SUCCESS!!

2 hours, 14 minutes, and 29 seconds!!

I completed my first half marathon at the San Diego Half Marathon on Sunday, June 6, 2010. HOW INCREDIBLE!! I finished the race at an average of 10 minutes and 16 seconds per mile, 14 seconds less than my goal! I continue to wonder if I really did this.. But I DID! I'm so excited and so proud. What a feeling!! While I am so ready to train to improve my running skills, at my first ever face, I finished 286th out of 858 runners in my age and gender division. This puts me at 30%. The way I like to think of it is that if I were running with 10 people in my bracket, I would have come in third place! :-D (About 30,000 total people participated in the marathon, 13, 561 finished, and about 4,000 of those total participants were Team in Training participants.)

Not only was the event itself fantastic, but the entire Team in Training experience was phenomenal!! I certainly look forward to participating again in the future, hopefully next time as a mentor (an alumni participant who serves as a guide and resource for those who are new participants) or even as a coach (an experienced runner who serves as a leader of the participant group and provides them guidance through training). At the San Diego Marathon alone, TNT raised over $12 million dollars to fund Leukemia & Lymphoma research and treatment! The amount that Team in Training alone has raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is unimaginable. What an incredible organization!!

I felt completely thankful to have participated in such a giving and positive organization throughout each experience of the weekend. My particular favorite event that set in my heart the extreme need for organizations such as these was our "Inspiration Lunch," a catered pasta lunch on Saturday afternoon, the day before the race. At this event, we heard from a champion running coach and LLS staff to gear us up for the next day, but the most inspiring speaker was a man who had experienced what LLS has to offer. This gentleman told the story of his beautiful young daughter, McKenna. This girl spent her first few years in and out of the hospital through chemotherapy and radiation after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and having a relapse once. At five years old, she was cancer-free and remained so until she was ten years old. Again, she had a relapse, but this time, her body couldn't withstand what it was experiencing. Hearing this man's story of what his family experiences was almost too much. The entire room was filled crying TNT participants as we learned how cancer has so severely affected families everywhere. WHY? I just can't understand how this can happen to such innocent and beautiful people. I am so grateful that I chose to run with TNT in my first race in order to understand just how we are able to use our own resources to help others.

Race day was so thrilling. While waking at 3 AM and sitting near the starting line for about 2 1/2 hours before beginning was not too much fun, every detail of the event made for an amazing experience! The amount of people cheering us along the way, the bands playing at various points along the course, the beautiful scenery, and the extreme energy that all of this provided made for a fun and comfortable run. I barely felt as though I was running 13.1 miles! Okay, okay... There were points where I felt pretty tired, but when those times came, I said a prayer and remembered those who I'm running for, my loved ones and those I know who have experienced cancer and every other family worldwide. One of my favorite moments of race day came during mile 7 or 8. As I was running along the course and various spectators lined the sides of the road, I saw a man standing alone watching as the runners passed. He held a sign that simply said, "Hello complete stranger, I am proud of you." I cried. Truly, as I continued running, I cried! What a beautiful thing... I know that what I did is something that many have not or will not do in their lifetime. I felt pride and humility all at the same time. I am so thankful that I am able to set my mind to this goal and use my body and mind to help others. In addition to that inspiration, it was overwhelming to hear spectators encouraging runners along the way. One woman was telling us runners as we passed, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!" and still others held signs or wore shirts declaring "Someone is running in my honor!"

One very exciting part of my race was my supporter! Alex came all the way to San Diego with me to cheer me on! I cannot be grateful enough to him for his continual patience and encouragement for me throughout the entire experience. Not only did he wake at 3 AM to accompany me to the starting line, but he visited various spots along the course to cheer me on. He was my personal photographer, fan, and best friend. THANK YOU, Alex, for your love and support throughout my entire training and TNT experience!! I love you.

As we have remained in San Diego to vacation and tour for the week following the race, we have seen various locations along our race course. It has been such a blast for me to recollect race day memories each day. "Look! You took a photo of me from that bridge!" and "I remember... This is the spot where one of my TNT coaches cheered me on!" Finding those locations and remembering what path we took, thinking of how I felt or what comments I made as I ran has been so much fun. It has reminded me that I really did so this. I worked for five months to prepare my mind and body to run 13.1 miles.

But this isn't the end.. I am so ready to continue my running experience. I AM A RUNNER! I am so jazzed, so desiring, so prepared to continue to improve my running abilities so that I may be healthy, fit, and happy... I have already begun to search for new races. In fact, I hope to complete another half marathon in the fall in preparation for a first full marathon that I hope to also run in in the fall. I want to be a lifelong runner!

Thank you... I am grateful to every one of you as you have shown support, encouragement, and love. To those of you who have given financial gifts to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in sponsorship of my race, I appreciate you. And I am thankful to God for all that I am capable of accomplishing.

What a beautiful experience...

San Diego... Here I Come!

The time has come! At 6:30 AM, I will begin my journey to San Diego to run in my first half marathon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... And it's ALL because of the love and support that so many friends and loved ones have shown! At the conclusion of my fundraising, I am incredibly humbled to say that I have raised $3,094.96 to fund Leukemia & Lymphoma research and treatment (that's 107% of my goal)!! How blessed I feel... I cannot thank my donors enough for their selfless gifts that have given hope and help to those affected by cancer and has allowed me to make this incredible journey. I would also be incredibly remiss if I did not sincerely thank every one of you who have shown me encouragement and support along the way. Every message, email, and conversation motivating me along the way has been so inspiring to me through this journey. Each of you are truly a hero in my heart!

The joy that I feel having had this Team in Training experience is indescribable. After five months of training, I can say with certainty that I feel prepared to complete the 13.1 miles that lay ahead of me. This Sunday, June 6 at 6:15 AM, PDT (9:15 AM Eastern), I will begin making my way from the starting line to the end of my first ever major race. But this won't be the end... Throughout this experience, running has become my outlet, my fitness, and my passion. I have already begun to search for new races and trainings that I may participate in to improve my abilities, and I have set my sights high. I anticipate completing a full marathon soon, perhaps before the completion of the year.

Team in Training has opened the door to new friendships, new levels of health and fitness, more life and joy, and most of all, a new perspective... While I have been saddened and frustrated every time I have learned of the suffering and pain that so many have gone through as a result of cancer, I have been shown complete graciousness, love, and compassion by every loved one who has stood by in such difficult times, by those of you who have dedicated yourselves to providing help to others through financial gifts and, by every one of you who have shown unrelenting encouragement for me.

The appreciation that I feel for your support is beyond words... Think of me this weekend as I travel to San Diego and RACE!

Ready... Set... GO!

8 DAYS... And Counting!

In six days, I will be on a plane traveling to San Diego. And in eight days, I will be completing my first half marathon! How could it be that after almost 5 months of training and nearly $3,100 raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I have made it to the end of my journey?! It feels unreal. But incredibly rewarding! :-)

It seems that every week of this experience gets better and better!! Last Saturday afternoon, I received enough donations to push me over the edge of my fundraising goal! HOW SURREAL! With almost $3,100 to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I feel completely thankful that I chose to participate in Team in Training.

In January, I felt sure that I wanted to become healthier and more fit. When I decided to set my sights high and train for a half marathon, I knew that if I were to do so, I wanted to do it in a benevolent way. After all, running 13.1 miles is a truly bold feat for me. I barely thought that it would be possible. But here I am... Totally ready for race day, healthier heart and soul, more aware of the realities of the world around me, and with a gift of cancer treatment and research to show for it. How beautiful...

Today, I ran my final "long run" at 8 miles, and I can barely believe that I performed so well! I'm so proud of how far my body has come... Finishing at 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 20 seconds, I felt so elated! While my measurements might not be 100% exact, I am confident that my pace was much faster than it has been! I have received so much advice and guidance along the way, and especially from from Ernie and my other TNT teammates here in Northwestern Ohio, regarding race day that I am confident that I'm able to complete the race within my goal. Here is a chart of potential completion times and their coinciding paces (the first number is the average amount of time it takes to complete each one mile, and the second number is the final completion time for the 13.1 mile race with the first number as the average per mile):

8:00 - 1:44:57

8:20 - 1:49:20

8:40 - 1:53:42

9:00 - 1:58:04

9:30 - 2:04:38

10:00 - 2:11:12

10:30 - 2:17:45

11:00 - 2:24:19

My baseline goal for race day is to finish in no more than 10:30 per mile (2 hours, 17 minutes, and 45 seconds for the entire 13.1 mile race). However, I would love to finish closer to 10 minutes per mile.

I am completely prepared to run my first half marathon with high hopes and an open heart, grateful for this journey of heart, mind, and spirit!

Taper? Psych! I'll just run a few extra miles...

What a fantastic week! First, I am in awe at the amount of grace and kindness that so many friends and family have shown in my final week of fundraising. I can hardly believe that I am only $188.04 from reaching my goal of $2,900 to benefit Leukemia & Lymphoma treatment and research!! With only two days until my fundraising deadline (Monday, May 24), I'm sending up my prayers that I am able to reach my goal. I truly believe that this can happen. While this journey has given me a look into more sadness than I knew existed as a result of cancer and has made me a more sympathetic person as a result, it has also shown me the beauty of the human heart! How wonderful everyone has been to support me both emotionally, spiritually, and financially as I have made my way from barely being able to run three or four miles at a time to being capable to reach new physical heights and provide thousands of dollars to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. THANK YOU!! Each of you have blessed my life more than I can say. I am truly grateful for this experience!

On top of my excitement at nearing my fundraising goal, I am so thrilled to be working with the Team in Training group from Northwest Ohio. What a fabulous group! They are such wonderful people, so dedicated and energetic. I have been inspired by them to set new goals and work toward reaching them. I'm excited to be working with our coach, Ernie, who is very hands on and very knowledgeable in the sport of running. Ernie has participated in two Team in Training races, but has completed a number of others, including a Century run (a 100-mile run that took him about 30 hours to complete - CRAZY!?). While I do have a general plan given by TNT that I have followed throughout my training, Ernie creates personalized plans for his runners to train for their races. As I am so far into my training, there isn't a need for a new plan, but I mentioned last week that I began my "taper." This means that four weeks before my race I ran my longest pre-race mileage (10-miles), and then I began working my way down to lower miles. However, Ernie's San Diego runners begin their taper THIS WEEK as they ran their longest mileage. SO what did I do, you ask? Taper, schmaper! I ran over 10 miles rather than the 6 that I intended!! :-)

I simply love running. When I complete a run, I feel so alive!! I'm full of energy and so thrilled that my body has carried me so far. I am officially addicted!! ;-) I am looking for my next races, and I hope to complete a full marathon sometime in the future. Perhaps one additional half and then a full? I'm still debating... Regardless, I am committed to working hard to improve my running abilities! Upcoming goals: work on my arm strength and core strength to improve running ability and time (and the toning will of course be a great bonus) AND work on my speed through interval and other training. I am so excited to see how far I'm able to push myself and to one day improve my speed and race finish time.

I just can't say enough about this experience... Team in Training has provided me with emotional wealth through learning sympathy, grace, altruism... And I have gained physical wealth through this extraordinary opportunity to see just how capable the human body is and become healthier and happier in the process.

And in two weeks, all of these newly acquired notions will be tested... It's almost time for San Diego!! :-D

Three weeks to race day!

I can hardly believe that the race is only three weeks away! This week, I had a treat to change the pace of my training. I have recently returned to Ohio to visit Alex, and of course I would continue to train alone, but how much sweeter it is to have other to do it with... So I contacted Team in Training in Toledo to run with their group! The group was small, but that was wonderful for me! I was so excited to experience the closeness of their group!

On Saturday at 7 AM I met their group of 6 at Farnsworth Park in Waterville, OH, which runs along the Maumee River. This was a beautiful run! Cool, scenic, and accommodating (restrooms and water fountains along the way!). And after I ran, I waited with the others who had finished early for the rest of the group. Then, we went out to breakfast together! I loved the camaraderie that the team had developed! What an excellent addition to my TNT experience! I will continue to train with them in the coming three weeks before my race in San Diego.

Now on to what is on my mind most at the moment... FUNDRAISING! With only ONE WEEK remaining until my fundraising deadline, I have reached only 72% of my goal. As a result, if I do not raise the full amount within that week, I have committed to donating the remaining funds from my own finances. While this will be quite a load to bear, I have committed to it. I am becoming quite nervous as the deadline approaches, but I have faith that I will reach my goal. When dedicating ourselves to being a member of Team in Training, we are given a fundraising minimum. In my case, $2,900 is the minimum in order to attend the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon. However, if we do not reach that minimum, we must prove the remaining funds in order to race.

If you have not given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through my Team in Training race, please consider doing so. If you have given or feel compelled, please forward my information to friends and family who might be able to help. Any amounts are greatly appreciated!

You may donate securely online by using this link (and receive receipt):

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nce/rnr10/akollay

I am sincerely thankful for all of the support that my family and friends have shown, both financially and emotionally. Your encouragement is unmatched and so appreciated!

It's all downhill from here!

Today was the final time that I will complete my longest run before race day. This morning, all before 9 AM, I ran 10 miles... and at my best time yet!! What a feeling... I can't describe how grateful I am for my body's capabilities and how excited I am for how far I've come! Thus far, I have been completing my longer runs (6 and more miles) at 10:30 to 10:45 per mile. However, today I beat myself and completed 10 miles in 1 hour and 44 minutes. That's about 10:24 per mile! As a result of this exciting development, I am stating my race day goal: TO COMPLETE THE RACE IN UNDER 10:30 PER MINUTE (2 HOURS, 17 MINUTES, AND 30 SECONDS)! I know that I can do this!! :-)

Aside from the excitement and success of training, I have been working hard to complete my find raising. What a task this is! I am proud and thrilled to be generating funds that will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and it truly is a lot of work. I have committed to raising $2,900, the minimum amount necessary to compete at the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon with Team in Training. With only two weeks until my fund raising deadline, I have raised 71% of my goal (this number might not be currently reflected on my donation site as a number of the funds are in the form on checks and have not yet been processed). This is excellent news!! But it still leaves my about $850 short of my goal. I have committed to paying any remaining amount of of my own pocket, but I sincerely hope that I am able to feel the pride and excitement of raising the full amount by race day. If you are able to give, please do so. These funds are truly supporting a worthy cause!

That being said, I am learning more and more everyday of families being affected by cancer. While on one hand, it is positive that so many of those generous people who have supported me financially or emotionally throughout this journey of mine feel so connected to the cause, it is truly devastating to know how many lives this monster that we call cancer has taken or changed forever. Every time that I learn of additional people who have had cancer or have supported a loved one who has, my heart breaks. Please know, each and every one of you, that on race day, I will be running for you. You will be on my mind and in my heart. You are my strength and reason in this journey. Thank you for your inspiration...

Please pray for and remember all of the people affected by cancer for whom I run....

In honor of my uncle Wick Flower (Hodgkin Lymphoma) & in support of our family

In memory of (Papa) Dean Mead (Leukemia) & in support of his loved ones

In memory of Louie Hayes (Leukemia) & in support of the Hayes family & their loved ones

In honor of two members of Millbrook Lodge & in support of their members & loved ones

In memory of Tom Nine (Leukemia) & in support of his loved ones

I feel that I have finally reached an amazing place in terms of my physical ability! Today, I ran 8 miles (after running 10 last week, we are deducting miles in order to allow our bodies to recover before doing higher mileage again), and I felt fantastic! What's even more fun is that I am truly coming to understand well the rhythms and dynamics of my body. I have learned that I have "gears," just like a bicycle. I am able to run one pace and decide to move up or down a gear as my body tells me to. In addition, I have learned how my body will generally perform throughout a run. For the first two miles, I generally feel good about the run. I'm ready to go and am keeping a good and quick pace. By the second mile, I tend to become a bit sluggish and wonder if I'll be able to make it for the entire run. I get down on myself, but I push through knowing that it will get better. I usually have a few average miles in between, after pushing through the frustration. Then, in my final miles, I generally pick up the pace and finish strong. That is exactly how my run went today! I finished in under 11 minutes per mile, an excellent pace for me! Perhaps someday in my life, I will become faster... But for now, under 11 minutes per miles is fabulous for my body's abilities! I continue to feel confident that it is more important for me to sustain myself through an entire long run than to finish faster than everyone else. I am my biggest competitor, so I continue to push myself!

So, I have come to a point where I feel confident that if I were to have to race tomorrow, I would be ready! : ) What a cool feeling! This is a great thing, because now I must focus my energy on fund-raising. I have raised about one-third of my goal at this point. Approximately $1,000 is an incredible amount that I am so excited to give to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (!!!!), but it is only a portion of what I must raise. I am SO GRATEFUL for each donation that friends and family have given. THANK YOU!!!! If you would like to donate and haven't yet done so, please continue to think of me as I am waking at 5:30 AM on a Saturday to complete my training in support of cancer patients everywhere. :-) I am also hoping to come up with additional fund-raising ideas to round out my total. I'm inspired by other TNT teammates every week as they announce a new fund-raiser that they have put together. They continue to make raising funds and awareness for TNT a big part of their lives. I hope to be as strong in my commitment by moving forward with fund-raising.

HOLY COW! Best run yet!!

Oh my goodness, I can barely believe that I just ran 10 MILES!! Thank you SO MUCH to Lindsey, Justin, and Alex for making this run my BEST YET! I'm currently spending the weekend in Ohio, and Alex and I are visiting my best friend from childhood and her husband. Along with Lindsey and Justin's dog Carli, Lindsey and Alex split the mileage running beside me and Justin and Lindsey/Alex rode along with us on bike. Having new scenery to take in, a perfect cool day, and excellent company made this an incredible run. It certainly didn't feel like I was running for nearly two hours!

I'm so blessed... I thank God everyday that he has given me a body that can carry me as far and a mind that will push me to finish. When so many people around the world are in hospital beds fighting their own battles with Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other cancers, I am running.

I am so grateful for this journey... I am learning so much about my body, feeling so strong and healthy, and reaching my goals one week at a time. What an incredible feeling! And I'm so thankful every moment that I receive a donation or raise awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. THANK YOU to each of you who have supported me through every mile and every dollar. You keep me moving, and you bring us one step closer to finding a cure.

Pushing Through

Training is moving right along! We have now reached our peak mileage and are only about a month and a half away from the race. I can't believe that I have been training for one entire semester (my semester ends in two and a half weeks)!! Last weekend was a bit of relief. In order to not overextend the body, we took our mileage down from 8 to 6. And how amazing it felt to say, "It's just 6 miles, no big deal!" Knowing that running 6 miles without stopping is something that I never thought I would experience. And who knows what will be next... I can only hope that I will say "13.1 miles... I've run a half marathon before, that sounds easy!" : ) But I'll just wait until I get through my longest run yet - 10 miles - this weekend!

At this point, I am experiencing a number of ups and downs in my Team in Training experience. I am so excited that my shin splint is finally beginning to diminish! After purchasing new shoes (I firmly believe that my old shoes were the cause of my pain), I began to feel the shin splint becoming less and less noticeable. Now, I do not have to take Ibuprofin before each run in order to get through it, and I am only feeling the pressure of the shin splint from time to time. Hooray! : )

And now, I will confess some of the downs that I'm experiencing... However, it it tough to do so on such a public forum. No one cares to hear a Negative Nancy profess her deepest woes constantly - and that's just not my style. I will be brief, but will share these feelings for the sake of honesty and openness in my journal of my Team in Training experience.

While my body has become so much stronger and capable, I am experiencing what I feel is a plateau of sorts. For over three months now, I have been training well. As I began, the experience was new, intense, and exciting. It never felt difficult to wake at 5 AM to get a work out in for the day, my body was improving its condition and ability everyday, and I couldn't wait until the next moment of the adventure. While I am still and will continue to be wholeheartedly committed to Team in Training, it becomes tougher to work through at this point in the game. I am so proud of what my body is capable of, but the rapid results that I was seeing at first are slowing. I am as capable now of pushing through and completing an entire run, but I find it more difficult as my mentality pulls me down at times. I know that I am capable, there isn't a question, but it often seems easier to say, "I'll just walk for a few minutes, it won't hurt!" Beating that voice is hard, but I must work to achieve greater heights, rather than allow it to bring down my success. My body was fully capable of 5, 6, 7 miles, but reaching 8, and now 10, are true challenges. Never having faces such a challenge before, I have found myself genuinely afraid as my 8-mile and 10-mile runs have approached. I do feel, however, that I am beginning to move uphill in this plateau battle. After facing each workout and each day at a time, I feel that I am putting my chin up and becoming stronger mentally than I was before.

One final note about a down that I am facing through this experience is in regard to fundraising. I knew, registering to be a part of Team in Training, that I would be incredibly challenged to raise $2,900 to participate in the San Diego half marathon and to provide care and research for Leukemia & Lymphoma patients everywhere. However, I had faith. And I still do! But it is very difficult at times... I have barely begin to bring in the funds that I need to to move forward with this journey, and I am becoming more and more fearful everyday that I will not raise enough funds to allow me to reach my goal. Asking people to give of their own money, especially in difficult financial times, is extremely frightening and tough. I am thinking more everyday of new resources that I may tap and new creative ideas that I may use to raise money, but time is running thin. If you have creative ideas or resources, please send them my way!

Okay, enough with the negatives! The bottom line is that I am working toward achieving something that I never have before. And I know that I must prevail because this is for more than myself. This is for people everywhere whose fathers, mothers, siblings, family members, significant others, friends, and loved ones have been faced with cancer. While they endure chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, doubt, and pain, I endure early mornings, sweat, soreness, and physical challenge. Hardly a comparison... And so I must move forward.

Thank you to everyone who has been reading these messages. I am incredibly grateful for your interest and support!! Please let me know what you think via comments on this blog, Facebook posts, emails, calls, etc. I LOVE to hear your thoughts and encouragement - you help to pull me through!

Am I really doing this? I AM!

Each Saturday, I feel an increased sense of accomplishment as I leave group training! This week, we upped our mileage to EIGHT MILES! Holy cow! Weeks ago, I was saying "There is NO WAY that I can do more than three miles at a time!" Now, I'm thanking God that next week, we taper our mileage to five miles for a week. : ) However, it is one week after that that we increase to TEN MILES. Can I do this? There have been moments where I have truly doubted that I can, but I KNOW THAT I CAN DO THIS! I know that I am getting stronger and stronger with each passing week. I am getting out of bed each Saturday morning, while most of us are still snuggled tightly in our sleepy beds, to run 5, 6, 7, and now 8 miles! This is sincerely a proud experience, but I as I feel increasingly more accomplished, I also become increasingly more aware of why programs such as Team in Training exist...

Today, after I had run my eight miles, I was chatting with some team members. I recognized one woman from seeing her at a majority of the practices, and she had usually been out there with us. She told us that she had been training with TNT since 2005, and she has been a TNT "Coach" for the majority of the years that she has been a part of the program. Today, she was spending time with the team with her dog Ollie, but she wasn't in her running gear. She explained that she has cancer, and that today she wasn't feeling very well to run. When we asked her to tell us more of her story, she told us that she had breast cancer a few years ago, but that treatment went well. Then, they discovered that the breast cancer had spread to her liver. Treatments for that went well also. Unfortunately, now the cancer has returned again in her bones, and she is undergoing more treatment for that. On the outside, she looks to be a healthy, happy woman. How is it that cancer, this disgusting, silent monster could hurt so many people unnecessarily? This woman, with such a beautiful spirit and positive outlook, is forced to come to terms with this silent killer. Even as she said, "It's Stage 4, and it doesn't look like it will go away." she was smiling and showing us that she feels everything is going to be okay. While she is finding strength to battle this monster, she shouldn't have to....

And that is why I must run. Many weekday mornings at 5:00 AM, hours before many alarm clocks even think of chiming. That is why I run. Every Saturday morning when my body is craving extra hours of sleep. That is why I run. More miles than I ever knew that my body could.

For our TNT Coach, and millions of other men and women worldwide who have experienced that "monster" that we call cancer.... This is why I run.

Oohhhh We're Halfway There!

Oohhhh! Livin' On a Prayer!

Thanks Bon Jovi! You are correct. I'm HALFWAY to my race, and I'm certainly doing a lot of praying to keep me moving! : )

Can you believe it? I can hardly believe that I have trained for almost THREE months (!!) and that I have now reached the halfway point for both the time to my race and my goal mileage. This week I ran (...DRUMROLL, PLEASE...) SEVEN MILES!! And the best part... I ran them consistently without walking or stopping. What amazing things the human body is capable of! I continue to believe that this journey is not nearly as physical as it is mental. Persevering through my 7-mile run on Saturday was tough. In the beginning, I kept thinking "Maybe I'll just walk for a moment..." but I kept going. Before I knew it, I was in my final mile! And while that final mile was SO HARD to complete, I had beautiful incentive.

This past Saturday was "Mission Day." We invited family and friends to join us as we celebrated the mission of Team in Training. THANK YOU to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dave for supporting my on this day!! And thank you to Mason for joining me as well! ;-)

As a began my final mile, I saw signs ahead. They showed photos of people who have battled Leukemia or Lymphoma, gave inspirational quotes, or described a loved one that TNT teammates are training for. How exciting it was as I approached a sign that said "Alexis Kollay is running in honor of her uncle Wick Flower."

HOW WONDERFUL A FEELING! I threw my fists in the air and shouted excitement with my teammates who I was running with. I am happy to say that I am training in honor of my Uncle Wick, who fought Hodgkin's lymphoma five years ago. After treatment, he defeated the cancer and has been in remission since! I'm grateful that he is in our lives, and I'm so excited to be showing my support for him and cancer patients everywhere who endure far worse pain than I ever can in through this journey.

I LOVE YOU, UNCLE WICK! In honor of you...

And in honor and memory of cancer patients everywhere...

Pride!

WOW! I am loving this!! Today, I ran SIX MILES at group training, and it felt awesome!! Truly, I never knew that my body could do this. I have always loved to run. It's exhilarating. I feel energized and happy to be working my entire body. However, years ago I didn't think that I could run more than two miles at a time... Now, I'm running 6!! I won't stop there, though.... 13.1 HERE I COME!! And what is better is that as my body becomes stronger and healthier, I am noticing my pace and stamina increasing! How cool this feeling is...

While I am feeling stronger and healthier every day, I am also experiencing my first shin splint. OUCH! It has been pretty rough at times, to the point where I couldn't walk well on it. I'm able to tough it out during runs as the pain generally subsides during workouts... Only to return in FULL FORCE the moment I stop moving. I'm doing my best to treat it (icing the shin/ankle for 20 minutes each evening, taking Ibuprofin to reduce swelling and relieve the pain, stretching the shin). However, the true fix, I believe, will be investing in a new pair of shoes. A number of coaches and shoe experts have encouraged me to find a fit that truly fits me. SO...

Today I invested in a new par of shoes! It was so much fun to have an expert spend time learning how I walk/run and show me shoes that will support me in the best way for my own body. That was a great experience! Did you know that when you purchase running shoes, you should do so at the end of the day or after a workout because this is when your feet are swollen most? In fact, one should generally purchase running shoes one half to one full size higher than regular/dress shoes. I ended up with a pair of Mizuno "Wave Nirvana" shoes, and I can't wait to begin wearing them! THANK YOU to Fleet Feet Sports on Wade. Ave. in Raleigh, NC for their exceptional quality and service. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an excellent experience in purchasing shoes and other running gear!

In other news, I have completed all of the set up for my raffle! I'm so excited to begin selling tickets!! My wonderful Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dave are even helping by taking the sale to work/church/activities. I'm so thrilled to begin raising funds for Team in Training!! : )

Moving up in mileage!

Training is getting more and more challenging, but I really am enjoying it! We'll see how long I say that... : ) Today, as I do every Saturday, I had group training with the rest of the Raleigh TNT team. Each week, the coaches choose a new location to run, each time being at a park of some sort in the Triangle area. This week, we ran at North Cary Park that has a slightly hilly trail going throughout the park. The view is wonderful as a good portion of the run is either through the woods alongside a creek or next to a pretty lake. As I have been training with the team, I really come to love trail running. While running in the 30 degree weather can be rough, I warm up quickly. It's wonderful to have such beautiful scenery to see and fresh air to breath as I run.

Each week, we run a different amount of miles. My teammates have each chosen to run in a different race; those running in Nashville on April 24 are moving up in mileage much quicker. However, I have a bit longer as mu race is on June 6 (thank goodness!). Beginning weeks ago at 2, I am now running 5 miles! However, what is a God-send is that we only do one long run per week. During the week, I work out on my own an additional 4-5 times per week by running shorter mileage (2-3 miles), cross-training, and strength training. We have a chart that shows us the most appropriate succession of work outs. Our group training sessions are our longer runs where each week we will increase our mileage each week depending on our race date. This week, as I mentioned, I ran 5 MILES! Next week, I will run 5 again, 6 for the following two weeks, 7 for the next two after than, and so on. I'll peak at 11 miles and then taper off for the final few weeks before the half marathon. I won't actually run the full 13.1 miles until I race on June 6!

This week, we began EARLY! At 7:30 AM we were hitting the trail! We often begin slightly later, but this week they hosted an injury prevention and nutrition clinic. I was really excited that I was able to attend this. It was very beneficial to learn more about being safe and taking care of my body as well as learning important nutrition tips. I learned that I should be eating "3 in 3," the tree most essential macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) about every three hours. I LOVE that being a part of this event is helping me to think more clearly and positively about being healthy and leading a well-rounded life. I feel so happy, constantly becoming fitter and healthier everyday! : )

One additional important part of my day is that I made friends! I'm so thrilled to be meeting wonderful people who are also part of my team. At our first training, my teammate Brittany and I learned that our pace is very similar, so we ran together. So this week, we paced together again. We were able to talk as we ran to learn more about one another and to keep each other motivated. Brittany is also working toward the half marathon in San Diego like I am, so we'll be in this together from beginning to end! As we completed the run, we met and chatted with Chelsea, another one of our teammates. Chelsea is working toward the full marathon in San Diego. While she has completed other races before, this is her first full marathon. She is a great runner! She runs about a 7 to 7 1/2 minute mile!! I'm not completely sure what my pace is, but it's likely closer to 9-10 minutes on a long run. Both women are fabulous, and both insiring to me in their own ways. I was so thrilled to go to Starbucks for coffee and to learn more about one another after our training. Brittany works as a nurse in a pediatrician's office here in Raleigh, and Chelsea actually travels over an hour each week from Greenville, NC where she is a part-time MBA student at Eastern Carolina University. She also works full-time in a hospital's financial department. I'm so excited to begin a friendship with these women!

Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY... I am truly feeling more and more connected to the cause as I immerse myself more in its purpose and history. Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other blood cancers affect so many people. Being 9% of all cancer cases diagnosed each year, blood cancers are prevalent. In addition to that, Leukemia takes more lives of children under 20 than any other cancer. I'd like you to visit this website if you have a moment: Healing Hunter. This is an incredible and heart wrenching story of a family whose young son is fighting Leukemia for his fourth time. What makes this time different, however, is that this time will be his last. After 9 chemotherapy treatments and numerous other surgeries, this sweet boy is no longer able to fight for his life. The above website is Hunter's mother's blog detailing Hunter's fight. It will truly make an impression on you. As I viewed it, I couldn't help but cry and think, "I want to be a part of the cure..." I hope that you will consider being a part of the cure also by donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...

Beginning to Fund-Raise

I have officially begun to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! My fund-raising efforts will be three-fold:

1. My wonderful friend Christy Bukach has volunteered to donate time and creative energy to make fun and eye-catching postcards that I will send by mail to family and friends. These postcards will feature a description of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training, ways that you're able to donate (via the internet or check), and a photo of Mason (my puppy) in his running shoes! : ) These should be ready soon, so check your mailboxes!
2. I am collecting items to hold a raffle over the coming weeks for those living in the Triangle area. Some items to be included are: one $20 gift certificate to shop at Harris Teeter at Duraleigh/Edwards Mill Rd. in Raleigh, one Starbucks gift bag (including a bag of coffee, two packets of VIA instant coffee, chocolates, and a large travel mug), two vouchers for a car wash at Auto Bell, one beautiful gift basket containing lots of spa goodies (thanks to the fabulous Lori Bodkin, owner of "Gift Baskets by Lori")two $50 gift cards to attend wine classes at Total Wine & More in Raleigh, and one $100 gift card to attend wine classes at Total Wine & More in Raleigh. I hope to also accumulate more items! I will sell raffle tickets for $5 for two tickets and $10 for five tickets. The drawing for prizes will be held on May 7, 2010.
3. I have begun to seek out company sponsorship by large companies (both local and national) in the area.

To donate directly to my goal, please click here!

Fund-raising definitely has the potential to be a daunting task. While I believe in my heart that this is an incredible cause, it is difficult to conceptualize raising $2,900! However, I am thrilled to be working toward such a noble goal, and I am enjoying visualizing myself reaching this goal. I hope that you will continue to follow my progress along the way and even consider donating your own funds. I am sure that I am able to be successful in contributing this amount to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to fund research and care for patients!

Let the training begin!

Dear Friends and Family,

I have made the decision to embark on an exciting adventure... For the next four months, I will train to run a half marathon! This 13.1 mile race will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2010 in San Diego, California. How did I come to this decision, you ask? Read on...

As the 2010 spring semester began, I felt that I had done enough complaining about how tired and out of shape I felt. It was time to make a change! I began to work out a few times a week, and I really began to feel great! When talking with a friend a few weeks into my workout routine, she told me that she was training to run in a half marathon race in March. I couldn't believe that anyone would want to do such a thing! How could she run for such a long period of time? However, she explained to me that she takes her time and pushes herself mentally. I let her story sit in my mind for a few days until I finally realized that if she could do it, so could I!

If not today, when? I made the commitment to work toward a 13.1 mile race! My next task was to find a race. In searching, I realized that I didn't want to run simply to run. I wanted to cater to a higher purpose. This is when I found Team in Training! I heard radio commercials about the organization in the past, but I never knew what it was about. I read more about becoming involved and decided that this was the best way for me to reach my goal of a 13.1 mile race while contributing to a worthwhile cause.

As I train, I will also be raising money to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I will raise $2,900! I hope that you will consider supporting me as I raise funds to benefit treatment for patients and research for cures to these terrible diseases that affect billions of people worldwide every year.

In order to track my progress and keep friends and family current on my training and fund raising activities, I will maintain this blog. Please be sure to drop in to see how I'm doing! I thank you for your love and support as I embark on this journey that is sure to change my life...

Alexis

More about Team in Training...

"Team In Training (TNT), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) groundbreaking charity sports training program, has reached a remarkable milestone of raising $1 billion to support blood cancer research and patient services.

For more than 21 years, TNT has grown to become an unparalleled charity endurance training program. More than 420,000 participants, from first timers to seasoned athletes, have trained with TNT and achieved their best at marathons, half marathons, triathlons, 100-mile century bike rides and hiking adventures." (teamintraining.org)

More about Leukemia & Lymphoma...

"Blood cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. They are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells.

Every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

An estimated 139,860 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2009. New cases of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma account for 9.5 percent of the 1,479,350 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year.

Every ten minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. This statistic represents nearly 146 people each day, or more than six people every hour. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20. In general, the likelihood of dying from most types of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma decreased from 1996 to 2005 (the most recent data available)." (leukemia-lymphoma.org)