No Gazelles were harmed during this week's training

We had a great kick off party for Team in Training the other night (pictures coming soon). One of our team heroes for the season, Dave, came to tell us his story of fighting cancer. Thanks to research funded in part by team in training, Dave was put on a pill called Glivac that put him into remission and saved his life. He has a big TNT banner that he has everyone on the team sign each season. It was really cool to see all the signatures—I was (barely) able to find some blank space to sign our names. But, after all, you’re not an official team member until you sign the banner!

Dan and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this weekend IN STYLE! We stayed at The Four Seasons in Philadelphia. IT WAS SO NICE! (Really, we wanted to move in.) And the location worked out great—we had practice at Kelly Drive on Saturday morning, so we just walked the mile from the hotel to the art museum. The weather was PERFECT! There was a nice breeze early in the morning, and even though it warmed up during the day, there was zero humidity. It actually reminded me of the weather on our wedding day (thanks again, Grandma Burke!).

The first practice of the season was so much different than our first practice from last season. Not only were we wearing far fewer layers than in January, but I was so much more EXCITED than last time. The first time around, everything is so new, and you have so many self doubts that the fear kind of limits how much you enjoy yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I had a GREAT experience during training for San Diego. But now that the “fear factor” is gone, it’s ten times better!

Our assistant coach, Linda caught up with me at around the ¼ mile mark. “I was just checking to see if you still wanted to try the walk/run on for size,” she said. So we did. For the first cycle, we walked 4 minutes and ran for 1. (Let’s all keep in mind that this is pretty much the first time I have run longer than 7 seconds in a row since the sixth grade.) All in all, the first cycle wasn’t too bad. Then we hit the second cycle. I thought my chest was going to explode, and my legs were going to fall off. (We did pass several people, which probably was FAR more exciting for me than it should have been.) The next cycle, I think we stretched it out to 6 or 7 minutes and ran for 1. We finished the 3 miles at a 16:30 pace! For non-marathoners, trust me, this is awesome for me! I finished San Diego (albeit injured) at about a 19 minute pace. If I keep this up, I really will complete Disney within the time constraints! I am so proud of myself!

Linda and I were laughing about the other runners out on the Drive. Why is it that we were surrounded by all these graceful and effortless gazelles with perfect ponytails, who barely looked like they were breathing hard?? There I was, red-faced, dripping in sweat, and lumbering along like a water buffalo! Oh, how I want to be a gazelle!

This week, I took special satisfaction in being able to cheer our new teammates on! Because, even though the fear is gone, I remember it well. I remember finishing dead last at every practice and feeling like a complete doofus! So, to all those teammates who have stumbled on this journal, I encourage you to read my first entries. Trust me when I tell you that, if you listen to your coaches and put in the time, YOU WILL DO THIS! Look at how far you can come! “You can do 26.2!” “Havin’ fun with 13.1!”

Dear Reader, I need to end this entry on a sad note. My friends Matt & Cari got to know a family, whose daughter Noelle has leukemia. Noelle has gone through 2 stem cell transplants. Last week, they received the terrible news that Noelle has relapsed again. Their treatment options are all but exhausted, so the family has decided to end the torture of chemotherapy, and spend whatever time they have left enjoying their family. They spent some time last week at the beach, and next week will fly off to Disney World to have some much deserved fun.

I included this somber note to remind us all why organizations like Team In Training are so important. Someday, I want to train to celebrate THE END of diseases like leukemia. Naylor family, we’ve never met. But there are hundreds of perfect strangers all over the US and Canada (and especially here in PA) that are walking, running, and cycling for a cure. We will never give up hoping and praying for Noelle. We believe in miracles. One mile at a time.

~Sara