February summed up

Inspiration Point, Tilden Park, Orinda

My goal in training with Team in Training is to raise money to find a cure for blood cancer.  I am raising awareness to help fund the research needed to find a cure.  The goal for my event is to raise $2500 by July 15th.  So far, for the month of February, I've raised $399.  First and foremost I want to thank all of you who believe in me and support me in reaching my goal.  75% of all the funds raised go toward my mission.  Unfortunately, I am behind on my fundraising.  To be on track I need to raise at least $417 per month.  Please help me exceed that for the month of March.


I am doing my part by training for my Ultra Marathon that will be on August 1st.  This past weekend we trained at Inspiration Point in Orinda.  We ran for 2 hours on pavement but also through a lot of mud and sludge.  I looked like I had a mud bath by the time I was done.  So far I've ran 92 miles since I began training for my event.  It hasn't been easy but I just think about the reason why I'm doing this and it helps me get through these challenges.  I've been really tired and very gracious for my rest days.  I've been eating a lot, especially salty foods.  I crave salt after my long runs.  I've never had that feeling before but it satisfies something my body wants. 


I've learned a lot since I began training with the ultra team.  The first thing is that I need to hydrate myself a lot more than I've been doing.  My coach, Mama Lisa, has us weigh in and weigh out after our long runs.  The first time I did it I lost 12 pounds.  Can you believe it?  I couldn't.  This was a huge eye opener for me.  I definitely have changed when and how often I hydrate myself while running. 


I also learned about traversing.  While I was on the run at Tennessee Valley my teammate, Craig, told me that was his favorite place to traverse.  I didn't really know what that meant until I watched him bounce from side to side and down a really steep and muddy trail along the coast.  As soon as I saw him do that I began to follow in the same manner and it came so easily.  It made me feel so adventurous.  I didn't feel the need to hold onto anything and just let myself go.  Needless to say it was so much fun!

Ultra Marathoner Benefits

Look at that view!  That is Tennesee Valley, Mill Valley.  That was where I ran on Saturday.  We ran for 2.5 hours up and down and all around this valley.  It was the most challenging run I've had yet.  I've always been pretty competitive with myself but I had to learn on this run that I had to put that aside.  I had to think about making it to the end and doing what was best for my body.  I've heard several times that ultra marathoners do walk.  We have to walk to conserve energy and to restore our energy when we are climbing up valleys, hills and mountains.  I think I did a pretty good job at conquering Tennessee Valley.  I experienced one of the most beautiful runs I've ever been on.

Inspiration Point, Orinda

Inspiration Point

Today was my second long run of my season.  I accidentally ran 11 miles last weekend, which was only supposed to be 10, so I just decided to only do 10 today.  Well, I've also been sick since last weekend.  I've been so excited to train and follow my calendar that I was just trying to ignore my ailments all week.  I followed my training calendar Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but not Thursday.  Thursday I was convinced I should take an extra rest day before I get too sick to train.  I felt really bad about taking the day off from training but I knew it was the best thing to do.  I was a wimp on Thursday.  Friday, luckily, was a rest day.  I didn't feel bad for taking that day off.  So today I ran at Inspiration Point in Orinda, which is part of Tilden Park.  Oh I dreaded running there since it's a challenging, hilly run.  I'm also still sick so I was pondering taking the day off again but I didn't.  Mentor Stephanie told me that I would feel better if I ran so I did it.  I ran my 10 miles and thought several times about stopping to walk but I thought about my friend Socorro.  Socorro's story is on the "Why I Run" page.  She inspired me to keep running.  I thought, why give up?  She lived with unbareable pain and had no choice and she had to keep going.  She inspired me not to give up.  She and all those out there suffering from cancer are the reason why I run.  She was a great friend and I miss her.

My first weekend of training

I arrived at the Berkeley Marina at 7 am on Saturday to run 11 miles.  It rained off and on and I ran through several large puddles.  My shoes were even spraying out water with each step.  I took 2 weeks off from working out before training for my ultra marathon because it will be a long journey and I know I will be very tired.  Although it was a good idea to relax a little I was unsure of how my run would go.  I did it with no problem.  I was amazed at how well I performed. 

I also got the chance to sell some of my Team in Training chocolate bars to my fellow teammates.  They are so supportive.  I am asking for a $2.00 donation if you'd like to order some.