A big race for me, the 26.2 Run with Donna Breast cancer race

This was a race I always wanted to do but never got around to figuring out the travel etc. But after I got sick I decided this was going on my calendar. My treatments ended in December of 2011 and by Feb of 2012 I wasn't at the point where I felt well enough to go there. So I waited a year and brought my husband with me. It was a truly inspiring race, a great expo and I met a lot of wonderful supportive people. I still didn't see anyone with a sleeve on. Since I have lymphedema I'm always on the lookout for anyone with a sleeve, but they are like unicorns! Oh well. It was especially cold and I wasn't prepared for that so we had to do some last minute shopping, as did everyone else and we all ended up at the same sports store. There was some scuffling over tights and long sleeves but I managed to get out of there with some stuff for the race. Dave Mari was there, duh, and it was really fun to see him in person. He introduced me to Donna Deegan on the race course. There was a memorial mile on the beach which was so fantastic! Lots of crowds and aside from the uphill at mile 13 it was the best clock time since I got sick....although I won't tell you what that was.

One of my biggest supporters, my oldest friend!

Tammy and I met in junior high and we were the kids who looked like they were from Mars. I had a mohawk, she had very asymmetrical hair. We both wore pointy shoes and medals and anything we could find that looked like we were punks in Europe, not the tiny town in Michigan that we lived in. She is someone who has always been there for me, seen all the good and bad and still loves me. I would do anything for her and only wish we didn't see each other so infrequently. But when we do, it's all giggles until we are crying. She's one of the only people I know who really gets me and I treasure her frienship. I visit her on Labor Day weekend so I can do the Rock and Roll Virginia Beach half marathon. I drag her to the expo, it's not her thing but she walks it all with me. Her daughter came last time and we ended up dragging home 3 soccer balls and a hug blow up Charlie the Tuna pool float. She's a great sport and I got her a shoe charm that says "running sucks" and it was perfect for her. When I was going through treatment she flew to my house and took care of me. She made me a, from scratch, banana cream pie because she knew it was my favorite. I love this girl so much! Not many out there like her.

It's all about the bling....

I keep every medal, every bib, every shirt from all of my races. I love each and every one of them. A friend gave my my medal hanger and although it says marathons, rest assured that they aren't all marathons.

Komen Race Ambassador

I was recently chosen to be on the Komen Race for the Cure Ambassador team, they only chose 6 of us so I was so excited when I heard I got a spot. I will try my best to get the word out about these fabulous races, one in St Pete and one in Lakeland. The Lakeland race is one of my favorites, probably because I came in 2nd survivor! It's a great race, you finish by running into the baseball stadium and they had a very emotional closing ceremony.

I am stronger than this!

I decided to keep myself honest about sticking with training for all of my fall races I needed to join a run team. I found a great one in Run Vie Racing, and I'm so excited that I took the plunge and signed up. But, as much as I'm looking forward to the kickoff next week, I'm also dreading it. BC (before cancer) I would fly by the seat of my pants and always lived with no fear. Now, after cancer, I find it so hard to get out of my comfort zone. It's hard to meet new people and explain why I wear a compression sleeve, blah blah blah....I hate the subject and the looks on faces when they hear the word cancer, the whole conversation makes people uncomfortable. I've learned to be comfortable with certain places, work, the hospital and home. Meeting new people and going to new places now gives me panic attacks, full blown can't breathe panic attacks. I'm trying to stay calm knowing that I'm going to have to meet a whole new group of people and know that whether it's true or not I will again feel like the odd one. I'm tired of letting all of this stop me from doing new things so I'm really trying to change my way of thinking. It's not going to change overnight but I think it's possible.

Happy Monday

I think I overdid it this weekend. That happens. But although I try and listen to my body I know that I will not get any stronger without a little push now and then. So, get ready sore joints. I'm ready for a new week of challenges. This is week 5 of my training for the Rock and Roll half in Savannah. Make it a great Monday!

Back in Chicago for some unfinished business....

I had gotten 3 of my favorite women to register for the Rock and Roll Chicago half marathon in July 2011.  Three weeks before the race I was diagnosed with cancer and had to cancel. One year later Jen and I returned to kick this race's butt and finish what we set out to do. It was hot, I wasn't trained but it was the perfect place to celebrate 1yr after surgery.