A Warm Awakening

And a new running buddy...
For only a week though.

I spent Christmas with my family in Florida this year, so it meant that I got to run outside in the warm! What more could I ask for? I guess for it to never end.

It was absolutely wonderful to run in 75 degree weather.  The best 6 mile Christmas present ever (and notice: it was only 6 miles).   My sister-in-law and I found a 1.5 mile loop right by our resort that we were able to do three of our (well my) runs.  Thirteen miles of blissfully warm running. I can't wait to run in LA!

Our resort also had a "sculpting" class that we went to twice (why twice I don't know), but unfortunately the constant caution to those with knee replacements somehow mentally made me think I was doing an 80 year-olds workout.  And of course I can't lie but I was sore the next day, so I think I just psyched myself out.  I guess old people work out as hard as us "youngings," as our instructor called us a multiple times.

New Inspirations

It seems like every day brings a new dose of inspiration for me.  Through my fund raising mostly, I have heard unbelievable stories about families that have dealt with some kind of blood cancer in their lives.  I have learned how Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood related cancers have affected so many people just within my small scope of existence.

People I hardly know are telling me stories that keep me running each and every mile.  This past week, I had a woman donate $100 to my fund raiser I am having at my mom's quilt shop, and told me about her and her husband Bob's fight with this cancer twice. What courage it must take to not give up and to keep up treatment regardless of the fight that it will take two times.  I have never met this couple, but I can tell that they are like so many that keep on fighting, while still hoping for a cure.

It's amazing how many people have such personal stories to share with me.  Each one is just as important as the other.  They all are stories of individuals with power and fight within them.  And these stories are the ones that keep me going.

Originally, I wanted to run this marathon in honor of my grandma who passed away in August.  She was always wanting to help everyone in any way (I know if she were still around, she would be at every Bingo game trying to win as many quarters to contribute to me).  She would be so happy that now that I have found so much joy in helping others.  Now being part of Team in Training is so much more, but it all stemmed from the lessons that my grandma taught me about how helping others is the biggest fulfillment in life.

Exhaustion

I think that "Exhaustion" explains how I am feeling right now.  After running 10 miles this morning (which was actually easier than 8 miles a few weeks ago) and working all day, I am exhausted.  I think that I am going to have to relax after runs longer than 10 miles.  It's just tiring to be on my feet all day after running that distance.

This is Melissa and I in our new jackets! Unfortunately, Andrea couldn't wear her matching one with us too, but I am sure the next day that precipitation is present in our early morning runs we will be triplets running through Kansas City!

Our run today started at Panera, which sadly all week I had been anticipating because I knew it would be easy to talk anyone in to going with me after. I act as if Panera is a hot commodity that I can't ever have (which is not the case at all).  And as I suspected, we enjoyed a nice breakfast and coffee there after.  One coach commented on our last mile and half stretch (which happened to be very hilly), and I assured her that I continued to run with a Jalapeno Cheddar bagel in mind.  That is truely what got me through those grueling hills.

New Shoes

I feel as if I should be more excited about my new shoes.  After our 6 mile run on Saturday from Garry Gribbles Running Store, we all got new shoes.  I know exactly why I am not excited.  Even though I wore them running this morning and they feel like heaven, I just can't get over the size I had to get.

I swear it says 10 here, but I gave my trust to Jerri and let him tell me I really needed an 11 1/2!!! I know, I know...he's the expert here, but I am having a hard time accepting my large increase in shoe size.  I thought 10 was on the big side...but now 11 1/2?

I mean I only fumbled over my new enlarged feet once this morning on a run...

My Christmas Tree Needs Help!

It's somewhat funny that the fundraiser I am doing at my mom's store (Harper's Fabric & Quilt Co. in Downtown Overland Park) is to decorate this Christmas Tree with these ornaments that I have made today.  But here's the thing.  It really needs help (not because I am fundraising but because it looks kinda pathetic). Check it out yourself...

We even had our photo area set-up for a shoot earlier. You'd think perfect lighting and white black out cloth would make anything look good.  I did just move it to its alloted position next to the front counter and it looks much better standing tall on two antique suitcases.  I am hoping some people might see how pathetic it looks, so they will be sure to buy a home-made fabric ornament star.  Hopefully not more than five tonight, because that's all I have made.