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!

What's this?

"What's this?" was the question of the day. My son and I went geocaching around town again, while my daughter was in camp. We'd be looking around for a cache and he'd say "what's this?" Some people are very creative with their containers and their hiding spots. Anyway, it was a great day spent with my son and the weather was actually pretty nice instead of being horribly hot.

Now, it's time to get a little business taken care of. I received my first donation by mail yesterday in response to the letters I sent out! Hopefully, the donations will start coming in quickly. I'd love to have my fundraising done and out of the way so I can be of more help to my mentees than worrying about my own.

So, on that lead in, Please, Please, PLEASE!!! - make a donation today. You can use the Team In Training icon on the right to reach my website, or copy and paste my website's address into your browser: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is such a worthwhile organization and very deserving of everyone's attention and support. If you have any questions about how your donation will be used, please go to http://www.lls.org/

Thanks everyone. Keep on reading!

Things Accomplished - Things to Do!

Accomplished: Found 3 Geocaches at park, Called Beef's about hosting a fundraising event - need to call back though as coordinator was not there.

Things to Do: Attend PTO meeting today, Pick Up Girls and make a trip to grocery store and call Beef's back about scheduling a fundraising event.

Headaches!

Boy, it doesn't feel like I got any sleep at all last night. So, now I'm out of bed and have a headache. Of course, it probably won't be as bad as my husband's tonight. The playset arrived yesterday and putting it together is going to be a bear. But, he didn't want to hire anyone to put it together.

Sam has been cooped up this week since I've been trying to get things together for our upcoming season, so hopefully we'll be able to get out and go GEOcaching today so he can have a little fun while Katie's at camp.

Weather report: hot and humid. It doesn't look like there will be any rain today, which is good and bad. Good because it won't interfere with outdoor plans, but bad because that just means that we won't get any relief from the heat.

This afternoon, PTO meeting. School starts back soon. I think the kids are as ready to get back to school as I am to have them go.

Haven't trained since Saturday. Honestly, I just haven't felt like getting out there in the heat. Soon, it won't be an option. Training with the team starts August 18th and the kick-off is going to be hot as usual. If you want to be a hero, donate today to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney or click on the Team In Training icon to the right of this post. Please help me in my race to end cancer.

CPR Certified!

Last night was the CPR class. I am now certified to administer First Aid, CPR and AED. We had a good time learning valuable skills. Took a photo on my way down to class of the storm chasing me! Luckily, I made it to my destination before the skies let lose! More fundraising brainstorming today. Need to figure out the logistics of our "Movie in the Park" idea.

Hope the delivery guys get here soon with the playset. Sam and I want to go Geocaching!! Enjoy your day.

Please donate today to my "race to end cancer" at http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney
100% of your tax deductible donation will go straight to the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Lots Accomplished Today!

So, busy, busy, busy! Dropped kids off for camp this morning, then got together with my BFF and fellow mentor, to talk about fundraising ideas for this season. If you have an opinion, let me know:

1. "Movie Night at the Park" - We'll have food and sodas for purchase and the movie will be for donations only. Guests will spread out a blanket or bring a chair to enjoy a "G" rated family fun movie night.

2. "Bussin' Tables for Charity" - We'll bus tables for tips and have a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Figured we'd try to do it at a local sports bar where during a college football game.

3.  Garage sale and car wash. Traditional

4. "I'm not running for office I'm running for a cure" - continue our campaign by hitting our local polling princint on election day and get donations. Maybe put a spin on it, where we have one jug for O'bama and one jug for "Romney" - and see who we collect the most money for!

Hmmm, well - I think that covers the ideas we were kicking around. If you have any other no-brainer, easy fundraisers we can try, let me know. Always looking for something new.

Gotta go, CPR class this evening and it's a drive to get there. Later . . .

The Why and What of it

I get asked a lot why I continue to be part of Team In Training and what does the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society do? Well, here's a link to a short video that will answer the question of what The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society does and how TNT came to be. After watching, you won't have to ask "why" anymore.

http://www.teamintraining.org/firsttimehere/infovideo/mission/

Tonight I signed up for a CPR class. My son asked me why. I told him because you never know when it might help someone. With all the races I do, I would want to know what I could do to help save someone if they needed it.

I'm on the top of the Bridge, lookin' down on creation . . .

Took a moment to appreciate the view on my run this morning. Thank God for such a beautiful day! Usually there's a nice breeze, but no such luck today and never any shade on this route! Today's magic number - 4 - miles that is. Lookin' forward to meeting the team in August.

Again, I'm running with Team In Training to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to further research and to support patient and family services. Click on the icon at right or visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney. Please support me in my campaign to end cancer.

Friday - we might have a rain free day - but that just means it's going be hot, hotter and hottest! Good day to try and figure out this quilt I'm working on for a silent auction item to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If I ever get it finished, I'll post details on how you can participate in the auction or buy a ticket if I decide to raffle it off instead.

Couple of spots we'll hit Geocaching later, and then hunker down in the A/C!

No running today, kids up late and then too hot! Now the rain. Guess I'll get one tomorrow or Saturday. No donations coming in yet, but got my letters mailed out yesterday, so hopefully, that will get things going.

I think the kids were tired today from staying up late last night. We went out geocaching and they got a little discouraged because we didn't find the three we searched for. We'll try again tomorrow.

More tomorrow. . .

Okay, we did get to a little cleaning, but then my BFF called and invited me and the kids to join her and the girls for some GEOcaching. How could we refuse? Did a nice cache through Historic Cocoa Village.

I was going to try and get a run, but looks like the weather will prevent that from happening today. Will have to get an early start tomorrow. I'll try and do some strength training instead.

Kids are also very excited because we ordered a new playset for outside. Should be fun for them, a fort, bird's nest, swings. Hopefully, it won't turn out to be to babyish, although pictures of the kids on advertisement appeared to be around their age. If nothing else, they'll enjoy the fort part and they still like swinging on the swings. Gotta go - meeting at church.

Today I'm going to focus on the home. Need to get some cleaning done and pull things out for the garage sale I'm doing in August for Team In Training. I also need to finish up my letters for fundraising and then try and come up with some fresh fundraising ideas. I'd like to try and get a couple of corporate sponsors this year, but not quite sure how to go about doing that. I'll have to do some research and see who I come up with to approach.

Well, I'm not quite awake yet, need - some - coffee - - -

Talk to you guys later!

P.S. Don't forget to donate to my Running to End Cancer campaign. Click Team In Training link on right or visit my website to make donation: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

I need donations!! Help me in my campaign to end blood cancers please, please, pretty please!! I love TNT and it would be great if I could be a big fundraiser for them.

Click on link at right or copy, paste in browser the following:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

Thanks for your help and support.

And, yes, the kids and I were out geocaching - again. It's very addictive!! Here's photos from a couple of our locations.


Sam and Katie at Osteen  and a tricky one on Tropical. Very clever!

I'm seeking one or more philanthropists to support my 2012-13 campaign. No - I'm not running for office - but I am running for a cure! I want to help wipe out blood cancers. I want to see patients with Leukemia, Lymphoma and Hodgkins Diseases cured. But, I can't do it alone. I need the help of my family, friends, local businesses and anyone else who shares this dream.

To support my campaign, visit my website and make a donation:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney

One person can make a difference - choose to be that one!

Looks like rain is going to plaque the day. I've gotta get out and do some grocery shopping, but hopefully the weather won't be rainy all day and I'll get a chance to get out and get 3 miles in. Need to get and stay in shape. I'd like to set a PR this year at Disney. Which means I need to beat 2:40. I know that sounds incredibly slow out there to some people, but I'm happy with that time, but would like to be more around the 2:30 or 2:20 finish for the half. I think I'm going to focus more on my eating habits, drinking water and strength training. Let me know if you have any suggestions for success. Have a great day. . .

Leisha and I have been chosen as mentors for the Team In Training's Brevard's Best team! Hooray!! It's going to be a great season. Can't wait to start training with the team again. It's really hot, hot, hot here in Florida, so I've been trying to get out and do 3 mile runs a few times a week. But, summers are tough with the kids home. Although since the loop I live on is about 1 mile, I get them out there at least for one lap with me, sometimes two if I let them ride their bikes.

Later . . .

Yeah! I was able to do a 3 miler this morning. The first lap Sam ran/walked with me and Katie rode her bike for two of the laps. Had to finish the last lap on my own. Then, of course, the kids were on me about Geocaching so we set out to Manatee Cover to see if we could find a couple. However, the mosquitos were feasting on us - even though we were covered with bug spray - so we had to give up. I don't think the satellites work too well in the park as our readings were all over the place.

We did manage to find one on Tropical. It was a fun one - very clever cammo job! Also found one at Space Shirts. We are definitely hooked. I see there's one at/near the Dairy Queen - that will be our destination to search tomorrow!

I received a nice packet today from Team In Training. The season should be getting started soon. I'm very excited. Don't forget to support me in my campaign to stamp out cancer. Donate today at http://pages.teamintraining.org/ncfl/wdw13/RunDisney. Since I'm pledging to cover the expenses for me to participate, 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to services for patients and their families. It's a great way to save a life!!

Rainy days and birthdays! Well, Katie's birthday has gotten off to a very, very, wet start!! Hopefully the rain will clear up so she can enjoy being outdoors. We've discovered geocaching and she wanted to go on a treasure hunt today, but with the weather being so wet, it doesn't look like we'll get a chance to do that. And, today's the last day for VBS and, of course, it's a fun, splish-splashy kind of night. Activities are planned to be outdoors, so hopefully the rain will pass and a bright rainbow will make an appearance. Which, since we're studying Noah this week at VBS would be very appropriate!

Time to go, we're going to watch Mr. Popper's Penguins and then have cake! Woo-Hoo!!

Rainy day - although I did manage to do a 3 miler before the nasty weather moved in. Went geocaching with my BFF and our kids. Took care of some paperwork that was building up and started addressing envelopes. Now it's time to get ready for VBS. Hope activities planned are for indoors!

Goooood Morning!! Today is the day I'm planning on preparing my 100 envelopes for mailing to my letters to friends and family.

And, I need to get out for at least a 3 miler before it gets too smoldering hot. I'm enlisting my 11 year old to go on the first mile with me. I told him last night that he's going to be my new workout partner. I need to figure out some good strength training exercises that the two of us can do together.

I also need to make it to Rockledge Gardens today. Tomorrow is my daughter's 10th birthday and she was so disappointed that I got flowers the other day for my birthday and she didn't get any. So, I'm going to go buy her a plant that she'll be able to take care of and plant by the pool area. I think I'll have my son sneek out and then ring the door bell and have her answer so it's like they're being delivered. Since she's spending the day at a friend's house, this is the only time to do it before she gets back this evening.

So, better get the whip crackin' on myself so I can get things done. Turn off Craft Wars!!! Go Run!!! Stay off the couch and get outside!!! There - that should do it. hahaha . . .

Hi everyone!

Yep, it’s that time of year again! And, yes, I am firing up for another season with Team In Training. In January, I’ll be storming Cinderella’s castle with my best friend and the rest of Brevard’s Best Team In Training. Together we are hoping to make a large contribution to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by raising funds to assist with research, patient services and family assistance. For my part, I am running the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and making a personal donation for that portion of my fundraising minimum that covers my expenses such as hotel, registration, shirts, etc. That means 100% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to funding research and to providing excellent care and services for patients and their families.

Did you know that without a cure, every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer; every 10 minutes someone passes away? Many of my family and friends have been affected by cancer in one form or another. That’s one major reason I continue to run with TNT. So, as long as I am able, I’m going to continue to do my part to find a cure for blood cancers by participating in events like the Walt Disney World Half Marathon.

And, here’s where I’m asking for your help. Please show your support by making a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through my TNT website at:

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

Alternatively, donations may be made by mail. Just send your check to me at: Jo Lea Hearn, 946 Limerick Dr., Merritt Island, FL 32953. Checks should be made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Your donation, no matter how large or small makes a difference, so please donate something – anything.

 And, as always, thank you so much for your continued support in the mission to find a cure to blood cancers. Peace . . .

Beautiful day so far. The kids and I are planning on going on a nice bike ride and then heading out on errands. Then we'll be back to start up Katie's "Gloob Making Business". She came up with a stuffed figure she wants to make and sell. Hmmm, wonder where she gets these ideas? Since I'm not much of a seamstress, this will be interesting. Will post a photo if we get one finished. HAhaHa . . .
Enjoy your day and donate to my Team In Training mission by clicking on the link at the right. 100% of the proceeds you donate will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as I am donating my portion of the fundraising minimum that will cover all the costs, travel, registration, shirt, etc. So, please help me reach my fundraising minimums and SAVE A LIFE TODAY!!!

Today is my 51st birthday! My hubby upgraded my cell phone - and I love it!! Kids are in the pool right now soaking up rays. I'm diligently trying to put together a letter to send out to all my friends and family about supporting me in my next race to cure blood cancer. Don't forget - you can click on the link to the right to support my cause and make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Please - help me out here. It's these types of continued sponsorships that allow me to do my part in the war against cancer. GO TEAM!!!!
 
Hmmm, the pool looks to inviting to pass up. Gotta go splash and play with the kids now. More later . . .

Another scorcher in Florida today! Highs will be in the mid 90's but it's gonna feel like it's a 100 or higher - yikes! Good thing I got out and did my 3 miles before 8 so I could avoid the heat of the day. But, it was still hot, sun was beating down with barely a breeze. Well they say "that which doesn't kill you will make you stronger" - right!? Be careful everyone out there - stay hydrated and seek shade or the comfort of a/c when you can.

I need to get some cards made today to send out. Thank yous and, sadly, a sympathy card for my aunt. My uncle passed away recently. He was 94 and had a long and happy life. He died just a week shy of their 73rd wedding anniversary. WOW! You'll be missed Uncle Lester.

Ooooh it was hot, hot, and hotter today! This morning's church service was very enjoyable as all of the hymns were patriotic songs I love. And, Pastor Ivan did a great job delivering his serman.

The rest of the day I basically spent trying to strip the old paint off the end table I picked up at the junk store last week. Sweat was dripping off me - ick.

Tomorrow I'll try and sand the piece and then decide how I want to finish. Originally I was going to stain a dark wood stain, but because there is so much paint left, I may end up painting. We'll figure it out and share the finished project. Enjoy the rest of the evening!