Way to go, Kelsey!!!

One of the amazing things that I've found since I started being physically active is that I've helped some really amazing people find it within themselves to do the same. I got an email a couple years ago from a random person looking at the Team in Training website. She was looking into doing a season with Team in Training and was looking through the fundraising websites, looking at info about all of the people involved. She wrote me to tell me she wasn't going to do the program.... until she found my website. She said that I was the only one she could "relate to". She wasn't tall and skinny and "runner" looking.

I have served as a mentor twice for Team in Training and both times I had people who at the end of the season told me that they never thought they'd be able to accomplish a season, except for that they knew that I had done it. In fact, I've done it 6 times now. Onto number 7. My favorite TNT coach, Jim Kirby, says it best; "You are better than you think you are. You can do more than you think you can".

I want to commend my friend Kelsey for taking her first steps into her journey of running. Kelsey, you can do this. You can make it happen. You are physically fit, a strong walker, and you can do it! I believe in you!

Whether my training has inspired you or not, reader, is not my main purpose, but it sure feels good to know that you care. :) If that means I get an extra workout/running/cycling buddy... then all the better.

If you are just getting into exercise... or turning a new page in life:

"The Courage to Start" by John Bingham



Love,
Stacey

Updates!!!!

Whewww, that a summer! I've been having so much fun and such an action packed summer that I haven't had a chance to update this blog at all! I've uploaded some pictures of my adventures.... pictures tell more than words, eh?

I enjoyed quite a few events this summer from the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon.... to the STP... to the Dansking Women's Triathlon. I had a blast training, getting to know people as a mentor for the RnR Marathon with Team in training, and had a great time doing the triathlon with my fiance and my sister! What a great way to spend the summer!

Things coming up:

Leavenworth Half Marathon Saturday October 3rd.... beer and brats to follow the 13.1 beautiful miles run through gorgeous countryside... with yellow, red, and orange trees lining the course...

Seattle Marathon... I am undecided about whether or not I want to do the half or the full.... on November 29th

Eugene,OR Marathon... May 2nd. I'll be training with Team in Training for this super flat fast course. I'm hoping for a personal best.

I'm really hoping to stick to some great training programs and to end the year feeling good, healthy, and in decent shape. Long-term, I have about 45 pounds to lose and I'm working my way there. I have lost about 25 pounds over the last 3 years and I'm working on my health, just trying to be the healthies "me" that I can. I have a great dietician that is working with me to maximize my health. Getting into a bikini for my honeymoon is a far off dream but keeps me motivated too. Why not? :)

I took a break after all the events of the summer. I honestly felt burnt out and I definitely felt the "blues" that some people talk about after having a big event.

In other things, I have a great new job that I love. I'm still with the same organization, just a different role. I LOVE IT. Other things are going well.

Hope to update again soon. Take care!

Love,
Stace

Absolute highlights of my summer... things I'll never forget

My parents visited for the Triathlon and for our engagement party:

My Dad and me:

My Beautiful Mom and me:

Katie did the triathlon with me. She put months of amazing training in and she did such a GREAT JOB. I am so proud of her and so proud she is my sister. I am her #1 fan.

My Dad and Heather talking at the party:

Heather's Dad Ritch, me, and Heather's stepdad Michael.. having fun:

Heather and her sister, Brook. The amazing sister duo.

Playing in the fountain at the Seattle Center during the festival, Heather and Cory:

I'll never forget how beautiful the sky looked on the day that we got engaged, the proposal was beautiful:

The cheesy but happy couple:

Flying a kite on the beach on my birthday weekend getaway, the best trip ever....

Danskin, STP, Seattle Rock and Roll Half Marathon

Mentor Group for Seattle Rock and Roll:

Riding to Portland:

Dangerous on-the-move photographs by Heather:

Danskin Triathlon with Katie and Heather:

After our 211 mile ride to Portland during STP:

Fun from the last year......

Biking with friends: The housewarming...

More fun on bikes...

Hiking Tiger Mountain...

My family threw me a surprise birthday party...

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! It's OVER!

Now onto training for STP and Danskin!!!! Thanks for your support, everyone!

It's finally here!!!!!!!

First of all, I watched a movie last night that really got me... really made me think. "My Life Without Me". I highly recommend it. (Have a box of tissues ready.) Nothing like thinking about death, about cancer, about how much time..... to make you want to really appreciate, love, and live your life.....

With that said.... I often think to myself, "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?"

With the support of family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and strangers I raised $1,780 for cancer research with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Heather and I threw together a fundraiser in a week and half and raised a collective $1,500!!! Thank you to Thrive, Theo Chocolate, Willis Hall Winery, and the kindness of our family, friends, teammates, and co-workers. We could NOT have done it without you!!!!!!

This weekend, Sunday to be exact, is the Whidbey Island Marathon, and I will be enjoying the sights as I cross the Deception Pass Bridge and wind my way down along the water.... I'll be sure to post pictures after the event!!!

Today, I brought my very purple Team in Training Jersey to work to have it signed by the people who are the VERY REASON for the cause, the patients who are battling cancer. I was very touched with their comments and support!!! What awesome energy to have with me, signatures of over 50 people who support the cause - and me. I am very blessed.

Yay for 26.2!!!!!!!!!

Upcoming Events:

Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon June 27th (26.2 miles)

Seattle To Portland (STP) Bike Ride (200 miles)

Danskin Women's Triathlon (.5 miles swim, 13 mile bike, 3 mile run) August 13th

This Fall - A possible return to school... Behavioral Science M.A. at Saybrook/LIOS.... My application goes out this week!!!