NWM 2011: Reflections

Soaking our tired feet in the Pacific Ocean

1. There is nothing quite like good friends coming together for a common cause.

2. Overcoming a challenge is exhilarating.

3. Cancer sucks. 


4. Bag Balm works better than Vaseline to prevent blisters.

"Julie" for a day! (My race shirt is in Arizona)

5. Cold saltwater feels wonderful on blistered feet.

6. It is unwise to run in new shoes (even if they are Mizunos).

7. Check the hotel room one more time before leaving (or don't forget a bottle of good wine in the hotel room).

Cheers!

8. Good friends + Irish pub (The Chieftain in San Francisco) = Win!

9. Don't park in a bad neighborhood (especially in a large city).

10. Remember to train before the next race. Really.

Just DID it!

I've been training for the Nike Women's Marathon (Half-Marathon) since last April, and the event itself was more incredible than I could ever have imagined it would be. We were told that we would cross the finish line a changed person . . .  What a true statement.


I'm part of the Team in Training Sacramento Chapter. Some of the people on my team took Friday and Monday off from work for an extended race weekend, but I really couldn't take the additional time. Rather, I left EARLY on Saturday morning (5:30 AM!) and was the first one in line to pick up my packet (literally!). It was a good thing too because the line was enormous later in the day.

After picking up my packet, I walked around taking pictures and checking out the various booths and activities. Nike had a DJ playing music, and we could vote on the song that would play at the start of the race (I voted for California Girls!). I also visited NikeTown and did a little pre-race shopping.

I had to take breaks to go to my hotel room at The Handlery to ice my ankle and rest (that's a Flector anti-inflammatory patch on my left ankle in the photo). I should have stayed off my feet on Saturday, but there was too much excitement in the air to do that! So I iced in intervals--kind of like I run!

That evening, we had a celebration dinner. I had no idea how moving and emotional the evening would be! We were welcomed by a cheering crowd, followed by a spaghetti dinner and some amazing speakers sharing their stories. It was hard not to cry--I couldn't help myself! I was surrounded by so many courageous and amazing people!

That night, I could hardly sleep. As much as I hate to admit this, it was partly my fault! I wanted to ice my ankle, so I took the first room available even though I was warned that it was above the street and would be noisy! I thought, how noisy can it be? Um, VERY noisy! A band played on the street below us until 10 PM, and after that people were yelling on the street, cars were honking, and at 3 AM, they started setting up the port-a-potties! However, even during the quiet moments, I couldn't sleep--I was too nervous and excited!

The race started at 7 AM, and we were squished together like sardines in a can on Geary Street by Union Square. It was chilly, so we were wearing wind-breakers and sweatshirts that we planned to toss to the side of the road at some point in the race. The items tossed would be picked up and donated to help people who are less fortunate. There was a 30% chance of rain, but the Washington girl in me knew that it was going to rain--no 30% about it!

It took about 20 minutes to get to the start line--people were cheering and music was playing the whole time. We danced our way up to the start!

I ditched my jacket about a mile into the race. I knew when I was almost to the two mile point because my ankle started hurting, and I knew when I was almost to two and a half because my shins stopped hurting! It takes about two and a half miles for my muscles to warm up!

I had a plan for this race--I wanted to walk up the hills, run down them, and run intervals on the flat areas. At this point, I'm competing against myself and no one else. I followed this plan, and I feel good about my race!

When I got to mile seven, my ankle was REALLY hurting, so I started to focus on other things . . . I thought of the people for whom I was running--my best friend's dad, the people honored by donations made on my fund raising page, my mom who is a cancer survivor, and my family members who have lost their battles with cancer. I was doing this for them.

People cheered us along the route and there were signs to encourage us. The cheering stations and the signs always seemed to be there when I needed them the most.

By mile nine, my ankle was numb--much better than the pain! After mile ten or eleven (eleven is where I usually hit the wall, but not this time!), there were signs reminding us of what waited at the finish line.

It's a little bit of a blur now, so I'm not sure exactly where they were, but they were there!

I took other  pictures along the route as well--this was my "I'm going to have fun with this!" race! You can view the other pictures on my Facebook page if you'd like--you don't have to have a Facebook account to view them: Just DID it (Nike Women's Marathon - Half-Marathon).

Right before I finished the race, the rain that I had expected started to fall, and it felt great! I finished to crowds of people cheering us on and yelling "Go Team!" And I found my fireman . . . with that little, blue Tiffany box . . .


I can check off another box on my bucket list, but this was just the beginning . . . Now I have new goals and another race for which to train . . . no more running intervals on the next one--I want to run the entire 13.1 miles! Bring it on!



Related Posts:
I run to be . . .
Thank you!
Race week
I don't want this to end
Snapshot of a Saturday
Progress defined by Traci
Hill repeats and work (wait, hill repeats are work!)
Recommitment and two right feet 
The trail run
Be inspired--create a world without cancer
"We're gonna kick some cancer butt!"

Nike Women's Marathon - Part 1

Katie, a Team in Training friend, emailed me this picture today. Many people are already in San Francisco picking up race packets and preparing for the marathon (half marathon for me and many others). I worked today--and my car broke down this morning.

I'll start with explaining the car . . . I planned to be at work (after an hour commute) by 7 AM (ish). I left my house and stopped by Starbuck's. I got my drink (hot cocoa for those of you who are interested) and went back to my car, but my car wouldn't start! It sounded fine, like it was "turning over," but it just wouldn't start . . . so I called my dad (sorry Mom and Dad!), then I called AAA. In the end, I learned that my car thought that someone (me) was trying to steal her. In the meantime, I rented a car, went to work, herded cats, etc . . .

Two weeks prior, my purse (and my keys and address among other things) were stolen while I was running in the Urban Cow Half Marathon in Sacramento, so I needed to have my car re-keyed. Apparently, the re-keying process failed.

However, all is fixed now! I'll be leaving at 5:30 AM tomorrow to head to San Francisco. I still need to pick up my race packet (the main thing!), check into my room,  and check out Nike Town!

I'm nervous and anxious, but mostly excited! I have so many things on my mind, but for this weekend, my focus is totally running this race . . . this is very emotional for me. I'm packing now--I hope I don't forget anything!

I promise to post pictures afterward. And I appreciate the support given to me from my friends! Thank you!

Related post:
Urban Cow, etc

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who supported me in my fund raising efforts to find a cure for cancer and donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via my fund raising page. Thanks to my mentor and team members who donated their volunteer hours to help me reach my goal. Thanks to the brave folks who allowed us to wash their cars! And thanks to everyone for their encouragement while I trained for this event--you have no idea how much this meant to me!

I'm so excited for this weekend! And I'm sad that this training season is coming to an end . . . It's hard to describe exactly how I'm feeling right now.

Below is the course map. There are some intimidating hills, but the views will be incredible! And the feeling of accomplishment at the end--indescribable.

With the help of a friend on the team, I'll be constructing a video of my training leading up to Nike and the event itself to share with anyone interested. Don't be surprised if there are pictures of me crying at the finish line. Honestly, during the last mile of Urban Cow, I was almost in tears while reading the sign posts of people who have been helped by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society--it's very emotional. I know I won't be able to hold back at the finish of Nike . . .

When this event is over, I'll be posting information on my blog for how you can become involved if you are interested--it is so rewarding to help others. There wasn't anything easy about this--fund raising is difficult, training is mentally and physically challenging, but it is all so worth it. I have grown so much through this experience, and you will too.

Thank you.

Race Week

Nike is a week away, and my mind is playing games with me.

We've been training for this since April--I'm worried that I'll injure myself and not be able to run. I seem to be noticing every little thing now . . .

My left ankle has been hurting me since our Saturday workout the week before Urban Cow. I had it looked at yesterday--it's the tendon. The doctor said it's a common over-training injury, but I'm OK to run on it. He recommended ice, anti-inflammatory medication, etc. The patch you see on the photo of my ankle is a Flector Patch (anti-inflammatory)--I can't take the pills. Oh, he also asked me if I've been running hills . . . lol!

So now I'm feeling both nervous and excited. I also found a good article from another race on how to make race week less stressful: Rock 'n' Roll Race Week Survival tips--use these five simple strategies to make your race week less nerve-racking.

(Speaking of the Rock 'n' Roll marathons, I registered for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon in June!)

I run to be . . .

Nike wants us to finish the sentence "I run to be . . ."  This is a hard one for me because I run for so many reasons . . .

I have never been inactive, but I wasn't a "runner" until early 2008. Before then, I was more into dance--jazz, tap, ballet, Middle Eastern . . . I was also on a drill team when I was a child. Does anyone remember the Coho Princesses? We won a few trophies back in the day . . .

Anyhow, in early 2008, I decided to submit an application for a direct commission with the Army Reserve. I knew then that I would have to pass the Army's APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test). I knew the  requirements, and I was concerned about the run.

At the time, my main cardio activity was tennis--so fun! But I hadn't been running. I immediately began running intervals. I found a program endorsed by Runner's World that was created to prepare people for a 5K. It is a great program based on timing.

This program was enough to help me pass the APFT at my age group, but to be a leader in the Army, more is required. Leadership is more than a rank handed down by a higher authority--it is an acceptance by the people you lead--passing the APFT really isn't enough.

I knew that I needed to do more, so I continued to train. Training is hard when you are training by yourself. When I moved to the Sacramento area, I continued to train on my own, but I knew it wasn't enough. Then I remembered Team-in-Training.

I first learned about Team-in-Training when I participated in the Big Climb in Seattle in 2008. I was interested, but the timing wasn't right because I had surgery that same year. However, the timing was right when I moved to the Sacramento area.

I joined the team at an event in Folsom, CA in April 2010, and I'm so thankful that I did. I have heard so many heart warming stories, met so many incredible, encouraging people . . . I am truly thankful.

Since April 2010, I have been training with TNT for the Nike Half-Marathon on October 17. I'm so excited . . . I can't wait! It won't be easy, but I've been training for this, and I've already run in one half-marathon in preparation--but without the San Francisco hills! I know I can do it though.

So back to the Nike request . . . finishing the sentence "I run to be . . ."

I run to be:

• healthy
• active
• an advocate to find a cure for the many different kinds of cancer
• STRONG (Army STRONG!)
• an example (for my daughter and for my son, for other women, for Soldiers everywhere--we can make a difference!)
• a leader (how can I ask others to do something I cannot do?)

I run for so many other reasons. Running makes me feel wonderful after the most stressful day. Running makes me feel alive--even when it hurts. Running keeps me young.

At one time, I thought I wasn't a runner, but I am.

So, when Nike asks me to finish the sentence "I run to be . . .," how do I answer? I run to be the person I want to be. I run to be the best me possible.

I run to be . . . me.

So I have to offer some advice . . . Run . . . Run to be . . . Run to be . . . YOU. Be the best you that you can be.

I don't want this to end

We had our pre-race meeting tonight. Our coaches and mentors gave us great information, and we finally received the coveted purple singlet. As I sat there listening to the information, I was thinking . . . this is almost over . . . and I don't want it to end. Nike is in a week and a half . . .  

 . . . but I really don't want this to end.



I've met such wonderful people and made great friends. I feel stronger as a person, and I feel great about what I'm doing--I love helping others; I need to have a purpose.  

I don't want this to end.

I talked to my mentor tonight about becoming a mentor. I'm looking forward to the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, but I'm not ready for this to end.  

I'm not going to let it end.

Running for a Cure

More on Urban Cow

Not all of my friends are on Facebook, so I'm sharing a link to view more race day photos:  Urban Cow - Part Two (Race Day!)

We also volunteered the day before handing out race packets:  Urban Cow - Part One (The Day Before)

Here's an article about the race:  Sacramento Guide - Urban Cow Half-Marathon

Nike is in two weeks--I can't wait to hit those hills!!!

 Katie and me volunteering at the 5K table handing out race packets--cheese!!! She bent over so I wouldn't feel short!

Urban Cow, etc

Is it wrong to start with a recovery photo? This is a "cookie recovery" photo following the Urban Cow Half-Marathon in Sacramento on October 3, 2010. This was my first half-marathon. It was fun!

The first 2.5 miles were definitely the most painful--I'm still trying to figure out how to warm-up my muscles earlier because that has been a problem for me since I started running distances. Unfortunately, the run for the APFT is two miles, which means that I'm in pain during the entire APFT! Runner friends--any suggestions???

My pace was 13.07, and I finished 13.1 miles in 2:51:49. I walked for most of the last two miles because I felt like I was getting a Charlie horse--I ran in the end.  I want to be faster, but I feel good about my race. This was my first half-marathon, I'm a fairly new runner . . . and I loved it!

Unfortunately, while Katie and I were on the course, someone broke the window in her car and stole everything that was in it--including my purse. My car keys were in my purse .  . and my passport (I know). So, after calling the Sacramento police (who don't respond to auto break-ins--at all), we drove back to my car. BMWs are very secure I learned. Both AAA and BMW Roadside Assistance told me that I needed to have my car towed to a dealership and have them re-key my car. After several hours and renting a car, I was finally able to get into my car with the valet key (don't ask). By that time, I was alone with two cars . . . what do you think I did? 

After finally getting into my car and starting it, I drove my car home and parked it in the garage. Then, after completing a half-marathon (13.1 miles), I walked over a mile to get my rental car and drive it home. I got a lot of exercise on Sunday!

I'm not complaining though. Today has been a hassle, to be sure. But I keep finding things that would normally be in my purse, but somehow they weren't. I had my WDL, my CAC, my debit cards, my BlackBerry, and my camera with me in a small backpack. I left my glasses and my iPod at home among numerous other things that I normally carry in my purse. It will still cost $1450 to re-key my car because the thieves have my keys and my address. I was lucky--it could have been so much worse. Katie, her husband, and I still have many hoops to jump through to make things right . . .

Katie and I were out making sacrifices to help people live longer while some pathetic person chose to take things away from us. I feel sorry for that person.

I would so much rather give freely by choice than take away by force.

Work . . . Relax

Last night, I walked through my door at ~8 PM, rested for a moment on my bed, and fell (deeply and soundly) asleep. Right away. No thinking about checking email, reading a book, calling anyone . . . Once I was off of my feet, I was asleep--slam dunk.

Of course, I woke up at ~12:30 AM and realized that I left my phone in my car . . . I didn't plan to walk in the door and fall asleep! So, in the middle of the night, I was wandering out to my car to retrieve my phone (which is also my alarm clock). Yes, I was at work on time (seriously? did you think I would be late?)!

Eating right isn't always easy to do (especially when there isn't time to eat), but it is doable. Taking care of myself in other ways is doable as well, but getting enough rest can be a challenge for me. A huge challenge--so I guess I needed the sleep!

Tonight, like every other Wednesday, was a scheduled team workout night. However, I was invited by some friends (whom I don't see often enough) to join them for dinner. I opted to cancel my workout plans so I could see my friends (priorities, people!). As it turned out, the workout was canceled due to the heat--100+ degrees (and it's almost October!). Yay--I made the right decision!

Life is more than scheduled workouts, project plans, and meeting deadlines . . . Sometimes I beat myself up to meet a deadline only to find that it's been moved because others can't meet it (usually for good reason . . . like the workout that was canceled due to the heat--the heat is a health risk).

Like everyone else, I want to shine. But I'm human. I can't be everywhere at once. I don't know everything. I am not superhuman. If you want excellence, I can give you that. If you want perfect, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Cook for a cure: Pampered Chef fund raiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma!

I promised a Pampered Chef fund raiser, and here it is! You have until the end of the month to purchase your favorite Pampered Chef items and have a portion of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

My personal favorites are the pots and pans and the knife collection, but there's so much more from which to choose (I love the stoneware too--amazing for pizza!).  Those of you who know me well also know that cooking isn't my favorite activity--but I'm a snob when it comes to kitchen items (OK, you know that about me too!). So, check out my favorites, and find your own as well--all while fighting cancer! It's a bigger win-win than anything you've encountered in the business world!

To shop and help find a cure for cancer, go to my Pampered Chef fund raiser web-site.

To donate without purchasing, go to my Team in Training fund raising website.

Thanks--together we can find a cure for cancer!

Thanks again to those of you who have already donated--we are making a difference together!

Recommitment and Two Right Feet

Some people are said to have two left feet--apparently I have two right feet! I grabbed my shoes out of my trunk this afternoon when I was getting ready to run with the team, and this is what I grabbed. I think I've been working too many hours!

I've been asked questions about the deadline that I posted on Facebook. I posted the deadline because we have dates to meet for fund raising. My first deadline is August 6--this is when I give the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) my debit card information and commit to donating the full minimum amount of $2400.

Many people don't realize that fund raising efforts for cures are a commitment, just as running the marathon is a commitment. Those of us who are involved are very aware of this and are willing to make sacrifices to meet this goal. Sometimes the sacrifice is spending time washing cars, selling raffle tickets, selling chocolate, or having fund raisers though companies like Pampered Chef. We can also raise money by volunteering at other marathons, 5Ks, etc. And of course, we reach out to others and ask for donations. In the event that we don't raise the minimum amount, we agree to donate the difference, and that is really a small sacrifice to make when we know the kind of difference we are making.

How are we making a difference? The research done in finding a cure for blood cancers has benefited researchers looking for other cancer cures as well. There is now a vaccine for prostate cancer, and a vaccine for breast cancer will soon be in the testing phase. The money we raise goes to these efforts. But we are also making a difference by building awareness. Every blog post, every Facebook and LinkedIn status update raises awareness. And we are giving people with blood cancers hope where there once was little hope.

About the deadline--even though I have recommitted and given LLS my debit card information, you can still donate via my fund raising page or the widget on my Facebook page. Donations made will still go toward my goal of $2400. I plan to donate $600 or the difference between what people donate to help me and the minimum amount, whichever is greater.

If you can help me reach the $2400 minimum, my $600 donation will bring the total to $3000--how cool would that be? My fund raising page lists increments beginning at $25, but even $5 will help. To donate less than $25, choose "other," and insert the amount you choose to donate.

Thanks again to those of you who have already donated (I'm at 30% now thanks to you!)--know that you are making a difference!

Click here to donate:  Running for a cure--help me raise money to fight cancer

The Trail Run

I've been slacking off (I know). It's hard to run when I travel, although I did run in San Diego . . . OK, I ran one day while I was down there, but I did run! It is hard to make time for running when I'm so busy! (Excuses, excuses . . . I know . . .)

I ran tonight though! I love running with the team--it's so motivating! Today, our workout was a trail run--a hilly trail run. A six mile, hilly trail run. And it felt great . . . While I was running, I remembered SFC Duggan telling me to use the hills when I was at Ft. Benning last fall . . . so I used the hills!

But I'm not running for the Army this time--I'm running for a cure. And I want to thank those of you who have supported me by donating. I've also raised $48 by selling chocolate, and will be hosting a Pampered Chef fundraiser in another week (check back for details!). I need to reach my goal by August 5--will you help me? Visit my fund raising page to donate to find a cure:   Running for a cure

Thank you!

Be inspired--create a world without cancer

Left: Five squirrels enjoying breakfast as I drove by after my run

The Saturday Morning Run

I run with Team in Training every Saturday, and I've met some incredible people! This Saturday, I ran with a doctor and a program manager for health care continuing education. Most of the people I've met so far are involved in health care in some way, and many people are involved because someone they care about has fought a blood cancer. Their stories are incredible, encouraging.

Fund raising is harder than I thought it would be. I don't know if it's due to the current economy or if people are donating elsewhere. But I'm committed. This is too important, and researchers are making progress. Amazing progress. Researchers will soon be testing a vaccine for breast cancer, and the FDA recently approved a prostate cancer vaccine.

I've been posting messages on Facebook, but I've gotten a very small response. At work, I have a See's candy display in the break room, and I'll be hosting a Pampered Chef fund raiser shortly. If you have any fund raising ideas, I'm all ears! This is too important. And if you can donate, please do. It will help fund a cure, and it provides a tax benefit for you! Most importantly, think of the lives you will help to save . . .

After the run

After my run (six miles--woohoooo!), I cleaned up and went wine tasting. The weather was gorgeous, the views were incredible, and the wine was tasty! I think I like living in wine country! I was able to visit two wineries, but there are so many more to visit! If you are in my area, give me a call, and let's go wine tasting!

Writing

Now that I"m blogging again, I'm feeling the need to submit to a blog carnival. So far, I haven't written anything worthy of Grand Rounds--Where else can I submit? Has anyone submitted to Carnival of the Vanities lately? I'd prefer to submit to a theme oriented blog carnival--any ideas? I need to write!

"We're gonna kick some cancer butt!"

"We're gonna kick some cancer butt!" Becky Post, our team organizer, made this proclamation a couple of weeks ago, and I think it really exemplifies the tone of the team every time we train together.

Yesterday, the team ran together at William Land Park (behind the Sacramento Zoo). We train together twice each week, and follow a training schedule when we are on our own.

As you can see, it was a beautiful morning. We met at 7:30 am--Here I'm standing with my mentor, Julie.

I love training with the team because there is such a positive energy--everyone is here for a purpose.

We have three coaches, Sherri, Tony, and Rich (Sherri and Tony are in the picture to the right). Sherri is the walking coach, Tony and Rich are the running coaches. A couple weeks ago, they provided clinics for us before and after our workout--it's great to have that kind of support.

Yesterday, Rich stressed the importance of taking it slow in the beginning. Tony continually reminds us to focus on form now--you have to go slower now to go faster later. Right now, I'm totally focusing on form when I run.

Today . . . well today I'm going to focus on work (yes, on a Sunday) so I can spend next weekend in San Diego drilling with my new unit (looking forward to meeting everyone!).

Check back for more updates, and please share stories and pictures of your own if you have them.

Traci Hamilton - Raising funds with Team in Training for LLS