Redistribution (Run 49)

Running is highly touted as a means to fitness, weight loss, and cardiovascular health. I don't disagree with any of these assertions, other than perhaps the weight loss portion. I didn't start training to lose weight, but getting rid of the remaining few pesky pounds that migrate around my midsection (my law school pudge, as I call it) would certainly have been welcome. Since I have started training, I have noted that my calves and thighs are stronger (and smaller) and that my law school pudge is less, well, pudgey. However, the scale has not moved (I know, muscle weighs more than fat, blah blah).

I am most concerned--shocked, saddened, unhappy--about the reduction in size of another part of my anatomy. I won't "flat"-out name it, but, let's just say that a certain letter no longer refers to the grades I got when I was in school (hint: I was the Honor Society Prez in high school, so I got straight A's). Sure, it makes running easy--as there's no top heaviness or back ache (or the need to find a really good sports bra), but, it was deflating for me to have the big splurge of my trip to the Nordies Anniversary Sale be small, small support garments that I could actually fill-out. Let's just say they are in a size that I haven't worn since I was 12 (and, I did not have hips when I was 12--or law school pudge).

I told a few of the coaches and mentors for Team in Training (all women) that I was fairly certain by the time we are done, I'll be able to run topless and it won't be offensive (although, people may wonder why that little boy running has hips--and shaved legs and feminine features). I joked with Heather Butner, a fellow Team in Training runner (training for the full marathon and a former high school classmate of mine) that my current situation was the reverse of high school track girls--those who suddenly fill out after freshman year and notice their pace and endurance changing. So, perhaps I am en route to being a twiggy fifteen-year-old. I guess there are worse things.

Every Little Step I Take*

This week, I have received some very generous donations. Between Monday and today (Friday morning at 10 a.m.), I have received $1,075.00 in donations. This is more than 1/4 of the donations needed for me to reach my minimum fundraising goal. I am amazed and touched by the generosity of all of my donors--regardless of the dollar value of the donation.

I may be most impressed by my less-than-one-year old niece, who donated $25 dollars to me this week--not only is she computer savvy, but she also managed to get access to her mom's credit card!

I have begun sending out reminders to persons that I sent fundraising letters and emails to back in late May. I know the economy sucks and money is tight for everyone, but I wouldn't be asking for money if it weren't for a good cause. It's not like I am asking for someone to fund my trip to the Nordstom Anniversary Sale (which started this morning--or at midnight last night if you shopped online). Please don't think that any donation would be too small...$1 or $5 or $10 or $1,000 (I know, not small)--all these amounts add up and will help towards the ultimate goal of Team in Training--to eradicate cancer. That's our team's mission and this year, Team in Training is likely going to hit the $1 billion mark. Please consider helping add to that total.

And, many thanks to my donors of this week**: Anonymous, Barry Davidson, Judith Elder, John and Jan Giesa, Travis and Erin Haynes, Ralph Leutz, MacKenzie Lovchik, Melanie Giesa Marshall, and Jackie Witter. Your kind comments on my fundraising page and your personal notes have been very encouraging.

*As I wrote that line, I was taken back to St. Francis School in New Haven, CT--where I am fairly certain at 12 or 13 I danced to the Bobby Brown song of the same name at a mixer with the other parochial junior highs in town.

**Many thanks to my previous donors as well!