Still here and still running...

So, I wrote the following post on the plane last Friday and in typically ADD fashion did not remember to post it until today.  oops.   I promise to be back to my regularly scheduled Thursday posts starting this Thursday!  I really think writing and fundraising are both way more difficult that the running part.
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I’ve fallen behind my attempt to update at least once a week.  But I’m back!   It’s a busy month of travel causing me to fall behind in both work and personal commitments.   But it has  given  me the opportunity to learn and grow professional and run in many beautiful places. 

First- my fundraising update-   I’m at approximately $500 dollars in donations.   I appreciate everyone who has donated for their generous donations and for helping a cause I truly feel passionate about.    I am 1/3 to my goal of $1500.   Please, please consider donating a few dollars.    I understand we are all mindful of how we spend our money these days and I am truly grateful and appreciative of every donation.

Last Saturday, I really did not want to get out of the bed and run.  I was exhausted from a week of team meetings in New York and was not looking forward to doing it all over again this week in Portland.  All I wanted to do was stay in bed cuddled up to cat and, I suppose, the hubby too.  But he snores and blocks the window breeze, so mostly cat.   The night before I had received a Facebook message from a Girls on the Run coach and fellow CESer letting me know how much my Girls on the Run running buddy enjoyed running with me in the GOTR Squeez’d 5k a last month.   The simple message really gave me the feels and drove home how important this program is to the participants.  The program teaches life lessons, instills confidence and gives girls exposure to positive role models.  The message helped me get out of bed in the morning and get over to Fleet Feet for our group run.

85% of participants receive financial assistance to participate in the program.   Your donations matter!  This program is helping create our future leaders.

I should have taken more pictures, but a couple of weeks ago I had a sort of pilot fundraising party.   Unfortunately, since I don’t watch sports, I had no idea my party coincided with game 5 of the Blackhawks thing.  But I raised $115!!  Thank you Kelly, Mary and Ryan!    I hope to have another little get together soon.

And finally some big running news for me… I’m a now a pacer for the 12:30 Greens!!   Beyond excited to take my running journey in a leadership direction and give back to the community that has helped me grow in so many ways.  Tomorrow is my first day… 8 miles!  Wish me luck that I can actually keep to the pace and  that  I don’t get too excited or too distracted and take off.

As always please use this link to make a tax-deductible donation to Girls on the Run.   I’m in a little bit of a donation rut lately and your donation would really make my day!  Donate here!

TBT-Lions and Tigers and Runners...Oh my..

In the spirit of Throw Back Thursday.. I bring you my first attempt at a 5k.

I'm guessing, I'm like many people who randomly start running marathons in their mid 30's, I was never a runner. Actually, I hated running most of my life (I still occasionally do).  It wasn't that I wasn't athletic- I swam in middle school and high school, I was really into martial arts and rock climbing in my 20's.  But I always HATED running.   In high school gym class, I faked asthma, knee problems and anxiety attacks (ok, that actually may have been somewhat real) to get out of running The Mile.  It's amazing how long The Mile seemed to my 15 year old self.  4 laps around the track.  In my mind it was no different that running across the country.

In my 20's I started "running" around the block a couple of times a month, so the kids wouldn't completely kick my ass during running drills in Tae Kwon Do class  Honestly, it was more like window shopping in a sports bra with a couple of skips and hops in between windows.   And most days, I'd throw up if I attempted to run more than a block at a time.

During my masters degree, I would run through the neighborhood park a couple of times a week, because I felt I was getting old and I was getting a public health degree, and I was too lazy to find another TKD Dojo.  But it was Atlanta.  And it was really hilly.   I'd walk up the hills.  So I was mostly just doing little intervals of running down while blasting Less than Jake on my IPOD. Thank you gravity.

My first "race", was in 2009, while at the University of Illinois.  I was dating this tiger vet (yea, really) and he dragged me to a fundraiser 5k for the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Indiana.  At the time, because of the tiger thing, I thought he was much cooler than he actually was, so I couldn't possibly tell him how much I hated to run.   It's the Run through the Jungle 5K and its actually pretty cool.   If you ever have ever wanted to run with tigers (without actually being chased by one), this is the race for you.  Just watch out for the lion pee  I learned that lions spray, just like cats... just off of platforms, directly on the trail.   Kind of makes it like an obstacle course.   I can't remember my time, but I'm guessing it was probably over 45 minutes maybe even like 55 minutes... as you can see below, I was much more interested in taking pictures than running.  The one action shot only happened because it was at that moment that I noticed the photographer.

I think its cute that I have my race number attached squarely in the middle of my chest like the instructions told me to.  This may also be the only race picture I have that does not look like I'm about to crap my pants.  I think I'm actually smiling.  Weird.

Also, I got to pet a Serval.  That was also pretty cool.  And made the whole running thing worth it.

Fundraising update!   I'm nearly 30% of the way to my goal of $1500 and in my 3rd week of marathon training.  I have over 300 friends on the FB alone... that means I just need 100 of you to donate just $10.   Pretty please? I promise to tell more embarrassing running stories.   Donate Here

Girls on the Run 5k Recap

Lots of great stuff this past week!

Week One of Marathon Training is now in the books and I am midway through Week Two! Had a great mid-week run around the UIC Medical Campus this morning.

It is amazing how fast the season flies by starting at 5 miles and ending at 26.2 in a heart beat.  I missed my first training session with Chicago Endurance Sports (CES) last Saturday, but it was for a great cause!   I was a running buddy in the Squeez'd 5k for Girls on the Run!   It was my first Girls on the Run event and an amazing experience.   I got to see the results of the GOTR program first hand.
I was greeted at Grant Park early Saturday morning to 100's of girls, their coaches, buddies, parents- all bubbling over with excitement despite the rain and cloudy skies.  There was nothing going to kill these girls' spirits!   They had been training hard for this day!  The CES crew was recruited for Shield's Middle School by one of our CES team members who is a math teacher at Shield's.    There's nothing quite like the love and support of the CES family.  I was happy to be a part of the this event, giving back some of the love and support I have received in the last couple of years on my own journey.

I found my flag among the many many many CPS schools who host the GOTR program and was overwhelm by the level of enthusiasm and  general sparkliness of these lovely young women.  I was glittered-up with some purple (my favorite color!) sparkles and we were ready to rock.

The young lady I had the pleasure of running with  was an incredibly bright 8th grader at Shield's Middle School.  Over the course of 3.1 miles, her longest distance to date, we talked about the GOTR program, high school (squeel!)  dreams and aspirations (I think I convinced her to add "marathon" to the list).   It was truly a joy to spend the morning with her.  Through her eyes, I could see what an impact the GOTR program has made on her and her classmates.  The program teaches the young ladies a variety of valuable life lessons such as nutrition and self care, interacting with peers, discipline, etc. though fun games and learning.  They are able to develop confidence and strong bonds with their classmates in a safe environment.   I am so grateful to be raising money for such a great organization.

Please consider donating to my fundraising efforts so that more young woman can experience this program!  Ever dollar helps... no donation is too small!
AND... This week I made it to 25% of my fundraising goal!  Woot! Woot!

Donate Here!

CES Represents!

My inspiration!