25th Anniversary Cruise

Team In Training's 25th Anniversary Cruise around Tampa Bay

was a great time!  I am honored to help celebrate the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training's 25th year!

I have participated in a number of events for Team in Training.  I have fundraised and mentored and maybe one day, I can coach and help other first time or veteran runners as much as my coaches have helped me.  My first run with TEAM Was Disney's Wine and Dine Half Marathon, next up was Rock n Roll Savannah Full, I mentored Disney Princess, and finally, Disney Goofy!  With Team I have met some really great friends of which I am so thankful for their support, love, and generosity.

On Tuesday we set sail from the Bay Spirit II which is located directly behind the Florida Aquarium and right next to the Victory ship.  We took off promptly at 8:40ish because Christa had to get in some hill and speed training running to the boat. We were greeted with friendly faces and runners and triathletes in "normal" clothing.  Light appetizers were served and there was a cash bar. I was so hungry I darted right to whatever they were serving and stuffed my mouth, not unusual of course.  After we left post, we wandered around the boat and took pictures.  It was my first boat trip out on the bay by Channelside and it was really beautiful.  With my house hunting search, I of course would love to know how much those houses would go for off the water at Davis Island.  

Christa getting in her training before the boat leaves

We were summoned downstairs to hear presentations by Irene and hear Patrick Duffy speak with his daughter Elli.  Elli was diagnosed with AML when she was 19 months old.  You heard the emotion in his voice when he spoke.  I do not think there was s dry eye in the room when he was done.  Patrick also ran Goofy with us this year but for some reason, I did not know his reason for running.  

Team in Training participants have raised over $1.3 billion for life saving cancer research

More than $875 has been invested in blood cancer research

Coach Teresa, Christa, and me!

There is more than just running.  There are cycling, triathlon, hiking, and obstacle racing events.  

This is a program that changed my life and was honored to be able to be a part of such a great event.  If you have any questions, please ask! or head over to their site

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f you would like to donate, please visit my sister's site who is running her first half marathon!  I am so excited for her to take this journey!

Overachieving and harsh realizations

I have these big dreams and goals of completing and accomplishing certain races.

I tend to take on more than I can handle, especially when it comes to training for events.  I have race after race, run after run until March.  I didn't really realize how much I have planned until someone mention, are you racing every weekend?  Well, sort of...

I had these BIG dreams of doing the Croom 50k and Augusta HIM 70.3

I have been toying with these ideas for about 6 months now, and I have no doubt I can physically complete them.  I then realized how much more training would need to go into a HIM.  I would need to do two a days.  When did I ever think I would have time for that?  I can't even complete my scheduled runs now.  

Right now, my marathon training plan was given to me through team in training and I believe was a little too ambitious for my schedule.  I have two medium long runs during the weeks, which now, are 9 miles.  I think to myself, this takes me almost two hours.. so coming up at 7, impossible.  Next training cycle, more realistic plan will be made and will incorporate speed because one day, I would love to qualify for Boston!

Back to Croom and Augusta, I think I am officially burnt out.  I want a social life!  I want to run because I want to, not because I have a training run.  I think I am saying goodbye to running Croom and doing Augusta in 2013, but there is always 2014.  Not to mention, a tri is very expensive and I certainly do not have the money at this time to invest in the proper training and equipment.  I am so thankful for the friends along the way to help me out this far.  

I want to be proud of my race and know I have done all that I could do :)

Will I have a change of heart in the next few weeks once Goofy is over?  It is possible, but I am staying away from the "Register Now" button for a while, until I am 100% sure I have the time and the energy.  

So what is up next?

Dec. 15 The color run

December 21- 10 miles

December 22- 20-22 Miles

January 12 DIsney Half Marathon

January 13 Disney Full Marathon

January 27 ING Miami Full or Half Marathon

February 9- Mud Run

February 17 Donna 26.2 or Half?- Possible with Meghan

February 24 Disney Princess  Half Marathon with Meghan, Tori, Caitlyn

March 9- Gate River run with my best friend Jamie

March 17- Sarasota Half Marathon (Hoping for a PR)

What runs are you planning?  How do you get motivated again?