89 Days

It is with great sadness that I announce Dave Brown has ended his walk.  After 89 days of walking 14 miles a day, his feet gave out.  I was due to walk with Dave in Kansas the week after next after completing my Iowa event.  It was not meant to be; I received a text from him yesterday.  According to Dave, "I am fine but my feet are telling me loud and clear that it is time to hang up my sneakers."
Dave should be extremely proud of what he accomplished, even if it wasn't exactly what he envisioned.  His campaign has undoubtedly made an impact, not only on the people he connected with one-on-one but through the extensive reaction of the press.  In just 89 days, Dave was able to reach over 20,000 page views on Facebook and was featured in over 30 publications or stations.  I have been at my campaign for five years and barely can claim those stats.  His dedication to the cause is amazing and I am sure the campaign's impact will continue even though the physical part has ended. To learn more about what Dave accomplished, click here.

Thank You Maysville!

 A big thanks to Maysville, Kentucky for such a wonderful experience.  The Buffalo Trails Triathlon was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and they pulled out all the stops to make it a really competitive and exciting event.  A tugboat pulled a barge into the middle of the Ohio River for our mass swim start.  Who gets to do that?  The bicycle portion of the race was some of the prettiest roads I have encountered and the run was along the sea wall of the river and couldn't have been nicer.  I had a radio interview before the event (click here) and a live interview at the race on WFTM.  I also had a great write up in the Ledger Independent.  But the real hospitality came from the owner of Moon River B&B.  Marti and her grandson, Luke, were some of the most pleasant people I have met on this journey.  I was so well cared for by the locals...my bike was delivered to me, I got a birds-eye view of the town from a woman who invited me to her home, I was bought a complimentary piece of Transparent Pie (a local treat), I received a guest pass into the Kentucky Gateway Museum (home of one of the largest miniature collections in the country) and was handed almost $200 in donations at the actual race.  I wound up getting on the podium for my division and also won the Perseverance Award.   Because of the press many women approached me and I was able to spread the message of early detection to dozens, challenging them to call five of their friends that evening with this vital information.  I think the campaign will have a big impact on Kentucky.  Kentucky certainly had a big impact on me.  Thanks Maysville!

 

 

 

An Exercise in Futility

I've been watching the weather all week and holding my breath but when my iPhone showed me that my flight was on time, I was optimistic.  I took a taxi to the Long Island Railroad and then the AirTran and arrived at JFK with plenty of time.   The airport was mildly chaotic but nothing out of the ordinary.  And then I saw it.... CANCELLED.
I quickly found the shortest line and promptly waited 45 minutes to reschedule.  I also tried to call the airline and waited on hold for the same amount of time.  I was rescheduled for 6 hours later than my original flight (enough time for storms to pass?) but from the other NY airport and to another city 3 hours away from my final destination.  I'd arrive at about 2 am tonight/tomorrow but at least I'd be there.  So I found the waiting platform for the bus that connects JFK and LGA.  After a 30 minute wait, I boarded the bus and thought I was on my way. 
Before leaving the airport my iPhone let me know this new flight was also cancelled.  I sweet talked the bus driver into letting me out (even though it wasn't at an official stop) so at least I would still be at JFK.  There is no easy way to get to LGA and I didn't want to wind up there.
I returned to my ticket line, now quite a bit longer with the cancellations et al, and was able to book another ticket for tomorrow morning, with a connection, to a different destination 4 hours away.  Before receiving my boarding pass, that flight was cancelled.  Third time was NOT the charm and I thought perhaps Kentucky was a bust.
One more try and I am officially booked for tomorrow at 2 pm with an arrival in Columbus, Ohio.  A 4 hour drive and I will arrive in Maysville, KY.  The B&B and the car have been rescheduled.  The only hitch is the bike.  I won't arrive in time for the store to be open and have left 2 semi-frantic messages for the owner.  Hope he feels like staying late or being creative in how he can get the bike to me.  Ah...the logistics of the campaign... and an exercise in futility.

Gearing Up

Kentucky coming up this weekend. Super excited. Maysville looks like an awesome town and the Buffalo Trails event looks like a great venue. I'll be swimming in the Ohio River which is right up there with the Hudson and Potomac. Rolling hills from what I've heard with one big climb up Hiney Hill. I'll make sure to drive the course before so I know what I'm in for. More to come on state #44.... Stay tuned.

Back Together

Last weekend was the Long Island Marathon and I am happy to report, 10 of the Freeport Nautical Milers participated.  I wasn't able to be there (but was present in spirit) because I raced in Alabama.  That meant there were some pretty sore legs last week so the team took a break.  I sure did miss my friends.
This morning was the first time we were back together and when the alarm went off at 4:20 am, I jumped out of bed.  I didn't realize how much I missed the company, the banter, the speed, the ability to run down the middle of street without traffic... the team spirit.
So great to be back together again.  At least until the next marathon.

I was so excited this past Wednesday, May 8 was World Ovarian Cancer Day.  Taken from their website:
On this day, ovarian cancer organizations from around the world will unite to educate their communities about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. For women living with the disease, and their families and friends, World Ovarian Cancer Day will build a sense of solidarity in the fight against the disease.
At least 20 countries got on board. And this will only grow with each year.  The response was fabulous and within the day the Facebook page had over 3000 Likes.  CNN and many of the national newspapers grabbed the story as well. 
It makes my campaign more meaningful because truth be told, sometimes I feel like an army of one.  This proves I am not alone out there.  We're all in this together and someday, maybe we won't have to fight this fight.  That's the dream; that's the goal.

The Most Difficult Race To Date

I chose races for location and time of year and one would think Alabama in May is a pretty safe bet. But a stalled cold front brought a high of 43 degrees, driving rain, sustained 18 mph winds and fog to the area this weekend. If it had been a local race, I would have rolled over in bed and skipped the event, like almost 100 entries did this morning.
Huddled together like penguins pre-race, the sound of teeth chattering and blue lips did nothing for my psyche. For a change, everyone couldn't wait to get into water, the easiest part of today's event. I dreaded leaving the safe haven of 55 degree water; usually too cold but today like bath water in comparison.
The bike hurt. The freezing rain stung my skin. Hypothermia was a realistic concern and the mountain climbs were relentless. My water bottle developed ice crystals and my nutrition almost froze. It almost didn't matter because my fingers were too cold to manipulate the distance to my mouth.
The run was welcome but attempting to take off my bike helmet and change shoes was almost comical. The pain in my hands to manipulate buckle and laces was almost too much to bear. My sneakers had no flexion due to cold, forcing a flat-foot run for the first two miles. The run was pseudo-cross-country through several miles of a rock covered path. The decision to run on rocks or on softer ground through questionable puddles occupied my every step.
And then it was over. By far the most bad-ass race I think I'll ever do. And state #43 done. Thanks to the local Sentinel and Lakeside Post for the articles. Next up, Kentucky. Weather forecast.... who knows?