This Is Why I Race

Last week I found out my friend's mom has been diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. They originally thought it was colon cancer and had been treating her accordingly. Upon further tests, it was discovered the source is ovarian. Such a subtle, sly disease. Masked as something else; not really showing overt symptoms; deadly. Her road will be long; certainly longer than if the cancer was discovered earlier. EARLY DETECTION... that's what it is all about. A method of early detection must be found so no one has to battle this disease. Funding is imperative as top scientists are working hard at finding such a test.

This past weekend I raced a very hilly 10K for Gisela in Northport NY. I pushed myself to the limit and everytime I thought of backing off or pacing slower, I thought of Gisela and what lies ahead of her. This race was for her.

Brrrrrrr... Baby It's Cold Outside

Downingtown, PA. Went to visit my college roommate, Carolyn. What a good egg... up at 4 am to cheer me on. Thanks roomie!

46 degree temperature at start. Do you see the hat, gloves, sweatpants. Brrrrrr! Major fog on the lake when we arrived but interesting phenomenon when we started swimming. 65 degree water temperature, thank goodness. Do you see the big cloud over the swimmers in the photo? That was a result of so much body heat in the water all at once. It just exploded into a haze once 700+ people jumped in.
Very, very hilly. Did I say it was hilly? Most folks walked up the hills on the bike portion. Do I ever LOVE my bike? She and I just kept plugging along, never got off to walk and averaged 18 mph. By the end of the bike I was so cold, I couldn't feel my hands and feet.

Trail run at the end. I am not used to that but it is the mountains. Had a hard time because I couldn't judge the rocks and stumps with the cold feet. Was able to put up a good time though. Took 3rd place in my age. YIPPEE! Great day overall. Thawed out on my car ride home. Took a well deserved nap and ready to do it all over again. Boy oh boy, do I love this sport!

Flying Through The Air

... with the greatest of ease. Isn't that how the saying goes? Well that was not the case 3 days ago. I had a big fall and it was NOT with the greatest of ease. I was out for a 6 mile run. It was a beautiful, early morning run and I was feeling terrific. My legs were strong and my stride was swift. I remember even thinking how it felt effortless. Before I knew it, I had tripped and was off the ground, flying through the air. What did I trip on, you ask? NOTHING! I just mis-stepped. Everything moved in slow motion after that. I had the time to think how much this was going to hurt but not enough time to react. I came down hard, scraping hands, jamming shoulders, twisting hips, pretzel like. What is it about pride that makes you look around to see if anyone saw? I quickly jumped up as if nothing happened and continued, limping, on my run. Everything hurt and blood was quickly trickling down my arms. Tenacious is my middle name and so I continued and finished the planned 6 mile run. I am so stubborn.
Long story, short, I am sore and healing. My training will take a bit of a hiatus this week as I continue to heal. Luckily I am nearing the end of the season so the pressure is off. I have to remind myself (again) that these things happen. Life gets in the way. And it is out of my control. I can have the plans in place, but then there is life that interrrupts and messes up the plans. Being the Type A, control freak, this lesson is hard for me. Maybe that's why I keep getting reminded of it. But does the reminder have to come in the form of bruises and abrasions?