Most and More

The list continues....

• Most Memorable Moment: NEW MEXICO.  I came upon an 8 year old who was racing in a youth event and attempted to inspire her by asking her to pace with me for a bit.  She tried to keep up and at one point said, "Is this your first triathlon?"  I told her no and she said it was hers.  I recommended she remember every second of it as you never forgot your first. 
• States where I had to WALK on the run:  KANSAS, MISSOURI and HAWAII.  Not that I am proud of this but these three states kicked my butt.  I had nothing left and not only did my physical body get defeated but my mind did as well.  In the words of my mother-in-law...alas, so it goes.
• Penalty given:  TEXAS.  My one and only penalty and for drafting.  In case you don't know what that is, it means I was in a cyclists jet-stream, obtaining an unfair advantage, capitalizing on their effort and putting us both at risk of an accident.  Did I realize I was doing it?  Yes.   Does everyone do it? Yes.  Do I do it anymore?  No.

A Clarification

I had a birthday on Christmas Eve and received many lovely messages celebrating the day.  Thank you.  But most of the messages were congratulating me on turning 50 and entering the new decade.  Bear with me; this is a little confusing to explain.  I am not yet 50 but a mere 49 years old.  However, as of January 1, the triathlon governing body considers me 50 because I turn 50 years old in 2014.  As of January 1, I compete in the 50-54 age group...which I am actually looking forward to.  On any given day, I hardly remember how old I am.  My mother barely knows because of this little technicality with the USAT. This past year I was competing as a 49 year old even though I was only 48.  Does this make sense?  So while I have appreciated the loving thoughts and welcoming to the next decade, it is a bit premature.  Even though my calf will sport the number 50 for my 2014 season, my real age is still 49, until next December 24.   I do hope this clears up any lingering confusion. 

My FOX Interview

Just checked the FoxNY website and my interview is up.... best birthday present ever. Check it out. New York News

Every State Has a Story

As I continue with my recap list, here are some favs:

• Most Chaotic Transition: WEST VIRGINIA.  With a Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distance happening in the same small parking garage, there were bodies everywhere going every which way.  While most transition areas are outdoors, this one was in an underground parking garage.  Impossible for spectators to view and challenging to maneuver around other athletes.
• Coldest Water: MAINE.  A dock start plunge into the Atlantic Ocean took my breath away.  Maine water NEVER warms up.  Low 50s for sure and you could hear gasping as everyone jumped in.  Brutal.
• Most Frightening: OHIO.  Tornado.  Gail force winds.  Rain.  That's all I'll say about that.

Continued

• Hottest Race: KANSAS.  Record temps of 111 degrees.  I was dehydrated having only flown in the night before and never got the chance to prepare for the heat.  Not that I even could have.  The race was run well with freezing cold towels every 1/2 mile but honestly, what can you do with 111 degrees?
• Most Media Coverage: MINNESOTA.  Go figure. No rhyme or reason to the PR.  It was random at best and some states took the bait and others didn't jump at all. Minnesota did a front page spread and the race was very supportive of the press effort.  It was nice because the article posted before the race so by the time the event came, people knew who I was and were able to approach me with questions.  Certainly made my outreach effort easier.
• Further distance traveled: HAWAII.  Close second is Alaska but I think Hawaii has it beat by just a little bit.  Lucky for me,  Hawaiian Airlines started direct flights out of JFK so there was no layover midway.  Made for a long flight but two movies, two meals and a nap... and I was there.

More soon....

The Mosts and The Bests List

Meaning no disrespect to any state or event, I have compiled a list of some of the little nuggets that stick out in my mind.  So without further delay... drum roll please...

• Coldest Race:  ALABAMA. You would think Alabama in May was a sure bet but they had a wicked ice storm that produced hail and freezing rain.  Temps never got about 50. It was miserable.
• Toughest Run: WYOMING.  Billed as a trail run, it was bush-whacking.  No trail; just red flags every 20 paces.  Through fields of waist high grass, over streams, rocks, up and down the Big Horn Mountains. Oh and did I mention it was at 9000 feet elevation? 
• Most Unique Event: NEW MEXICO.  A backwards triathlon. Run, Bike and then Swim.  I killed the run because I had so much energy and since that's where I tend to struggle, I did very well.  Took 1st in age. Not sure I would want to do that order all the time but it was interesting.

That's enough for now.  Stay tuned... there's a lot more recaps to come.

The Recap Begins

People have been asking questions like, when did you do this state? or what was your favorite state? or which was the prettiest? So in an effort to re-live the last five years, I have been putting together a list of all the questions and thinking of answers. Stay tuned as the recap unfolds. In the meantime, here is a list of each state and date of the event. 1 MASSACHUSETTS JULY 29 2007 2 ILLINOIS JUNE 22 2008 3 WASHINGTON SEPT 7 2008 4 CALIFORNIA OCT 19 2008 5 NORTH CAROLINA JUNE 13 2009 6 CONNECTICUT JULY 19 2009 7 NEW YORK JULY 26 2009 8 MAINE AUG 30 2009 9 PENNSYLVANIA SEPT 20 2009 10 NEVADA MARCH 27 2010 11 NEW JERSEY MAY 15 2010 12 MARYLAND MAY 16 2010 13 OHIO JUNE 6 2010 14 VERMONT JUNE 27 2010 15 ARIZONA JULY 19 2010 16 UTAH JULY 24 2010 17 WEST VIRGINIA AUG 8 2010 18 VIRGINIA AUG 14 2010 19 DELAWARE AUG 15 2010 20 MISSISSIPPI OCT 9 2010 21 TEXAS MARCH 13 2011 22 FLORIDA APRIL 17 2011 23 INDIANA MAY 14 2011 24 GEORGIA MAY 21 2011 25 ALASKA JUNE 12 2011 26 NORTH DAKOTA JUNE 18 2011 27 KANSAS JULY 10 2011 28 NEBRASKA JULY 24 2011 29 LOUISIANA AUG 7 2011 30 MONTANA SEPT 2 2011 31 RHODE ISLAND SEPT 24 2011 32 TENNESSEE APRIL 1 2012 33 NEW MEXICO APRIL 21 2012 34 SOUTH CAROLINA MAY 12 2012 35 OKLAHOMA JUNE 3 2012 36 NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNE 10 2012 37 MISSOURI JUNE 23 2012 38 COLORADO JULY 7 2012 39 MINNESOTA JULY 21 2012 40 IDAHO JULY 29 2012 41 WISCONSIN AUG 18 2012 42 ARKANSAS SEPT 9 2012 43 ALABAMA MAY 4 2013 44 KENTUCKY MAY 25 2013 45 IOWA JUNE 8 2013 46 OREGON JULY 6 2013 47 MICHIGAN JULY 28 2013 48 WYOMING AUG 24 2013 49 SOUTH DAKOTA AUG 31 2013 50 HAWAII NOV 24 2013

State #50 ~ Aloha and Mahalo!

The Grand Finale

20 Pairs of Teal Toes

Aloha and Teal Toes

The gathering has begun and we have everyone painting their toes TEAL in preparation for Sunday's event.  You'll notice even a couple of man-feet in this photo.  More teal toes to come but we still have a few days left before the race.  So far 14 of the 22 have gathered and last night's dinner was surreal.  I had to do an airport run and when I returned to our condo, my husband was preparing dinner for 12 of my friends and family, gathered around the kitchen island.  Representing 9 states, I was blown away looking at the smiling faces.  All these years, all this planning, all this anticipation... all this love, it is finally here!  I am blessed. 

A Big Jump

Having crested over my $100K goal, I sort of backed off on the fundraising.  Not that the campaign is over... I was giving all my loved ones a rest and truth to tell, with the PR push for Hawaii, I've been a little busy.  But lo and behold the fundraising isn't quite finished.  This past weekend I covered a lot of ground; work, family, social events, training, crossing paths with lots of people from my many walks of life.  Checks came rolling in.  Seems some folks wanted to give me an additional boost now that I was so close to my final event.  I am happy to report I visited OCRF today with $2500 worth of checks.  Not sure where this puts my total but I have asked for a report before I leave this weekend in an effort to update my fundraising thermometer.  So stay tuned... but for all of you that have contributed lately, a huge thanks for the big jump!

New Beginnings

The new question of late is "What will you do when the campaign is over?"  Truth to tell I haven't wanted to think too much about it because where my intention goes, action follows.  I have wanted to stay completely present in this last year so as not to miss one single moment.  The next chapter will reveal itself when it's time.  New beginnings will make themselves known and that is a very exciting prospect.  I learned not to fear change from my mother.  Even a blip in the road was treated as an adventure.  Most people hate it but I seem to thrive on it.  
Today my mother starts another new beginning in her life.  She is being baptized.  For years she has searched out a spiritual home and has finally found one.  It reminds me that life is always a cycle and just as one of my journeys is about to end, hers is just beginning.  I am so happy for her and blessed for the model she created for me.  Simple lessons.... continue to search for what makes you happy, embrace change, stay in the moment, and know that new beginnings are always available.

Excitment Mounting

Oh my goodness... I am starting to squeal with excitement.  Emails are flying back and forth with the 22 people who are joining me in Hawaii.  The guest bed is becoming a pile of things I am considering for the trip. The luau is booked.  I have officially ended my double workouts and I am putting final touches on itineraries.  In 11 days I leave for state #50.  So far I have some good press interest and am hopeful it comes through.  You never know; news interest is iffy until it is actually in print.  But I remain positive.  I am working on securing OCRF gear or something TEAL for everyone who is attending so there will be a "team" representation at the race.  Thanks to my buddy John for making so many jerseys.  But I have an idea.  On November 24, wear teal in honor of my 50th state and post the photo to my Facebook page.   I would love to complete the race and log in to Facebook to a sea of supporters sporting the colors.  Say that 10 times fast. 

What's A Brick?

A brick is when you put two of your sports together and perform them back-to-back in training.  It is either swim to bike or bike to run, most commonly the latter.  The idea is to solicit your muscles to do what they will have to do in race conditions.   Bricks are great for training and usually occur on days when you have a tough workout planned.
I decided to make this week a big training week, as it is safely far enough away from race day but close enough to provide a spike in training.  Having not raced for a while I needed a little boost.  Happy to report I am feeling strong and yesterday's brick was successful. 
On the PR front, I have had some good outreach from Hawaii.  There may be some interest in my campaign, all in an effort to educate the women of the islands about early detection and signs and symptoms.  Looking forward....

T Minus 30 Days

A month from today, on November 24, I will race the Lavaman Triathlon in the last state of my 50x50x100 campaign.  It has been an incredible five years and there are mixed emotions as it draws near.  On the one hand, it will be nice to have a little more free time and a little more disposable income.  The hours of computer time with research, logistics planning, public relations and blogging won't be missed.  I have been able to quit one of my four jobs because I no longer need to earn the money it cost to support the campaign.  On the flip side, I have been so defined by this campaign, I suspect I will feel a little lost without it.  I have loved the travel, meeting people and feeling like I am making a difference.  It is very rewarding to work towards a higher good.  I will miss that aspect very much.
In the meantime, there is another month of training ahead of me and a big PR push to spread the message as much as possible.  No time to rest yet...it's T minus 30!

Sleeping In

I just could NOT get out of bed this morning.  With a 7:30 am swim practice planned, my eyes opened at 6 am and my mind started fighting me immediately.  Just another 10 minutes, please!  So two taps of the snooze button later, I started the internal tug-o-war between my lazy self and my triathlete self.  Could I stay fit by missing one practice?  Could I recover the fitness at this evening's cross fit class?  Was sleep more beneficial than the training?   I opted for the sleep and although I felt slightly guilty, I got over it.  My next alarm went off at 8 am...heavenly! 

Cross Training

Usually by now I am deep into the off season, resting on my laurels with a solid tri season behind me. This year is different.  I've got an "A" race in November, my 50th state.  Since there are 22 people joining me for this big event, I want to show up lean and mean and strong and put on a good show.  Actually I am not doing it for anyone else; I am just incredibly competitive.  In order to keep my motivation strong for the next six weeks, I decided to take a weekly cross-training class with some of my swim buddies  Fit For Life is where I will be on Wednesday nights for the next six weeks.   It's not rocket science but it will propel me to do the stuff I hate the most and at a level that I would never do myself.  We'll see how it turns out.  Today I am sore from last night's workout... inner thighs and some ribs but I think it'll all be worth it.  In the meantime, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.

Rapid Fire Presentations

Mandl College was a huge success.  On the last day of awareness month, I was able to present my story to seven different classes.  Literally walking from room to room, I sometimes forgot who I said what to but luckily I am familiar enough with the story that the highlights were all covered.  It was rapid fire presenting for sure.  The students were very engaging and had great questions.   Risk factors seemed to come up a lot and that's not something I usually talk about.  Here are some facts:

• There is no specific age for diagnosis although 40s-60s make up most cases
• Not having a pregnancy increases your risk
• Being on birth control pills reduces your risk

Mandl put together a great table of information, lined with snacks (always a good thing when trying to attract students) and asked everyone to come dressed in TEAL for the day.  Probably the funniest moment of the day was when the surgical tech students asked to see my scar.  Without hesitation, I pulled down my pants.  As a triathlete, I am pretty comfortable with disrobing but I still think it caught them off guard that I would actually do it.

Thanks to the Director of Enrollment, Randie Sensor for asking me to come to the school.   I think we were able to impart some great information to these future healthcare workers that can possibly save a life.

Back To School

I am thrilled to write I have been asked to speak at the Mandl School of Allied Health tomorrow for their TEAL Day.   In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month I will spread the message of early detection and signs and symptoms to the entire student body.  As these folks will soon become healthcare providers, this day has the potential to have a big impact on the lives of women in the future.  If we can educate the people who care for us, we have a better chance of catching this disease in its early stages.  That's what I'm talking about!

Giant Acorn Just For Fun

There really must be something wrong with me.  I just can't get enough of this sport.  Finding myself in Virginia this upcoming weekend to visit a friend, I decided to "peek" and see if there was a race close by.  Lo and behold about 15 minutes from where she lives is this awesome International Distance event.  It is put on by a top-notch racing company (I've raced with them before) and the field should be pretty competitive.  Nice warm up for Hawaii.  Although with two months before that event (November 24) I can hardly call this a warm up race.  Call it what it is Jenn.... it's an extra race, just for fun.  Woo hoo!
Still riding high off reaching my $100K goal and have added a couple more THOUSAND to it thanks to the Teal to Pink event last weekend.  Hosted by my colleague, this event almost doubled in size this year and was a spectacular day.  I think it is going to turn into an annual event, at least that's what the attendees are asking for.  So grateful for all the support. 

2nd Annual Teal to Pink

Tomorrow is the 2nd Teal to Pink Women's Health Day.  The brain child of Marie-Christine Lochot, energy bodyworker, this amazing event is dedicated to empowering women, enhancing awareness, renewing vitality and broadening healthcare perspective.  I am thrilled to be part of this for the second year.  Especially exciting is that this year 100% of the proceeds will go towards my campaign.  Marie-Christine has been a champion of my 50x50x100 for a while and is very dedicated to raise funds for this disease.  It has been through the generosity of people like Marie-Christine that my goal has not only been met, but surpassed. 

Kickball Gratitude

Meet the seven teams that made up a successful Kick Cancer event last Saturday.  It was an incredible day as you already know, that put me over the $100,000 goal.
Weather was perfect, competition was hardy but friendly, the umpires (is that what they're called in kickball?) were fair and the donations rolled in.  I was very excited about the raffle prizes and the bake sale, both of which were well populated.
About $3500 was raised.  There are no words for the gratitude I have for everyone who attended, organized and volunteered to make the day a huge success.  If I ever doubt how much I am loved, all I have to do is remember last weekend.

This Just In...

Quick update.  Just finished Kick Cancer Kickball Tournament with my friends from Massachusetts.  The event raised over $3000 and pushed me over the $100K.  I am moved beyond words and so grateful for the love and commitment of my friends to fight this disease.  More later but wanted to share the good news. 

Kickball for Cancer

 

It's going to be a very full weekend.  Traveling back to my old stomping ground of Massachusetts, my former softball team and one friend in particular got the idea to host a kickball tournament to benefit my campaign.  Taking place on Saturday in Wayland, the event will also be in memory of Gisela Scherzinger, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer a couple of years ago.  I am beyond excited to see my friends, play some kickball (how fun is that?), bid on some raffle items and enjoy the bake sale!   For more information, click here. 

Lest I not race much this month, I found a triathlon in the Boston area to tackle on Sunday.  Hopefully I don't hurt myself with the kickball activities the day before.  Since I lived in this area for 20 years, it will be particularly exciting to cycle on roads that I know so well.  I bet I get a little "home sick".

So come Monday morning I should be pretty beat from the driving, exercising, socializing, and general fun but it's all in the name of finding a method of early detection for ovarian cancer. 

And by the way... are you sporting your TEAL this month?  You do know it's National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, right?

Community Yoga for 50x50x100

I am excited to announce that for the second year in a row and in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Breathe N Flow (aka my yoga studio) will be supporting my campaign in their Community Yoga classes.  On Fridays at 4 pm, BNF always offers a community yoga class, where drop ins are welcome and payment is by donation only.  100% of the proceeds from those Friday classes go to various and favorite charities of the owners.  In celebration of September being dedicated to Ovarian Cancer and in honor of my 50x50x100 campaign, this month proceeds will go towards my goal.  I am so blessed to have found a yoga studio that supports the greater good on many levels and appreciate the love and generosity of it's owners, Manny and Leah. 
If you find yourself in Freeport NY on a Friday at 4 pm, please drop in.   I will be attending the class on September 20 and hope to see you there! 

A Very Full Map and an Amazing

Have you seen my map lately?  There it is .... off to the right and looking mighty BLUE if I do say so myself.  Look closely.  The only state that is not blue is Hawaii and you know what that means... I am on my last state! 
Wyoming and South Dakota were wonderful.  I posted some pretty good results. The venues were small but the conditions were rugged.  Second overall female in Wyoming and first in age in South Dakota.  Wyoming was at 9300 feet and breathing was ridiculous.  South Dakota was hot, hot, hot so I am really pleased.  In between these states we (my husband joined me) did a ton of site seeing, logging about 40 miles of hiking and 1500 miles of driving.  It's such a big, beautiful country out there.  My inner cowgirl was alive and well. Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, a hot air balloon over the Black Hills... all so great. The SD race afforded me an opportunity to speak to the crowd which was really awesome, especially as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is upon us.  And one of the highlights was my friends from Alaska joining me for the 49th state.  Too many photos to share, too many details for a blog post.  On to the final planning stages for the 50th state but in the meantime, lots of events planned for September for Awareness Month.  If you find yourself in MA next weekend or NJ the weekend after, please consider coming to some of the events I will be attending.  Check the calendar on the right for information. 

Quick Update

Still en route home after a whirlwind two weeks away and two more states completed. There was limited Internet access along the way but suffice it to say it was one of the most spectacular trips of my life.  Wyoming was incredible and I took 2nd overall female.  At 9300 feet with a cross-country run, I was very happy. South Dakota was hot hot hot and I placed 1st in age. So with #48 and #49 complete, my sights are set on #50. But first, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Much planned for this month so stay tuned. Gotta run, flight is boarding. 

Remote in Wyoming

Excuse the brevity. I'm posting from the road with limited Internet access in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, representing state #48. When I say remote, I am not kidding.  From what I hear there are about 25 entries for tomorrow's race in a town without a name (literally) on a road that closes to car traffic in the winter (only accessible by snow mobile).  But my oh my is it beautiful! Words don't begin to describe it.  I'm in the nearest town picking up my bike and checking emails at about 3000 feet elevation and then it's back up to 9000 feet for the remainder of the weekend.  Obviously there isn't Internet access so this will have to do for now.  Catch you on the flip side. 

#48 and Mixed Emotions

It doesn't seem possible but this week I leave for Wyoming, representing the 48th state of my campaign.  On the heels, the following week I will race in South Dakota, leaving only Hawaii as the final event.  As promised, I am taking it all in and attempting to slam on the brakes; I don't want it to end.  My husband is joining me for the final three states and we are making the WY/SD trip an actual vacation.  Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore and everything in between, including a hot air balloon and an 1880 steam railroad adventure... all in an attempt to savor every minute. 
Fundraising totals are just shy of $98,000 so now is the time to dig deep.  If you have donated before, thank you and would you consider another $10?  If you haven't, please do so.  I won't be left short of my $100,000 goal.  I will personally write a check for the balance if I have to but that's not the point, is it? 
There is also a big push for some media attention, especially since September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  I have three events and two triathlons (extra ones, crazy I know) scheduled for September in an attempt to spread the message and know this is ALL making a difference. Bittersweet... that's how this feels.

Swimming in the Rain

I am fortunate enough to swim and train at the Freeport Recreation Center where they have this awesome, Olympic outdoor pool open in the summer.  Yesterday was a complete soaker but I had a swim workout planned for my lunch hour.  I fully anticipated swimming in the much smaller and less exciting, indoor pool but to my surprise, the outdoor pool was open because at that particular moment it was only raining lightly.  WOO HOO!  Imagine my good fortune.  One other person joined me and although it was quite brisk, it was heavenly.  Jumping into a flat, calm surface with smiles a-blazing we got our lunchtime 1500 meters in.  Swimming in the rain is truly one of my all time favorite things to do.  I love the splatter of raindrops on my face as I rotate my head to breathe.  As luck would have it, the lightning and downpour started as soon as I finished my workout.  The indoor pool swimmers looked disappointed they didn't take the chance outdoors but then they were happy their practice wasn't interrupted to move inside.  I have had Gene Kelly in my head ever since...."I'm swimming in the rain...."

When a Noun Becomes a Verb

Sorry for being out of touch for a while but I was off the grid, literally.  My husband is a boat captain and often transports boats up and down the east coast.  Occasionally I mate for him and last week I arranged my schedule to join him on a four day trip.  Being in the prime of my season with 3 states left to go, I didn't want to lose any fitness so he suggested bringing my running shoes to (at least) be able to keep up with that sport.  One of our stops was Coinjock, North Carolina situated roughly between the Middle of Nowhere and the End of the Earth. 
With 375 gallons to fill the tank of the vessel before moving further north, Don suggested I take the time for a quick five mile trek.  He said the natives were friendly and I wasn't likely to encounter any car traffic.  He told me to go "Forest Gump" myself.  At one point I was running between two swamps and actually did feel like Forest.  It certainly was reminiscent of the movie footage.  But all of sudden I thought about what lives in those swamps and started looking for eyes on the surface.  Alligators?  I saw several snake skeletons so I knew they resided there.  The fear of alligators and whatever else made me pick up my pace and I was able to negative split the run.  To say that Coinjock is a remote location is a vast understatement.
So "Forest Gump" myself, I did.  It became the line of the trip and I even giggle about it several days later and that's how a noun became a verb.

Something New

One of the things I like about the sport of triathlon is the way I can dissect the individual sports and my performance in each.  When race results are posted you can see where you ranked in each of the three legs (swim, bike, run) and each of the transitions (T1 and T2), with a final overall ranking.  Digesting this information makes it apparent which of the sports you are best at and which needs the most improvement. On any given year, I am better at one than the other.  Usually the cycling is my best but not always; it used to be the run.  This year I have put a lot of emphasis on my swim training and have definitely seen the results.  But of course, like everything else...it's a balancing act and usually when one sport improves, another suffers.

In an effort to boost my running performance, I just completed a seven day intensive.  Running each day with a specific goal in mind, I am attempting to jump start myself out of the plateau I've been on for a while.  Today I take a day off from running and see what the results are tomorrow. 

South Dakota Public Broadcasting

 



In anticipation for state #49, I was interviewed by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the story aired today. Click here for the link to listen to the segment.  Part of the NPR digital network, SDPB is local to their geographic region.  But what I really need is to get this story national in an attempt to save the lives of more women!  Anyone have any connections at NPR? 

40s and 50s

Yesterday I raced in Clarkston, Michigan, representing state #47. It was a pristine village and a banner event company that hosted the 9th Annual Village Tri. If you know anything about the sport, you know your age gets written on your calf.  It helps to know who you are competing against and who matters in your age group. It seemed like EVERYONE was in their 40s yesterday.  I know it's the largest growing demographic but really?  It felt like it was me against everyone!
As for the 50s, well, that was the temperature.  Threatening rain, overcast skies and a gentle breeze made for a chilly event. Luckily the rain held off until the event was over and then it poured.  I stayed at a local B&B, The Millpond Inn, and was close enough to the event to not bring a car.  As a result I got soaked and chilled to the bone.  But a hot soak and cup of tea greeted me upon my return "home" and all was right with the world.  Thanks to Joan and Buck!
A big thanks to Andrea and the folks at Kinetic Systems for loaning me a bike.  The money I saved will be donated to OCRF in the name of the store. Everyone working together for this great cause.
State #47 is in the books.  Three to go.. all of which will be attended by my husband.  This final stretch is very special and I am excited he is going to be sharing it with me.  Next up, Wyoming.

Survivors Teaching Students

This morning my campaign took a twist.  I was a presenter for Survivors Teaching Students, a program through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.  Survivors Teaching Students^® brings ovarian cancer survivors into health professionals’ classrooms to share their stories and key information about the disease. The program has grown to include 92 medical schools around the country as well as 45 nurse practitioner, nursing and physician assistant training programs and schools.  Today I was at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and spoke to a class of 30 eager, third year medical students.  It was incredibly rewarding and the possibilities excite me.  Just think if we can put ovarian cancer on the radar of medical students, how early diagnosis' can be affected.  It gives me goose bumps to think about it.

An Early Morning Swim

What a beautiful morning for a swim.   I swim with Excel, a Masters Club, at a local pool and this morning the pool was closed for some reason.  Rather than miss a workout, the coach offered us a rare opportunity for a kayak-assisted open water swim in the ocean at sunrise.  It was such a picture perfect morning and with the recent heat wave, the water temperature was downright comfortable.  About 20 of us showed up, each pairing off with a buddy who roughly swam the same speed and a course was mapped out.  We did about a mile in relatively calm waters, exiting with smiles and kudos all around.  With few people on the beach at that hour, it felt like we owned the world.  What a great way to start the day!

Becoming a Party

As you know by now, Hawaii has been chosen as my last state.  This is not an accident.  After all, why wouldn't I chose an awesome destination and combine it with a vacation for this milestone?  The exciting news is that I've got some friends and family who have decided to join me and make the event even more special.  Just this weekend, one of my dear friends who I actually met as a result of this campaign pulled the trigger and booked her tickets.  So at this point the total stands at 12.  But if everyone who says they are coming actually comes, the party total will stand close to, if not over, 20!  Sounds like a party to me.  I've got some ground to cover before then with three more states before Hawaii yet I can't help but start to get a little excited as more and more of my loved ones make their travel arrangements.  Aloha!

 

The Fact of the Matter

I really can't expect to use my body in the way I have for the last five years and come out without some minor injury.  I have postponed the inevitable too long and physical therapy starts next week. Not that I am complaining; if you know me you know that's not my style. I am going to someone I (unfortunately) have been to before and he worked wonders with me last time.  I am hoping Mike and I can have similar results this round.  You see...it's my shoulder.  And it started with that ridiculous 5 am wipeout I took a couple of months ago with my running club.  Silly me, I thought it would get better on its own.  But last week's race showed me that it's time to call in the support troops and rehab this the right way.  So there you have it.  Just a matter of fact. 

Über Fit Pacific Northwest

They breed 'em pretty healthy in Oregon. It was all I could do to hang in. Hills that went on forever both on the bike and run but a gorgeous weather day and a great event. State #46, check! Unfortunately the press outreach that was planned fell through but I was able to connect with the locals. Thanks to my friend Ann for meeting me, carting me around and the non-stop laughter. Nothing like reconnecting with an old friend...a bonus to the campaign for sure. Next up, Michigan.

Third Time's A Charm

I have tried two times in the last two years to get to Oregon for a race.  Both times bad weather and delayed or cancelled flights have made it impossible.  This week and for the third time I will try again.  I have an early flight which bodes well for summer storms and a direct flight in Seattle which is more predictable.  My friend Ann (the one responsible for getting me into this sport in the first place) will meet me and drive me to Oregon.  Keep crossed fingers that I will claim Oregon as my 46th state this time next week.  The way I see it.... third time's a charm!

It's Nice To Be Asked

Early season results have been good enough to qualify for the 2013 Age Group Nationals in the Oly distance this summer.  It's pretty cool as you have to incur some podium finishes to qualify.  Unfortunately I can't attend but Ms. Manners says it is still nice to be asked, even if you can't attend the party. 
Speaking of finishes... missed first place this past weekend by.... wait for it..... SIX SECONDS.  No way I could  have made up the time (as ridiculous as that sounds).  I had nothing left in the tank; I put it all into the course... just the way are supposed to in this sport.  But really, six seconds?  It's all good. 

Addicted

I am officially addicted to the sport of triathlon.  With New York long since out of the way of my 50 states, I don't need to race here again but... I can't help myself.  After all, I am well trained and have a "week off".  So this weekend I will race in the 2nd Annual Police Triathlon in Putnam County, NY.  It's a local race near where I grew up and I do so love cycling those roads.  So if you are anywhere near Carmel this weekend, come on out to the race.  Early weather forecasts are promising and it should be a great event.  By the way...  Is there a 12-step program for triathletes?

Drawing Near

It's getting pretty close to the end.  I am really excited about the fundraising totals, having crested over $95,000 now.  With only five states left, the end is in sight.  No, I do not know what I will do with "all my free time" when the 50x50x100 campaign is complete.  Nor do I wish to think about it yet.  I am blessed with an incredible momentum and power to make things materialize once I set my mind to it.  I get that from my mother.  But I want to live in the present year, enjoy it for all that it is and not get ahead of myself by making plans for my next adventure. I am sure something will present itself and knowing me, the relative free time will be filled quickly.  For now, I am extremely busy making a big push for PR with the final leg of the campaign, working a ton at all my various jobs, training hard and getting the logistics in place for the remaining five states.  This will be bittersweet for sure but for now, it is a reason to celebrate.