See Adrienne Run: Four on the Floor

What's All This Then?

Greetings!

This blog has run its course, as it were. Actually three courses, but don't let that stop you from reading. Here's the skinny: I dedicated most of 2008 to running and fundraising for cancer research. On June 1, I ran the San Diego Rock n' Rock marathon. On June 21 I ran a half marathon in Anchorage, Alaska. Both of these feats were tackled with the coaching and support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, for which I raised $5,725. The final challenge was the New York City marathon on Nov. 2. This time I trained with "Fred's team" on behalf of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where I was treated successfully for Hodgkins lymphoma five years ago. I raised another $3240 (maybe more).

It was a banner year in many ways. I celebrated 5 years of health. I raised a lot of money. I earned a Team in Training triple crown for completing a triathlon, century bike ride and marathon. I was featured on a show about three first time runners in the NYC marathon, aired on NBC in New York. And ....

You can read all about my journey in sneakers below. And remember:
"A journey of 26.2 miles begins with a single shlep."

(For the back story, check out the Sept. 29th entry.)

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Four on the Floor

A late start and a full day of rain led me to the gym tonight for a little time on the treadmill. Mind you, since I have discovered the joy of running unencumbered outside, I have not been back on Ye Olde Treadmill (YOT). Given that I nearly fell off the damn thing tonight, I'm probably not heading back on it again anytime soon.

I have to admit that I have no idea how to pace myself. One thing YOT does well is it proves that I can move a lot faster if I'm made conscious of just how slowly I'm going. I barely made it through four miles even with the help of a fascinating episode of This American Life. The theme was families and change. One story was about a secular Jewish gal who goes in search of her brother who moved to Alaska and joined a born again Christian farming community. Then there was one about a guy who suffered a stroke and basically turned into a kid. He had just started a family and, despite his compromised condition, he had two additional children because he was expected to improve. He did improve, but not enough. The stories were engrossing, but it still couldn't keep me on YOT. I mixed it up with some time on the elliptical.

Meanwhile, down in Atlanta, Sister Alison is kicking it. We laughed when she mentioned doing a short 8 mile run. When 8 miles seems short, you know you've been running too long.

Sunday off; Yesterday: 4.5
Miles to date: 187.7