June 27, 2009 Run for Logan

Rock N Roll Seattle - Completed

2009-06-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Alright....I may not have set any speed records, but I did complete my first marathon! I have a new respect for people who run them because it was much harder than I thought it would be. I was extremely lucky to have the best cheering squad a girl could have! Today I am back at Broadcom with sore legs and a sun burn! I miss home already! The run was beautiful....most of it was along the water. It was amazing to see how many people turned out for the race. Pretty inspiring! It was great to spend time at home and see my family. Enjoy the pics and thanks for the support! Sarah

COMING HOME TODAY!

2009-06-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I come home today.... I am flying standby to try to get home earlier....keep your fingers crossed! I am all ready and packed with Shot Blocks, Infinite, water bottles and all my running gear! I am all set! It is going to be a full house and one big party! I am heading to the Relay for Life event on Friday to support Logan (who is kicking the whole event off!!!- GO LOGAN) and my dad!! ...Here is to a good weekend! Sarah

TICKET HOME

2009-06-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have proved to be a horrible "poster"...... forgivness please....but I do have my plane ticket home for the race! I head home on Tuesday (6/23) night and come back to Orange County on Sunday night (6/28). Assuming that I can move at all...my legs will be so sore!

Marian and I have been suffering through long runs every Sunday.... Marian should be the one complaining...everytime I get to the bottom of a hill I make her tell me a story so I can keep going! She is amazing! Nothing like some quality time together. Me, Marian, Shotblocks and Infinite.... My dates on Sundays!

I just got all my race information (including my number) for the big event and I am getting excited!
Puyallup.... here I come! :)
- Sarah

Running (Week 25) May 4- 10th

2009-05-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

....off running...post to come.

Running (Week 24) April 27- May 3

2009-05-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

...Stay tuned, post to come.....

Running (Weeks 18-23) March 15- April 26th

2009-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

"To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who's never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind."
-Jerome Drayton

Although updating my blog has proven difficult for me, the running has continued! Today was a long run and I am sitting on the coach with legs that feel like bricks. Marian and I ran 13 miles today.... My new favorite phrase is going to be "wow, I have never run this far before...." Just found that my pre-run dinner of choice is chicken and rice and that hydration really does matter. So....this week I conquered the hill that killed me last Sunday, and ran 13 miles....no problem. Sorry for the delay, please see the weeks below-

Week 18:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesaday: 4 miles

Wednesday: 6 miles, 30min swim

Thursday: 0 miles

Friday: 3 miles, 15min swim

Saturday: 7.5 miles

Sunday: 0 miles

Total Weekly Miles: 20 miles, 45 swim

Week 19:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 0 miles

Wednesday: 5 miles

Thursday: 0 miles

Friday: 6 miles, 30 min swim

Saturday: 6 miles

Sunday: 6 miles

Total Weekly Miles: 23 miles, 30 min swim

Week 20:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: 6miles , 30 min of swim

Thursday: 4 miles

Friday: 4 miles

Saturday: 6 miles, 30 min of swim

Sunday: 0 miles

Total Weekly Miles: 24 miles, 60 min of swim

Week 21:

Rest week (8 miles, needed the break!)

Week 22:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 6 miles

Wednesday: 6 miles, 30 min of swim

Thursday: 0 miles

Friday: 6 miles

Saturday: 4 miles, 30 min of swim

Sunday:10 miles

Total Weekly Miles: 32 miles, 60 min of swim

Week 23:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 0 miles

Wednesday: 0 miles

Thursday: 0 miles

Friday: 4 miles

Saturday: 6 miles

Sunday: 13 miles

Total Weekly Miles: 23 miles

Please see the photo from Easter. Eating rice crispy treats- one of the perks of running! Thanks for your patience with me. Happy running!

Sarah

Running (Week 17) march 9-14th

2009-04-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision."
Muhammad Ali

I apologize for being so behind on my posts. Between training, looking for a condo and work....I have been running (literally) from one thing to the next. These posts will be coming more consistantly now though. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Things are going well in the running world. It is amazing how quickly the race is coming.... I have a large "year by month" calendar on the wall in my office and I am reminded of the date every day! :) Crazy! My friend Robin and her sister are running the half marathon, a girl I went to highschool with is running the full, my parent's know someone running the race...... pretty exciting!

Logan update: All of Logan's scans came back clear (sigh of relief!) and Logan has been cancer free for one year!!!!! Congratulations Logan! I smile whenever I see his pictures.... Amazing how someone who has been through so much can always have a smile on his face!

The picture above is of the San Clemente pier. The majority of my running these days is on the beach trail ... not a terrible view, eh? Lets take a look at week 17-

Monday: 4 miles, 30 min swim

Tuesday: 7 miles

Wednesday: 0 miles (rest, rest , rest!)

Thursday: 6 miles, 30 min swim

Friday: 0 miles

Saturday: 12 miles (ain't too shabby!)

Weekly Total: 29 miles, 60 min swim

Total Training: 259 miles, 280 min swim

Neuroblastoma Fact #13: Neuroblastoma has been called the "great masquerader" because its symptoms mimic so many other diseases.

Running (Week 16) March 2-8th

2009-03-20T07:53:00.001-07:00

"Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win."

- Tom Fleming's Boston Marathon training sign on his wall

This week has been a long one. We walked away from the condo (extremely disappointing- a long story, one where they have an assesment coming and we are not wealthy!), we trained, and then we trained some more! My running is finally coming along....the long runs don't seem so hard and the short runs are faster than they were when I started. The above picture is of the course of the Long Beach Full and Half Marathon from 2007. My friend Lorrie and I ran the half marathon. I figured I could use a little inspiration, and it was really a fun race! Ann has been training just as hard as I have, and I am in the process of buying my plane ticket to Seattle. I LOVE coming home. I am actually taking some time off work and heading home on Wednesday after work and staying through Sunday! It will be soooo nice to be home! Take a look at week 16:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 5 miles (not hard anymore, actually....starting to seem short!)

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: 30 swim

Friday: 7 miles (still not that bad!)

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: 30 min swim, 6 miles

Weekly Total: 24 miles, 60 min swim

Total Training Miles: 230 miles, 225 min of swim, 120 min of cycle

Congratulations Logan on one year of remission!!!!

Neuroblastoma Fact #12: The first symptoms of neuroblastoma are often vague and may include fatigue,, loss of appetite and fever.

Running (Week 15) February 23rd-March 1

2009-03-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

“Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.” -Anonymous

This has been a great week. My twin sister and I celebrated our 28th birthday on February 27th. Something was wrong though..... she left on a cruise for her birthday, and I headed to work! mmm... someone (wink wink) didnt plan that right. :) I did have a great day though. My closest friends at work decorated my office, made cupcakes (the best cupcakes I have ever tasted!), showered me with gifts and treated me to a bagel with peanut butter for lunch! My parents (As always) made me feel like their favorite kid, I heard from every sibling...and enjoyed a date with Brian! what a day!

On top of all of it.... my running is going great too!!!!!

Monday: 5 miles (feeling great!!!)

Tuesday: 3 miles (still feeling food!!)

Wednesday: 0 miles (taking a rest!)

Thursday: 7 miles (arg!)

Friday: 0 miles + 20 min swim (shoot man, I just ran 7 yesterday!)

Saturday: 4 miles (not so bad!)

Sunday: 2 miles+ 60 minute cycle (what a week!)

Weekly Total: 21 miles, 30 minute swim, 60 minute cycle

Total Training Miles: 206 miles, 165 minutes of swim, 120 minutes of cycle

Neuroblastoma Fact #11: Of approximately 13,000 new cases of childhood cancer in the U.S. each year, only about 650-700 are neuroblastoma

Runing (Week 14) February 16-22nd

2009-02-23T22:03:00.001-08:00

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”

- Lance Armstrong

This was a great weekend!!! We went to Escondido, CA and saw the finish of the Amgen Tour. Team Astana (as well as many other teams) completed the tour on Sunday. Levi Leipheimer won the race with the help of his team...have I mentioned that Lance Armstrong is on his team? :) I am a huge "Lance" fan. I have ten pages left of his book "It is Not About the Bike", and have such admiration for him. What is not to respect or admire about someone with enough drive to ride his bike while enduring the pain of cancer treatments? He is motivation for me....on the days when I feel like I dont want to run or that I am too tired...I think about Lance. He did it when his body was telling him not to....who am I not to run when I am completly capable? It was so much fun to be around people with such a passion. It reminded me of how I feel when I am at a race.... so many people, excited about the event. Brian is trying to talk me into a mini tri... I have to be honest...I did a spinning class last weekend....not only have a gained so much respect for those who ride the bike.... I wonder how people do it. I am so sore still from the class. My whole body aches...and let me tell you.... those seats are not comfortable, that may be the most sore part! yikes!

Please see above for the blurry picture of the furry friend I met at the event! This is my dad's favorite kind of dog....so I had to get my picture with him! Not the best picture....but.... you cant make a cute dog ugly! :)

Take a look at week 14:

Monday: 6 miles (not too shabby!)

Tuesday: 0 miles

Wednesday: 0 miles (no excuse, but this has been a horrible week!)

Thursday: 0 miles (trying to get myself out of bed!)

Friday: 4 miles (it was ugly!)

Saturday: 2 miles + 60 minutes of Spin Class ( eek, my buns!)

Sunday: 6 miles (Going to see Lance!!! )

Total Weekly Miles: 18 miles + 60 minutes of bike

Total Training Miles: 185 miles, 135 minutes of Swim, 60 minutes of Bike

Neuroblastoma Fact #10: Of all childhood cancers, Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 7% of the cases diagnosed.

Running (Week 13) February 9-15th

2009-02-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

"I'll never look back with regret. I will always believe in the ideal. I hope to be remembered, not recalled. And I hope to make a difference."

-Nike

I know the race is still a distance away (no pun intended), but I am starting to get nervous about it. I have heard everyone's "first marathon" stories and Marian has promised to run next to me and be my cheerleader (THANK GOD!!!), but....I got tired running 6 miles yesterday, so add 20.2.....oh man! I am assuming this is something that everyone goes through....if not, don't tell me! Looking for some additional support! :)

This week has been so busy! The condo passed it's inspection, and I actually drove to the beach from the condo to see how far it is..... .2 miles!!!!!! Yes, .2 miles. I am so excited!!!! Nervous, but excited! Between the running and condo buying, I am one tired girl! here is a look at week 13:

Monday: 0 miles

Tuesday: 2 miles (not easy today....lack of sleep!)

Wednesday: 6 miles (so much easier than yesterday!)

Thursday: 0 miles (sore!!!!)

Friday: 4 miles

Saturday: 6 miles (easy, easy, easy!)

Sunday: 0 miles

Weekly Total: 18 miles

Total Training Miles: 167 miles, 135 minutes of Swim

Neuroblastoma Fact #9: There is currently no way to prevent Neuroblastoma

Running (Week 12) February 2-8th

2009-02-12T21:42:00.000-08:00

"Everyone has the desire to win, but only champions have the desire to prepare."
Author Unknown

This has been a big week. A big week of running, purchasing, running to forget purchasing, then running some more! Well.....we did it, we put in an offer on a condo here in CA. It was an emotionally trying week. Ups and downs, offers and counter offers....yet here we are... 20 miles later and one condo in the process of being purchased! I am so excited, nervous, nervous and nervous. This week running has saved my life. It is getting easier , the running. I have started to play games with myself on the treadmill...for example, trying to guess how many different people will start and stop on the treadmill next to me before I end my run. How many times I will get through the Frightened Rabbit album before I am done. What can I say, it makes time go faster! Check out my week:

Monday: 3 miles (feeling good!)
Tuesday: 5 miles (ain't no thang!)
Wednesday: 0 miles (needing my sleep!)
Thursday: 5 miles (the miles are adding up!)
Friday: 0 miles (I know, I know!)
Saturday: 7 miles (one Hammer Gel later!)
Sunday: 0 miles

Weekly Total: 20 miles
Total Training Miles: 147 miles, 135 minutes of swim

Neuroblastoma Fact #8: Children under the age of 1 have a cure rate as high as 90%.

Thanks for your support! :) Sarah

Running (Week 11) January 26th-February 1st

2009-02-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

"The long run is what puts the tiger in the cat."

- Bill Squires

I have officially conquered my cold and am back in the game. I realize that to most people six miles doesn't seem like a long distance run, however.... I ran this distance two days in a row and I am claiming them as long distance runs! :) I officially reached a turning point in my cold on Friday and began to feel like myself again... so in a last minute attempt to make up for miles that were lost to a fever and cold, I ran 12 miles in two days!

A special thanks to everyone who has supported me and my running...your encouraging words keep me going! Take a look at week 11:

Monday: 3 miles (feeling much better!)

Tuesday: 4 miles (still fighting the cough...but can trudge through)

Wednesday: 0 miles (cough in full force)

Thursday: 0 miles (tired, still fighting this cold!)

Friday: 0 miles (eek, even I am getting nervous about not running!)

Saturday: 6 miles (feeling back to normal!)

Sunday: 6 miles (the only thing that hurts are these poor lil legs!)

Weekly Total: 19 miles

Total Training Miles: 127 miles + 135 minutes of swim

Neuroblastoma Fact #7: 1 in every 100,000 kids per year in will be diagnosted with Neuroblastoma in the US

For those of you who do not know- Logan will be doing the Relay for Life the same weekend that I am home to do the marathon. Come and join us in supporting Logan, my dad, and the fight against cancer!! My twin sister, three friends flying in from CA and I will show up to lend our support! :) We will stay and support for as long as we can, however this is the night before the Rock N Roll Seattle marathon...so we won't be able to stay all night. . .but we will stay as long as possible! We hope to see you there!

Thanks again for your support, it means a lot! Here is to week 12- the miles keep increasing! Yikes! :) - Sarah

Running (Week 10) January 19-25th

2009-01-26T21:22:00.000-08:00

A lot of people run a race to see who's the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts.
-Steve Prefontaine

Well..... I (like Steve) don't run to see who is the fastest....lets be honest....by the time the fastest person has finished...I am still at the beginning of my race- It brings me back to the memory of being lapped during the Long Beach Half Marathon by the first place MARATHON finisher (yes, that person did complete 26.2 miles before I completed 13.1) but.... I think by the time I finish this race, I will be "gutsy!"

This week, not a week of champions...please see the above picture of the flu that got me this past week. I have officially completed the following this past week: 1 shorted day of work due to my fever, 1 complete box of TheraFlu, one box of ThroatCoat tea, and two Starbucks boxes of awake tea. I have have officially drowned my flu with tea and medicine, and yesterday started to feel like a million bucks! :) So, since I havent been flu sick in over three years, I took my turn.... and only ran 3 miles this past week......

Weekly Total: 3 miles (darn flu)

Total Training Miles: 108 miles + 135 minutes of swim

Here is to week 11!!!!

Jenna Westerholm

2009-01-23T13:30:00.001-08:00

Jenna Susana Westerholm

July 2, 2003-January 22, 2009

Jenna Westerholm lost her battle with Sarcoma yesterday. Please keep your thoughts with her family!

Running (Week 9) Jan 12-18th

2009-01-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

"If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it."

-Priscilla Welch

Someone will need to remind me of this as I head to the gym today- I started a new job (on top of the one I already have) with the Marketing team and between learning the ropes and running....my body has gone on strike. Don't let it fool you though.... it has run when it has needed to! :) Marian, Stacey and I are officially signed up for the full marathon and Ann (my twin sister) is going to run the half as well. I am really looking forward to it. I ran six miles last Sunday and kept thinking to myself....alright hotshot....just 20.2 more...... eeeek- it seems a little overwhelming now, but I ran a half marathon last year and when I started training the 13.1 miles felt the same way. Week 9- take a look:

Monday: 3 miles (starting out on track!)

Tuesday: 4 miles (not sooo bad!)

Wednesday: 3 miles + 30 minute swim (This calendar isnt too bad!)

Thursday: 0 miles (totally beat!)

Friday: 0 miles (driving to AZ to see the parents!)

Saturday: 0 miles (...I know what you are thinking!)

Sunday: 6 miles + 15 minute swim

Weekly Total:16 miles + 45 minutes of swim

Training Total: 105 miles + 135 minutes of swim

Happy Birthday to Logan. His 7th birthday was January 19th!!!! Logan was selected to kick off this year's Relay for Life in June of this year!!!!! Congrats Logan!

Neuroblastoma Fact # 6: Neuroblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in infants

Running (Week 8) Jan 5th- 11th

2009-01-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

"Man imposes his own limitations, don't set any"
-Anthony Bailey

Alright....alright! This is a week of champions! I officially started the first week of my training calendar ... I have finished the "Build a Base" through Runners World, and am on to the biggest challenge.... the calendar of dread! Surprisingly, it has been just what I needed.... I have made a few adjustments to the first week (not in distance, but in the days I am doing the workouts) due to my work schedule. Here it is.... Running (Week 8):

Monday: 0 miles (worked late, training for new job)

Tuesday: 5 miles (making up for Monday)...a little ugly, but I made it! :)

Wednesday: 3 miles (getting easier!!!!!)

Thursday: 30 minute swim (...and the cross training begins!)

Friday: 2 miles + 30 minute swim (my poor body aches!)

Saturday: 4 miles + 30 minute swim (the pain doesn't phase me now!!)

Sunday: 0 miles (rest, rest, rest!!!)

Weekly Total: 14 miles + 90 minutes of Swim

Total Training Miles: 89 miles + 90 minutes of swim

Logan continues to do well. He recently went in for MIBG scans as well as a bone marrow aspiration. The MIBG scans came in negative, and they expect the results from the aspiration shortly. Hang in there Logan, we are thinking of you!!

Neuroblastoma Fact #5: In some children, Neuroblastoma starts before birth. In these cases doctors are not able to diagnose it until the tumors grow large enough to to be felt.

Weeks 5,6 &7

2009-01-02T00:28:00.000-08:00

The Necessary Post (The post of Shame):

I am not proud of myself.....but Brian tells me I need to post anyway....hence the delay... I am not sure if it is the Christmas parties and busy schedule or just a brief moment of lack of motivation...... but here I am confessing that in three weeks I have only run 25 miles. Embarrassing, annoying, and not going to happen again! Please note, my New Years Resolution is to follow my training calendar until the end without any hiccups! I just finished (with some changes these last three weeks! (clearly!)) the "Build a Base" program I was following.... this means that starting Monday I begin my actual training calendar (I will post this for your reference) ..... less room for skipping a run and no excuses for not posting weekly! I apologize.... if it makes you feel any better.....I am feeling more let down by myself than you could ever be in me.... with 2008 behind me, I am confident that 2009 will bring with it a lot of hard work and dedication, a lot of running and also some pride in accomplishing what I set out to do.....

I returned yesterday from Seattle. I love going home...I may be one of the only people who can claim loving a trip to the rain when leaving the sun....but I love it. I think that although I love it here and am very happy.... part of me has always stayed in Seattle. Maybe the combination of friends and family and what is comfortable. There is something to be said for spending time with my friends from college- the ones who know that even though I want to rent scary movies....I will hide my face for most of it; who have seen that I have bad "morning hair", but love me anyway! For spending time with my brothers and sister and having the annual game of Risk....where we know that someone is going to think they lost a country or continent unfairly and have to reference the rule book to make sure the situation was handled properly! For spending time with my parents at the Starbucks where I used to work occasionally and still see friendly faces. For spending time with the friends I used to teach with and reminiscing about the kids, the shared discussions and lesson planning. For both the Edlund and Costanza Christmas'....where Brian and I try to cram enough family into a limited amount of days unsuccessfully..... resulting in dividing and conquering...wishing we had more time with everyone.... Leaving home and still not seeing everyone who is important to me.... hoping they still know that they are.
***
For those who follow Logan's progress, I am sure you are aware of his friend and "fellow fighter" Ben. Ben, who loved the movie "Cars" and playing tennis...lost his fight with Neuroblastoma a couple of days ago. I never met Ben.....but through his parent's website I felt like I knew him well. I have spent the last couple of days in tears....having a difficult time understanding how someone so small with so much ahead of him could be taken so early. There are really no words. Please pray for strength for Ben's family.....

I realize that I have been given an opportunity to help raise awareness for this cancer and help support Logan whom I really admire..... I am sorry I veered from the path for as long as I did, but I am ready and I am going to do this. For Logan, for Ben, for myself.
Thank you in advance for understanding!
Sarah

Running (Week 4) Dec 1st-7th

2008-12-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

"Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."

- Patti Sue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Yeah, yeah Patti- Let's be honest.... you may skip a run here or there....but you never skip brushing the teeth...especially in times like these....times where cookies are your enemy and your gym bag stays in your car on the off chance you may make it to the gym. Enemy #1- Time, Enemy #2- cookies. This has been my week......

Monday: Rest (yeah, I know...dont say it!)

Tuesday: Rest (.......)

Wednesday: 5 miles (it is getting easier!)

Thursday: 5 miles (Go me!!!!)

Friday: Rest (well deserved, the body aches!)

Saturday: 5 miles (running through the pain)

Sunday: 5 miles (Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Weekly Total: 20 miles

Total Training Miles: 60 miles

Thank you to everyone has kept Logan in your thoughts!

Neuroblastoma Fact #4: Slightly more cases of Neuroblastoma are seen in boys than in girls.

Logan Update

2008-12-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who kept Logan in their thoughts. Scans are clear and Logan is doing great!

Emergency Entry

2008-12-12T10:23:00.000-08:00

Emergency Entry:

I do not know where you stand on your religious beliefs, or what your views are on the power of positive thought....but if you are reading- Please keep Logan in your thoughts as he undergoes some emergency scans. A couple of days ago, Logan's parents noticed he was walking with a limp and his appetite and energy level had changed..... If you remember how Logan was diagnosed in the first place, you know that it all began with a similar limp. I don't say this too often, but I am hoping Logan is just fighting what the rest of us do this time of year..... let's pray for cold and flu season.

Running (Week 3) Nov. 24-30th

2008-12-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'"

- Peter Maher, Irish-Canadian Olympian and sub-2:12 marathoner

A moment of honesty- I have been a wimp. It is true that I am not proud of myself, and that my legs hurt so much that small tasks seem large... I know that I am supposed to be increasing in mileage and speed....but this week was not a week of champions. Too much turkey and midnight shopping.... Here it is- honest and ugly- welcome to week 3:

Monday: 3 miles (Looked like the start to a beautiful week)

Tuesday: 0 miles (well shoot, someone has to be getting ready for the holiday!)

Wednesday: 0 miles (let me take a minute to reiterate- WIMP!!!)

Thursday: 5 miles (Anticipating a lot of holiday food today- best to be prepared!)

Friday: 5 miles (Trying to reach my goal of 15 miles this week)

Saturday: 0 miles (eeek!)

Sunday: 0 miles (even the inspirational saying taped to the bathroom mirror isn't helping!)

Weekly Total: 13 miles (yeah, yeah.... I am disappointed in myself!)

Total Training Miles: 40 miles

Great job Logan- 100% on your spelling test!!!! (Please see photo of Logan with his mom Kelly)

Neuroblastoma Fact #3: The cause of neuroblastoma is unclear. Some researchers believe that a tendency to develop neuroblastoma runs in certain families

Running (Week 2) Nov. 17-23rd

2008-11-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

"Run hard, be strong, think big!"

- Percy Cerutty

"Think Big" we did....Marian has officially talked Stacey and me into doing the full marathon....yes, you heard me...the full marathon. My feet already ache in anticipation. Who runs distances that long anyway?? There is a reason my name is not Ryan Hall..... Some are meant for great distances....some are meant to cheer on those meant for great distances....we will see which group I am in!

A special thanks to Runningskirts.com!! They posted this blog on their site under Running Sites- Running Blogs! They are also offering a 20% discount to anyone who buys a running skirt....who mentions they are with the "Run for Logan" team. My friends and I purchased the Camo and Pink skirts for the Seattle race....join us! :) If you are going to run the miles, you might as well look cute doing it! You will need to email them to get this discount. Please find all info on runningskirts.com by clicking on the hyperlink "Running (week 2) Nov. 17-23rd"

For those who are following my training.... this will inspire...week two, not so bad (you heard me Stacey, it does get better!!!)- Take a look:

Monday: 3 miles (Not so bad coming back after a Sunday off!)

Tuesday: Rest (Okay, it wasnt planned.,...but if it makes you feel better- I felt bad about it all day!)

Wednesday: 5 miles (3 were planned, two were "guilt trip miles")

Thursday: 3 miles (sore, tired, aching....also wining!)

Friday: Rest (planned rest!!!!)

Saturday: 4 miles (making up for Tuesday!)

Sunday: Rest! (Nada, zilch, nothing!! On the 7th day, she rested!)

Weekly Total: 15 miles (met my goal!)

Total Training Miles: 27 miles

Logan Update: Logan joined a karate class.... if he has enough energy to do that....who am I to not be running? Good luck Logan!

Neuroblastoma Fact #2: Between 500 hundred to 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. Here is our chance to help! :)

Running (Week 1) Nov. 10-16th

2008-11-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

"Good things come slow - especially in distance running."

- Bill Dellinger, Oregon coach

Bill Dellinger must have been in the gym with me this week. . . I would like to emphasize the word SLOW! 15 miles in one week is not a lofty goal..... but.... coming from someone who just emerged from her workout retirement.... it has been ugly!!!! Needless to say, I did not meet my 15 miles goal, but I reached 12 miles- and I am proud of myself! If you talk to my friend Marian she would say.." it is your first week back, never start a sentence with "I only did..'" -please note, this is coming from someone who I think inspired olympic athletes...and if not, she at least got me off the couch! Take a look at week one:

Monday- 3 miles (lots of heavy breathing!)
Tuesday- 3 miles (my lungs don't know what is going on!)
Wednesday- Rest (on accident- shut the alarm off in my sleep...I am so talented!)
Thursday- 3 miles (getting a little easier!)
Friday- no miles (intentional rest day, this body is hurting!)
Saturday- 3 miles (making up for my alarm incident!)
Weekly Total: 12 miles
Total Training Miles: 12 miles

Every morning when the alarm goes off....my husband says "Run for Logan".....motivation to get out of bed! Thanks Logan!!!

Neuroblastoma Fact #1: Did you know that 50% of Neuroblastoma cases occur in children younger than two years old? - Check out Wikipedia's definition of Neuroblastoma by clicking on the hyperlink "Running (week 1) Nov. 10-16th"

Race Information

2008-11-16T21:11:00.001-08:00

I will be updating this site weekly to include my training progress, information about Logan, as well as informational facts about Neuroblastoma. Thank you for your support! To sign up, or visit the race site, please click on the hyperlink "Race Information"....thank you!

Meet Logan Lewis

2008-11-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

A hero by definition is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities... although Webster's definition may be correct, in this case- the word hero, is best described by the courage and energy of a kindergartner...Logan Lewis. Logan was diagnosed in July 2007 with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer that only 30 percent of people usually survive. His parents first took him to the doctor after noticing that he was limping while playing. The doctors found a tumor the size of a softball growing in his stomach, pushing against his nerves. He has been through fifty blood transfusions, one stem cell transplant, six chemotherapy treatments and one experimental antibody regimen. On Thursday, October 2, 2008- Logan Lewis' scans came in clear. He will not need to visit a hospital again until 2009. Although Logan is now finally able to enjoy the typical activities of an elementary school child, I would like to raise money to assist his family with his medical bills, as well as donate to neuroblastoma research. Please join me in taking a step toward making a difference.

Introduction-

2008-11-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Webster's Dictionary describes an athlete as:

"a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill"

I cannot be described as someone "trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina or strength", but merely as "a participant in a sport". . . My name is Sarah, and if you asked my parents two years ago if I was a runner, they would have laughed at you.... I probably would have laughed at you too! A year ago, inspired by a great friend and Iron Man (Woman) finisher, I began my own journey as a runner! This journey has included weeks straight of running with a partner, weeks where I did not run at all, and a few planned runs that turned into walks to the local Starbucks!

A high school friend of mine once referred to my house and family as "Mayberry"- I grew up with two very supportive parents who encouraged and supported me in every crazy interest that I brought home... When I was very young my mother asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.... I responded as any young, impressionable girl would have...."mom, I want to be a princess...." she smiled and said "....yes Sarah, ,but what are you going to do to make a difference in this world?"

I have not completely figured out the answer to that question....but for now, I am going to run toward making that difference....