The 12 Weeks of Training...

Okay, so it's been 12 weeks. I am completely amazed at how far we have all come. I thought I was going to need a breathing machine after our first run in the Pettit. Now, I can jog 10 miles and still go about my day!

So, in honor of the last 12 weeks, here is "The 12 Weeks of Training" sung to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. (Be forgiving on the syllabication)

On the first week of training, Becky Burris gave to me...a Team Challenge T-shirt (actually two of them!)

On the second week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a VERY pretty cork necklace (spirit award--whoooooo hooooo! I got spirit, yes I do; I got spirit, how 'bout you?)

On the third week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a bunch of fundraising tips (good stuff, guys!)

On the fourth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a Colorado Running Team hat. (I don't even live in Colorado, but I am now an official member of their team because that's what my hat says...what, what?!)

On the fifth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a trainer who promised me I would not die. (or at least not because of running...I mean some day I wll die, but rest assured not on Tim's watch :)

On the sixth week of training, my school family gave to me over $500 in donations. (I seriously work with the greatest staff on earth!)

On the seventh week of training, Team Challenge gave to me the need to see a chiropractor.

On the eighth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me support before my colonoscopy. (I love how this one sounds...colon looks beauteous and biopsies are negative)

On the ninth week of training, I pushed it way too hard. Ended up puking on someone's front yard. ('nuf said)

On the tenth week of training, Pilate Patty gave to me, one fantastic styrofoam roller. (See last blog about my almost sensual feelings about this exercise tool)

On the eleventh week of training, Mary gave to me the blessing of delightful conversations. (new hill hero!)

During the twelfth week of training, Team Challenge gave to me a new friendship family. (I am so thankful for all of the inspiration and motivation...oh yeah!--thanks Daily milers!)

It's a Team Effort

I love Team Challenge!

If it weren't for my team, I would have NEVER jogged 10 miles on Sunday morning. Every part of me wanted to NOT show up last Sunday. I wanted to sleep, but Paul insisted I get up and get ready. I couldn't find my Team Challenge shirt, then Sarah found it. I tried to drive to the Lakefront and got stopped by the Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. Sat for 20 minutes waiting for thousands of bikes to go by. Just when I believed I would turn around and go back home, a police officer waved my car through the intersection. I made it to training only 10 minutes late. The team even waited for me to go to the bathroom! I was meant to make it to training. And, quite thankful that my teammates believed we would all run 10 miles without any problems.

This experience is teaching me SO much about what it means to be part of a team. Mary and I talked our way through the run. Now, next week we will have Stephanie join our fold. Can't wait to hear her stories!

The downside of running this much so early in the morning...I got crabby. I will probably have to make some more apologies to my husband's family. I had my brow furrowed and brought only one bag of chips to feed like 15 people. Wasn't thinkin'...then I made it everyone else's fault. My attitude sucked, and I should have walked home or just drank more beer. I promise to be a better person after training this Sunday. No more attitude problems for this lady--if so, just smack me!

My doctor has not donated to my cause yet. I am kind of disappointed. He also hasn't called about my biopsies. I think this may be part of my attitude problem, as well. I still like him, just was hoping for some support (can you see my lower lip out?).

Lastly, if you do not have a styrofoam roller to use after exercising, you are missing out on a truly wonderful piece of equipment. I roll almost every part of my body daily! Lovin' the roller almost as much as I adore dark chocolate and Shiraz wine! Hmmmm...maybe I will try a combination of the roller, wine, and fine chocolate...ecstacy!

Here's to next week's training! Wine glasses up! Go Team Challenge--Go Team Wisconsin--Napa or Bust!

Great Workout Week, 8 miles--almost, and a Colonoscopy

A big Thank You goes out to my family this week. They are so supportive of my need to get out and keep up with my training. My husband even deals with my attitude at 5 am when I know I have to get up and train, actually asked him to wake me up, and yet give him major harumphs when he tries to get my butt out of bed.

I have discovered one thing...there are a lot of people out running in Sussex at 5 in the morning! I think I "ran into" at least 6 people and half of them I knew. Just a few months ago I was dead to the world at this time, while others were out getting themselves in shape! And, now, I am one of those crazy people.

I got my bike out this week AND stuck with the jogging training schedule. Kind of feel rock starish. I was even told that I LOOKED LIKE A RUNNER this week. Seriously? I have never been given that kind of compliment. In fact, my husband is getting incredibly frustrated with my need to "keep a little energy--just in case" mentality with every sport I do. When I finish anything, including the 8 mile jog, I am never totally exhausted. Paul can't stand that I don't have a competitive edge in my attitude. Why don't I? I'm okay...just finishing. So, for Paul, I promise to try and use all my stored energy in my runs. I promise to come home from the short runs exhausted...

On Saturday, I ran 7.92 miles. When I drive the route, it's 8 miles...so let's count it as 8...okay? The run went really well. There were so many people beeping, giving shout-outs, and "purposely-almost hitting me" that I seriously lost count. How great is that! Thanks to every person who yelled "Sankey" or "Keep Going!" Everything motivates me to keep it up. I had to stop at mile 2.3 for a potty break at McDonald's It was my only potty break! Yeah. Saw my friend Monica and her son there. Monica had a boxing glove key chain that represents the saying "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL." That's all I thought about for another few miles--how strong she is in her fight against cancer! And, how lucky I am to have her as a friend. She also offered me her brother's toilet in case I had to go to the bathroom again. Only good friends offer their brother's restrooms.

Had to stop for water at mile 5...okay, I didn't have to stop. But, I really wanted just a slurp of something wet and cold. So, I stopped at Cousin's. Such a great girl who gave me the water cup. I only had a 5K to go from Cousin's to my home! During the last three miles, I had to get my mind on something else. I was sick of the songs on Sarah's ipod and really needed a way to pass my time...

I thought about the top 5 reasons I love to jog:
1. I love to get lost in my thoughts
2. I like the change in the shape of my legs
3. There is a high that comes from a good jog and support from friends
4. I have met a lot of dogs--big and small
5. I get to hang out with Team Challenge

I also thought about the top 5 things that annoy me when I jog:
1. People who smoke cigarettes--nothing like jogging by a car who's owner smoke.
2. Unleashed dogs--they love to run after objects (me) running! especially little yippy ones
3. Constantly feeling like I have to go to the bathroom
4. Sweating...I just don't like it.
5. Gnats

Silpada Party Update:
The party went really well. I am seriously blessed with friends who love jewelry. I am right there with ya! Julie Cimpl gave me a percentage of each sale. I don't know the total yet, but I am once again thankful for everyone's generosity!


Just finished the last of the "prep" for my colonoscopy in 2 short hours. I am fearful...don't know why...please, oh please, colon...look healthy.

Hope everyone has a great week! Only 13 more days with the kiddos before I get to be home wiht my kiddo for the summer!!!!

Who I ran for this week, a need for hugs, and Silpada Jewelry party!

Wow! There are so many people affected by Crohn's and/or Colitis. It is truly amazing how many people I have had the opportunity to meet through my participation in Team Challenge.

I met the parents of Aaron. His dad is the brother of my good friend. Aaron found out he had Crohn's when he was 11 years old. He is 19 years old now. He is living with the disease and on medication. I was overwhelmed by his story and his resilience. It must be so difficult for the parents of kids suffering with IBD disease. I am running for Aaron this week. It's because of him that I was able to run 6 miles yesterday...lost in thought.

Got a phone call from a friend, Patty Pauer. She has to switch medications. She has Crohn's. She's scared of all the new side effects. Just another thing that people suffering with this disease have to deal with...the side effects. So lucky that I could find such kind team members (Greg and Nancy Toler) who were willing to talk with her about her new medication. I ran for Patty on Saturday...3.1 miles (or according to Sandy Ehlert's chip 3.34 miles).

My hill hero this week is Trainer Tim! Thanks for talking me up those hills. I didn't stop to walk on Sunday...I kept running (against the wind, no less), even if it looked like I wasn't moving.

I am starting to freak out a bit. Monday, May 24th, I have a colonoscopy scheduled. Give me a hug when you see me this week because I get weepy even thinking about what happened just one year ago--the whole removing my colon, cancer, illeostomy bag, blah, blah. I NEED the biopsies to show that my disease is under control. I am feeling healthy, but sometimes I worry that my smile can't hide what might be happening inside my colon. I get caught up in the childish belief that if I wish hard enough, bad stuff won't happen.

I plan on going to practice on Sunday...don't know if I can run or not if I am fasting--Trainer Tim, a little help on that call? I do plan on running 8 miles on Saturday (instead of Sunday), though, as I think I won't be able to fast and run my longest on the day before a colonoscopy. My mom's house is about 8 miles from mine. A run from Sussex to the Falls via the Bugline. Anyone want to join me?

Thanks so much for reading my blog. Hope to see you at my party or running to the Falls on Saturday!

SILPADA JEWELRY party this THURSDAY from 4:30-7:00

It's an open house format, so please come and enjoy appetizers, beverages (my famous peach punch will be served), and jewelry.

Training Success Story!

Feeling SO good about "Me" today that I just had to update my blog! Remember how I sucked up the Lakefront last week Sunday? Well, I decided to kick it in the rear this week.





Despite have a sinus "something", I kept to my training schedule. Let me update:


Monday: eliptical for 30 minutes while watching DVR'd Biggest Loser (Talk about motivation!)


Tuesday: shuffled, ahem...I mean jogged 45 minutes IN THE HEAT! Thought my head was going to burst. Ran a stupid route though...


Wednesday: 30 minute easy jog


Thursday: AFTER CONFERENCES, shuffled 48 minutes all over the town of Sussex. Should have shuffled my way to Su Casa...apparently missed a good time--bummed.


Friday: Bowled a 157! Whoot Whoot! (second game was a 103 but no need to talk about that one :) Who's the Ridgeview Bowling League's Champions???? 2 years in a row, no less!


Saturday: Jogged an easy 30 minutes against the wind--BOTH WAYS! Huh? How is that possible?


Sunday "Mother's Day": Breakfast in bed with my family, trip to Brennan's for sweet and juicy fruit, lunch at Mancino's, trip to Cabelas--Sarah got a gun, and back home. Ran 60 minutes on the Bugline to Lisbon Park. Loved every moment of my mother's day. Only problem? I now know why Mancino's sandwiches are called "GRINDERS." Ugh!








HERE'S MY CHALLENGE to all those following my blog this week. See if you can follow my training schedule? It might be tough because I saw rain in the forecast through Thursday...erg!


Monday: 16 mile bike ride

Tuesday: 45 minute easy shuffle--thinking of running Maple to Main to 164 to Good Hope to Maple (I call this my Starbuck Square-kinda catchy ain't it?).

Wednesday: 30 minute not so easy jog. I will admit that I don't know what "not so easy" means. I feel like I am stuck in one gear, but I will give it a shot. Dinner with Mom at Cafe Vinno--yum!

Thursday: 45 minute jog/shuffle/run--maybe a combination.

Friday: BREATHE..........ahhhhhhhhhh.....

Saturday: 5K for Ric Ballin at Lisbon Park. So proud to be a Hamilton School District educator who can support such a great teacher!

Sunday: Team Challenge at 9:00 am.

Rummage Sale Canceled

My life is spinning out of control....and....just can't handle trying to get the rummage together. We decided to postpone until June.

However, plan on May 20th at my abode from 4:30-7:00 (wine and beer and snacks will be served) for a Silpada party. A percentage of the purchase will be donated to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation!

I have to run 45 minutes after conferences tonight...my throat hurts....wahhhhh! I'll do it though. Thinking that my family better follow me in the truck again. It's so inspirational when they hang out the windows and yell for me to keep going. Have I said how much I love my husband and daughter? So thankful for my friends who keep inspiring me with their stories. I am truly surrounded by love.

Heavy feet, Excuses and OMG!

Yesterday I had the absolute honor to work with my friend Monica and our two daughters at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. We worked so hard that we couldn't do the 3 mile walk...so we acted like cheerleaders! It was so much fun to give woot-woots to all the walkers. Hope the people in Napa can do the same for me :)

Okay...I didn't train like I was supposed to this week. I did Crazy Legs and then went to Chicago for 3 days. I tried the treadmill, but I didn't go as long as I was supposed to. I was dog tired! Came home and rode my bike 3 miles to work and ran 2 miles on Friday morning. I ran 2 miles on Saturday, but it was a S-L-O-W run because I did it with Sarah. She was tuckered.

Therefore...today's 5 mile run felt like I was starting training over! OMG did I stink up the Lakefront. I am so angry with myself for being a big LAZY butt this week. My feet felt like cement blocks and my side hurt...So, I decided I needed to get organized. I wrote down what I need to do this month daily for training. This way, my family and friends can really ride me when I am acting tired or lethargic.

If anyone wants to follow my training this week, I need to:

1. Cross train on Monday. I will be biking to school.

2. Run an easy 45 minutes on Tuesday--Thinking of taking the Bugline to Lannon

3. Run an easy 30 minutes on Wednesday

4. Run an easy 45 minutes on Thursday

5. Bowl on Friday--hoping all the training will up my average?

6. Run an easy 30 minutes on Saturday...and have a Rummage Sale

7. Run 5 miles "not so easy" on MOTHER's DAY! Really? Not so easy on a day I am supposed to be sitting around eating Bon Bons? Ugh! Last day of the Rummage.

Just noticed that on May 23rd, I am supposed to run 8 miles! HOLY MOLY from 5 miles to 8 miles in a split second! I know I can do it and I am motivated more now than I ever have been. I need my body to start feeling the same...Come on body--ignore your age--ignore any negative thoughts--think light! Think free! Think of exactly how long a Half Marathon is and get cracking!