I’m still kinda in denial that I’m even breathing the same air as these people. The coaches, mentors, volunteers, and team members are all so incredibly kind and giving and welcoming, even to a SO non-athlete such as moi! The essential thread running through every message is “YOU CAN DO IT!”
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| Coach James inspiring and motivating dozens of runners and walkers for the 2013 winter season - under a balmy early autumn morning sky. |
Even
though some of them are veterans of years of marathons, triathlons, etc., they
genuinely want to do everything they can to help even a newbie team member achieve their
goal. For me, it’s to finish (injury-free) 13.1 miles on January 27, 2013.
They have this training thing down to a science: A, B, or C group, depending on your skill level. A is for beginners (and pre-beginners!), B is if you’re currently doing some level of regular activity (running, walking, jogging), and C is for the hard-core, bad-ass fitness studs (I humbly bow in their presence…..).
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| One of the hard-core, bad-ass studs, my baby Amanda. Apparently, 26 years ago I gave birth to a GAZELLE..... |
Even though I’m putting miles under my shoes every night after work with the pumped-up power-walks, I put myself in the A’s, because of the gradual stamina build-up. For example, yesterday we did three miles at 10/2: ten minutes walking, two minutes jogging, ten minutes walking, two minutes jogging, etc. Over the season, the running will gradually increase and the walking will decrease. The structured plan and weekly work-out calendar are exactly what I’ve needed to build up my endurance, and the warm-ups at the weekly training sessions will give me the tools to avoid any more unnecessary ankle boo-boos.
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| Favorite daughter and LaLa looking fit and FABULOUS during warm-ups! |
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| Note to self: No more handing the camera to Amanda during warm-ups..... |
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| Multi-tasking: walking, flashing a peace sign, AND eating a power bar. Now that's talent..... |
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| San Diegans are spoiled with awesome weather and spectacular views during training! |
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| Lake Powell will always be infused with Glenn's spirit. |
But I’m also doing this for all the Stage IV blood cancer warriors who are - at this very moment - tethered to IV bags dripping chemo toxins into their bodies.
Who are confined to hospital beds because their immune systems are failing them.
Who woke up this morning to find clumps of hair on their pillow, and will find more in the shower drain.
Who face fear and uncertainty and pain as they undergo surgery today.
Who spent the night wretching and puking and can’t even fathom ever eating again.
Who lack the strength to wrap their arms around the neck of their child or their loved one – or their sweet doggie.
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I’m doing this because I CAN.
Because, even though this cancer thing is Stage IV, I’m not where they are.
Because, no matter what pain or injuries I may experience during the course of this training season, it will be nothing - NOTHING - compared to what they are going through – and what I could be going through right now.
And because I am ever-grateful that, for the time being, I can still live my somewhat-normal life.
And because…..
