Seattle Marathon 11/30

Heather and me

I did the full and she did the half marathon. She shaved off time for a great PR, too!

Robbie is my best friend and latest victim. I talked him into the Seattle Marathon after talking him into the Super Jock n Jill half marathon in September. He tells me that I could sell used cars. :)

Last time I did the Seattle Marathon was on 11/26/06 and my time was 7:32:32...... on Sunday 11/30 I did it again and my time was 6:16:28. Wheewwwweeeeeee! So glad that I'm finally improving! This is a long time coming! My next marathon is on 3/30/09 in Whidbey Island, WA with the Team in Training program. I am really hoping to break 6 hours!

This is a picture of me somwhere around mile 14. Robbie was entering the Seward Park portion as I was leaving, and he snapped this super-glam photo. Can you see the pain through my smile? :)

Thanks to everyone for your support, well wishes, and love! It was an amazing day! My only wish was that my family could have been there at the finish line. I'll have to do a Boise run again soon!

-Stacey

Late Summer/Autumn Collage - FUN TIMES!!!!!!

Taking care of business.....

Wheewwwwww! I'm back to school! I'm finally taking the steps I need to make my M.A./A.B.S. possible!!!! Statistics, Creative Writing, and Spanish are the classes I am currently taking so that I can move into the L.I.O.S. program now affiliated with Saybrook University in San Francisco. Classes are taught in Seattle in weekend modules and the degree program takes about 2 years. I'm finally getting somewhere... though some days feel I'm just keeping my head abover water by treading... and others I feel like maybe I'm making some forward motion.

Thanks to all of you who have offered your support, well-wishes, and love. You know who you are. It makes all the difference in the world.

-Stace

Ps. The Leavenworth Half Marathon this weekend was a BLAST!

Lifestyles.... of the simple and healthy....

I'll take being simple over being famous and being healthy over being rich. I'm working on both... though I wouldn't mind winning the lottery... :)

I've been riding my new bike to work every day.... I guess it is somewhere between 2-3 miles per day. I LOVE my bike. Who ever knew that riding could be SO MUCH FUN? I've also been running 30 minutes per day on my lunch break. On top of drinking water, eating right, and having my thyroid medications on the right levels.... I've been taking some time to just "be" and I think it is having a great impact on my life. I am having FUN. I've always been the kind of person that has to have a goal at every moment... and I've let that fall to the wayside. I have some long term goals, but nothing to "cling" to or have crazy attachment about. I figure it will all happen as it should... Is it weird that letting go of control has made me feel much more relaxed than hanging onto it ever did? I always thought that to struggle to have control over a situation or event would let me feel safer, more satisfied, or calmer..... all it did was make me a nervous wreck. Someone made a comment the other day about how laid back I seem.... for someone like me, that was the biggest, most beautiful compliment in the world..... :) I feel like I've conquered something great.... I've returned to school.

Cheers to having fun, pushing our bodies, strengthening our minds, and being silly.... always.

Conditional Statements....

Otherwise known as "conditionals"..... we all make them. "If" I lose weight, "then" I will be happy. "If" I make more money, "then" things will be better. The "if" and "then" are qualifiers of what you feel "needs" to happen in order for something to "be" or "take place"... a statement of result.

Now, Oprah calls moments of clarity "ah-ha" moments.... times in life when you "figure something out". I had a moment like this in the shower today... and maybe I'll just call it a "duh moment". It is kind of commonsensical... but apparently I hadn't caught on until this morning. For so long in my life I've been tied up in the "if ....then" continuum. It occurred to me this morning that if you remove the "if ....then"..... you are just grateful for what you have when you have it. Why do people always try to qualify and quantify things, when reveling in the present is so much more rewarding and amazing? Instead of thinking things like .... "If" I lose weight, "then" I will be ..... more attractive, happier, healthier, yadda yadda..... why don't I focus on the present moment and BEING these things.... not planning the "if" and "when" of them? "If" I run a 10 minute miles, "then" I can consider myself a runner. How ridiculous. When I run, I am a runner. When you play sports, you are an athlete. When I DO, I AM.

I'm not saying that I don't want to have general goals for life or a plan, but maybe I've been holding on too tight to what things "should" look like . A friend once told me that the word "should" implies expectations... and expectations are just pre-meditated resentment. So, why am I setting myself up to fail, feel guilty, etc. Why anyone would ever choose to live that way.. and why I did for so long, I'm not sure.

So, I'm done, I'm off my soapbox. I just wanted to add my two cents and express what my process and progress is in this life... what makes sense to me. I'm real and honest and just trying to do the best I can. Working with so many people that have lost this chance and have lost their dreams.... it has really made an impact on me. No one ever can know what tomorrow will bring, not with all the planning in the world.... we are all just on a journey and the "goal" might just be to enjoy the moments..... not the destination....

"Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans....." -John Lennon

Super Jock n Jill Half Marathon

I still can't believe it. After the HORRID time at SeaFair marathon on June 29th, I was pretty bitter about running/walking in general. I thought there wasn't a chance I'd get through the Super Jock n Jill half with any hope of finishing under 3 hours. SeaFair was incredibly hot, sticky, sickly, and horrible. That was by far, my worst race in 3:40. I felt like I crawled the whole thing and could barely walk... forget about running. So, I trained through the last two months, tried to stay positive, and worked on my "fitness". It paid off. I finished the Super Jock n Jill half marathon on September 1st in 2:41. I thought my watch was broken. I thought I missed part of the trail. I thought something had gone wrong...

Why do I have so much trouble giving myself credit for anything? I'm working on it... one step at a time.

Pigs CAN fly!!!!

It was kind of a funny thing that happened to me one day at the park. I noticed it because people were... well... kind of staring at me. I picked up a bit of inspiration from friends doing the Danskin Triathlon this last Sunday.... so I was fully of energy when I arrived at Green Lake... and the rest was history. I started out the 3 miler feeling a little tired after a day at work... and feeling a little sick from my snack of crackers and cheese (note to self: no more crackers and cheese before running). I got myself to the "track" around Green Lake, set up my watch, and took off. I was sluggish and felt like molasses in January. I started thinking about what an amazing event had taken place the day before and I really dug down deep. I put my most upbeat songs on my ipod. I started to pick it up a notch. Then I picked it up again. I began thinking "I can't remember the last time I ran this fast!". Then, I started to notice people looking. Might have been my cherry red face or my hard breathing that caught their attention.... I wanted to say, "Yes, this fat girl can run".... but wanted to conserve my oxygen. The biggest suprises of the day were my ability to kick up AGAIN when I saw my "finish line".... and that when I finally checked my watch, I had run the 3.1 miles in 31:53!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A miracle happened on Monday... pigs flew and fat girls ran. Maybe I am getting to be a runner.....

Next race: September 1 - Super Jock n Jill Half Marathon
October 4 - Leavenworth Half Marathon

Transitions....

Life has a funny way of knowing right when you need to be knocked down on your butt. Maybe I got too comfortable with the situation? Maybe I overlooked too many "signs? Maybe I wasn't as loving as I had hoped to be? Maybe I was too much of a nag or, alternately, not supportive enough? Right now, though, all I know is that my life is different than I thought it would be. I'm done wondering, wondering about the what-ifs, etc. I've moved on wholeheartedly from something that did not serve or suit me. This is the hardest transition I've ever been through; harder than moving from CA to WA, harder than moving from IL to CA, harder than coming out, harder than running a marathon..... but at the same time it stands to be the single most rewarding journey I will ever face. The potential for so many things stands bright in front of me. The hopes and dreams I had abandoned for the sake of another, can be recognized and pursued again. Heck, I took up rockclimbing! There is potential for me to meet someone just as driven, committed, and loving as myself. In times like this, it is easier to relinquish power and to just hope that things will again be as they once were. It is like trying to catch feathers flying through the air, the harder you swing your arms, the further you push them away. You think you are trying so much, putting in so much energy, working so hard.... that you should see a reward, but you catch nothing. I've discovered that what I fought for... I didn't really want. It was just comfortable. I guess I'm tired of chasing, hoping, waiting, and wanting. Things were what they were... and now, they are what they are. There's no going back, just forward. These last few months have allowed me to see things in a different light....

With that said, and a great little segway back into running and forward motion.... I had a GREAT run last night. I went to the gym for a couple hours but when I got home I still had this energy brewing, a want to have fun, get outside. So, I did hill repeats and sprints and ran all through Capitol Hill last night. I almost laughed I had so much fun. Each step up a hill was symbolic of the amazing journey I am on, the burn in my muscles reminded me of what I've felt so many times and I knew what was to come - pain today. This pain will fade, and in it's place, I will be stronger. Like my legs, my heart hurts... but it isn't broken. It will heal and be stronger than ever. Cheesy? Yes. True? I hope so. I have the opportunity at this time of my life to focus my attention on the good or the bad.... I choose good.

Out in the woods...

This weekend's run was the pits. I met the team at the Redmond water shed at 7am on Saturday. It turned out that only 3 people showed (at least only 3 that were doing the same training, the same course, for the same event). I started out with someone who was much faster than me, just struggling to keep up. It came to the embarrassing point when she wanted to "start running and stop her warm up" and the point when I came to the realization that I had nearly been sprinting to keep up. I guess it is all relative. Anyhow, I ended up on a 5 mile loop, through the woods....... by myself. As I rounded corners, swatted off bees, and thought of all the bears that had recently been spotted in the area, my heart began to race. I hadn't seen anyone in a long time and I became really nervous - when did this trail end? When would I see someone? Did that arrow point left? It kind of pointed right down the middle - which path should I take? Oops, I don't have my cell phone? What if I got hurt? What to do if I did encounter a bear? I had myself so freaked out that I started sprinting as fast as I could to get OUT of the dense woods. So dense they were that when I emerged - I found that the sky was pouring rain and I had no idea. So, I freaked. I've done tons of hikes, trail runs, etc, but none in such a dense area... by myself. So, I couldn't make myself begin another loop... alone in the woods. I gave up and went to Redhook Brewery where I parked my car and began a very lonely (but public) journey down the Burke-Gilman trail. First, one hour towards Woodinville, then a quick water stop at my car, then an hour journey towards Redmond, and back to my car. I felt really defeated but I didn't let myself give up, even if it meant running/walking for two hours all by myself. I've since read about how to scare away bears, bought a clip for my cell phone so I can attach it to my shorts when I run, and chilled out a little. Sometimes, as such a slow participant, it is really easy to feel alone. Sometimes thoughts can be what motivates us. Sometimes they can be the very thing that defeat us. Taking a step back, I realize that it is all about where we choose to place our focus, our energy, and our fear. Should I have let fear defeat me? No. I've taken from this week a very good lesson. On race day, when it is hot and uncomfortable, and lonely - I will not be defeated. One step at a time....

One of my favorite movie quotes:

"What About Bob?" - "I'm baby steppin'. I'm not a slacker. I'm baby-steppin'."

I love coffee

I've already covered that I am an ABSOLUTELY horrible morning person. Reealllly bad. I need about 2 hours and about 3 cups of coffee to get going in the morning. Or so I thought. I've found that if I do my running in the morning, it cuts down on the "wake up" time and I feel ready to go, ready to greet the world, and... of course..... needing one more cup of coffee before I can actually step out the door. Anyhow, it amazes me that on these Saturday mornings I wake up early to drive 30-50 miles to participate in ....gasp..... exercise! I generally don't drink coffee, don't eat much, just roll out of bed and into my clothes... and I'm off. Nothing much but the radio to keep me company. Lately, I've been rolling down the windows and taking in the sights and smells of the great outdoors. All the flowers are starting to bloom, the grass is so green, and the snow is melting from the tops of Mt Si and Mt Rainier. This alst weekend, we ran at Tiger Mountain. Up and down, up and down, up and up and up.... and I HAD FUN! I'm feeling a little stronger, a little more motivated, and a little amazed. Who ever would have thought I'd be running all around a mountain at 8am on a Saturday morning? I never could have guessed that I would have so much fun challenging myself, not only to get out and run but to challenge my level of "comfort" in the morning. I'm learning that "health" and "wellness" extend to so much more than what you eat, what you do, or how much you sleep. Getting healthy is touching every part of my life. And I've learned that coffee tastes especially good after a cold 14 miles.... especially good.

UPDATE:

Only $200 to go to reach my fundraising goal! Please consider donating! The link is on the right side of my blog page - please check it out. Every little bit counts! I'll have a "Happy Hour Fundraiser" here soon! Let me know if you are interested and I'll put you on the Evite!

Matthew's Beach

Whewwww! Today's run was a ROUGH one! Somehow I made it through! This morning's run was out at Matthew's Beach near the Sandpoint area. I was beat at the starting line - it has been a BUSY week and lots of stuff going on. Last night we watched "I Am Legend' and though it isn't the scariest movie I've ever seen - I had trouble sleeping last night.  Kind of embarrassing. :) Anyhow, I started out walking to ease the ache I've had in my shins. I'm actually icing as I write this blog. So, back to the run, it was long. It kept going and going. It was an out-and-back run but didn't include the entire mileage - just five miles out and five back - then you had to go past the finish line and 1.5 miles uphill and back to make 13 miles. Did I mention it was long? I was nearly sprinting on the way back down, just to be done! Kit, our honored teammate, came to meet us at the finish and it was the icing on the cake. She is always so fun and cheerful and such an inspiration. Thanks, Kit! So, the rest of the day has been good but I've been hobbling a little bit (hence, the ice). Really, I never would have believed it if I didn't actually see myself do this - I never would have thought I was capable. 

Jim told me a few weeks ago:

You are stronger than you think you are.

You can do more than you think you can.

How amazing and true.

Best Previous Half Marathon Time (13.1 miles) : 3:21:57 (Boise Half October 2007)

Todays Run (13.0 miles) : 2:50:25

HOLY COW!!!!!!

So much to say, so much to say....

Gosh, where to start.....

Some things that have happened recently:

Missed my Saturday long run at Lake Youngs two weeks ago because I slept in too late. I pressed snooze on my phone alarm and somehow my phone "froze" i woke up nearly 2 hours after pressing snooze and it still read 6:40am. I made up the miles hiking with my friend Meri and her dogs in Snoqualmie and then hitting the Preston-Snoqualmie

trails and logging a few miles.

I've been super busy lately! We are house hunting and planning for an October wedding! More info to come! Sheeshhh....busy!

This past weekend was awesome and... painful. We did 12 miles at Redhook brewery in Woodinville, WA and it was strangely warm. I remember thinking it was pretty warm on the trail, but thought it equated to me being let's say... not in the best of shape. However, watching the news the night, I confirmed that the temp got up over 80 degrees!

I have to say thanks to my coach, Jim, who is amazing. I have never had such amazing and personalized attention and training from someone who seems to sincerely care so much. It really makes me want to push myself, get out there more, and set more personal records. This weekend, I shaved nearly 20 minutes off of my time for the course! So exciting!

Some good news - some bad news. I got some info from Bonnie Brooks - director over at LLS. She says the race director for the Seafair Marathon decided not to "support" run-walkers or walkers for the full-marathon. He plans to close the race after 6 hours. Bad news - most of the walkers in the program will fini

sh around 7:30am, sans water stations, cheering crowds, encouragement, etc. The good news - LLS and Bonni plan to create support for walkers and run-walkers by sending volunteers on the course, a group of participants and mentors to run along with us, etc. Even better news - I was thinking I was part of the group that would finish after 6 hours... but this weekend's run tells me that I might be closer than I thought... maybe there's a chance I'll finish before 6 hours? I'm hopeful, motivated, and determined. I can't wait.

Thanks everyone for your amazing support, for reading my blog, and for your emails and encouragement - they all mean so much!

As John Bingham says, "Waddle on, friends".

-Stacey

My hiking buddy!

Schmoo and I (my friend's dog) had a great time at Deception Pass a few weeks ago! My friends brought me camping for the very FIRST TIME!!!! I think I'm hooked. We've already purchased a tent and we are all ready for the next time. Know of a great place with fun trails to run?

You can see how fast we were going, because no matter how I tried, I couldn't get a picture that wasn't a "motion" shot. :) I had a blast and a really fun workout. This trail was about 40 feet above a beautiful beach.

Just some chalk...

I forgot to write that the team did something really special on Saturday. I never would have thought it would have the impact that it did... but it meant a lot. The team leaders, captains, mentors, and coaches all wrote names of patients currently fighting and patients who have lost their fight with cancer. From loved ones to friends to coworkers, the names were written in chalk, extending a quarter mile down the Burke-Gilman trail. The names where there as we started and ended our run. I recognized a majority of the names, I pictured their faces, remembered their stories. I don't have much else to say except for that it was very touching and it made things seem even more "real". It made me that much more grateful to be out there and even happier to be raising money for such a great cause.

Thanks for reading.

-One humble runner

Whewwwwwwww!

This weekend's run was from Redhook to Marymoor... I had difficulty getting out of bed on Saturday. I almost, almost stayed home in bed.... but my thoughts kept wandering and I couldn't get back to sleep. It was partially out of guilt, partially out of "I should", and partially because I knew it would be good for me. Oh, and I had to use the bathroom. So, I got up, got ready, and got to practice too late for the "early start". It was gorgeous outside and very cold, steam and fog were hanging low along the Burke-Gilman trail as I started off by my lonesome .... on my 8 mile journey. I forgot my ipod and was worried.

This was the best practice by far. I discovered that I was expending so much energy, too much energy, but trying too hard on the run portions of my run/walk combos. I experimented with stride length, cadence, and how my feet hit the ground. I ended up running, running, running, and taking small 20 second breaks to take deep breaths and focus energy on just planting one firm foot in front of the other. I can't even say how happy I felt... I almost found myself in tears because I was having an amazing amount of fun. I think I felt a huge relief in moving forward, using pent up energy, and feeling my body so free.

I've had incredible stress lately, my mom is checking into the Cleveland Clinic today - she's been sick for over 2 years, seen over 19 doctors, and has no solid diagnosis, treatment plan, or means of "recovering". I've been picking up the pieces after someone broke into my car, etc. It just felt so good to feel like I was in "control" of something for a change. I was just in that moment, no thoughts about anything else. When I finished, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. It felt like such a blessing to sit next to my friend Kit by the fireplace at Tully's, sipping coffee, and feeling so grateful to be alive, healthy, and refreshed. I'm feeling empowered, happy, a tad anxious, and truly grateful as I enter this new week.

Thanks for reading. :)

World's Worst "Morning Person"

I have got to take the cake for the world's worst morning person. Really. Maybe you don't know me so well, but mornings are my enemy. Especially now that it is so dark for so long in the am. Ramiro has been out sick, so instead of waking up at 8am, I've been waking up at 5 and working his earlier shift, and mine. I started off trying to wake up earlier to do my run in the morning, but I started to bonk around 2pm - and my shift doesn't end until 6pm, so I was craving sugary snacks and caffeine all afternoon. I solved the problem, or so it seems. Today is an experiment. I didn't run yesterday morning. I made it through the work day okay. I was antsy when I got off work, but went through with errands, etc. I ended up running later last night because I couldn't bear not to - I felt like I had so much energy and stress that I wouldn't be able to get to sleep if I didn't. I went out into the pouring freezing rain ....... and ran as fast as my fat little legs would carry me......and I had an absolute blast. There is something about running in the rain that just speaks to the kid in me.. and it is absolute joy. This was a totally different experience than waking up early to run and not really feeling the "call" to run, but feeling "compelled". I ended up having a great run, with barely a moment of walking, and back at my front door a half hour later, breathless, soaked, bright red, and thankful. After a hot shower - I felt a ton better and slept like a baby. Now for the experiment - how will things go today? First thing first, this schedule leaves more time for coffee and coffee = less grouchy. :)

Before I forget to blog about it, I'll add that this past weekend I went camping with friends and had an AMAZING time. I did a lot of hiking and felt like it was some excellent cross training. My friend's dog Schmoo and I cleared the way through the woods, traveling as fast as we could still be "walking", overlooking the gorgeous beach below.

Workin' on my fitness!

Met with my surgeon yesterday - she is amazing! Things are healing well and I couldn't stop raving about how much easier it is to run, be active, and have fun. The only thing I regret about surgery was not having it sooner. Then again, I'm glad that things happened like they did and that I was at this point in my life, ready to make the decision that was right for me. If you are interested in surgery like mine, check out http://www.christinenygaard.com/ for more information. She and her staff are truly phenomenal.

In terms of what I blogged in the last entry... I'm taking care of the theft issue. I closed accounts, filed reports, got the window fixed, etc. Things are looking up.

So, that brings me back to what is right now first and foremost in my mind - fitness. Today is a day in Seattle that represents just one of the major cancers : Colon Cancer Awareness Day. http://www.metrokc.gov/health/news/07030701.htm The Pacific Northwest has a high rate of cancer incidence, period. Why is it so high? I've heard rumors about it being from people lacking vitamin C, something in the water, or the higher incidence of depression. I've heard a lot of "rumors" and what special supplements people can take to "spark their metabolism", "cleanse their bodies", or "battle the bulge"..... but what ever happened to just getting outside a bit? For me, this feels like the best option. Some good old fashioned running and eating right. Mix in a little dash of weight training and I'm set. I can't help but think that maybe I can truly become a healthier person from the inside out... and what better way to do it than while helping others? I'm no poster child for fitness, but given the current state of affairs, I'm trying to legitimately take all precautions within my power to ensure myself a long healthy life.... one step at a time.

Get Cookies!

Who can donate blood?

You probably can! It takes about an hour, costs you nothing, and it can help so much! Did you know the average person would rather give money than blood? I'm getting a group together to donate blood on April 23rd. Let's celebrate life and have a great time doing it? Here are some awesome facts about blood donation...


Who Needs Blood?
Many patients need blood now. The major reasons are:
• Trauma injuries and burns
• Cancer
• Blood and immune system diseases
• Surgery
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Organ and bone marrow transplantation
Nearly 900 people must donate blood through Puget Sound Blood Center every day to meet the needs of local patients!!!!!

Best Part? You get all the COOOOKIES and Juice you could want!

How about coming with to donate? Let's have a party! Email me if interested (OR) if you are unable to donate, please consider a donation to LLS in lieu of blood donation!

-Stacey

Oh brother...

The run yesterday at Seward started out.... um... not so good. I did my 10 minutes out and on my ten minutes back - I started feeling some shin pain. I took it easy and ended up walking nearly the next mile. I started picking up the pace... and walked/ran for the 2.5 mile loop around Seward. On the second loop, my coach ran with me and I found myself losing focus on the pain and gaining more focus on the fun. I started to relax as it started to rain. He stayed with me quite awhile and then went out to look for other stragglers such as myself... and then there was the water stand at the end of the loop - I felt like it came out of nowhere. I didn't feel that it had taken me long enough and I couldn't have gone far enough for this to be true? I felt empowered... and then realized that they were packing up the water station and that I was one of a handful of the last people for the day. I felt a little defeated... and thirsty. I said my goodbyes and ran out to my car... to find that someone had broken my passenger side window and stolen my purse/bag from the car. What a bummer. I sat and waited for the police - my teammates were amazing and waited with me until Kate arrived. We waited for the police, but to no avail, 2 hours later they were still nowhere in sight. We gave up and drove the care home after knocking the rest of the glass out. What leads someone to do something like that? How could someone have know that I had that bag stuffed under my dashboard with a black coat on top? Was someone watching me the whole time? I felt so violated. It isn't the window, the bag, the hassle, or the money... it is the principle and I felt so horrible. Just a warning to you other walkers/runners/etc be careful of leaving belongings in the car. No matter how safe it looks and how many people are around... you never know. Anyhow, I'm not defeated.

I picked things right up today - went and bought some new runnings shoes at Seattle Running Company, got some good exercise, brought the pooch to the park, met up with friends, had a good dinner, and I'm ready for a workout in the morning. I guess perspective is everything. My window will be fixed in the morning, I was not injured, and at the end of the day... it will all work out.

Yay for friendly competition...

You know, friendly competition isn't really friendly unless you are doing well. Ha. Ironic, huh? Running isn't easy, until one day it is. Money isn't worth anything, until you have some. I'm living life right now in the following way.... faking it, until I make it. Just trying to get by, squeak by, but as times goes on, I realize that I've stopped "faking" it.

A friend of mine is buddhist and one day I asked her, how did you become buddhist? She told me that she just "did". You follow the principles, life your life, and it just "comes to be". There is no initiation, no hazing ceremony, no sacrificing lambs, or even dribbling water over the forehead. There are many times in life when we just "become". We "become" children of our parents, brother or sister to our siblings, friends, girl/boy friends, etc. We fall into roles because they fall onto us. The roles that are even more interesting to me are the ones that we choose in life. I'm always curious how people came to be where they are in their life, what roads they took, what roles they played, how long they had to "fake it" before they made it....

Tonight, I'll be "faking" a 3 -miler at Green Lake while waxing philosophical.... thinking about the day when finally, I'll be a grown-up... and when I'll become a "marathoner" and not just a girl who does some marathons....

Blown away...

I am just blown away by the amazing feedback I've had so far!

Some comments:

"i'm rooting for you!" - Cari

"You go babycakes...I'll support you. Don't expect me to be up at the {crack} of dawn to run with you..but I'll totally donate some money to ya..LOL." -Robbie

"Stacey -I want to donate $50.00 and I will pass this along to Nate and my family." -Morgan

"Good work in keeping the passion alive, you and all those whom you've helped will be blessed for this." -Hao

Thank you all so much for the really amazing feedback and encouragement - it really means a lot! Thank you to my sister, Katie Holda, for providing the very first donation on my donation site!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/StaceyHolda I really appreciate your genorosity and love. I am headed to the gym to do -3 miles on the ole treadmill and then a little weightlifting. Today is supposed to be an "easy" or "crosstraining" day and I want to make it count. Thank you all so much for your continued support!

Love,
Stacey

Gasworks Park

Today's practice went SO much better that I feared it would. I had an awesome time. It has been more than a year since I've seen all these great people and yet, it seemed to great to be back. It kind of reminded me of seeing extended family at holiday time. You kind of just pick up the pieces where you left off. Speaking of seeing family, I am planning a trip to Chicago for the end of May for my cousin's wedding. The violet strapless bridesmaids dress might be part of my motivation to get fit and stay focused. I said "might". :) I ran more today than I thought I'd be able to. You know how Crayola distinguishes it's crayons.. blue-violet or violet-blue.... today I felt more like a runner-walker than a walker-runner and it was a good feeling. I got a chance to see a past season's honored teammate, an incredible man named Skip. He held a fundraising breakfast this morning that was well-attended and very well appreciated after our practice this morning. We all sat out at the picnic tables at Gasworks, steam coming from the hashbrowns, eggs, and coffee. There is nothing quite like the food you eat right after you run... it is amazing. Except for rice pudding after the Vancouver marathon... but that is another story.

For the mean time...... I'm on my way.

So it begins....

I'm all signed up and ready for the starting line.... or at least I'm hoping to be ready in about 4 months! I've committed to raising $1,200 and it seems a little daunting right now. I'm thinking about some fundraisers, some fun stuff, and all the training... and it seems more like fun right now, than like some scary thing I've gotten myself into. So far, so good.

I had surgery earlier this year (October) which has enabled me (in theory) to be more active and comfortably active - so this marathon training is an experiment of sorts. I get to try to the new body out. Too bad I can't turn it in like a pair of shoes if it doesn't go so well.

I often think about our cancer patients like this. I wonder if they'd ever wished they could just "swap" their bad liver for a good one or maybe find a special 2 for 1 deal on kidneys on ebay? Our bodies are much more dainty and intricate than we'd like to believe. We're made up of atoms, molecules, water, and air.... it is a wonder that we can do what we can, as fast as we can, and that we have the power to control it. There are so many complex systems, so much to go wrong, and for most of us - it goes right. Just think about it, though. I've thought about this a lot lately. How can we help those who need it? How will we be helped if/when we need it? What happens when things go "wrong"?

Some resources and food for thought:

www.donatelife.net/ Donate Organs
http://www.psbc.org/ Donate Blood
http://www.marrow.org/ Donate Marrow
www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/StaceyHolda Donate Money