Three Weeks to NAPA!

So excited for the Half Marathon! I can't believe that I feel confident enough to run this whole half marathon. I know that I can do it now. It's because of Team Challenge that I have this confidence. It starts with the commitment to the race, goes to Trainer Tim for his schedule and smile and good advice, and gets reinforced by my teammates every Sunday at the Lakefront.



Also, my confidence comes from the support system that put me in the 100 club. I received over 100 donations. That means that my "team" is well over 100 people if you add in all the families who made one donation for their whole family. This is the part that completely overwhelms me. Thanks for being my mental and spiritual support when I wasn't motivated to run. I keep training because I know that you guys all thought months ago that I would be able to do this...and now I can.


This last week was a rough one. Here's the update:

• Chafing update: Last week I ran in the cute skort you see above. It was the worst decision ever! I have a few remnants of that experience left in my inner thighs. I wore my old, cheap Adidas shorts this week and no chafing! Nike sucks!
• New blood blister under the toe next to my big toe. Must of worn bad socks??? It doesn't hurt, but it's ugly, so I am now wearing brown sparkly nail polish. That was Sarah's suggestion.
• Sarah was at camp and in the play Annie, Jr. She was a usherette and servant (she's the one in the green checkered apron). She also made a short appearance as a cold passerby in New York. She loved this experience. I think the acting bug has gotten hold of her!
• However, while at camp, she acquired a rash that has turned into blisters and involved 2 visits to urgent care, a call to a nurse, and a call to Dr. Mark. Wondering what the rash is? No one knows. I can't tell anymore if it's going away. Her feet are so blistered that she struggles putting shoes on.
• I love running in 50-60 degree weather. I didn't know that until I ran in 80 degree weather. It was hot this week. Many of you know that I smile my way through every run. (I don't know why I smile all the time...I just do). Well, this week nary a smile came across my face. It was just plain frickin' hot and frickin' humid. California won't be like this, right????
• Sarah ate a piece of taffy for breakfast...good mother alert, sorry. Wasn't watching. She cracked her "funky tooth". Had to take her to the dentist for a quick 15 minute fix. An hour later, we left the dentist. Are you following Sarah's crappy week? It's a good thing she has a positive attitude!
• Went for a 6 mile run on the bugline. I know that the bugline is buggy, but I really hate just HOW buggy it is. Nature update: saw a doe and fawn (again), over 10 chipmunks, a dead frog, and a woodchuck. A horsefly kept buzzing me...hate that! My face started itching. I ran with some makeup on. Must be allergic the new makeup. Guess I decided to join my baby girl in her rash experience. Still itchy and irritated...but not blistery.

• Paul rode his bicycle to work on Friday. It sounded like an incredible adventure! I love that he is joining the Go Green effort that Sarah keeps lecturing him about. If he doesn't watch it, he might become a democrat! Naw...hell would have to freeze over, first.
• Sarah won 3rd place for a picture she drew in a Humane Society art competition. If you visit HAWS in Waukesha, look for her picture!

So, as I close the blog for this week, I will again thank all of you for your support of what I am no longer believing is such a crazy idea. I love training for Napa! I have met so many incredible people--half of whom got caught in the downpour yesterday at training and still powered on...--and really gotten my body in shape and had the opportunity to see my husband truly proud of me. Thanks for asking how training is going and for supporting me when I get lazy. Keeping my face toward the SUNSHINE!

Napa or Bust!

Week 13--What a Week!

At Week 13's practice, this is what the runners saw when they got to the finish line. My daughter came with me. She made signs and brought clappers to make noise as the runners came in from 10-11 mile runs! I know they all enjoyed her energy. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see her!

I ran 10 miles today...it wasn't easy for some reason. I was hot. I had really bad hair...what's with that?! Maybe the humidity got to me. Here's a "too much information" caution. Ready for it--okay, so I will NEVER wear the cute gray skort again! I bought it because it looked cute, had shorts that seemed long enough, and was made by Nike. I always think exercise/sport type companies know something I don't. Anyway, the CHAFING was incredibly awful. At mile 5, the inside of my thighs started to feel uncomfortable. Miles 6 and 7, and my thighs were on fire. I thankfully ran into Jenny and Howie at mile 8 to take my mind off of the burning underneath the skirt! I ran like I just got off a horse for the last 2 miles. I'm actually surprised that my hips don't hurt from the unique strides I was taking.

Have to add some bragging to my blog this week. Look at that kick, would ya? Sarah graduated to her brown stripe belt. The next time she will graduate on a stage and receive her BLACK BELT! She is one tough cookie. She chose my father, her Papa, to present her with her new belt. My dad is an incredible man. During the school year, he took her to Karate every Wednesday. She looked forward to seeing him every week; they have a special relationship. Lucky girl! He wasn't the only one there, though. She had my mom there, her Nana--who made time in a very busy day to make it. I'll have to blog about their special bond on another day. Suffice to say...two peas in a pod! My sister and her husband came--What a nice surprise! And, her special crazy friend, Julie the Coolie, also came to share her special day.

Right after she sweat her butt off at karate, we drove to Sarah's Stride to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. The run was a 5K. It was 81 degrees and sunny. Sarah was totally pooped at mile 2. She, in fact, didn't know how she would make it back to Hart Park. That's when inspiration showed up. Inspiration came in the form of a dad. His name is Daryl. We met him at mile 2, and he shared the story of his son, Walker, with my daughter. You see, Walker is at Children's Hospital. He is very sick and cannot walk, much less run. Sarah promised Daryl that she would use the legs she had to push it to the end.

Angels come in all shapes and sizes. I don't know exactly who was the angel on Saturday during that walk--was it Daryl? or was it Sarah? I guess it doesn't matter. They were there for each other on Saturday and I had the absolute privilege to be a witness.

We finished the race. My baby girl and I.

This week was filled with wonder and friendships. From getting a few more donations to walking with a great friend during Relay for Life to meeting that angel in H(e)art Park to running with my TC friends at the lakefront. I know this is getting so sicky sweet, but how can I not take time out to say thank you!

p.s. thighs still sore today. Got red, puffy dots lining my inner thighs. Glad it's cool, so I can wear longer pants. Oy!

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.