See Adrienne Run: RWA

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, June 10, 2008

RWA

Day four of a relentless heat blast drove me back into the arms of YOT. I discovered something wonderful. I was running with attitude. I looked around me at the usual suspects in the gym and thought, I ran a marathon. It's childish of me, but I liked the idea that no one there suspected I had done any such thing. I looked past the mirrors, the two bobbing blondes next to me who didn't stop talking about nonsense the entire time (I'd like to think that when I'm talking nonsense non-stop, which is often, I do it at lower volumes) and just thumped away with pride. I hadn't run since Saturday and that's not good, but it's done. Onward.

Amby Burfoot has a doppelganger at my gym. I do a doubletake every time I see this guy.

I've been reflecting on the training season. I trained, meaning I showed up, I put in the miles and I tried to follow directions. But I probably didn't train right. There are a number of things I didn't do or do enough. I didn't do enough cross, strength and core training. I stretched enough to avoid injury, but I think I probably just got lucky. I could eat better certainly. I could regulate my sleep better, impose some consistency. If I'm going to take on other running events, I'm going to hunker down and give myself a good shot at it. In other words, I'm talking myself into it.

I was thinking about my nutritional needs for Alaska and realized that my mind defaults to certain tracks unless otherwise occupied. I amused myself rereading this little item from the Onion, written by my nutritional doppelganger perhaps.

Today 6 miles
Miles to date 340.4