fighter.

Fighter.

Too Inspired By What's Transpired.

This is Michelle.

Picture from facebook 

Michelle is a local runner (Tampa) who just completed her first marathon in February.  On March 14, 2014 she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The prescribed 42 days of chemotherapy and 33 radiation treatments started on April 16th. During the week between brain surgeries Michelle realized that there was only one way to face this challenge and it is the same way she has approached her life: with a positive and selfless attitude focused on using her experiences to help others.  Just one of the many ways she inspires and is a FIGHTER is by providing daily insights and inspirations throughout this journey @ https://www.facebook.com/michelleboyddejong 
   

Michelle is part of the running group I joined a few years ago when I was training for the NYC Marathon (the first time) .  The group of people I have met through this organization are remarkable.    Her husband Ryan created a Miles for Moffitt team for the Miles for Moffitt race here in Tampa on May 10th.  Anyone can join to show support for the fight and I encourage you to do so and if you can't, feel free to make a donation. They have banned together to try and make the largest group and raise the most amount of money as a team.  There are distances for everyone to join.  8k, 5k, and a fun 1 mile!!!  I already signed Behn up for this race because I committed to another team previously (#TeamJudy for Steph's Mom).  We are excited to do the 8k this year.  

They are also selling shirts, news channel 8 will be there featuring Michelle before the race.  Gaspars grotto in Ybor is sponsoring the after party.  (They pulled out all the stops)

Barre Fitness-Friday, May 2- all classes will be donations classes only IF you will BE the change! If you attend class this day and decide to donate a minimum of $20, your account will be credited a free class! Donations will go to Michelle Boyd DeJonghttps://www.facebook.com/events/703362393064649/?ref=22Jimmy John's location will donate 20% of total sales between 3-9 tomorrow, April 25 for the Miles For Moffitt team.  (Downtown Tampa)

Team Webpage to sign up here

Miles for Moffitt Race Recap

This past Saturday, May 12, 2012 was the Annual Miles for Moffit run/walk.  Miles for Moffitt was located at the University of South Florida (GO BULLS) and I have heard about this race for a few year, I never had the opportunity to do it until this year.  There are many distances to choose from, as there is an ultra, 5 miler, 5k, and the 1 miler.


A few weeks ago I decided to sign up with Run Tampa.  I decided on the 5 miler to kick start my marathon training.  I wasn't very prepared for this race as I thought I would be.  Life happens and I usually put work before running or doing anything for me.  There was a lot going on these past weeks and as we are coming to a close for the school year, there is so much that needs to get done.


On Saturday, I woke up and headed to USF.  It took me less time than expected as there was no traffic heading into campus yet.  I had to be there a little early to pick up my race bib and goodies.  I found a parking spot right away and headed to the booth to pick up my bib, safety pins, and my shirt.  Unfortunately, there were no more small shirts, only a medium.  I happily took that as well as my Rays tickets I did not know I was going to get!  Hmm, maybe If I cannot go I can do a giveaway.  I like the idea of that.


I met up with Meghan, we chatted put our stuff back in the car then met up with Tori who was running the 5k with Girls on the run.  We all chatted, caught up for the few minutes before we headed to the start line.  On the way, I ran into Rachel who was looking to PR in the 5k.  At 7:30, the 5 mile peeps were off!!  Right on time!!  I love a race that is right on time, yes I am OCD.


The course was very nice.  I passed an old student of mine from when I was interning, at the second water stop I saw Samantha and Christina's Mom!  (She is the best)  I gave her a hug and was back on my way.  The course was "hilly" but I knew that going into it as I went to school there.  I passed or I should say, John and Jennifer passed me.  The volunteers were great!  I had a timed goal of 1:00-1:05 because of my injury and not running I figured that would be great.  Not too fast, not too slow (for me of course).


I managed to come in around 1:03is.  And I add the "ish" because:

then..the official race results (sorry it is small, I am still attempting to learn a screen shot on a mac)

Therefore, I am not sure what is "really" true as yes, I know you often run more because of the weaving (I did none of that), and the turning, but It was not only me that is having this issue.  The 5kers are also getting an additional .1, but I am not all that concerned.

Samantha and I

Meghan and I

After the race, I met back up with Meghan, she kicked BUTT!  She is so quick!

West did his first 5k and 

Samantha is READY to train for a 5k this time ;)

I did enjoy this race.  I loved how close it was to my house and the ample volunteers on the course.  I wish they would have had a smaller race shirt for me as it is almost down to my knees.  I also am hearing a lot of problems with the length of the course as well as the results being posted.  Many peoples are wrong as they did the 5k and a random number is under the 5Miler.  Meghan's is not even posted to who knows.

I will most likely be back next year as long as I no longer have any other commitments.  

What did you do this weekend?  Anything fun and exciting you want to add?