to report that after a course of intense chemotherapy, Jan is most likely in remission (I will keep you updated on her as well).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)