The Record is Broken

WOW... what a weekend of weather! 91 degrees today; broke the record according to all the radio stations. Summer is here but wait, was there a spring? If so, I don't remember it. I couldn't wait to plant my summer flowers yesterday. Now my yard looks lovely.
Great 2 days of exercise for me. I have the LI Half Marathon next weekend so in preparation, I did a 12 mile run yesterday with my friend, Pamm. She and I will be running in it together. I am feeling pretty confident after yesterday's training. It'll be a light running week as I want to keep my legs fresh for next Sunday. Boy oh boy, I hope we have this kind of weather next week. I LOVE THE HEAT. No worse for wear after the run, did some great stretching and was able to stay awake until 10 pm. Ok, so I took a short 20 minute nap midday but that's not so bad. Today was a brick with the team. A brick is when you combine 2 of your sports back to back. We did a 25 mile bike ride with 5 intervals and a run after. I didn't do the whole run because of yesterday's training but that's ok. It is really hard to run after you bike; you go from one set of dominant muscles to another. The first mile, you feel like a spaz but then it starts to click as your brain catches on.
So that's the news. Hope you all enjoyed this beautiful weekend and got to play outdoors.

Let the Season Begin

What a great day for a race! I went to watch the Mini Mightman this morning; the first official race of the season in my area. This race is very special to me because it was my first race five years ago, my team sponsors it and because I have so many friends who competed this year. Two friends of note are Cammi and Charlie. It was Cammi's first race ever and she did great. Most importantly she had fun and can't wait to race again. Charlie is 10 years old (well, 11 next week) and competed in the kid's event. The results are not posted yet but I am pretty sure he won. WOW! I told him I see a pro triathlete in the making. How exciting that you can actually make a living in this sport now?! How far it has come in the 30 years since it started. I really enjoyed being a spectator for this event. It's always interesting to view things from another angle. I might have even picked up some transition tips by watching... Will have to test it in a few weeks when it is my turn. The main theme I kept hearing today was "It is more than just a sport; it is a lifestyle". Well, this lifestyle saved my life. Words can't say what this sport means to me. It's probably why I am so eager to share it with everyone else. Congratulations to all the athletes today!

Off to a Good Start

Yesterday, the email from OCRF went "live" and I wanted to thank everyone for the immediate response. OCRF raised $500 towards the fight against ovarian cancer within a few hours. We are off to a good start and I want to let you know how much I appreciate the support. We are still a long way to go from the goal but together, we can do it! Every little bit helps. Lots of $5 and $10 donations add up! Please don't hold back because you think it is "not enough". In an effort to get many smaller donations, please consider forwarding my link to 10 of your friends. That way your $10 donation turns into $100. It's all about the power of numbers and leverage.
To do my part, I participated in a running clinic this morning with my team, Team Total Training. It was windy, freezing and misting. Not the best weather for training. But train I did. Would it have been easier to stay in my pajamas and drink tea? YOU BET. But that's not what I signed up for. And while hundreds of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer TODAY, I can at least say, I have done my part.

Confidence is high, Houston

In my last blog, I wrote how I was getting pre season jitters, concerned about my fitness level. Well, things are a little better on this Monday morning and I am feeling more confident. I had a great 10 mile run on Friday and another 6 mile run on the hills of Westchester yesterday. I think I am going to be in good shape for the new season.
On a much more somber note, I just found out a friend of mine, who I met as a result of mentoring through her diagnosis, was told her tumors have grown and she needs more chemo. THIS is why I race! THIS is why I fundraise! THIS is why I am passionate about finding a method of early detection and a cure for ovarian cancer! THIS is why I use my healthy body... to help the women who are struggling and who are yet to be diagnosed. It stinks! Her road is now longer and more frightening, after turning a corner last autumn and thinking the worst was behind her.
I feel so fortunate. How did I beat this? Why was I one of the lucky ones? News like this always hits me so hard. I will use this to my advantage; something good must come from it. I will train harder, race faster and carry her (and every woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer) with me every step of the way.

Gearing Up

Cant believe it but competition season is here! 3 weeks until my first event. It is ALWAYS like this in the beginning.... I never feel trained enough. It takes a while to build my confidence back and it doesn't really happen until mid way through my first event. Then cobwebs start to clear out, my muscles get into a rhythm and I realize that I am really not in as bad a shape as I suspected. The trick is the "peak" and coordinating it so it happens when you want it to. For this year, my peak goal is the NYC event in July. It'll be my fourth year and I would really like it to be my best effort. But I am getting ahead of myself. There is a lot of mileage between now and July. Speaking of mileage, hoping to get in a 9 or 10 mile run tomorrow before the rain. Happy Passover or Happy Easter or whatever you celebrate.

My Mission

Jenn Sommermann
Athletes share a passion for competition and fitness. I am a passionate athlete with a purpose. I am an ovarian cancer survivor deeply committed to using my passion for endurance events to help raise funds for life-saving ovarian cancer research. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 42, and I am now determined to bring hope to the thousands of women, and their families and friends, who have been so deeply impacted by the disease, and to honor those who have lost the battle. I first learned about the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund after reading an article in Triathlete Magazine. The article featured the U.S. Women's Triathlon Series, now in its seventh year. OCRF is the official charity of the series. More than just a race, each event provides a supportive environment for women of all ages and athletic abilities. My goal is to participate in a race in every state. This year, I will participate in events in North Carolina, Connecticut, Maine, and Pennsylvania, in addition to four local races in the New York City area. You can't miss me. I painted my bike teal and will wear a teal uniform to show my ongoing support for ovarian cancer research and awareness. Please follow me and help to raise 100k for ovarian cancer research.