Contribute To My Cause By CLICKING HERE!
As an ovarian cancer survivor, I will race in 50 triathlons in all 50 states by 50-years-old to raise $100,000 for ovarian cancer research. This campaign is self inspired, self orchestrated and 100% self funded. In addition, all in-kind donations are turned into cash donations by me in the same name of the person who donates. I race for women who have lost their battle, women undergoing treatment and women yet to be diagnosed.

Please help with even a $10 donation!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Borrowed Sled

A big thanks to the guys at MOAB for hooking me up with my borrowed bicycle for tomorrow's race.  At the advice of the race director, I contacted this store and they were able to find me the right size bike.  When I went to pick it up today, there was no charge....the kindness of strangers is amazing.  Thanks to all the guys who fielded my calls, searched for the right size sled and fit it for me today.
Speaking of the kindness of strangers, I am a house guest with some pretty awesome people that I met in Bermuda last racing season.  Over a plate of Salt & Pepper Tofu (the likes of which I have never had before and would give my right arm to replicate), I met Joe and Candice.   We got talking, as strangers do in a foreign place, and Candice offered me her card saying, "When you race in Tennessee, come stay with us".  And here I am.  Once again on this amazing cross country journey, I am blessed to be meeting people who not only provide me a bed but feed me and open their home as if we are life long friends.  Here's the bonus... now we will be life long friends.  Thanks to Joe, Candice and their daughter Taylor, for the warmth, support and friendship.  

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Let the Season Begin

After what seems like an eternity of planning, I am always amazed when the first race of the season actually arrives.  Wasn't it just a few short months ago that I unpacked for the last time?   With a prolonged 2011 race season, my last race was in November so actually, yes.  I did just unpack a few months ago.  But this time I was smart about it and rather than put things back in drawers, I created a "tri box" in the garage and once clean, everything went there.  It made packing for this upcoming weekend a little easier.
On April Fool's Day, my 2012 season will officially begin with the state of Tennessee.  This represents state #32.   To say I am excited is putting it mildly.  I have a very strong feeling this will be my best season ever.  Networking opportunities are popping up and I am confident the message of early detection will reach a broad audience this season.  Fundraising is going extremely well as I have nearing the $75K mark.  So with 72 hours to go, most of the logistics of my 12 races complete (sans a few flights, hotels and car rentals), my body strong and fit..... the only words I can think of..... BRING IT!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Joining Forces

This morning I will board Amtrak and head to Syracuse to participate in the Hope for Heather Breakfast at Tiffany's Fashion Show and Brunch.   Me and fashion are a bit of an oxymoron and would rarely be found in the same sentence but it's all for a good cause.  A benefit dedicated to fundraising for ovarian cancer research and creating awareness, Hope for Heather has also partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Despite the fact this event will not directly affect my 50x50x100 campaign, I am thrilled to be a part of it and welcome the opportunity to spread the message of early detection. 
This connection comes quite by accident. Last season while competing in SheROX Bermuda, I met three ladies who participate in the organization of this event.  They learned of my campaign and thought the fit would be perfect.  They contacted the event organizer and I was asked to be one of the presenters.
Armed with a TEAL dress and a pair of (borrowed) killer heels, I am looking forward to dressing up and being part of this special event. 
Now I've got to go.... I've got a train to catch.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

So I Was At This Party...

The subscript for this post should be "You never know who you are going to meet".  I was at my team party last month and sat with a very nice guy, Mike.  He told me he worked for the carpenter's union in NYC.  As part of a gag and for team spirit, everyone who attends the party gets an award.  Mine was the "31 down, 19 to go" award and my coach told the other team members a little about my campaign.  You'd think everyone on the team knows about it but with several hundred team members living 100 miles apart and training at different times, it is impossible to know everyone. So my 50x50x100 information was news to some folks. 
After learning of my efforts, Mike said his union might be able to help.  I gave him some information and we swapped emails the following day.  I wish I had a dollar for everytime this happens but in this case, Mike put his money where his mouth was.  On Monday I came home to a $10,000 check!!!! There are no words for the excitement and joy I felt as I counted the zeros to make sure I hadn't read it wrong. I ran to my neighbors to confirm what I was seeing.  I am so grateful to Mike and the NYC Carpenter's Union for supporting my effort.
Note to self...share the message with everyone I meet. Truly, you never know...

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Steep Learning Curve

This is a small cross section of my Team Total Training triathlon club. We participated in a swim meet a few days ago... my first ever.  Let's just start by saying, I have no business being in a single event, especially if that single event is swimming. But at the suggestion of my coach, I decided to give it a whirl.  I learned a lot and was humbled even more.  That being said, it was a blast! 
Here's what I learned.
  • I am probably a better distance swimmer than I thought.
  • It takes me at least 200 yards to get warmed up.
  • I am very competitive and rather than have my own lane, I like chasing someone.
  • Drafting makes a HUGE difference and I should capitalize on that whenever possible.
  • It is extremely hard starting out cold and jumping in to swim as fast as possible.
  • I have a new respect for anyone who swims competively.
With two weeks to go until the official beginning of my race season, I am happy to report my foot is better.  I am feeling strong, have dropped a few pounds and added some muscle in the off season.   Running is my achilles heel (no pun intended), swimming has improved and biking should be my ace in the hole. But like the beginning of every season, what I think I know...usually winds up being something totally different. Stay tuned.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Trading an M for an M

My last post was about the frustration and disappointment of logistics.  But hey, that's racing.  If it was all smooth sailing, it would be boring.  Michigan had to be scrapped but I added Minnesota instead.  Traded an M state for another M state, and both about as far north as you can go.  So it all works out.

Adversity abounds.  There are road blocks everywhere.  The question is, what kind of person am I?  Am I glass half full or half empty?  Thanks to my mom, I am definitely the former.  Taught at an early age that the gift is often buried beneath the adversity, I tend to look at things in a positive way.  Even when I received my cancer diagnosis, I didn't fall apart.  I vividly remember saying to my husband, "Hmm, I wonder what will be on the other side of this".  I looked at my cancer as an adventure and today, look where it is taking me.  Had it not been for my cancer, I wouldn't be on this campaign, traveling the country, meeting amazing people, sharing my story, racing in a sport that I love.  So there you have it; you never know.

With 19 states to tackle, 11 being this year, I am sure there will be some more road blocks.  Last year's theme was bad weather and cancelled flights.  I'll just have to see what this season brings.  Life is unpredictable.  Racing is unpredictable.  It's all what I decide to make of it.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

The Agony of Logistics

Just when you think you've got control of your race schedule, a curve ball gets thrown in.  The race date for Michigan has been changed to a date that I am already booked for.  UGH!  What's a girl to do?  With airfare, car and hotel already booked, I am out $150 for a cancelled flight.  All the sweetness in the world couldn't convince the Delta representative that I shouldn't have to pay the cancellation charge.  In the words of my mother in law...and so it goes.
The equally frustrating part is finding another race/state to take its place.  My time is pretty well booked.  If you've seen my race calendar, you know that's true.  So there are very few dates to squeeze in another state; one I haven't already done.  Looks like it might be Minnesota but stay tuned.  I am a little gun shy to book my flight until I confirm a few more details.  So much for control... maybe this is a lesson for me?  Nah... just a drag.