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.)
Training properly is one thing, but I need to do more. Blood, sweat and tears are not enough. I must give more. I have turned to religion. I am now making offerings to Saint Hubbins, the patron saint of quality footwear. I have devised a sort of "Hail Mary" in which I humbly ask Saint Hubbins to relieve me of pain by providing the highest quality footwear $500 can buy. If my prayers are answered, when I get my shiny new custom orthotics on Friday, I will run without sharp pain in my right foot. I'm willing to take up certain religious rituals if it will cut an hour off of my running time on race day.
I first heard about this saint through the lead guitarist and vocalist of Spinal Tap, David St. Hubbins, who explained his unusual namesake's province. Saint Hubbins is right up there in Catholicism's pantheon of greats with Saint Dymphna, the patron saint of mental illness and nervous affliction.
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