Starting to feel the flow

Approaching one month, tomorrow, since this challenge began. The last couple of days have been good running days. Music helps a ton! Last couple of downloads include some old school, "Rhythm is a Dancer" and "Rhythm of the Night" by Generation 90, I think. Also put John Mayer's "Say", which is an awesome song lyrically...not a fast paced tempo song, but still motivates me with the words.:)

I am so lucky to have been asked to have the Running For Ryan For Wounded Warrior Project be the beneficiary for an upcoming holiday party. This is huge news...and an event that will hopefully bring in a lot of donations for this fundraiser. I cannot thank Gary Brimmer (retired Army Sgt.) enough for introducing John Conley to me! This week is flying by and Max is still the best little buddy I could have for helping mama get her training in daily.

"It gives you hope that there's something after injury," Strobel said. "You're not just a statistic."

http://www.app.com/article/20090927/NEWS/909270340/1070/NEWS02/Sea+Girt+camp+offers+R&R+for+wounded+warriors

Reading About Running

Browsing the book store tonight, and glanced at a Runner's World mag to see they wrote a story of Zola Budd. So, yah I actually bought a Runner's World, just to read the article at home. Last time I purchased a running magazine was when they did the spread of Ryan in RW after he died, and it took a few weeks for me to open up the magazine and read word for word, the events that unfolded on Nov. 3, 2007.

But today, my attention went to Zola Budd's name. I am not an expert in running these days, though Ryan was a professional runner, I did not follow every race he ran. I do remember when he won the Mercedes US Men's Marathon Championships in 2003, I was teaching in S. Korea. I ran into the teacher's lounge and told everyone, hey my little brother just won this marathon at 24 years old! I was so proud:)

So, back to Zola. I totally remember her as the barefoot runner, and the whole Mary Decker incident in the 84 Olympics. So, I am going to read about her this evening, as RW exclaims, her life story is stranger and more inspiring than we know.

As I begin to run more and try to get healthier, I am becoming more interested in running events, and articles... which I would have found maybe a little boring back in the day.

As for my run today, it was great. Good pace, hot out, so got a good sweat out of it! Trying a 10 miler tomorrow, as I can run without stroller, and will take advantage of the lone run!

Going to work on making a flyer to get a few more runners to participate in running for this fundraiser with me, and also to get the word out to a larger population about donating online

Thank You, Thank You Cold Weather!

If you haven't noticed by now, I am a Northern gal, and Texas heat, though nice while chilling at a pool, sucks for me to do a run!
I think it was in the low 70's today, after the rain, with a breeze, and I tore up the trail with Max in tow as we did, what felt like, an easy 5 miler. I would have run 10, if Max could sit in a stroller that long. The days just flow right into eachother, as time seems so precious. I feel like February is going to roll around quite quick. Brainstorming for fundraising ideas...and I know I need to focus more on getting the word around if I want to get that goal met by 2-14-10....wheels are turning!

Fast Weekend!

Saturday was great, minus the getting up at 4:30 am to make it to Canyon Lake in time. But it was fun to be a water girl, and see the participants run for a great cause. Today I had to say goodbye to a really close friend, who's leaving for work, but hopefully time will fly by fast! We actually did a run together, but she was the smart one who had water on here the whole time, while I melted in the 90 degree weather! Couldn't get the long run in (but a solid 60 min.), as the run started later in the day, and my face was getting irritated from some spots near my ears where the Lupus flares up from time to time. Will be instantly grateful when the fall arrives!

P.S. Huge Thanks, Brian Mahoney

It's been such a busy week, that I forgot to mention, the new shoes I got on my doorstep from Brian at Saucony. So Sweet! You don't know how much I appreciate the donation! Thanks!

Friday!

Whew....the week flew...work was extra fast paced. I managed to get 50-60min of running everyday except Thursday. Had a nice run alone afterwork today, as Max was with grandma, and it's kind of hard to get used to running normal after pushing a stroller all week.
Should get some sleep. I have to get up about 4:30 to make it to Canyon Lake for the Wounded Warrior Relay Run. I will be an official water girl:)
It will be good to see a race that raises money for wounded vets so I can get more of a feel for the cause.

Monday I have a meeting that will help get the ball rolling on getting this fundraiser goal met! I am beat...it's only been 3 weeks, but I guess I feel stronger already. It's a great challenge, but still need some extra hours in the day!

Saying goodbye to a very dear friend on Saturday evening, but she will be off doing great things!

Sunday..my first 8-10 miler...can't wait....tiny bit sarcastic:)

Team Michigan Way To Go!

Hey Sis...I see your networking is working well! Awesome to see some donations today!

I have to take a minute to talk about running right now. I don't know what happened...maybe it was the cool front of 80 degrees, or the starts are aligned just right, but I felt like I was floating across the trail today. The hour run, with Max and stroller, didn't seem like I was getting a tooth pulled today. It just clicked, and totally boost my confidence as I continue to make baby steps toward a very long run in February.

Max loves the Gatorade Run Tex is putting out lately at the water stations. And speaking of, if you are a runner and a wounded warrior supporter, reading this, and live in the area... They still may need volunteers at the Wounded Warrior Relay Run at Canyon Lake. It's on the Run Tex page. James Eastland is the contact: : wwrr2009@live.com

Goodnight!

A previous WWP event with great results!

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090901-NEWS-909010339

"What does the program mean to me?" Anderson said. "I will tell you it like this: For four years I was sitting at home, depressed, cussing out my family and just mad at the world. Then I got involved in this and started doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I'll take this over sitting home any day."

Stephan Shay-First Post Collegiate Run:)

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/235563-2009-usa-20-km-championships/200498-stephan-shay-12th-usa-20k-champs

September 11

First, happybirthday to my dad and sister, who share a birthday on a memorable day indeed.

Everyone remembers where they were 8 years ago. I was in Australia. I was eagerly trying to get a cooperate sponsor for a long term working visa, but ended up back packing around, and working under the table for some Italian mob wannabe type guy, who swore someone was out to get him any time a car drove slowly passed his "Italian" Restaurant.
New Zealand and Australia are gorgeous, by the way! So glad I went on a whim, even met up with Steve Irwin, and koala bears do just hang from the trees.
Life was great, but I flew home after 3 months, and came back to a different America. I could feel the change, and it's never been the same.

Running on a deserted trail today because the rain kept everyone away, somberly I started. The rain was very symbolic. But my lungs never felt so clear and strong and I took on each 6 inch mud puddle with joy and thought about how much I want to finish this race for my brother, for the troops, and for me...because it's time!

Awesome Run!

Ran so hard with stroller and boy in tow! It was amazing to run in 70 degree weather with drizzling rain. 5 miles went by super fast...though I indulged in Papa John's afterwards...couldn't help the craving.

So need to work on the whole diet thing. I am beat...need 36 hours in a day!

From Michigan-Hey Sis!

Thanks for helping out on the team! Love ya!

Wounded Warrior Run and Relay 9/19/09

http://www.runtex.com/web/2-2655.asp

Thanks Dad!

Good chat, motivating:)

No Time For Crash And Burn

I was on a high today. I was thrilled to be contacted by so many caring people. But there has to be a thorn in each bunch.

The Wounded Warrior Project has no political or religious agenda, so let's keep it at that. Why I am I doing this?

Well, for some reason, I started to love running again. I did so the minute I decided to run the 1/2 in February of 2009. The first time I hit the ground running last December to train for the 1/2 my eyes went to the sky and I only thought of Ryan.

There is this little memory of the last thing I said to Ryan before the New York Marathon in 07, and it was "See you at the race, punk" or something like that. He was after all my little brother. But a day or two before the race, I decided not to go. I didn't feel like dragging Max (my son) around the big city. So, I called to wish him luck, and we know the rest of that story.

In general, I am a private person, but it came to me one morning last week or so that I wanted to honor Ryan in my own personal way. I was thinking about the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund that was set up two years ago, and thought I could raise money for a cause I knew would make him proud.
The Wounded Warrior Project came to my mind after receiving the picture below of two veterans training for a paratriathalon in Chicago on my Facebook. The donation set up was easy, and I never looked back.
I have no doubt he would support an organization that helps wounded soldiers and their families, because they have to work harder than any of us to complete their marathons, triathalons, etc.
My family supported me on the decision, and I am so proud and happy to have John Conley, the Austin Marathon Director be the first to join the team.
Thanks to Gary Brimmer too, who introduced us, and to Dick and Jill Beardsley for reaching out as friends.

This is not political. This is me, nervous as can be, but proud to have my brother as my motivation for reaching this goal.

That's it. Goodnight.

A New Team Member

Thanks John Conley, for joining the Team!

How Running Changed Living With Lupus

http://www.lupuscanada.org/english/living/livingwell_Gloria.html

First Donation-$200!

Tayna Whale you rock!!! This means so much! You got the ball rolling, and I love you for it!

Going to Get Me Some Austin Area Runners:)

When failure is not an option, I will begin to recruit some team members down here...I figure 4 more team members (at least) can help get to the $10,000 by 2-14-10, and what a lovely Valentine's Day that would be!
Random: "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Listen to this song everyday!!! And heard it on a friends ringtone...thought that was cool because they had no idea I jam to this song everyday. It is an 80's goody!

Everywhere I ran, the Sun followed!

Yesterday was brutal, I'll be honest. 53 min. on the trail, and even the shadiest of spots had the sun blazing through. Granted it was 4pm, but I was stroller free, and taking avdvantage of it! Speaking of that...I used to leave my car unlocked and hide my keys somewhere inside, because I didn't want to carry them with me on my jog (prefer not to use the jogging belt either), when a friend of mine said,
"Why don't you just put the keys in the stroller when you jog"? Seriously? How did that not ever cross my mind!
Not that my car is on the top 5 to be broken into either:)
Heading to Ft. Hood to catch up with an Army buddy. Labor Day, and run rest day too!

Town Lake Is Boomin'

I am sure there are cities, but personally, I have never lived anywhere with so many runners on a downtown trail. Now that Austin is alive again (weather under 100 degrees), it's very inspirational to run around Town Lake.
38 min. steady pace.

Everyone has their own goal, and pace...you never know who's training for a race just by looking. As I am the epitome of not your average runner:)

Going to a Good old Texas BBQ this evening, but heading to Jason's Deli for their salad bar right now. I could eat there everyday!:)

Baby Steps---Like Me

http://www.marathonguide.com/features/FMStories/CliffD.cfm

First Marathon after being a drinker, smoker and druggie.

Alicia Shay-What a great woman:)

So, I didn't shower and go out...was on the phone with Alicia. We talked forever, and agree, this is going to an awesome cause. We want to our servicemen and women to know they will not be forgotten!

Ryan Shay Memorial Fund

I will have a P.O. Box set up tomorrow for check/money order donations...working on the on-line donation option. Feel like I am at the point of no return!

Day 5--yummy choclolate milk

40 min. Good Sweat! Nice pace sans stroller! Gulped some chocolate milk afterwards, always gives me a boost!

It's Friday...I have free night...so going to shower and ,well ,we shall see what happens...happy for the 3 day weekend:)

Good Eats For Lupus-Animal Fat a No No

http://www.micronutra.com/journal/lupus/foods-that-have-been-shown-to-help-with-lupus

Day-4

It got freaking hot again, but managed to do 30 min. Now, with a jogging stroller, those 30 feel like an hour.

Running can get boring to talk about pretty quickly, but this is a running blog...plus...life in general.

I actually feel really content right now, and well, a bit speechless.

I am on a high, and need to stay there, so I can complete this.

Day-3

On my IPod I have a couple of Fray songs...LOVE this group. Well, just as I was getting off of work, Alica emailed me the good news of sponsoring my decision to run for my brother in order to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Now that I have the BIGGEST motivation of all to finish the marathon, I have to work out the money collecting thing, and go ask Austin for money!

Oh, back to the Fray, I was so freaking hyper on Town Lake today, and they came on, well, the one "You Found Me", and "Save A Life". Back to back and I was balling my eyes out, but in a good way. I knew I would come around to honor Ryan. And how I miss him, but feel like he is sitting right next to me. I miss all my siblings right now....millions of miles apart!

The run, well good, but it's getting harder to push a big boy around. About 25 minutes today...ducks are still distracting. But I may just end up with some nice tri-ceps from all the pushing. Eventually I will find ways to get babysitting help, when the long runs start approaching. Ate Turkey sausage for dinner...pretty yummy with baked beans. Very Northern, yes I know.

Day 2-Final word

I cannot sleep! I have been fiddling with this new blog site, just learned how to apply links. I just realized that I have to find a way to raise money for the wounded warrior project on behalf of my brother's name. Where do I start? Must research!
My wheels, oh they are spinning in my head, on overdrive!

Day 2---P.M.

23 minutes of running with stroller and Max. I could have gone a half hour, but he demanded to feed the ducks. This will be my main struggle while running around Town Lake. I have to distract him, so he won't want to stop for the ducks, until after the run is finished! It felt alright, but the only kicker...I think I am getting a Lupus flare near my ears and temples again. Yah, was told I have Lupus in late July.
But if a wounded soldier can run a marathon, I am not going to complain about Lupus. By the way, have to cut out the caffiene in the morning. Two cups of coffee, and I was jittery all day! I was so hyper at work, well, I was told I was a workaholic today...that's not a compliment, really.

Need to call my girlfriend, who's 3 year old broke her nose the other day! She's hoping she won't need corrective surgery! Now that's some pop to the nose!

Mood: Fulfilled...work was productive, the run was fun, and it's less than 100 degrees!!:)

Day-2 a.m.

6:20
Slept like a baby...going to pack some extra fruit and veggies today...as I am feeling a little off. Woke up for the first time in a long time not remembering my dreams, as I most always do. I really feel like today, September 1, 2009, is the beginning of revamping myself all around emotionally, spiritually, and for sure physically!