See Adrienne Run: Imposed Rest

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.)

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Imposed Rest

I had designated today as a rest day because I expected to be busy. Today was scavenger hunt day and it was a non-event. Quite literally. I knew that most of my friends wouldn't be there because they told me ahead of time. Others just didn't show up or didn't say anything. One of my teammates made it, but we missed him somehow. I don't know what to make of the whole thing, but I worked hard to put this together and I'm going to try it again after San Diego.

I had strong support from Bugs who recruited a few cool volunteers, if not from others from whom it would have been quite welcome. Everyone added some version of "New Yorkers suck" to the chorus of explanations for the general unwillingness of folks to make a commitment. My original instinct was to have the registration linked to PayPal to sort of force the issue. I decided against it. Not sure how I'll tackle it next time. I don't think I'll be using evite again. An article in the NYT today captured the evasion syndrome brilliantly.

On a sunnier note, Mae showed an impressive knowledge of NYC, so I know it's possible to answer the questions. She didn't see the clues to the waypoints, so I don't know how challenging those would be. I'm very grateful to those who came through. I'm getting a little bit burnt out. I pulled out the old banjo, which I have neglected for an extended period, for comfort. This has been my first major lapse in playing since I came back from the Folk School. It was good to get out there and frail a bit with Dools by my side.