Brrr - it's starting to actually feel like fall

Finally, fall has arrived in Central Florida! Yeah!! Can't wait for the kids to get on the bus so I can go out for a nice, short run. It's going to be a great week according to the weather forecasts.

Tonight, bon voyage party for our TNT mates doing the Disney Wine & Dine. So proud of all the hard training they've been putting in to get ready for it. Crazy Ken will be back in town for the weekend of the run.

So, gotta go, kids need to be hustled out to bus stop.

Trunk N Treat

Trunk N Treat - so much fun! Always a good time with my best friend and the kids. And so many cute costumes too!
And, after all that fun last night, I was able to get up and do my 8 miles. It was the most boring run since I had to do it on my own and was having issues. So resorted to just doing laps around my loop. That's right 8 loops = 8 miles! Got her done and ready for the rest of the week!

Go Team!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Curses Hurricane Sandy!

So Sandy has ruined my week! First I had to cancel the door decorating contest at school because they closed up on Friday due to the expected bad weather. Then Pumpkins in the Park was cancelled. It looks like we'll be able to do our church's Trunk & Treat, but what a bummer. Hope it isn't too wet and windy. Everyone always does such a nice job decorating, but the wind my wreck havoc on decorated trunks this year.

Oh and I haven't gone out training in a few days either. Today I'm scheduled to do 8 and it's going to be tough getting that done on my own. Yep - this weekend is a buddy weekend and Leisha wanted to go today, but I have too much going on and frankly, the wind whipping us around didn't sound like much fun. So I'm going to have to do it on my own tomorrow I guess.

Anyway, not letting it get me down - gotta go. I have to sew a zebra costume before tonight. Oh My - so have a great weekend everyone!

100 Hour Challenge

So I've been challenged to ask 100 friends to donate $10 over the next 100 hours! So far, it's been a slow start, but I have raised $50 today!! All monies are going directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society so it's a great day.

I also completed my first work assignment for the LLS today. So excited for this opportunity. Not too many of these kinds of jobs around. Working from home for an organization I'm passionate about. Yeah baby! That's what I'm talking about.

Anyway, still fundraising so I can make it to Washington DC for the inaugural Nike's Women's Half Marathon. Great time of year to be there too - April - I can just smell those Cherry Blossoms now!

Wonder who our president will be then? Could be a changing soon.

Don't forget why I'm doing this - to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to find a cure to blood cancer. Please help me in my 100 hour challenge by donating $10 today. Please visit my website now:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Up and Over!

5:00 am is awfully early, but that's what time I get up, at the latest, when we're meeting at Front Street. Gotta leave the house by 5:30 to be on time for training. Anyway, I'm glad I put in that extra effort to make it. The weather was perfect. Almost a hint of Fall I'd say in the air. It wasn't blistering hot and it wasn't blinding sunshine. It was a perfect mixture of cool breezes and partly cloudy skies.

However, when I say cool "breeze", I should say cool gusty winds. Going up and over that causeway bridge was tough! But, I did it, twice! Yep that's right - twice. We needed to get in 8 miles, so we started at one park and went up and over the bridge to the park on the other side and then repeated. My hams are aching a little, but it was a really nice day. We don't get too many days in Florida that you aren't getting beat up by humidity and heat. So, I say "bring it on". St. Pete is a month away and then it's Disney, and then Washington D.C.

Doing it because it's fun, but more importantly, I'm running with purpose, walking with passion and racing for a cure. Support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by visiting my website and making a donation. The LLS thanks you, TNT thanks you, my team thanks you, and most of all I thank you.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Hanging with the kiddos!

No training today. Kids had a student holiday so no school. Nice quiet morning with no where special to be. Mornings like these are rare indeed. Cleaned out the garage, lounged about and then went to Hotel Transylvania with the kids. Cute movie - lots of laughs.

What a great day! Saturday - 8 miles planned with the team . . .

Help Brevard's Best reach it's goal of $90,000. Make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society today. Visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Absolutely Beautiful!!

Absolutely - beautiful weather today in sunny Florida. It was a great run over the Indian River. Cool, slight breeze, perfect!

So, 4 more miles to chalk up against the face to end cancer. Disney just a few months away and then off to the Nation's capital! Wonder who will be President at that time?

How about making a contribution to the Race to End Cancer and voice your choice for President in the comment section. I know who has my vote - who has yours? Cast your vote, make a donation, Visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh!

I'm so excited. Just found out that I got the job with the TNT Flex team! I talk to Bonni later today to find out what's the next thing we need to do to get me up and going. The best thing about this job is that I get to work from home, set my own work hours! Awweeeesssooommme!!! This will be the first "paying" job I'm totally passionate about diving into. Working with a charitable organization to help end cancer, help patients and their families. I can't imagine a better job!

Please help in the search to find a cure for blood cancer. Visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

GO TEAM! GO TEAM! GO TEAM!

YEAH FOR ME!!!

So, both kids are back in school - Hooray!!! Yeah for Me!!!

Did my 4 mile run without any trouble today. Not at all like Saturday's run. The weather is still hot, but I'm hoping for that cool break soon. Bring it on. Can't wait 'til I can run in the 50's and 60's weather. I'm praying that it will be perfect at Disney too in January!

So, like I said, I'm still running because there's no cure yet. As you can see, I'm doing my part by logging the miles. How about helping me out a little and do your part to find a cure? Make a donation today to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

I cannot get sick, I cannot get sick . . .

Met up with the team for training this morning. Was feeling good, a little sluggish feeling, but figured it was because we were starting at 6:30 a.m. So, we're about 2 miles into our run and I really started to feel bad, light headed, icky stomach feeling. All I can think is I've caught the flu from the kids - ugh! So, needless to say, I did not have a good time this morning. I was supposed to do 8, but decided I would only do 6 and on top of that, I had to walk a majority of the distance, because everytime I'd try to run, I'd get lightheaded and whoozie.

Hopefully, it was just one of those kind of mornings when you just don't feel it. I cannot afford to get sick this time of year. Too much going on!

Say a prayer that the plague leaves our home soon! I'll keep you posted.

The Flu Epidemic Has Spread!

The Flu has now taken hold of my daughter. At least the week's almost over so that she'll hopefully only miss a couple of days from school. Guess we'll be holding classes at my house until they get back to their routine next week.

Well, where are the Lysol wipes so I can clean the sinks, light switches, door knobs - Yes I know sounds silly, but can't hurt. Oh - can't forget the toothbrushes need to be sterilized. Later,  kids are calling . . .

Curses!!!

Curses to the flu! My baby was still running a temp of 102.5 this morning when he woke up. Got him down resting now. He's gonna have a lot of work to make up I fear when he gets back to feeling better.

Katie has talent show auditions, science fair project to work on - the list goes on and on.

On a positive note, two of my teammates with TNT have been doing excellent on their fundraising efforts. Tori raised over $1,200 at her fundraising event last night and Barbara has exceeded her fundraising goal and still has more donations coming in. Fabulous!!! So proud of my team. I really have an awesome group of people on the team this season. I mean, typically everyone that comes to TNT is amazing, but this group has really melded together nicely. The dynamics of the group are the best I've seen.

Keep it up - GO TEAM, GO TEAM, GO TEAM!!! Brevard's Best Can't be Beat!

Want to help us out? Visit my website at:

 http://pages.teamintraining.org/vtnt/nikewhlf13/SavingLives

 and make your donation today. You can be a superhero too!

It's Confirmed - Ugh!

Just got back from the doctor's office and he confirmed Sam has the flu - Yuck! So, Sam just went to bed and is trying to get some sleep. Hopefully he'll be feeling better soon. I do not like it when the kids are sick. I feel so helpless. 

Looks like it's going to be a rainy, stormy day later too. Perfect for curling up all cozy in bed and watching a movie. What's playing you ask? Sam's choice so we'll be watching The Avengers.

Updates to follow. Have a great day everyone!

Don't forget to visit my Team In Training website and make a donation to 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Saving Lives

GO TEAM!!

Poor baby sick!

Well, my middle child is home sick again today. Poor thing, he's running a 102 temp, coughing and just looking pitiful. Getting ready to get him in at the doctor's office. Hopefully, he'll recover quickly. I'm thinking he may have strep, but we'll see. Something has been going around his classroom.

Gotta go!

I thought it was Fall?!

Well, here in sunny Florida, if you didn't know it was October, you'd never guess it is Fall. Today's high is going to be 91 and the comfort level, if you can imagine, is at it's lowest. I went out for a short 3 miler today and when I finished by 9 am it was already over 80 and the humidity was horrid. It's times like these that I envy the people up north that get to experience a real Fall. Changing leaves, crisp mornings, ahhh - that would be heaven. Then again, come December when they have frost, snow and sleet to deal with, Florida won't seem so bad.

So, I am officially signed up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington, D.C. I will be mentoring to our Flex TNT members. What's Flex TNT you ask? It's a virtual team for Team In Training. You receive online coaching, mentors to assist with fundraising questions and ideas and it's a great way to participate in nationwide and international events as part of a team. Team In Training raised monies for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help fund research to find a cure for blood cancers. In addition, the LLS provides valuable support to patients and their families.

For more information Team In Training, visit my website at: 

Saving Lives Step By Step

Hanging with my baby!

Today was my day of rest! My knees still aching a little from yesterday's run, so glad the calendar says give it a rest today.

Went to Orlando and hung out with my eldest son Jacob. Had lunch at Bahama Breeze and then went and saw the movie "Looper". I miss having him around more. Days like these are really nice.

Now, back home and need to finish laundry. Tomorrow it's back to training.

Beautiful Morning Run!

Leisha and I started out early this morning - 6:30 am. But even starting that early didn't save us from the humidity. It was sticky from the start, but when we started over the bridge seeing the big full moon setting was pretty nice. Glad we started when we did by the time we were finishing up our 7 miles, the sun had come up and was already beating down hard. Surprisingly, there wasn't hardly any ocean breeze coming our way.

We did stop at the Sunrise Diner though and had a great breakfast after the run. Leisha - kudos for picking a great course to run this morning.

Weird how photos from my phone don't upload properly. They always look right on my computer, but when I load to my pages, they come out like this - upside down. Hmmm?

Best laid plans - ha

Well, I've been so busy answering emails and checking up on things my plan to do crafting all day went out the window. I have got to find me some time to get some crafts made. I have the Cocoa Village Craft Fair coming up and if I don't get going, I'm not going to have anything to sell. And, since all proceeds go the Leukemia & Lymphoma Soc. I need to get busy.

Birds!

So while out running my miles today, I went into the park and there they were. Birds - all lined up along the fence next to the playground. Normally, I wouldn't have noticed, but having just seen Alfred Hitchcock's "Birds" on the big screen last week, it was a little eerie!

Even spookier is the fact that I can't figure out why this loaded the picture upside down. It does display that way when I open on the computer, but when I loaded it here, upside down. Very strange

And the rain came down!

So, we had our group training this morning. And, then before we could even finish with our warm up, the rain started coming down. It actually felt pretty good - except for the squishy, wet shoes. I hate running with wet shoes and socks. But, about three miles into the run, the rain let up and by the 4th mile it had pretty much gone away. The last 3 miles felt pretty good actually because the rain cooled the air down and the humidity didn't feel too bad.

Hope we don't have too many of these kinds of runs though, as I do not like being soaked the entire run, especially when we get into our longer miles. Today's mileage was only 7. If it had been the 20 miler, it would have really sucked.

So, now it's time to relax, maybe grab a Bud Light. Sunday will be my day of rest.

Keep running folks:

Remember my mantra: Run with Purpose, Walk with Passion, Race for a cure!

Bridge Run!

Leisha and I got our miles in this morning. Up and over the bridge we go. The humidity was about to kill me, but we made it.

Met an Osceola County fireman that was also training for the Disney Marathon weekend. It's a small world! Sorry, couldn't resist that one.

Team is doing great with our fundraising. If you'd like to see us reach our goals, visit my website and make a donation. Go Team!! http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Go Endeavor!

Out getting my short run in today and as I looked up, I witnessed the Shuttle flying overhead, catching it's piggy-back ride to its new home. It's an amazing sight for anyone who has never seen the shuttle up-close. Hope a lot of other people stopped and took a minute to be still. I hoped they also thought about where Endeavor has been and will go no more. Sure praying that we will continue a space program and explore "where no man has gone before". Corny I know, but so true.

Back to my current mission. Training for my race for a cure! That's right, remember, all of my training is for a purpose. Sure, I get the benefit of being healthy, but I want to help others enjoy better lives because of what I'm doing with Team In Training. Raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Their mission is simple: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. The key priorities are to help blood cancer patients live better and longer lived.

The LLS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as defined by the IRS and therefore your donation would be 100% tax deductible. Won't you please help by making a donation today? Visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Man - What is going on?

What the heck is going on? I am so tired. I try to get a good night's sleep, go to bed early, etc. but I'm dragging! Guess it's time to go back to the doctor and get the thyroid checked again. I'd been doing so well, plenty of energy and then BAM I'm exhausted and can't seem to get going. It's going to be hard to get out and do training today, but since I missed yesterday, I need to get it done.

More to come . . .

Fishlips Fun!

Saturday was a busy day! Up at 4 AM to head down to Melbourne for training run with TNT, followed by a M.E.L.T. session. Then home to clean up and straight to Fishlips for our Football Season Kick-Off Party and Silent Auction. Had a great turn out and a lot of fun. The team did an awesome job getting items together for the silent auction. The 50/50 Raffle went well too! The winner walked away with $277 and so did The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Leisha and I arrived to set up around 11:30 am and got home about 9:00 pm. Whew - it was a tiring day, but well worth it.

Below are some photos from event.

Training - Hmmm

So didn't make my training run on Monday, kids home. Tuesday I did go out and manage to get a few miles in and then today I had to skip because one of the kids is running a temp and had to keep her home. Tonight we'll be continuing to help with the State's project and trying to come up with an idea for the stupid mandatory science fair project. Can't say that I like this time of year much. Oh well, things could be a lot worse.

Don't forget why I'm running and sweating and training. I'm doing the Walt Disney World Marathon in January for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Donate today please:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Look at the time, gotta go and pick up my son! Later . . .

Today - Day of Rest, well sort of . . .

Yesterday - training with the team. Six miles down, Whew! But it was a great morning. Afterwards, Leisha, Erin, me and the coaches went for a yummy breakfast. The rest of the day just rolled by with the usual weekend chores. Managed to get a good night's sleep too - thank you Ambien.

Ahhh, Today. I love Sundays. They are usually my day of rest for the week. My day to be lazy and do whatever I want. Today, I did do a little cleaning of the house - it sure needed it - and now, time to get creative. Think I'll make some cards. Need to start stocking up for the October Craft Fair and Gift Wrapping Stations we'll be hosting in December. Also have a Croptoberfest I need to get cracking on gathering donations for.

Enjoy your day!

Cancer SUCKS!!

CANCER SUCKS!!! I'm often asked why I continue to run season after season with Team In Training. Keep reading - the answer should be clear.

Checked my Facebook page yesterday and sad news all around. You may have heard of a little girl from Minnesota named Jane Fiemeyer. She had made a wish to meet the band Big Time Rush. Within a couple of days, she had been contacted by BTR and they had set up a video chat for her that was to happen yesterday afternoon. The guys from this band are amazing, they had rearranged their tour dates and were going to let Jane know during their video chat that she could expect a visit from them on Monday. Sadly, Jane passed away just a couple of hours before their video chat was to take place. Jane was only 8 years old. She had leukemia and her life ended way to soon because of this killer.

Another sad bit of news came last night as well. One of my Central Florida teammates is suffering right now. Her husband, Josh, had traveled to Tampa to the Moffitt Cancer Institute to be a bone marrow transplant donor. He was giving a little girl a chance at life. During the procedure they hit an artery and Josh is now listed in critical condition and is on life support. It's hard to understand why such an unselfish act turns out like this. Please say prayers for him and his family.

So, this is WHY!!! This is why I continue to be part of Team In Training and why I continue to ask for your support and donations. Please help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by making a donation. Do it for Jane, for Josh and for the many other victims of cancer. Visit my website at:
 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

4 miles down - how many to go?

4 miles down and how many to go until marathon day? Well, according to my training schedule 659. Hmmm, I wondered if I had added that up right, so double checked my figures - yep, I was right. WOW! I'm impressed - are you? Considering that when I joined Team in Training for my first half marathon 6 years ago, and thought I was going to die after a mile, that's kind of cool! Hard to believe. That's why you don't just look at the total mileage you'll have to do to prepare for an event. You take it one day at a time, or one week at a time, building your mileage slowly.

So, why am I doing this? Because I'm raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society so they can fund research to find a cure for blood cancers like Leukemia, Lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. The monies raised also fund educational programs and patient and family services. You get the idea. This is important and life changing stuff.

Please support me in my Team In Training campaign to raise $1600 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I'm almost there, $300 to go! To donate, visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Nice Weekend Get-away

So, a nice weekend away. Much needed family time. We are camping with friends. Enjoying good company, a few beers and some great games of Scrabble. Back to training on Monday! Enjoy the long weekend everyone!

Great Day!

Great day to be outside - well until about 10 a.m. that is. Another hot, humid day here in Florida. Of course I'm not complaining. Prayers go out to all of the people suffering from Isaac's wrath.

Got together with Leisha today and went by the Veteran's Administration building on Merritt Island. We're working on a scrapbooking day there as a fundraiser for TNT. What a nice facility. If you live in the area and have never been there, like me, I encourage  you to go by and visit the museum, the garden and library. When I got home, started thinking about my parents and then started crying. My dad passed away 25 years ago and my mom passed away last year. Miss you mom and dad - everyday.

As for our training run today. So, since we got started late, we only went for 1-1/2 mile run because it was already too hot to be out there. We ran by the old Uno's and saw workers renovating the place. Looks like we're going to have a Bonefish Grill coming to MI. Yummy!! Looking forward to giving that a try. Sounds like a great place to have a team social - aye?!

Good Run!

So, went out for a 3 mile or maybe a little more run this morning before it got too hot. It felt good and I was happy I went when I did.  Yeah!

Dilemmas - What to do?

So Isaac doesn't appear to be a threat to us - other than the fact that it's going to ruin Monday and that's a training day. So, hmmmm, what to do? Well, I think I'll try and go out early evening today because I don't think I'll be able to on Monday. In addition, I have MOPS all morning, so that's going to prevent me from getting out in the morning for a run anyway. So I'm thinking I'll have to make tomorrow a rest day and get in my training sometime today. Or, if the weather prevents me from getting out today and tomorrow, I need to tell myself - "It's okay. The world will not end because I missed a day or two of training. R-E-L-A-X" and just do some strength training, core or balance exercises instead of getting outside.

For my mentees if you're reading, don't forget about those fundraising letters and websites. These two "tools" will help immensely in reaching your fundraising goals. And, remember, I'm only a call or email away and I'm sincere when I say "call me anytime". I really do want to help you and assure you that you don't have to do this alone.

For everyone else. What are you going to do to save a life today? Well, you can start by visiting my website and making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

This is why TNT is needed and why I'm so proud to be a part of the team. Because I know we're making the difference in the lives of children and adults.

Enzo and Coaches

Suzy

What a great Team!

• We had our second training today! I can't say it enough - we have an amazing group of people put together for our winter season. Great personalities, enthusiasm and all working hard to find a cure to blood cancers! Brevard's Best Rocks!!

 
To see how you can join our team or to make a donation to show your support for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please visit my official TNT website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Run with Purpose, Walk with Passion and Race for a Cure!!

GO TEAM!! Fishlips Teams up with TNT

Core Training - Check

Well off to an early start this morning, as usual. Kids off to school okay, then off for my 1 mile run (actually did closer to 2) and then did my core workout for the day. Following the training plan - just drinking the Kool-Aid. Hahaha

So, by now you know I am training so I can compete in the Walt Disney World Marathon and, you probably know that I'm doing this to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through Team In Training. Please help me by making a donation to the LLS Mission - to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.





Here is Sarah, just one of my many honored heroes.

Visit http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney to make a donation and save a life like Sarah's.

Donations have slowed down

So, I haven't received any donations in what seems like forever, when you track it daily. Where are my supporters. Come on guys, I need your help in reaching my fundraising goals! I'm doing my part - I promise.

Today I focus on getting my training in before the rains come down and then I'll visit a couple of places and try to get some items for our silent auction. And, don't forget to mark your calendars:

Saturday, September 15th, 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Football Season Kick-Off Party & Silent Auction

Come out and watch Florida teams kick-off their football season. We will be hosting a silent auction with all proceeds going to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Fabulous items are up for auction.

Location: Fishlips at Port Canaveral, 610 Glen Cheek Drive, Cape Canaveral, FL

Please support our Team In Training efforts to find a cure to blood cancers. For more information on this event, please contact me.

1:1

I love Jeff Galloway!! Thank you for coming up with and perfecting the run/walk method of training. I don't think I would ever have even tried to do a half marathon without employing this method.

Today, just finished my 2.5 miles. Temps already at 84 and humidity is 40%. Geez. Fall cannot come soon enough for me.

I'm hitting the showers then off to my first MOPS meeting as a mentor mom. Hope I haven't gotten myself in over my head!

Great day to all.

WDW Training is Officially Open!

Today was the Kick-Off for Brevard's Best Team In Training.

What a great morning. I met some wonderful people, heard inspiring stories, sneaked in a short run and, of course, ate yummy snacks afterwards.

We are going to have a fantastic season. We have assembled an amazing group of warriors to race for a cure. The dynamics of the group are the best I've ever encountered at kick-off so I am super excited to be part of this season's team.

Tuesday Night, meet for bridge run. Saturday hit the road again for team training. The next week, repeat!

Here's some of the fresh new faces.

I feel blessed

I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful best friend. We had an awesome morning. We went and met with Jesse at TNT headquarters and talked over fundraising ideas, then went to the Girl Scout Store, had lunch and drove back home. On the way, Leisha was on the phone trying to set up some fundraisers for our team. If anyone has connections with management or marketing at the Melbourne, Merritt Island or Florida Malls, please let me know. We'd love to get some gift wrapping stations set up during the holiday season.

We'll keep you posted on how things turn out.

60% to Go!

I did some core training this morning! This is an area I need to work on so my back is strong during the marathon. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to my cause and for all the prayers and good wishes. I've reached 40% of my fundraising goal, but I have a long way to go.

Please make a contribution to my efforts by clicking on the TNT link to the right or by visiting: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Fundraising Tip of the Day:

Here's a neat tip I heard from someone on the team: Update your message on voicemail to something catchy like: "I'm not home because I'm out training for TNT!" or "I can't come to the phone right now. I'm training for the ______ marathon/century/mountain bike/triathlon event and raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you haven't made your contribution yet, it's not too late! Leave your name and phone number after the tone and I'll call you back!" or "300 miles of training, 17 gallons of Gatorade, 10 blisters, etc. For what? I?m training for the _______ marathon...etc. If you're interested in making a contribution, email me at..." You get the idea!

Forecast: Sunny and Hot

Okay, so luckily I was able to get my 3.5 miles in before the heat of the day and the sun started blazing. It was plenty humid, but at least the sun wasn't in full force yet. I have a lot to get done this week before our first training. I want to make a great first impression for our new team members on Saturday at Kick-Off. Yep, the Team In Training season starts Saturday. We still have plenty of room for more members. If you are interested in coming out to see what Team In Training is all about, please feel free to join us. There's no obligation to sign up, but give us a try if you've been seeking a team to train with.

When: Saturday, August 18th, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Wickham Park, Melbourne, FL

Coaches will do a short welcome to the team, introduce the mentors and then we'll go out for a short run/walk. After the run, we'll head over to the Running Zone and have the Kick-Off celebration and informational meeting.

If you need directions or any additional information regarding Team In Training, let me know.

Have a great week!

Sparkle Skirts Supports Team In Training!

As you know, I'm part of Team In Training and I'm raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you like Sparkle Skirts, you can order a Sparkle Light or Sparkle Tech skirt and they will donate a portion of the sale toward my fundraising goal. Just place my name Jo Lea Hearn in the TNT referral box when you check out. That's it! Not only will you be running in style, but you'll be helping a worthwhile charity as well. Visit www.SparkleSkirts.com to learn more. Thanks everyone!

Or, feel free to make a donation by clicking on the link to Team In Training on the right. Any donation you can make is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.

Thanks.

Go Team!!

We had a great time last night at Matt's Casbah Wines. Six new members joined our ranks last night and will storm the castle with the rest of Team In Training. We are ready to have a great season and are going to kick cancer in the butt!

If you can't run/walk with the team, there are other ways to show your support. Here's a breakdown of your how you can put your "dollars to work":

$25 funds . . .
*a medication co-payment for one patient for one month;
*diagnosis literature for five newly diagnosed patients.

$50 funds . . .
*school re-entry materials for a teacher to use in the classroom
*a family support group for one month
*training for six patient volunteers to become peer mentors

$100 funds . . .
*supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures
*financial assistance for one family for one year

$150 funds . . .
*10 patients access to an informational teleconference about their specific blood cancer disease

$300 funds . . .
*training for 25 Peer Volunteers who can provide emotional support to newly diagnoses patients

$400 funds . . .
*educational Pediatric Instructional Manuals to assist a child with cancer returning to school after treatment for 40 teachers

$500 funds . . .
a monthly family Support Group Program for one year for 20 patients

$1,000.00 funds . . .
one-on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team
*insurance co-pays for one patient for one year

Our mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

We are Team In Training - Go Team. To donate or for more information on how you can join Team in Training visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Thank you for your support!

TNT SOCIAL TONIGHT

Hey everyone!

We're having a meet and greet Brevard's Best tonight:

Where: Casbah Wine, 724 E New Haven Ave #B

When: Tonight, Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

The more the merrier. Come out and meet your TNT staff, Coaches and Mentors. We're always looking to welcome to new members to the team, so feel free to come so you can find out what TNT is all about. 

Today's tip about getting started, make a mailing list of everyone you know. Print out mailing labels for each or even better, personally address envelopes to everyone. Next, if you haven't already, make a draft of your fundraising letter. That's it for today. If you know a lot of people, and I think most of us know more people than we think we do, just putting the list together might take a little time. Just set aside 15 to 30 minutes to do this. If you don't get it all done today, spend another 15 to 30 minutes tomorrow. Baby steps - until you get it done.

Honored Patient

Keondia's Story Keondia (KeeKee) found out she had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) when she was 11 years old. Though KeeKee's treatment took her far from home, her family was always at her side. Even her friends were able to be with her every weekend. Through painful bone marrow aspirations, chemotherapy and the exhausting ups and downs of treatment, KeeKee triumphed! Today, KeeKee is part of the cheerleading squad and participates in all the typical activities of any high school student. She's grateful to her family and friends for standing by her through her journey.

TNT Has the Most Amazing Coaches

We have the most amazing and wonderful coaches at Team In Training. In fact, I'd like to share a note I received from the coaches regarding the upcoming Disney Marathon Training. If you'd like more info on how you can join Team In Training, contact me. Even if you aren't in my area, Team In Training is nationwide and their coaches are terrific!!

Hello Brevards's BEST!

Here is another big welcome YOU, to the team that is going to beat cancer.

Michele and Birdwell here your COACHES!!!

COACHES FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS..

YOU.Please REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.. :)  This is the only time we will ask for universal reply.  We want to make sure we are reaching you with the proper email. A simple click on reply and send is fine, or feel free to ask any questions. If we do not hear from you we will assume we got filtered by your spam blocker or we have the wrong email address. If that is the case we will call you to get it corrected. 

As your coaches we will be sending you emails weekly, and even more often early on. No worries we will not spam you with useless info. Quite the opposite, only important news, reviews, tips and training advice in every message. Early in the season you will be hearing from us a lot. We feel more information early is much better than too little.

Important News

We have two important dates. Our season preview party is at Casbah Wines in Downtown Melbourne this Thursday August 9 at 6:30 p.m.  We will have munchies! Come on out meet and greet members of the team and BRING A FRIEND!  We will go over details about the program and get you all prepared for the season Kick off which is Saturday August 18 at Wickham Park at 8:00 a.m. At the kick off, we will have a quick coaches welcome to the team, followed by a stretching and on the road workout. Then we will head to the Running Zone On Wickham Road for a celebration, with some eats and to pick up fund raising supplies and of course TEAM TEAM TEAM TEAM meet and greet!

Learn about this

As you approach this endurance program you must focus on that task at hand. You must understand that the marathon is not a destination it is a journey. A journey that has to start timely, follow clear direction and proceed toward the destination. Beware of the terrible TOOs.  

• Too Much
• Too Soon
• Too Fast

Review This

We are ready to lead you in your Run, or you RUN/Walk or your Walk training. Go here and submit your "Coaches Need To Know Info" www.brevardtnt.info  do it!

Mission First

As we start moving and our blood starts pumping and our breathing begins to bring in oxygen for energy. As that happens remember the patients. Remember our work is hard, our training is hard, but it isn't chemotherapy. When someone says to you. "A marathon are you crazy? Isn't that hard?" you can reply, "yes it is hard but at least its not chemotherapy, the hard work is worth it, one day there won't be a need for chemotherapy"

Weekly Objective

Our training plan is based upon an Overload/Recovery principle. It can be said it is an interval of Hard/Easy. One day we work Hard(overload) our body, then we go Easy(recovery). So for this week, simply move. Go outside and move for about an one hour one day, then the next for about 1/2 hour. That will follow our Overload/Recovery principle.   Detail schedules are coming to you at Kickoff! Find the basic Training Mileage schedule here ncfltnt.info

Time to reflect

John "the Penguin" Bingham is a columnist for Competitor magazine and a big friend to TNT; he says

• "As an athlete, when you least expect it, you may find yourself standing on the threshold of an accomplishment so monumental that it strikes fear into your soul. You must stand ready, at any moment, to face the unknown. You must be ready to walk boldly thru the wall of uncertainty."

GO Team!

Coach Barry and Michele

Wanted - Team Player

In search of team player - fun loving, passion for helping good causes, someone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle. If you meet any or all of these requirements, please contact me. We have many positions available. I'm sure you won't regret your decision to join our team. Contact me for more information. Team In Training is the largest sports endurance training programs and will help you succeed in meeting your goals of completing a marathon, half marathon, century bike ride and/or triathlon.

Check us out and see what Team In Training is all about.

Casbah Wine Preview Party - 724 E New Haven Ave #B

Thursday, August 9, 2012 - 6:30pm

 

Running Zone

Last Chance Info Meeting and Kick Off - 3680 N Wickham Rd

Saturday, August 18, 2012 – Itinerary

Kick off Wickham park. 

8:00   coaches welcome

8:30   fun run/walk.. 40 minutes 

9:10   quick review of fun run

9:30   head to Running Zone (Patio Courtyard for Kick off celebration)

 Running Zone Courtyard

10:00 last minute info (newbees)

10:00 group activity for those signed up

10:30 Kick off program/agenda TBD

Great opportunity!! Contact me today at jolea.hearn@yahoo.com

Run with Purpose, Walk with Passion, Race for a Cure!!

Target Rocks!

Hats off to Target for their "Give with Target" program they have going on. Just visit Facebook.com/Target, click on the Give with Target icon and then search for your school of choice.  Place your vote and that's it. For every 25 votes your school receives, they will receive a $25 gift card for supplies at Target (up to $10,000). Thanks Target! What a great program.

Also, thanks to JC Penneys. During the month of August they are giving free hair cuts to children under 12! That's right, FREE, No strings attached. You can even call in and make an appointment. Now that's a deal you can't beat.

It's so great when big corporations step up and do the right thing.

Instead of training, I took a rest day and donated blood at the blood mobile at church this morning. Got a free movie ticket which is perfect timing since I'm heading to the movie tomorrow with my son who just turned 21.

Tomorrow I'll spend part of the day volunteering at the PTO table at school, then hopefully get some kind of training in - either a fast paced walk or a short run/walk.

Heading out for a short run. Need to "get 'er done" before it heats up any more. I have a feeling the humidity is going to be high today, so rather unpleasant.

George is almost done with the playset for the kids, then we'll need to focus on getting that new vehicle for me to drive. Good and bad feelings on this. On one hand, it's always nice having a new vehicle - on the other hand - I hate dealing with car dealerships. The sales tactics or their lack of interest when a woman comes to the lots alone, drive me crazy.

Well, gotta go. My goal 3.5 miles today. Sad thing is it will probably take me as long to do that as it would take one of the Olympic women to do a half marathon. Hahaha. Oh well - no gold for me today!

This is why I do the things I do.

Thanks Ken for the great inspiration. This is why we do what we do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q6lmE1w5zA&feature=share

We interrupt this blog for an important message

We interrupt this blog for an important message from TNT headquarters.

Brevard Kick-Off and Informational Meetings are listed below. Please plan on attending to see how you can be part of the team:

BREVARD / MELBOURNE

Casbah Wine Preview Party - 724 E New Haven Ave #B

Thursday, August 9, 2012 - 6:30pm

 

Running Zone

Last Chance Info Meeting and Kick Off - 3680 N Wickham Rd

Saturday, August 18, 2012 – Itinerary

Kick off Wickham park. 

8:00   coaches welcome

8:30   fun run/walk.. 40 minutes 

9:10   quick review of fun run

9:30   head to Running Zone (Patio Courtyard for Kick off celebration)

 

Running Zone Courtyard

10:00 last minute info (newbees)

10:00 group activity for those signed up

10:30 Kick off program/agenda TBD

 

Check your calendar and let me know if you are able to attend.

I am looking forward to being teamed up with you and having another successful TNT season!

If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time to be part of Brevard's Best! Contact me for more information. 

Can't do it this season, that's okay. You can still make a difference by donating to the mission. To see how you can help,  click on the Team In Training link at right to make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Looking forward to School Starting

This may sound horrible. But, I'm looking forward to the kids getting back to school, so I can get back to a normal training schedule. With them out of school, it's so hard getting in a workout in the morning and then the afternoons are wrought with activities and/or bad weather, skeeters. So, I'm ready for them to get back to a routine.

Today we did reach our goal of finding 50 caches! Yeah. Sam still wants to try and find more before school starts next week, so we're thinking of tackling the Harry Potter series we found. Sounds like fun.

Well, Olympic coverage for the women's gymnastics should be coming on sometime soon. Go Team USA!

Oh, and my new mantra for this TNT season is:

Run with Purpose, Walk with Passion, Race for a Cure!

What do you think? Like it? I'm still looking for a wealthy benefactor to sponsor me this season. Also, I am very thankful and accepting of any amount I receive to help me reach my fundraising goal. So, please don't feel like you have to make a large donation to donate, because trust me when I say any amount, no matter how large or small, will make a difference. Thank you again in advance. To make a donation, you can either click on the Team In Training link at right or visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Philanthropist Needed!

Philanthropist Needed. I am seeking a benefactor to sponsor me in my race to end cancer. If you're new to my blog, I am running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon in January to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I am part of Team In Training, the largest sports endurance charitable organization. My team could really use a generous donation to help us reach our fundraising goals. You will find us to be passionate, enthusiastic for our cause.

If you would like to help, please click on the Team In Training link at right or visit my website for more information: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Thank you for your support. I appreciate every penny donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Below is a photo of Enzo and Sarah, just two of the many reasons I do this:

Strength Training Today

Need to fit some strength training into my day. I'm starting to have the same problems with my right knee area, so need to get back into doing my squats, push ups, etc. again before I really start running the longer distances.

I'm still trying to find a few more people to join our Team In Training team. It's a great way to run for a cause. The money you raise goes to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to pay for patient and family services and to further research to find a cure for blood cancers. If now isn't a good time for you to join a team, you can still show your support by making a donation. Any amount, no matter how large or small, helps, so please donate today. Click the Team In Training link at right for more information on how you can help or visit my website at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Thanks everyone for your good thoughts and donations!

Olympic Fever

Olympic Fever has reached our home. Great job to all of our Team USA athletes. Seeing you compete and hearing your stories is so inspiring. Ryan Lochte - you rock!! Good luck to everyone! My son has been having fun setting up scenes of different Olympic events with his GoGo Crazy Bones characters. Here's a photo of the hurdles - with the US team winning - of course.

Looking forward to women's gymnastics tonight and more beach volleyball! Go Kerri and Misty. You are fabulous.

We're ready for the Olympics!

We're all looking forward to the Olympics. My son wants to watch diving, daughter wants to watch gymnastics, my husband likes track and field and I like swimming, gymnastics, volleyball and track and field events. Gotta get going, dinner needs to get cooked and then we'll watch opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Go Team USA!!

Girls are Ready for Team USA!

Cheerios - Breakfast of Champions!