Slideshow link

Here is the link for a slideshow with most of the pictures from the marathon...

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=45333942

I DID IT!!!!!

I ran the Nike Women's Marathon throughout San Francisco on Sunday and LOVED IT!!!! Everything about the race weekend was amazing. Nike had a great Expo with tons of stuff geared toward women.. free manicures, massages, etc. :) The entire Team In Training experience has been wonderful. There were over 5000 TNT participants that took part in the 20,000 person race. Together, we raised 18 million dollars!!! Saturday night we took part in a huge pasta dinner. When we walked into the convention center for dinner... the walls were lined with thousands of TNT staff, coaches and mentors all dressed in purple in green screaming for us. They had every type of noise maker you can imagine. The cheering continued throughout the convention center until we reached the dinner. It was truly surreal. I got chills and tears came to my eyes as I looked around at all this support. The first female marathon Olympic gold medalist, Joan Benoit, spoke at the dinner along with John "the penguin" Bingham and several Leukemia survivors. Hearing their stories really solidified why I was there, why I had trained so hard and why I chose to fundraise for such a wonderful organization!!!

Race morning was full of excitement. I woke up at 4:30 am to get ready. Meera (my running buddy) and I got ready together blasting music in the room. We were pumped!!! The race started at 7am and I was soooooo excited because Brandon called to tell me that he, my mom, my dad and Tyler had secured a spot right at the starting line to see me off. I have the most wonderful family. They have always been my biggest fans and cheerleaders. This experience wouldn't have been the same had they not been able to share it with me!

We finally crossed the starting line at around 7:15am.... and we were off!!! Starting the race was such an exhilarating moment. I had trained for over 5 months for this, and I couldn't believe how quickly it came. The race was REALLY tight at first with over 20,000 runners on the course. However, by mile 5 it started to loosen up. The hills started at mile 6, but surprisingly, they were not as bad as I had anticipated. People had pumped them up for soooo long, that I was literally expecting huge vertical hills (like the ones we had trained on!). Instead, there were many low grade hills. They were difficult, but not as difficult as I had made them out to be in my head. It was a pleasant surprise :)

John "the penguin" Bingham had said that there was going to be a point in the race where we would KNOW that we were going to finish the race. He said sometimes it's at mile 8 for him... and sometimes it's when he sees the balloons at the finish line! None the less... we would reach a point in the race where we would just know. For me.... it came very early! Once I saw the Golden Gate Bridge at mile 5 I knew! This was one of the first moments that tears came to my eyes during the race (there were many!). I had worked so hard for the past 5 months following the training program my coaches had devised for us and it was finally paying off!

I got to see my family again at Mile 11. It was so exciting seeing them waiving signs and ringing cow bells!!! I stopped to give them all a quick hug and was off again! I wouldn't see them again until the finish line... but they kept texting me (I brought my cell phone in my hydration belt!) wishing me good luck and sending me pictures of Tyler!

The split for the half vs the full marathon was at about mile 12. I was surprisingly excited that I was doing the full because I did not want this experience to end. There was a quote at the Nike expo that really stuck in my head... "The thrill is in the journey, not the destination." I really made it a point to enjoy this journey and not just focus on the finish line 26.2 miles ahead... I made a point to look around at the scenery and all the other inspiring runners around me! I think this was one of the main reasons I had such a great run!

Miles 18-22 around the lake were the toughest. They say that the true half way point in a marathon is mile 20, not 13. All runners talk about the infamous "wall" that you usually hit after mile 20. I had a plan.... the night before the race I had Brandon load 8 songs that would uplift and inspire me. When I started to feel that I was approaching the wall (around mile 22), I followed my plan. I put my Ipod on (i didn't wear for any other portion of the race) and focused on keeping my arms swinging. If your arms keep moving... your legs keep moving too! I remembered what one of the LB coaches had told me a week prior... "when you hit the wall, just remember.... it's "just a wall", run through it!" That is exactly what I did!

I completed the trek around the lake around mile 23. Now I could see the 3 mile straight away to the finish line. It was a beautiful sight! The ocean was directly too my left and the street was lined with people cheering us on. This is where I really lost it. Tears started streaming down my face. Not because I was in pain or worried I wouldn't finish... but because I had done it. The wall was behind me and in front of me was just 3 more miles of open road until I would reach my goal. It was a moment I will NEVER forget. I will never forget the song that was playing ("I Run for Life" by Melissa Etheridge), the view of the ocean filled with surfers or the smell of the ocean air. It was a beautiful moment!

At mile 25, I met up with my running coach who ran the last mile with me. He was snapping pictures, pumping me up and getting the crowd to cheer louder for me! I saw my family at exactly mile 26. Again, they were screaming and waiving signs! I picked up my pace and ran the last .2 miles with my hands in the air. It was awesome!!!!

I did it! I trainer hard, raised over $3400 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, met a ton of great people, and met one little girl named Alyssa who is still running her race. Unfortunately, her race will last much longer than 5 hours and 20 minutes. She will be running her race for the rest of her life. I'm so blessed to have been a part of it!

I've learned a lot over the past 5 months. If you work hard and believe in yourself, ANYTHING is possible. I was the girl that was always picked last for teams in PE class. Luckily I had a high self-esteem ;-) All kidding aside, I just ran 26.2 miles! I'm proud of my accomplishment and the money I've raised for such a great organization... but most of all, I am proud of the example I have set for Tyler and my future children to come. I want them to know that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve. No matter what the obstacle (or the size of the upcoming hill!), there is always a way to the top... and what a view they will see!!!!

Thanks to all of you for your love and support! You have made this journey all the more memorable.

So now that the marathon is over... I wasn't sure what I should do next. So.... I did the logical thing, registered for the Las Vegas Half Marathon on December 7th. Brandon will be joining me this time and we will be renewing our vows at mile 5. I have a feeling this won't be the last race for us.......

Only 1 more week to go!!!!

I can't believe that a week from today, I will be in San Francisco preparing for my first marathon. I feel like I have been training forever... yet, this day has come so much faster than I had anticipated! I'm ready! I've followed the training program, overcome my first injury and am ready to RUN 26.2 miles!!! I feel good and am so excited and nervous at the same time. I've been having dreams that I arrive at the starting line without my shoes, line up at the finish instead of the start, etc. I don't anticipate having any of those issues come race day:)

We had our kick-off party last Tuesday. It was great getting to spend time with everyone outside of the Long Beach or Bolsa Chica bike path. The best part... ALYSSA and her family was able to join us. She looks great and is doing much better! She was even up and trying to walk. She is such an angel and I am forever changed to have met her.

Tomorrow we'll have our last training run. It will be a short 6 miler followed by two short 40 minute runs the following week. Friday I'm off to San Francisco. Saturday night we have our pasta party and Sunday morning the race begins followed by a victory party! I'm so excited. Brandon, Tyler, my mom and my dad will be cheering me on. I really do have the best support system ever! I am very grateful!!!

Not sure if I'll get the chance to post again before the race. I'll definitely be sure to update after the run. I'll let you all know how each and every of the 26.2 miles went ;-)

Wish me luck...

Less than 3 weeks to go!!!

I can't believe it is already October. Time has truly flown by! I ran 16.5 miles this past Saturday and it felt great. I've been training since May... so I'm getting really excited as the marathon quickly approaches! This week my long run is only 12 miles. I'm looking forward to giving my body a bit of a rest before I run 26.2 miles.

Alyssa is home now! Here is the latest update from her grandma:

This has been one.... if not the toughest journey that our family has been on,
when you stop to think all that has happened to Alyssa in less than, 14 months
you would have said that was impossible, this combinations of both of these illness doesn't happen

only in the Twilight Zone, and that is where I think I have been, only in the far corners of the zone,

The main thing is how is Alyssa doing, with each day she is trying to do more,
She tries to do different thing each day and she keeps surprising us

the doctors have said that she shouldn't be doing what she is doing,
the with amount of damage that she has, no explanation for it
some of you that have come by to visit you have been able to see
her progress even if you seen her the day before,
This all shows us Alyssa determination and she will go far

They can't explain it, but we can,
We know that the Lord has had His healing hand on Alyssa
and that all things are possible threw Him,
We have had the Power of Prayer for Alyssa,
from Family, Friends, Our LBAC Family, as well as many other Churches,
Alyssa's Team in Training, the Nurses & Doctors, Friends of Friends,
Strangers we meet in passing, I know there are so many others out there
praying for her that we don't know about
We send our Heart Felt Thank You to all of you,

Let the tapering begin!

This past Saturday, I ran 20 miles!!! It is the highest amount I'll run before the marathon. This Saturday is 16 miles. It's crazy how relieved I feel that I "only" have to run 16 miles :) I'm feeling really good. I had minor aches and pains throughout the 20 mile run... but my ITB pain actually went away after mile 10?!?! I'm not sure how or why... but I am very thankful!!! I'm getting soooo excited for the marathon!!! I'm so glad I joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training to help me cross the finish line!

I don't have many more updates on Alyssa just yet. She was possibly going to get to go home this week. I hope that is the case. I'll update as soon as I get more updates.

HILLS!!!

I have a new respect for hills! I ran 15 miles of hill training this past Saturday. It was a 2.5 mile loop that we ran 6 times around Signal Hill. I would say this run was more challenging than the 18 miles of flat land I did the week prior. Anyhow, it was a great run and I felt good (considering the vertical climbs!) for the majority of my run. I even convinced my running partners to complete the final lap. We usually run straight out in one direction and then turn around at the half way point. There is never an option to quit. Running laps... it's much easier to give into the temptation.... but I convinced them not to cut themselves short. We came to run 15 miles and I was not going to leave with running anything less. Let's just hope I'm feeling as spirited on my 20 mile run this Saturday!

Here is the latest update from Alyssa's grandmother. She can have visitors now... so my running buddy and I are going to visit her within the next week. Again, please keep her and her family in your thought and prayers....

Alyssa's eating is great,
thanks to a great start with prednisone for 5 days,
8-29 Alyssa started back with her maintance chemo meds,
so mood changes, we are getting use to them again

she still has the feeding tube in, so she can still be given different meds,
as soon as she can tolerate all meds by mouth they will take out the feeding tube

Alyssa has been seeing "Monster" or some of sorts 'scary visions' for the past 4 days,
she has been given Haldol, to calm her, but we don't like the added meds for her
they are not sure what is causing them at this point
they will have a psychologist talk with her
and also see about ruling out some her meds as the problem
no answers as of yet

Juliette has Alyssa today, scaring them away "Monster" with a fork
like the Kung Fu Pandas and Hanna Montana
so far it seems to be working but the " Monsters" are still there

she has started with physical therapy doing well,
Alyssa has occupational, speech and physical
she is able to go to the different rehab rooms to work out
Alyssa is starting to trust them and she will work on moving as well

she tries to sit up and keep herself straight, she like to do a ballerina move
she does get tired but will try what she has learned later in the day

she put a popcorn in the right hand ( which doesn't move)
and with the left lift the hand to her mouth to eat the popcorn

the results from the one vision test showed some eye response but it will take several more to see if her vision will return and if it does it will be very little only with 1 eye

Alyssa has a wheelchair now which makes it easy to move her she is now 39 lbs, she enjoys being able to go out in the wheel chair

I can not even begin to let you know how difficult this has been, it's been a shock, and very devastating to us all,

the one constant, that is a big comfort, is to know that, you all praying for Alyssa and are there for us and their is only one that can heal her and that is the Great Physicianso we trust in Him, to carry her through all of this

I ran 18 miles and enjoyed it!

I finally have the upper hand on my knee!!! It has taken about a month... but I am now able to run while keeping my pain under control. At the 7 mile aid station, I made the mistake of stopping completely to down some oranges. After a few minutes of standing around, I jumped right back into running. That was a mistake... I literally almost fell over. For a second I thought that was it. I was going to have to turn around and walk back 7 miles to my car. Instead, I kept walking toward the 9 mile turn around point. I used this walk time to drink some water and eat some sport jelly beans. I increased my walk to a power walk and eventually back to a run. I was even able to catch up to my running group. By mile 12 I was feeling really good. I had a runner's high that lasted me the final 6 miles. Next week we go back down to 15 miles and the week after we're back up to 20 miles. That will be the highest mileage we'll do before the marathon. My confidence that I'll be able to successfully complete my marathon has gone way up this week. Besides the sore muscles, blisters and bruised toenails... I'm really feeling good!

Here is the latest update on Alyssa:

She is becoming more aware of her physical challenges (blindness and paralysis on the right side of her body) and as a result is having a real difficult time adapting. For example, she keeps holding up toys to her eyes and asking her mother or grandmother why she can't see them. So sad! Regarding her paralysis, the doctors have informed the family that it might be permanent. So heartbreaking!

She started chemotherapy again last Friday because throughout all this they still need to keep her leukemia under control and the family is hoping she'll get through this next phase of treatment with no more setbacks. Once the chemo starts to kick in, her immune system will become suppressed again, and she'll become more susceptible to infections, etc. Lets hope this won't be the case for little Alyssa!

On a happier note, she is talking more and she remembers who people are by the sound of their voices. And, believe it or not, she still find things to smile and giggle about - such things as her grandfather trying to sing a nursery rhyme, being tickled, listening to her music, and her mother playing with the curls in her hair.

As always, please keep Alyssa in your prayers.

Thanks again for all of you that donated on my behalf to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You have helped make a positive difference in the life of Alyssa and others just like her battling cancer!

God Bless you and your families.

Another half marathon down... 26.2 miles to go

I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon this past Sunday. It was a great race throughout the park and the streets of Anaheim. The race course was amazing, but my body is definitely starting to feel the effects of the months of training. I had to stop several times to stretch as my muscles started tightening up around mile 8. I did, however, manage to successfully finish the race and took a ton of pictures along the course with different Disney characters.

The knee is doing okay. I still have pain during my runs... but I'm learning how to manage it. We'll see how this week goes with my 18 mile run! I'm definitley starting to get nervous about the increase in miles and how my body will hold up. I just have to keep reminding myself that I will do this... I may not finish in the amount of time that I had hoped, but I will finish. I have to remember that I am not just running for myself, but for all of those individuals who have battled cancer. I will cross the finish line for them. I will cross it for little Alyssa.

My heart breaks and tears come to my eyes as I update you on Alyssa's condition. I'm going to copy and past an email from Alyssa's grandmother. I am without words...

To our Family and Friends> > This is an update about Alyssa's eyes> > it is with a heavy heart that this email goes out to you> > I spoke with Pastor Chris yesterday evening if he could to send this> > email out for us,> > he has been able to put in a message what I'm unable to write> > my cell doesn't work in the room, we are in rm 223A I can return> > calls this evening> >> > >> > Cindy> >> >

Prayer Intercessors,> > I spoke with Cindy May this evening about Alyssa Howes' condition,> > and the> > new was less than what all of us have been hoping and praying.> >> > The doctor's have told Scott & Juliette David, Gary & Cindy that their> > > prognosis for Alyssa's vision is not favorable. They expect, at this > > point, that Alyssa's blindness from the virus will be permanent. They> > > are providing> > counselors> > and coaches to the family for teaching Braille and helping Alyssa to > > adjust> > to a life without sight.> >> > This is a heavy blow for the family, and is, frankly, pretty> > heartbreaking.> >> > Cindy mentioned that the doctor's were not without any hope for Alyssa> > > regaining her sight, but at this point, this is their best prognosis.> >> > Alyssa is, on a more positive note, using more words and language to > > communicate, and is showing greater coordination with her arms. These> > > signs of recovery are very encouraging for her future.> >> > The May & Palomaki families are so grateful to everyone who has> > provided> > meals. They will continue to be in great need for a long period of > > time,> > so be encouraged, this ministry to their family is deeply appreciated.> >> > As you will hear this Sunday, I have been studying this week about the> > > blind man who sat at the gate of Jericho crying out to Jesus to heal> > him so he> > could regain his sight. The request was intense, earnest, and > > faithful. In> > that case, the Lord honored the request and healed the sight of the > > blind beggar.> >> > Little Alyssa is without a voice to cry out to the Lord. Her> > parents and> > grandparents are in prayer constantly for her, but are very fatigued > > and> > tired in the process. Will you pray for them? Will you cry out on > > their> > behalf? Our faithful prayers are effective and transformational.> >> > Please pray for Alyssa's healing, for her future, and for the whole > > Palomaki, Howes, and May families...

Please pray for Alyssa and her family. I am going to push through the next 7 weeks and finish this marathon for her.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

A much needed GREAT run!

Well... I'm still dealing with my ITB issue. I have bought a foam massage roller that I spend at least 10 minutes a day 2x a day rolling back and forth on. It's VERY painful... but it seems to be working as the pain lessens each day. I also started running with an IT wrap. That too seems to be helping with the pain. I've also discovered that a little ice and Motrin does wonders ;-)

I was having a tough time with training last week. I spent the week in Lake Arrowhead, so I was training on a very hilly course. The altitude didn't make things any easier. I was able to complete a half marathon on Saturday. I had some pain, and some miles that were tougher than others... but all in all, it was a great run! There was a large hill around mile 6. Once I hiked up the hill (seemed like a mountain!), there was a great view of the city of Pasadena (the half marathon was around the Rose Bowl and neighboring hills). It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love to run. It was liberating and for the first time in a few weeks I felt really great running! It truly was a "runner's high" :) I was beginning to get very nervous with the marathon less than 2 months away... so this successful run did wonders for my spirits!

This week has started off a little slower. The half marathon went great... but it left my knee sore for a few days. I was unable to run for my entire training today. Instead, I incorporated minute walks in between runs. I was able to finish the run and will continue to treat my ITB issue. I'm confident that my knee will continue to heal and hopefully tomorrow I will be able to run the entire time. Next up... the Disneyland Half Marathon this Sunday. My family is coming down to watch me and I have a few friends running with me. It should be a good time! Let's just hope my knee holds up to the challenge!

Here is the latest update on Alyssa... she was moved from ICU to the cancer ward last week. A good sign. The family is excited for the move "..this is home for us and we can slowly get started with Alyssa's rehab, the rehab unit is on this same floor so it works out well." They are not sure what's next. It looks like they will be there for about another month. Next week Alyssa will hopefully have another MRI to see how the inflammation (swelling) of the brain is doing and an eye test (she can't see right now - a lot of the swelling is on her optic nerve). According to her grandmother, Alyssa listens to a movie and smiles when she remembers the parts, still only muttering a few words, less than 10. Again, please keep Alyssa and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

My first training obstacle...

Looks like I've hit my first bump in the road in my training toward my marathon. Last Wednesday, I had a dull pain on the lateral portion of my knee around mile 2 of my run. By mile 5, I could barely walk. I had to take it easy over the next few days... but felt good enough to run 10 miles on Saturday. The first 5 miles were okay... but the dull pain started again on the lateral side of my knee around mile 6. By mile 10, I was literally limping and the pain had radiated up to my mid thigh! I've done a ton of research and talked to my running coaches and it looks like I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome.

The iliotibial band (ITB)is actually a thick tendon-like portion of another muscle called the tensor fasciae latae. This band passes down the outside of the thigh and inserts just below the knee.

The main problem occurs when the tensor fasciae latae muscle and iliotibial band become tight. This causes the tendon to pull the knee joint out of alignment and rub against the outside of the knee, which results in inflammation and pain.

One of the main causes of knee pain associated with iliotibial band syndrome is overload. Overload is common with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity. This is why ITB is commonly a runner's injury. When the tensor fasciae latae muscle and iliotibial band become fatigued and overloaded, they lose their ability to adequately stabilize the entire leg. This in-turn places stress on the knee joint, which results in pain and damage to the structures that make up the knee joint.

So now I'm faced with a day by day delima... do I run to keep up with my mileage, or rest my knee to prevent further injury. Since I'm not an "experienced runner", I feel like I have to follow the training schedule in order to make it across the finish line. My coaches have assured me that this is not the case and that I will not lose any fitness by taking a few days off. I sure hope so!!!

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for ITB issues and they won't just go away. I basically need to follow the good old RICE regime followed by lots of stretching. I've bought a foam roller to massage the ITB and an ITB wrap. I was advised not run until my 12 mile hill training this Saturday. In the meantime, my treatment includes heat, stretch, massage and ice.

My knee feels pretty good since I stopped running once the pain got bad yesterday. I was able to do about 4 miles and had to walk the final mile. I'm confident that with taking the next few days off while continuing to treat the injury... I'll be back on the road to training and completing my first marathon! In a few weeks I'll be up to 18 miles :)

I would ask you to keep my knee in your prayers... but this seems so frivolous when I think about the true heroes I'm running for. Please keep my honored teammate, Alyssa, in your prayers. She has been in the hospital for the past few weeks and has recently been diagnosed with Herpes Viral Encephalitis. It is a virus that takes a long time to treat and heal so we are in for a long road. Her chemo has been placed on hold and they are unsure when she will be strong enough to start it up again. Her breathing tube was removed on Tuesday but she is still sedated. Again, please keep little Alyssa and her family in your prayers.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

Has it been more than a week???

Okay... so the plan was to blog at least once a week. It's now August and it's been almost 2 months since my last post. So, here is the latest...

I finished working summer school the last week in July and am now officially on summer vacation. Brandon and I went white water rafting with my family while my mom and dad watched Tyler. We all had an amazing time. I have 4 more weeks off until I go back to work and am soooooo excited to spend this time with Tyler. I have so much planned for us. We're going to the zoo, aquarium, Disneyland, nature center, and spending a week at the cabin in Arrowhead. I'm loving being able to spend more time with my little man. He is 2 now and truly is a little boy (vs. a baby!). Every morning I wake up to his little voice saying "let's play Mommy"!!! Ahhh... He gives me such a purpose in life and I can't even begin to explain how complete this little person has made me feel. I thought I had everything even before having children... but he has given me such a new perspective on life! He is truly amazing and feel so blessed everyday when I wake up to his sweet voice!

Training is going well. I'm up to 12 miles on the weekend and my mid week runs are increasing as well. I'm also running the Disneyland Half-Marathon on Sunday, August 31st. By the end of the month... my long runs will increase to 16 miles. I can't believe my marathon is less than 10 weeks away. I feel good, but the thought of 26.2 miles still seems daunting. I'm following the training schedule that TNT gave me to a T... so I'm hoping I'll feel 100% prepared for my big run come October.

Some big news... I'M 30 AND I AM OVER MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!!! It feels great to be able to relax and just focus on my training. Thanks to all for your support. I couldn't do any of this without you!!!

Lastly, please keep little Alyssa in your prayers. It has been a little over a year since she was diagnosed and she is now back in the hospital. Here is the latest update from her family:

Close to midnight last night (Friday 8/01) she started having terrible seizures and prior to that was complaining "Mommy, my brain hurts". As she was being rushed away by the paramedics Alyssa started turning light blue. Due to the severe headaches the doctors decided to put Alyssa on morphine and she has been on that ever since last night.

The doctors are fearing that the seizures and severe headaches may be nasty side effects Alyssa is experiencing due to all the radiation and chemo her little body has had to endure since she was originally diagnosed last August 2007. To make sure they are currently trying to schedule an MRI to be done as well as an appointment with a neurologist.

As of tonight... the doctors still don't have any definite answers. They think it is an inflammation of the brain and fear she has West Nile Virus. She is on so much medication right now that she is basically non-responsive and can barely keep her head up. Please keep little Alyssa in your prayers.

Thanks again for all your support!!!

The training begins

It has been exactly one month since I completed my first half marathon! I literally loved every minute of it and to say I am now addicted to running would be an understatement. I decided to push the limit by committing to run a marathon. In order to run 26.2 miles... I knew I would need some support. I contacted the Leukemia Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT). Much like my experience with running, I was hooked after the first informational meeting. I am turning 30 next month and really wanted to do something special to give back to others in honor of this milestone. God has truly blessed me with an amazing life and I feel that it is time for me to pay it forward. TNT is allowing me to do just that.

Soon after I signed up, I learned about our Honored Teammate, Alyssa. She just turned 4 and is battling leukemia. After reading her story and seeing her pictures, I knew I had to meet this little girl. That same day, I joined my TNT campaign manager to visit Alyssa at Miller's Children's Hospital. She is a beautiful little girl and looked so tiny in that hospital bed. I brought her a Disney Princess activity book and we played with Ariel from Little Mermaid. This little girl touched my heart and I am so glad that I found TNT so I can help make a positive difference in her life.

In order to make this difference, I need to raise $3200 and train and complete the Nike Women's Marathon. I created this blog to keep you updated on my progress. I'll try to update at least once a week. I hope you'll check back often. I have a long road ahead of me and appreciate your continued support!!!

To catch you up on my training thus far - I'm now in my 4th week of marathon training. We started off very slow with 2 miles our first Saturday and will be running 5 this Saturday. I have maintained my midweek runs from my half marathon training because I didn't want to lose the running base I had worked since January to build! Eventually, the marathon program will catch up with me and I'll be increasing mileage...substantially! For now, I run 5 miles Tuesday and Thursday, 3-4 miles on Wednesday, a long run on Saturday (5 this week, 6 next......), and an hour of cardio on Sunday. Monday and Friday are rest days... yippee!

So, I think that's all for now. I'm going to bed to get some rest for the work day tomorrow....

Oh yeah... before I sign off of my first ever blog entry, I wanted to give a quick shout out to my partner in crime.... my husband, Brandon! I can only do what I do because of him. If I need to run out the door for a 5 miler, he takes care of our little one, Tyler, without hesitation. It is a big time commitment to train for a marathon. I will be meeting my Long Beach TNT team every Saturday at 7am until October. We haven't slept in past 6:00am in the last 2 years since having Tyler... but he still has to watch him alone EVERY Saturday for at least 2 hours. If you have kids, you know how much nicer it is to have 2 parents early in the morning (especially on the weekends)... at least 1 of you can have an occasional 10 minute snooze :) Needless to say, he is an amazing husband and father and both Tyler and I are truly blessed to have him!

Now I really am going to bed :)