See Adrienne Run: It's Not the Heat

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.)

Monday, June 9, 2008

It's Not the Heat

Actually, it is. And it's the humidity, too. Years ago, there was an amusing item in Harper's Index about this very subject, something like "Percentage of Iowans who believe it's not the heat, it's the humidity." I recall it being in the 30% range.

The weather outside certainly bears on the emotional weather and everything that follows from it. I had the unpleasant experience last night of turning on the air conditioner and nothing happening. I haven't had the stomach to try again today. I think Mark Twain said, "Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." It's too hot to do anything about it!

I saw some poor bastard running in a soaking wet cotton shirt at 7 this morning. I'll be running on YOT at the gym later.

The Moth story slam tomorrow night has an enticing topic: respect. I'm thinking about throwing my name in the hat. I'm going to spend my time on YOT thinking through a five-minute speech about the marathon. Staying focused while running in place is a little bit like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time. Looks easy, but it isn't.