Training/Fundraising Update - Part V

Wow!! The last two weeks have gone by fast. I just turned in my recommitment paperwork, which means I'm more determined than ever to meet my fund raising goal and to complete the 1/2 marathon. I bought my plane ticket on Friday, so now all I have left to do is continue to work towards my fund raising goal of $2200. I'm almost halfway there and with Prudential matching gifts I'm just short about $400. I know I can do it!

Had a scary experience during rowing last Monday. It was our first night on the shell (previously we had been practicing on a pontoon-like barge). An eight person shell is very long, maybe 20 ft long and very narrow - no more than 2 ft. across. Not to mention, very heavy - probably around 250 lbs. The first time getting into a shell is challenging to say the least, but add 30 mph wind gust and it's almost impossible. Thirty minutes on the water and I was pretty much convinced that we would all drown in the dark on that lake. Nevertheless, we all made it out alive; a little wet but alive. Wednesday was awesome on the lake and we really seem to be getting timing, balance, etc. together. Here's a couple of pics of where we row...





Running was challenging due to some knee issues and I ended up taking a week off. The amazing thing is that when I got back on the treadmill I cut my time by 22 seconds per mile. That combined with the 20 seconds per mile I chopped of my prior week's time brought me down to a 13 minute mile. Probably doesn't seem like a big deal to a profession runner, but for not having run in like 11 years it's a huge accomplishment for me. I've dropped my time from a 17 minute mile the first week to a 13 minute mile eight weeks later.

Thanks to everyone who has been able to support me during my training and fund raising. I wouldn't be able to do this without you all!

Stay tuned and have a great week!

Training/Fundraising Update - Part IV

Time to step up the fund raising!!

First I have to say thanks to everyone that has already donated to this great cause. This is an important time for me to really get on the ball and improve my fund raising efforts. I understand it's a tough time for everyone. The CCFA is such a great cause and if you're reading this you already know someone affected by the disease. My hope is that if I ever get really sick, that by that time there will be more advances in Crohn's medications or even a cure! It's through events like Team Challenge and the Rock-n-Roll 1/2 marathon that the CCFA will one day be able to find a cure.

Training is going really good. I'm running SO much more and getting faster with each workout. I know that in a short time I will be able to run 4 miles without stopping. To further motivate, I have signed up for five challenges through Nike.com. I'm participating in the Nike Human Race 10K, the Ambassadors Challenge, the 100 Mile Challenge, Nike T-shirt Challenge, and the Nike Shoe Challenge. Whew! That's a lot of challenges, huh! Some are easy, like the t-shirt challenge and some not so easy, like the 10K. I've already clocked 51 miles, so I figure I'll finish the 100 mile challenge in a few weeks. Yay! How awesome is that?! Who would have thought that this self-proclaimed "couch potato" would ever complete a 100 miles?! Crazy!!

OK, I'm finished patting myself on the back. Hey, if you don't toot your own horn who will?? I hope everyone is doing great. I appreciate all of your support and words of encouragement. Have an awesome week!