Great news!

I was in Arkansas last week, and had a chance to visit one of my honored teammates, Miss Billie. She has three more chemo treatments to go, and the doctors say her cancer is gone! So so great!

Also, I'M AN AUNT AGAIN! My newest (of 3) nephews, John Austin, was born yesterday. Looks like his big brother, too too cute!

Now to my running. I was in Arkansas last week, and it was TOO HOT to run! I tried to do 5 miles last week, only got 3 in before I thought I'd pass out. I swear, the SUN is hotter down South (it is closer to the equator and all). My Gatorade got hotter in 3 miles, than it does running 14 miles in DC! Then I missed the second run, because I hung out with my family... and it was 100 degrees! Oh yeah, by the way, I got a new fuel belt (because the one I have is way too small). Here is a pic of it, I got the pink one...

You can buy these things at http://www.fuelbelt.com/. Very handy!

Anyway, when I was in Arkansas, I got to hang out with my nephew Noah. Such a cutie! He was saying my name... MandEEE! Caught a cold and stomach thing from him, so I missed out on the big run last Saturday (16 miler, SO mad I missed it). However, you can't be too mad about getting sick from a 1 year old. I wasn't about to not let him give me sugar, or feed me olives (which I normally hate), or share my strawberries with him. So it was definitely worth getting sick over.

I ran last night, 5 miles, and I could DEFINITELY feel the little break I took. It was harder on my lungs, so it is really noticeable now how much better my asthma has gotten since I've started running. It was also harder on my legs, but I can say that my calves didn't cramp up like they have been. And I kept to my usual pace, even though I walked more than usual. It helped that the weather has gotten better, the high is now in the 80's.

So, that's my update. Also, just to let you know, I now raised $2,570.00. I have $1.230.00 to go! If you can think of anyone that might like to donate, please forward my information to them. It would be greatly appreciated!

Have a blessed day,
Mandi

Hot Town, Summer in the City

Wow, it's hot outside. Really really hot. So hot, it reminds me of home, which wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't training for a M-A-R-A-T-H-O-N. Oh yeah, and walking to and from work everyday. By the time I get home... let's just say it's not pretty!

Went for a run this morning, 6 am, it was 81 degrees, and really humid. Gross. I did 4 miles. Which is NOT gross. It's good. It feels good. I would go as far to say it feels great. My legs and feet are sore pretty much all the time, and it feels great.

I don't really have a point to this entry, just wanted to write. It's been awhile, it feels good to write. Two of my favorite things to do are to write and to run. Who would have thought run would be in there? Certainly not me!

I guess what I want to say is that I'm grateful. Grateful that thanks to my brother and sister-in-law, I get to be an aunt again... soon! As in any day now. That will make 2 nephews, and one neice or nephew for me (they want to be surprised, again). Also, that my aunt is okay. Very lucky, and okay. I think of the impact my aunts and uncles had on my life growing up, and how I want to be good aunt, too. The person I am today... let's just say I owe them a lot! I am fortunate to have a great family. A close family. Very loving. Yes, I am fortunate.

Sooo, as of this morning, I have logged in 133 training miles. That's a lot of miles! It's something that takes dedication, I'm so glad to be doing it. And so happy to be raising money for such a worthy cause. It seems like since I signed up for this, leukemia and lymphoma has entered my life any many ways. Ms. Billie, who kept me in the church nursery, and who I would say impacted my life in a big way, because she is a truly kind-hearted person (a great example!) was diagnosed after I started this. I found out about Joanne's husband, too. I am learning more and more about this disease, and feel proud to be raising money to help others. To help find a cure.

So that's it. Thanks for reading my rambling post today. May your day be full of hope and blessings.

Mandi

Mile 71

I just added it up, and I have done 71 training miles! In addition to walking 1 mile a day on weekdays (to and from work), my dogs have gotten a workout!


I had to do last Saturday's long run by myself, because I was out of town, so I did it Sunday on the Mall here in DC. It was uneventful, except for being barked at by a passer-by, and yes, he was human. Lovely.


I can just say that as for doing those long runs for myself??? No thanks! So boring, even my iPod didn't help. Having a big group to run with is extremely helpful in keeping motivated, and just maybe pushing yourself a little more harder than you would by yourself.


Well, thats about all I have to say. Much thanks for everyone who has donated so far, and all the moral support! Also, thanks to my sister for running with me last week, which I know she had to do considerably slower than usual. Also, to my Mom, who would wake up early with me, and go to Murray Park to walk the Big Dam Bridge. You go, Mom!


Have a great day!
Mandi

Pics from Arkansas and whatnot...

The Big Dam Bridge

Me and my sister after running 4 miles. In 90% humidity!

Me at the Big Dam Bridge after running with my sister.

Oh yeah, and one thing I forgot to add from my first run in Little Rock. Some guy passed me, and said, 'those shoes sure look heavy,' or something to that affect. I turned to say something to him, like 'I know, I need to buy new shoes! HOW DID YOU KNOW???' I looked down, and he was running barefoot! He passed me, and just kept on going. I caught up to him, because he had decided to walk, and spoke to him for a little bit. He was training for a 5k, and turns out, he runs races barefoot. Crazy! He said it takes lots of practice... well I would guess so!

By the way, I finally went and bought new running shoes yesterday at Georgetown Running Company. Asics, sweet.