Freeze Your Thorns Off 5K

Today--I completed the Freeze Your Thorns Off 5K, Sponsored by The Boring Runner!

I have been commited to this race for awhile, but Monday set me back. I have been dealing with wisdom teeth pain for about 2 years now. Well really, much longer than that--but it really started getting bad once they started getting cavities Anyway...long story short--Wisdom tooth #1 (the worst of the 4) was pulled on Monday. It was a rough pull, with just local numbing--and I have been trying to deal with the pain and baby it back to health!! :)

Anyway--long story short--I haven't gotten to exercise AT ALL this week :( Usually I can fit in a run or SOMETHING during the week, however--it was just not happening this week.

I was cautious as I went out to run my 5K. I honestly didn't know what to expect, but I knew that if something felt off I was going to slow down and take it easy. It IS a race, but having to deal with dry sockets or starting the healing process over is NOT my ideal of fun.

I set out--I have to say for being the middle of January, it was a lovely 40* with barely any wind to speak of, and the roads were completely clear of any and all snow! A perfect day for a beautiful run!

(Where I started. And me at the Start!)

Mile 1 was fabulous--I kept my "goal" pace of under 11 minutes (I am NOT a fast runner by any means!) and clocked Mile 1 in 10:58! Right on track with how I wanted the rest of the race to go. I was starting to get in a nice groove and was feeling great! Then, I decided that I wanted to take a picture mid-run. This SHOULD have been pretty simple, I run with my iPhone because I like listening to Pandora while I run. So--I took out my phone, snapped a picture (see below) and then...all heck broke loose :( I ended up pausing and then ENDING my run on Nike+. I had done 1.17 miles at that point--so I set up a new run (all while trying to keep at least a slow run going). I got it all set up, but it really threw off my time.

The infamous picture! :) I love running this path--it is so simple, so peaceful, so beautiful!

So miles 2 and 3--I really have no idea my pace because they were on a different run. I lost some time, and my groove--therefore making the run that much harder :(

I however--finished strong with a 35:53 race time! Not spectacular, and definitely not my PR--but, it is what it is! I feel pretty good about this--especially given I thought I was going to have to walk a good portion of this race (and ended up not having to at all!).

The Finish line! :) And me at the finish line!!

So there you have it. It was a good race and I enjoyed getting out there to enjoy the beautiful winter weather!

Race #1 DONE! 11 more to go! :)
Up next: For the Love of the Children 5K on Feb. 14th! :)

The Journey

So---this blog is about my journey to 26.2. But it also about my journey with running. As I started running last year it was for her. 100% of the time--when I was fighting with my breathing, when I was in pain and wanted to stop--it was the thought of her fight, her battle that pushed me those few extra steps. As my running got better, and I figured out how to breath while running--I started enjoying it. I really enjoyed the exercise, the closeness I felt to the outdoors!

I remember running my 1st race. Sept. 17th--it was the Race for Hope. This race benefited our local cancer center, and helped those with ALL types of cancer. I LOVED the thrill that I got when I ran that race. At the end--I noticed that I was going to clock a time UNDER 35 minutes if I just booked it!! It was AWESOME and I was so proud. I ran with this shirt:


This logo says it all!
The 2nd race I ran was another 5K--it was the Hot Chocolate 5K. It was an amazing run! Yet again--beat my PR--33:31 :)

As 2011 came to a close--I knew I had to set a lofty goal for 2012. So I did. 12 Races in 12 months. All in memory of her. 2 of them, I am fundraising for--the rest, I am doing in honor of her battle, her fight. But--also, because I am really starting enjoy running. For the health benefit and for the freeing feeling it has been given me!

So you ask--why am I telling you this? Because well, today started that Journey. Those 12 races! The next post will be a race recap for my 1st race of the year! :)

Here is the line-up. My goal was to run races that supports local (and not so local) cancer patients! They don't all, but I tried. And the 2 big races are the 1/2 Marathon in July and the Full Marathon in October!

January- Freeze your Thorns Off 5K—January 28^th (Virtual—Free) http://www.theboringrunner.com/2011/11/2nd-annual-freeze-your-thorns-off-5k.html

February- For the Love of the Kids 5K—February 14^th (Virtual) http://www.fortheloveofthekids.com/Home_Page.php

March- Leprechan Chase 10K—March 10^th (Ashland NE)

http://www.lc10k.com/registration/

April- Race for Grace 10K—April 14^th 2010 (Grand Island, NE)

http://www.runningguru.com/EventInformation.asp?eID=2452

May-

June- Laugh and a Half marathon—June 16^th (Norfolk, NE) http://www.laughandahalfmarathon.com/index.html

July- Rock and Roll ½ Marathon—July 22^nd (Chicago, IL)

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/chicago/register

August-

September: Race for Hope—Sioux City, IA

October: Des Moines FULL Marathon – October 21^s (Des Moines, IA) http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/IMT_Des_Moines_Marathon.htm

November: Hot Chocolate 5K (or maybe 15K) (Chicago, IL)

http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/chicago/register/

December: Ho Ho Ho Holiday 5K (Virtual Race sponsored by ME!)

The links won't work unless you copy and paste them--but if you wanted to learn more they are there! :)

A small bump in the road...

This weekend I was on the DetermiNation website gathering some information and such, and getting ready to sign up for my big race (well raceS), but I had wondered if I could fundraise for BOTH races--I felt like if I could do it at once--2 races, 1 fundraising website--that I could PROBABLY get enough money for both races. So I emailed the person on the website asking about raising money for BOTH races at once!

Well, last night I got a very depressing email back. Stating that the DetermiNation program wasn't going to be doing EITHER of the races I have my heart set on. Yep, not a SINGLE one. She explained that DetermiNation was going to concentrate on bigger races.

Insert tears and my heart dropping into my stomach. I simply replied how I was thankful for her time--but how sad it made me that I couldn't do EITHER of the races. And I also asked if there was any way I could still RAISE the money for the American Cancer Society.

This morning, I got a reply back. And it made the last email she sent MUCH better! She stated that while DetermiNation may not be sponsoring it--that I COULD still fundraise for the races. I am not sure what it will all include--but I am hoping that I can get between 900-1,000 per race. Although I know how lofty this goal is! BUT--I think I can do it! I have about 9 months to do it!!

Basically--what is going to happen is the DetermiNation people of the American Cancer Society are going to set me up with a website--where I can raise money for my races. :) She said she would start getting the ball rolling and be in contact with me for what the next steps will be! :)

So...an up and down situation, but I am SOO glad that it IS in fact working out! I also, may end up next year fundraising for the St. Louis Peregrine Society that helped Grandma SOOO much during her fight! This is the society that supplied Grandma with all of Ensure. Not only that--but they also helped her get grants for her expensive pain meds and lots of other wonderful things! And they do it completely free of charge!! :) If you would like to know more--here is their website: http://peregrinesoc.org/index.html

When I hear what is going to happen next I will update ya'll for sure! :)

4 Beautiful Miles.

My run today was beautiful. The weather was well, glum. And honestly--it was just as it should have been--but, it was the run. That feeling of freedom when I was running. That feeling that she was right there with me, cheering me on like she always did! It was such an amazing feeling.

The physical run was ok. The first 2 miles were beautiful. Seriously--I felt "in the groove"--perfect. I logged in 11 min. miles--which, when training, I barely EVER do! And--it just felt right. Then--I turned around for my return 2 miles--and mile 3 was miserable. The wind had shifted--and the temperature I swear dropped at least 5*. Let's just say that I probably walked 1/2 of that mile. At the very end of mile 3 I pass by an old cemetery. I paused my run/time/workout and I had to stop and stretch my quads. They were so stiff and I needed to get them to relax before I could truly commit to anymore of a run. After I stopped--stretched--I started my workout back up--and ran the last mile. Every last step of it! A solid 3 miles, with a wobbly 1 in there. I was talking to Grandma as I was running--asking her to be with me. To show me that strength to get through--that strength to push through the pain.

The last mile was when I felt her most. I felt like I was flying. That groove was back--I was in "the zone" and I could just feel her. That calming presence that she always held.

It was truly just what I needed. A lovely run. A time to reconnect with her. A time to remember.

365 Days ago...

I said Goodbye to one of the most amazing women in my life. A woman who fought harder, stayed stronger, and NEVER EVER gave up hope. A true inspiration.

And tomorrow...I will get out and run for her. I will strap up my running shoes--and push through the pain and tears, because--I know, that she would hate those tears. She would tell me to stop it. She would be pointing that boney little finger of her's at me yelling at me to stop that.

The last year has been hard. It has been up and down. There have been smiles and many many tears. Many memories that we have made--memories I wished she could have joined us for. I know she is my angel looking down. I know she is smiling--and also yelling at me for the way my house looks. I know she is watching my boys in amazement. I just wish heaven wasn't so far away.

Tomorrow marks 1 year without her. And it hurts. And the tears flow. BUT--the memories are there. The tears will turn into smiles. The pain will ease. Her memory will forever live--happy and strong--in the heart of my family.

Here she is. Beautiful, strong, and amazing.

This was one of the few last trips she made to Omaha. She wanted to come down and enjoy the boys' some more--because she had to go to the doctor the next week--and knew deep down--that her cancer had returned. I remember this meal. Sitting with her--having a blast. She LOVED eating at Valentino's--they had so much she could eat (or well gum-since she didn't have any teeth) and she could get her fill and then some!!

Why 26.2

I touched on this a little bit in my previous post--but I will go in depth here.

Why do you ask? Well, because I have always been intrigued by the thought of running that long and because--no matter the mileage, the determination it takes to complete those 26.2 miles will never compare to the determination Grandma showed when she was battling her cancer. NEVER. 26.2 will never compare--BUT--it will give me a sense of determination to not only RUN and be HEALTHY but to do something I never imagined. All the while supporting a cause so near and dear to my heart!

I started running a mere 6 months ago. In high school I played soccer and was extremely busy with a million other extra curricular. In College I played soccer my freshman year--and I did cheerleading--but never any running. Running has always been something that I have been intrigued by. I NEVER in a million years would have invisioned myself going out and running 4 miles. When I started in July of 2011--I could barely run 2 minutes! Let alone 4 miles! Tonight--I ran a total of 4 miles--running 90% of this--and taking a few short walking breaks! If this hadn't been my 1st run in 3 weeks--I think it would have gone much better--BUT, it was and well...that's just how the cookie crumbles.

I remember the conversation with a former boss of mine--he ran marathons and loves them! It was so interesting to me when I said to him "One of my life's goal is to run a marathon" and he looked at me and said "Really?? Most people think I am crazy!" To which I replied that I didn't think he was crazy!! This was the "Spark" talking to him--and seeing how it can truly change your life started that initial spark.

Then last year--a good friend of mine started running--and interesting enough RAN his FIRST marathon last year! I was so surprised--but SOOOO encouraged! It was amazing to "watch" as he went from non-runner--to a marathon runner! It was awesome--and such a motivator!

On top of all of that--I found an amazing program through the American Cancer Society called "DetermiNation" A program focused on raising money for the American Cancer Society through endurance events! All the while encouraging you every step of the way!

When I started running last July I had signed up for my 1st 5K and needed to get moving! I started with the Couch to 5K program. I had bought the app for Justin's ipod a LONG LONG LONG time before this, and had used it a time or two but never got past the first week or 2. This time I was DETERMINED! The race I chosen was close to my heart. It was called "The Race for Hope" Hope was what I needed. Hope for future cancer patients and that was exactly what this race was for. It was for ALL types of cancer's. It was to raise money for a local cancer center to bring more advanced cancer treatments here to Sioux City.

I raced this race on September 17th--clocking in a 34:28 time! A time, I NEVER thought possible! I am NOT a fast runner and honestly I just wanted to finish! I wanted to get through the entire course and do it well! I didn't run the entire thing, but I did finish faster than I imagined!! (Especially with the walking I did!). This was just the beginning of my love for running!

I continued training--and ran another 5K race in November that I found through the American Cancer Society but didn't end up fundraising for. It was a ton of fun and I really enjoyed it! I clocked a 5K time of 33:31!

The best part of it all--I am not alone in this running journey! This summer the boys' and I took a trip to my parents house--and because I was DETERMINED to stay on track--I needed to run at their house, but I am quite "big town" phobic and running alone was not really something I wanted to do! So--I begged and pleaded for my dad to run with me. He agreed--and has become a great running partner! We plan to run 12 races this year--2 of which are ESPECIALLY for Grandma! (I don't think he is doing the Marathon--but, possibly the 1/2).

My dad is NOT the only person who runs with me--my wonderful husband Justin has started running! Originally he was (and still is) training to participate in a crazy race called the "Urbanathalon"--I have convinced him to run the 1/2 Marathon with me in July that is sponsored by the American Cancer Society--in memory of Grandma! AND my brother Sean has taken up running (also starting with the Urbanathalon training)--and will be joining me running the 1/2 Marathon in July! Both Justin and Sean plan on completing the Urbanathalon again this October--as well as a few races here and there! :)

Running has become such an amazing part of our lives. I find that running for Grandma completely different than "running for fun" or "running to loose weight" When I get tired or weak or just want to STOP I remind myself--that this is NOTHING compared to what Grandma went through! It is a great motivator and I can see Grandma smiling from above! :)

The beginning.

I guess I should start at the beginning of my journey.

It starts about 5 years ago (April 2006). My boyfriend (now husband) and I went to a Cardinals vs. Cubs baseball game in St. Louis--while we were there, we visited my Grandma Ginnis--she took us to her absolutely favorite resturant in the whole city--Talania's. While we sat there enjoying our pizza and baked ravioli--I noticed a large bump around her jaw bone. My heart sank--I had no idea what was to come--and I really had no idea what it was--but I remember thinking "That does no look right" I remember Grandma assuring me that she thought it was an absess tooth and not to worry.

Little did we know it was cancer. A very aggresive form of Oral, Head, and Neck cancer. Surgery 1 happened less than a month later. They got it all, but the recovery was long and difficult. They had to remove the bottom half of her jaw and reconstruct it. Not once during the whole thing did she complain. She stayed strong. Battling through the chemo and radiation. We visited her several times while she was undergoing Chemo--and it was so hard to see--but she always kept her sense of humor, her smile, her fiestiness.

Fast forward to August 2008. Grandma had mentioned that she had another bump growing in her mouth. The cancer had come back :( She once again--was able to become cancer free with surgery. Things were looking up! This surgery and recovery was MUCH easier. It was such a beautiful thing!

Fast forward again to the Spring of 2009. I was pregnant with Owen (my 2nd) and having complications. We were living in Omaha--in an apartment and I needed some help BAD. Getting things together--so I begged my mom and Grandma to come up. They did--and stayed for several weeks. Helping to prepare for Owen--and it was then that our memories and bond started to grow. After Owen was born she was there--for many many weeks. She stayed at my house with us day in and day out--helping and loving my boys. She was such a beautiful person. She was so strong--having gotten and beaten cancer twice--she never complained, always had her fiesty crazy ways. A year after her 2nd surgery she was still cancer free! We enjoyed an amazing Thanksgiving full of food and memories--Owen's and Joey's 1st! Grandma was there, full of smiles and hope!

It was March of 2010 that she noticed a lump in her mouth. And she knew it. She knew that it was, once again cancer. This time--she waited to have the surgery--she wanted to enjoy the month long vacation she had previously planned (to visit her Sister). The time she waited it grew--and by the time they went to do the surgery...her cancer had spread to the point that they couldn't operate. The only option now was Chemo (as she had already "maxed out" her radiation treatments). And we were told--this was simply to give her more time. Precious Precious time.

Over the next months we spent every possible moment with her. Traveling and staying with her for weeks on end during that summer. It was a time I will NEVER forget--and I hope that my boys will remember that summer. Owen was only 1--but the love that she had for him was more than anyone else. She would never admit it--but Owen stole her heart--he was her boy. Grandma's boy--and he surely has her personality! :) We celebrated her birthday with a surprise party--we celebrated Thanksgiving with her--although she just wanted to go home. I got to talk to her that weekend--just her and I up in her room. It was precious precious memories.

Grandma fought the cancer with every ounce of her body. She never once complained. She never once said "Why me" She endured more pain, more hard times, more suffering than anyone ever should have to--but through it all--she still smiled when she saw us. She still played with the boys even when she felt so weak she didn't want to function.

In December 2010--her heart stopped, not once-but TWICE. And she had a DNR--the dr's and staff were sure that she would not make it through the night/morning. I flew as fast as the airplanes could take me--to get to see her one last time, unsure if I would be able to make it down there in time. I DID--in fact--every time her heart stopped, a few seconds later she would start kicking and gasping for air. She also told the nurses and dr's she wanted to FIGHT! The few days I spent in the ICU in St. Louis will forever be some of my most cherished moments. I got to talk to Grandma about life, about love, and about everything. She was so alive.

In January 2011 the Chemo stopped working-and as we knew was going to happen--her cancer spread like wildfire. There was nothing else left to do but let her go. My brother, children, and I went to St. Louis on Jan. 5th to say goodbye. I will never forget that day. I will never forget having to walk away from her--having to pry her hands off of me so we could leave. She went into hospice I believe January 8th (I think)---and even in Hospice--with her body failing her--she fought. She fought for two long weeks. She fought when the dr's kept saying "any hour." She fought every.last.second. to live.

Why do I tell you this? Because this is why I run. This woman, Grandma Ginnis, is the strength that gets me through long runs. The angel I run with--my inspiration.

I also run to raise awareness for cancer. In particular--Head, Neck, and Oral cancer (the cancer that took Grandma Ginnis).

I run--because not only have I always wanted to run a marathon--I know, that 26.2 miles will NEVER compare to the pain and fight Grandma had.

And that's where this journey begins. 26.2 for her.