Shawn and I joined the local YMCA in January, and I started working out a few times a week. About 6 weeks ago, I decided it was about time I used the gorgeous treadmill Shawn bought me for *last years* birthday. I hopped on it, and walked .75 miles and then ran (jogged--and slowly I might add!) for 2.25 miles. I WAS ELATED! I was so proud of myself. I was sweaty and tired and really sore, but realized that maybe I hadn't given up *all* of my sporting ability to the motherhood Gods. After that I decided to try running (jogging) a few more times; ya know, just to make sure it wasn't a fluke or something. I even started keeping track of how far and how long I was running! The feeling I got after each run was indescribable. Even if I was running slowly and for a short period of time, I was starting to feel like I was taking control of my life again. Like I was doing something GOOD for myself. I was even noticing that I was snapping at the kids and Shawn less, after I worked out. I then signed up for my first 5K run. It was a race sponsored by my college sorority chapter (Kappa Delta, at SDSU) All the money raised went to supporting Child Abuse Prevention--a great cause, and a great time with many of my old friends and sisters. Stephanie Anderson is one of my friends from college....she can currently be seen on NBC's THE BIGGEST LOSER. She has lost over 100lbs, and I am not going to lie. She was definitely one of my inspirations to get healthy again. I ran the 5K in April (pushing both the boys in the stroller I might add!) and after I crossed the finish line, decided I wanted to try and run a half marathon--big goals people. I signed up for the Nike Women's Half Marathon, which is in San Francisco in October....Unfortunately so many women want to run in the event, they are forced to hold a random 'drawing' to see who actually gets *into* the race. Sadly, my name wasn't chosen to run in the half...With my 'rejection letter' came a note, that there was still a way for me to enter into the race...join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their effort to end blood cancer, and run the race with Team in Training...I not only decided that was what I wanted to do, but I also decided that as long as I was going to be training for 21 weeks, I might as well go for the entire enchilada and go for the FULL 26.2 mile marathon. I know. I am crazy. So, I went to an informational meeting last week and was truly inspired. I listened to the stats about how the survival rate for childhood Leukemia has risen from 4% to almost 85% in the years since LLS was founded. I also found out that one of Cameron's beloved preschool teachers has a now 20 year old son, who is a Leukemia survivor...He was first diagnosed at the age of 3.5--the same age as Cameron. It brings tears to my eyes just THINKING about it. At any rate, Shawn and I have made this commitment together (as it will be a true TEAM effort--juggling the training, fund raising, child/boppa watching efforts etc.) The official Kickoff Meeting is May 20th, and I am super excited to get my training started (remind me I said that, when I am dreading running 18 miles later this summer!!) Yesterday I went for my first run (ever!) that was over 5 miles. It took me a little over an hour, and although I did it slowly, I still did it without stopping! I am so excited, scared, nervous and READY to begin this amazing journey....I will try and keep this blog updated with my training efforts...and promise each entry won't be this long.
Health and Happiness,
Jannie
Here is a link to my Team in Training fundraising site--Any and all donations are gladly welcomed and appreciated!
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