See Adrienne Run: The Triple Crown

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.)

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Triple Crown

Triathlon?
Check.
Century ride?
Check.
Marathon?
Check.

This last item seems unreal. I was there. I know it happened. I have a dirty singlet, socks and other laundry. I ran 26.2. I've earned a triple crown and, sadly, it doesn't seem like a big deal.

Why, she moans plaintively. This is just a theory, but here goes: I've seen the man behind the curtain. The mystique is gone. Now I know how people do it because I did it, too. I don't know how people do it in less than 6 hours, but I get the idea. I know what it means to be on your feet for an extended period of time, beating back your demons if they've come to visit, focusing on a point in the distance--but not too far in the distance--or fighting off the urge to stop because what's the ruddy point anyway? I know how the sausage is made. Knowing this doesn't necessarily make me want to eat sausage.

On the plane ride home, I took notes about race day and the run up to it, as it were. I may take a more granular look in future posts. Right now, it's just the big picture, medals and all.