Race Review "37th Ashland 4th of July Run 10K"

Hi Friends,

First I have to admit that I love running in Oregon so my reviews from this state usually come with a bit of bias. But even with the favoritism I still loved this run this year and will probably make a point of returning every year.

The 4th of July run in Ashland was my first timed and organized race last year (and in all my running). This year it was just a really fun run I was looking forward to all year. Very well organized and inexpensive, it is a great way to start off the July 4th holiday. The race starts at 7:45 am on main street right in front of the Ashland Library. No fancy timing chips or blow up arches here, this is a small town run that is full of charm instead of high tech.

After the gun sounds, we ran down Main Street past the beautiful city center and then a sharp right turn down Oak Street and from there you just keep running down hill. When you finally get to the bottom, you join up with the Bear Creek Greenway and run along some beautiful homes and farms. The Bear Creek runs all along this part of your run and it is all green and beautiful and well, just a bit like heaven.

Somewhere around mile 4 of this 6 mile run, you start getting back into the little town of Ashland and you start climbing again.  From the stories I have heard, there were a lot more hills in past runs but they have been done away with in favor of this scenic and a bit less scary run. I like it the way it is now.

As you get to mile 5 you see what you think is the final turn towards the finish line. But wait ... you turn right instead of left and then left again.  Sneaky little adjustment or maybe just mean? Neither really it just sets you up for an amazing run down the entirety of main street with the streets lined with people getting ready for the 4th of July Parade. It is actually really cool and the folks on the sidewalks actually make noise and offer encouragement to all the runners as they pass bye.

One of my favorite things about this race is the tremendous spirit of fun that organizer John Cornet has. He will be the one waiting for you on Main Street telling you to "kick it up a notch" or "you are not going to let him/her beat you!" He is one of those people you would just love to sit down over a pizza and chat with for a couple of hours. Or maybe he is the guy you want to be your coach. Either way he is priceless. This run would not be as great without him.

When you finish you come down thru chutes made from the hurdles they use at the local high school and some red, white and blue flags. Then you get a great a ribbon (this years was blue) and a t-shirt.  You will also feel like a million bucks and a sense of zen because there is an amazing spirit that dwells here in Ashland. It is like the weight of the World has never stopped here. There is a sweet calm here.

If you get a chance why not meet me here next year on the 4th of July and we can share 6 miles in Heaven.

Here is my run as recorded on Runkeeper ...    Ashland 4th of July 10K

My "Team in Training" Experience. Would I do it again ...

Hi Friends,

Finally getting around to following up the Eugene Marathon experience with a short discussion about the whole Team in Training part of the run.

After first deciding that I really wanted to run my first marathon in Eugene, I  then looked at all the different ways to register. They included the easy, pay your fee and then find a room and run route, or something new to me, Team in Training. So I looked into Team in Training just to see if it was something that appealed to me. Team in Training is a arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They raise money to help find a cure for blood cancers and to help support folks that already have it.

I filled out a on-line form and in a day or so I got a email back from Team in Training. It seemed that there were no local (Reno) chapters of the team but they would see who was organizing for the Eugene Marathon and get back to me.Another couple days past and I got a call from Kelsey, she was in the offices in Oregon and was spearheading the whole group training and raising funds for the Eugene Marathon. Kelsey explained that the team was well underway training but I was welcome to join and train in what TNT calls Flex Training. I would not have a live coach to talk to or meet with, but I would follow his training plan via email. I would also contact a mentor to help me get going on fund raising. I thought it over and signed up. I was going to run my first marathon in Eugene on April 28th.

I was already training for a marathon on my own and with my running group but checked in with the flex coach to get his feedback. His training plan was along the same lines I was already on, but he did think I should cut back on my running miles to avoid an injury.

I got a couple emails from my mentors but that stopped after a while as they indicated they were pretty busy. After a while my contact with them ended as I guess they just got busy with other projects.

Kelsey was an amazing contact for TNT, she was always available to answer one of my newbie questions or clear up a concern. She was worth the cost to register alone. Full of energy and encouragement. She also kept me posted as the race got closer regarding all the where and whens.

The hardest part of going the Team in Training route was the fund raising. Now that I got that out of the way...  I needed to raise $1500.00 to fulfill my obligation to the team and I succeeded and was able to add a couple extra bucks to the total too. I think you need to be pretty much a self starter if to reach your goal or you might be starting with a handicap. It might be different if you get plugged into a local group that actually meets and trains together. There you would have more support from the rest of the team. I started on my own after reading through some online materials and was able to get my own idea of what I needed to do. Team in Training does give you some blog space where you can jot down thoughts to share that might inspire others to donate. Then you share the web address with your friends and they can hit the donate button and you are on your way. I used the TNT page at first but soon realized it was not going to be as effective as just starting a blogger blog and buying a domain that would make it more fun and easier too for folks to find. GoDaddy had this domain www.rundonrun.com for about $15.00 and the blogger page was free from Google. I had my shingle hung out and I was heading to Eugene.

I hit everyone I knew up via Facebook and Twitter as I documented my training and running adventures every few days on Run Don Run. I could see the hit counter I installed recording visits and knew folks were interested in what I was doing. And all over Run Don Run was information about TNT and donating. If you are planning on going the Team in Training route let me know if you need any help with this.

Months past and I was on my way to Eugene... And what a culture shock. I am pretty quiet and mostly run alone on the streets so my first experience with this rowdy group from Portland and parts unknown was at first interesting and then totally exciting. They went around giving high fives and shouting "Go Team!" everywhere they went. See another TNT runner in the lobby "Go Team."  Run into another TNT runner in the mall ... "Go Team!" You might be starting to get the picture by now. But they were fun and they were all totally onboard with the concert of making a difference by running and raising a few dollars while they were at it.

Then reality finally caught up with me when I went to the team meal the night before the marathon. It really hits home when you look into the eyes of a young girl with cancer and hear her Mom tell the story about how her little girl at 5 years old learning about what cancer does. I can tell you that made all the difference in the World to me. I was so happy to have been a part of this "Team" and the effort each runner had put in to raise money and change lives. I wish I had heard this on the first day. It might have changed the way I talked to people about what I was doing. Or not, I really don't know.

Marathon day we did everything as a team. We rode to the race as a team, took team photo's and all during the race there was someone next to you asking how you were doing and if you needed anything at all. After the race there was more support in the form of ice bath in a kiddie pool and a couple friends from the team took photo's for me of me in front of coolio things I wanted to be seen in front of.

So would I run with Team in Training again? YOU BET I WOULD!!!

Go Team!

My Eugene Marathon Adventure 'The Finish Line Video'

Hi Friends,

I finally found the finish line video for the 2013 Eugene Marathon and was able to cut my little snippet out so I can go back and relive it anytime I want.

Thought I would share it here just in case you missed it the first time too.

My Eugene Marathon Adventure "Finally Race Day"

Hi Friends,

Finally it is race day. Well actually race day was April 28th but it has taken me a couple weeks to get this multi part story finished. You see it sometimes takes a while for me to germinate an idea worth sharing, and this adventure was so big it is just now starting to sink in.

I was up early on race day. The Team in Training group was getting together for last minute instructions (smile, don't get lost, don't miss the bus etc.) and one last team photo. The busses picked us up at the hotel at 5:30 am and dropped us off right at the Start line. Wow, that was easy!

My first real start line. I wandered over to corral D and just took it all in. When our group arrived there were only a few hundred people waiting and I watched as more and more racers made their way to their respective corrals. It was fun to watch as runners of all sizes and shapes made their way to the start line and got ready for the starters gun. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I think my Garmin noted my pulse as about 170 just before the start, but it quickly returned to normal as we made the first turn.

My plan was to stay with the pacer for a 4:30 time so I would have less to worry about during the run. And there was so much to take in, it almost took my breath away. First I was amazed how beautiful Eugene was. It had been about 30 years between visits and I knew I loved visiting, but still the beauty of this town is breathtaking. I also enjoyed everyone that came out to cheer the runners on. Some of the most memorable folks we ran past were the Ridgeline Montessori ukulele band. They were amazing and were one of the first cheer stations that really made me smile. Bravo!
I loved the aid stations that offered a half a banana that were served by volunteers dresses in gorilla suits. All the bands that offered musical pick me ups along the route were fun too. Thanks to all, even if I don't remember exactly where you were or what type of music you played.

At the point that the half marathon runners turned back towards the finish line,  we turned right and headed down the most beautiful path. We found ourselves completely surrounded by trees with green grass and trails everywhere. It was awesome! I was so busy just checking out the surroundings and trying to take it all in, in no time at all I was completely out of range of the 4:30 pacer. Actually I had passed him sometime back but never saw him again. He must have run passes me at a restroom stop as I was about 15 minutes behind him at the finish.

We crossed the Willamette River twice, what an experience. We were warned that at about mile 18 we would be running past our Hotel. We were also cautioned about stopping to take a break or even worse a nap. I didn't but I did remember that the bed was pretty comfy the night before. Oh well, we were headed back towards the Finish line and the excitement was really starting to build. As we got nearer the finish we passed Autzen Stadium the home of the Oregon Ducks football team. Very coolio place and one of the prettiest stadiums I have ever seen. And from what I hear they are pretty proud of their sports teams around here.

At mile 22 I decided to give Brenda a call. It seemed a bit odd to get out my cell phone to make a call during a race, but just felt it was the thing to do then. And it turned out it was just the right thing to do ...
Brenda asked how I was doing and I told her I was a bit tired. Then she asked where I was and I mentioned I was just passing mile 22. When she said, just 4 miles to go, it finally started to sink in. I was just 4 miles from the finish and I was going to be a marathon finisher. We finished our call with me feeling pretty excited about the finish line.


A few more turns and then there it was, Haywood Feild,  Track Town USA! I was going to finish my first marathon and I was going to finish in the same stadium that hosted the Olympic trials.  I entered the stadium a bit overcome by the whole experience with my name being announced over the loud speakers. It was the thrill of a lifetime, a feeling I hope to be able to replicate again with all my my races. I crossed the finish line and got a beautiful medal to remember the day with.

To say I loved this run would be an understatement. I send my thanks to everyone at Team in Training and all the volunteers that made gave of their time for days or weeks preparing for us to come run in Eugene. And thank you to the town of Eugene for being so open and accomodating as we ran through your streets. You helped us make memories that will last a lifetime.

And a special thank you to Brenda for putting up with my endless chatter about Eugene and running and marathons for months. It must have been like listening to a stranger ramble on about nothing in particular. Now we can talk about something you Love for at least a few weeks, until i star chattering about The California International Marathon.

Don

My Eugene Marathon Adventure "I Finally Get It"

Hi Friends,

So I made it to Eugene and checked in at the race expo.

From there I still had some time to kill before the hotel room was going to be ready. So I decided to wander around a bit and see a few of the sights I had been reading about. I put the location for "Pre's Trail" into the GPS and was on my way. Eugene was hopping as there was a baseball/softball game going on and the football team was having a Spring scrimmage. Oh and a little running race with about 9000 people running around town.

I made it to Pre's Trail and then stopped along the side of a beautiful narrow road to pay my respects to Steve Prefontaine at a spot called "Pre's Rock." It is the spot that he was hit while running in 1975. I brought along a little bit of Reno in the form of a shirt from Reno Running and Fitness and placed it on his marker.  After taking a few photo's and helping others capture the moment for their scrapbooks, I was off to see if my room was ready.

Having not been part of any activity as a member of Team in Training before I was curious to see just what was planned for the team dinner Saturday evening. I got checked in to my room and showered just in time to get my slow moving rear down to the conference room for dinner.

Whatever I had expected was thrown right out the window when I walked in on a group of adults dressed in every form of purple hat, wig or funny shirt. Yes there were cheer leaders greeting all of the runners as they made their way in the conference room. After first adjusting my expectations from that of a nice dinner and a few speakers, to a cheer filled and emotional evening, we were eating and laughing with others from all over the country. I guess I was a little apprehensive but finally got the big picture when Katie made her way with her Mom to say a few words.

Little Katie and her Mom, Robin told us about what it was like to learn that Katie now 7 had Cancer. She learned when she was 2 that she had Cancer and Robin told us what it has been like to live with her diagnosis. Reading her bio you are immediately heartbroken when you see on the line that says status of illness ...
"All available options have been used and have failed.  She is now listed as terminal and not getting any treatment at this time."

Oh, I finally get it. This is the reason I am here on this night. I needed to learn about this and understand that I am running not only for the medal at the end. And not just for the accomplishment of setting a goal and sticking with it. I am here because I needed to understand that this little girl, Katie has little chance of growing up unless something is done and a cure/treatment is found and very soon. I get it now. What I did may have made a difference. I did this race for Katie she was the super star.

Katie finally sat down and her Mom continued to tell about life with little Katie, and we all laughed and cried a bit and celebrated her being with us on this night to share her love. Thank you Katie and Robin and Team in Training for opening my eyes to this World I could not see without making this trip.

Off to bed we have a race to run in the morning.

Don

My Eugene Marathon Adventure Part 1 Getting There

Hi Friends,

On April 28th I finally became a Marathon runner when I finished the 2013 Eugene Marathon. But before running the race I had to get to Eugene and do all the things that need doing before the gun goes off.

Brenda and I left Reno on Thursday headed to our first stopping place in Medford, OR for a couple of nights. The weather was beautiful and the traffic was relatively light making the trip pretty uneventful. After a day resting in Medford, I left early Saturday morning for the trip to Eugene. To say i was excited would be an understatement. I felt like a kid that was waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.

The highway to Eugene was so beautiful. Everything was so green and clean it really needed to be explored at a more leisurely pace. Time was not on my side this trip but I learned my lesson. Next time make it a real adventure and take some time to enjoy the drive without blowing through neat places along the way.

I made it t to Eugene in about 3 hours. Really it felt like less as I was so looking forward seeing Eugene again. Had it really been about 30 years between visits? The little town had grown up quite a bit but I could still see the town I explored as a you dude with my friend Chip Crouse.

My first stop was the expo to get my bib and my race tee.  I thought the expo was fun. To be honest this was my first expo and I was having a blast checking out all the neat booths with all kinds of products and services. My favorite booth was the one from The Oregon Track Club. They were staffed with fun and informed people at their large booth. They even took my picture in front of a photo that made it look like I was a finisher at the Olympic Trials in Haywood Field. It was way too cool.

While at the expo I saw a post of a Facebook friend, John Bouvier and he was ... he was standing in front of that same backdrop looking like he had just finished a big race. I sent him a text and was lucky enough to be able to shake his hand, share a couple stories and take a picture before we parted.

With the expo behind me, it was off to the Hotel and the Team in Training Dinner ....

Don

The Eugene Marathon ...

More to come as soon as I get my thoughts together.

And We Are Off .....

Hi Friends,

I am off to Eugene tomorrow. Just thought I would make a few notes before I re-check all my gear and head from Medford to Eugene early Saturday morning.

Thank you to all the great friends and family that helped reach the goal of $1500.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We actually made it past $1600.00 and that is unbelievable. It sure has been a few months of fun and hard work to finally get to Eugene. Well actually I will be there tomorrow.....
I made some new friends and started running with a great group of people that I think will help me be a better runner and a better person to boot.

I ran in a couple fun races in Reno. First chasing leprechaun downtown and then running in the Downtown Reno River Run Half Marathon. Both times I was running with the great folks at Reno Running and Fitness and chatting and laughing the whole way. Thanks gang!

Brenda has really been kind to put up with all my running talk. She is pretty sure that I have a problem but just can't pin it down yet. I am sure that I would be lost without her there to keep me from going off the deep end. Thank you sweetie!

So the countdown is over and I am sure something new will take it's place after Sunday. I would love to do another marathon in December, but I will have to see how that looks in a week or two.

Oh and I almost forgot. I will be meeting some coolio folks that I have been chatting with on Facebook. And it is always great to meet new people, especially when you have something in common.

More in the next couple days...

Don

Raise You Hand if This Ever ....

Hi Friends,

Wow, what a week this has been. Our little guy "Rusty" was having some problems and it required us to travel to Loomis CA on Monday and Tuesday to get him the attention he needed. Combine that with getting the flu and then having a really sore back Saturday and now Sunday and you have all the makings of a surrender.
Raise your hand if you might have just given in and walked away at this point and returned to old habits?
I know that as recent as a couple years back I would have packed it in and just given up. That is one thing I am working so hard to change with running. I am going to stay the course and cross the finish line in Eugene and finish what I started. I have never had much luck following through with things and am fast to give up.
Not any more!

I am really enjoying this process of building up my strength and ability so that I will be able to complete  this first Marathon for me in April. I am pretty sure that when I finish I will feel different because I didn't give up and finished what I started. I will be sharing that excitement with you in photos and stories along the road to Eugene.

Speaking of excitement....
We are almost half way to our goal of $1500.00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with three more amazing donations coming in in the last couple days. We together have raised $665.00 so far! I think all of you are just amazing. Thank you so much for helping to fund the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's cancer fighters. No sequester here, we are going to work right up until April 28th to do our part. And then maybe we will work beyond as I have signed up for the San Jose Half Marathon and the California International Marathon with maybe a couple more before the end of the year.

So I didn't give up and am now more determined to finish what I started and what all of you have supported. On to Eugene!!

Don't forget a donation of any amount will make a difference. $1.00 or $1,000.00 will help.

Don

Still Running Towards Eugene

Hi Friends,

Thanks for stopping by to see what I am up to today.

I am still excited about the Eugene Marathon even tho it is still more than 2 months away. I want to finish but I also want to finish strong when I go. I know that a lot can go wrong in a 26.2 mile race but am confident that I will run to the finish with a strong kick to celebrate the finish line.

This week I have scaled back my running just a bit too allow some rest for legs and feet that ran around Reno last Sunday. I feel great but am allowing some reduction in miles to let anything that may have been stretched to it's limit to heal and rebuild stronger. I did get a great run in downtown Reno yesterday. 10 miles from downtown to Sparks and back along the Truckee River trails. It is all paved and landscaped nice but still has a few spots where you wonder if you should be running alone there. I had no problems and was mostly met with smiles and encouragement.  Downtown Reno looked great yesterday, I was really impressed with how she seemed to shine. Way to go Reno!

After we finished the McCarran Loop run last weekend, I quickly signed up for next months McLoop so I could get another long run in to start March off on the right foot. I really enjoy running for long distances. It seems to do wonders for my head and I am sure is helping me to stay healthy as a side benefit. Hopefully it helps me be a better person as a bonus. Only those folks that I see all the time will be able to tell you the answer to the latter comment.

We have reached the $300.00 mark in our fundraising so far! I am really amazed at that number and even more amazed by the generosity of the those that have contributed to "Team Run Don Run." We still need to raise $1200.00 (or more) but I am as confident in reaching that goal as I am in being able to finish The Eugene Marathon. You can help me get the word out to more folks by sharing the link to this Blog with all your friends and family. Just mention it in a Facebook post or Tweet. You could even add a link to a signature in your emails ... every little bit helps. Heck if 1200 friends donated just $1.00 each we would be there. That breaks down to 600 friends donating $2.00 each or 120 folks donating just $10.00 each or 48 people donating $25.00 each!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by and even more thanks for sharing this Blog (if you can) so we can reach or exceed our goal and make history out of blood cancer. Some day that last donation will be the one that finally makes a difference. Maybe it will be one of ours!

Don

More Training Adventures

Hi Friends,

I just finished a 23.5 mile training run yesterday (Sunday February 3rd) and wanted to get it written down and shared before it vanishes into my memories.

This was my second time around Reno on the McCarran Blvd loop road with the group from Reno Running and Fitness. They are great group of runners that like to enjoy the miles in training as a group and allow non members to tag along on some of their runs. The entire loop around Reno is 23.5 miles or there about as my Garmin said it was 24.08 but who is counting?

The group gathered at Shelly Park in Sparks and ran off clockwise around McCarran Blvd at 6:00 am on Sunday. It was good sized group with 3 people running it for the first time. The pace was confortable made even more relaxing by the conversations between runners as we headed towards the University. I ran the loop by myself the first time afraid to leave with the others because I was intimidated by what I thought would be the speed of the run. I should have waited then and learned that this month. Chalk up another lesson to experience. If you are joining the group in March or any other time this year don't worry about your pace. You will be fine and fit right in. I also learned where all the restrooms were on the route! It may not seem that important when you look at the big picture, but when you get a bit older and especially if you are a Man it matters plenty.

With all the chatting and energy it was not long before the Sun was rising over Reno and we were at North Virginia Street and McCarran. It was a beautiful sunrise! Next we arrived at the North McCarran Blvd Wal-Mart for some refreshment (vending machines) and unse of the facilities (again). We stopped for our group picture next by the McCarran Blvd wall  just before the freeway underpass. Still in good spirits it was on to the hills in the Caughlin Ranch part of town. We walked, we ran and we made it up and over the dreaded hills. It is all down hill to the finish from here.

It really does not seem like we are into this thing 3 hours now and we are nearing Meadowood Mall and the last big stretch before the finish. I felt good not feeling any pains or aches but a bit tired as we entered mile 18 to 20. Wow, we are almost done now and everyone is going to finish. The last mile or half mile seems a bit long maybe because you can see right where it ends but there are a couple street lights and plenty of traffic between you and the park. I tried a couple of times to put on some hero kind of kick at the end to really finish strong but had little luck. Having not been able to finish in a sprint, I was happy to finish with the pack and enjoy some post run chatter with the others.

So another long training run is completed and I am already excited about the March "Loop" run. I think I will probably rest a day before getting back to the street for some more training. Special thanks go out to Reno Running and Fitness for allowing me to tag along with them and partake in the fun.

Things are going great for the Eugene Marathon the last of April. I will have 2 more of these great long runs in by then as well as my other training and am confident I will finish strong in Eugene.

Last ... I am still working on my goal of raising $1500.00 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help find cures for and treat blood cancer. You can help them do their important work by donating any amount via this page. I am running hard (23.5 miles yesterday) and thought about making a difference during the run. You can make a difference too, donate today!

Thanks again for making a difference,

Don

You Totally Rock!

Hi Friends,

I love this ... "Ya got air coming through ya' nose! You got a heartbeat, that means it's time to go do something!" 
You will love it too when you get to the video at the end of this post.

I know I have some of the best friends and family in the World, but this week you even made me more proud of who you are and what you do. I was going thru my emails and see that your donations for the last week were $225.00! I am just blown away by your goodness. Don't you just love the word goodness?

I can't begin to tell you how great that is, but here goes.

Team Townsend ... Your donation was amazing and beautiful. It will make a big difference in the life of someone that has Leukemia or Lymphoma.

Marcus Carlson ... Wow, it was so great to see you had made a donation to my Team in Training this week. How cool and thoughtful are you to want to reach out and help people you (and I) don't even know that have blood cancer and suffer from it's effects. Just too cool!

There were others that made donations, but they have indicated that they didn't want their names listed in the donors list or in this blog. I just want them to know that I and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society appreciate their generosity. You are special and what you have done is making a difference.

I wanted to offer something to all the donors and those that are following my journey that will bring you a smile or offer some encouragement to you this week. I love this little video and hope it motivates you to create something "amazing" this week.

Thanks again to all that visited and donated this week. I will be putting a thank you note in the mail soon, but in the mean time remember, "Boring is easy, everybody can be boring. But your gooder than that."

Don

IPad Mini Raffle!

Hi Friends,

I am still running and training for the Eugene Marathon in April. And I am still raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so that they can find a cure for blood cancer and support those that suffer from it. It has been a blast so far learning about this great organization and all that they do.

I have a great new way for you to help out and maybe win at the same time. You can enter my raffle to win a brand new iPad Mini in the color of your choice just by making a donation to my Team in Training. Here is how this will work.

First this is not a huge raffle that really offers you no chance to win. This raffle is mine and I will award  a brand new iPad mini to the winner from just the donors on my Team in Training page in April. You have a great chance of winning and the more entries you make the better your chances. There really is a great chance that you will win if you donate.

Here are the basics....

You will get 1 entry for every $20.00 you donate from today until Friday April 5th.

If you donate $100.00 you will get 10 entries in the raffle!

On April 5th, I will write all your names down on pieces of paper and throw them into a hat (one for each $20.00 donation or 10 entries for a $100.00). Then I will shake them up real good and draw the winner. It is that easy.

So will you help me make a difference in the lives of others? It is easy and won't cost much and the money will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so they can get busy finding cures and making lives better.

So go make a donation and help me help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Thank you so much!!

Don

Just 16 Weeks to Go Before Eugene!

Hi Friends,

So I am really studying and concentrating on my training for the Eugene Marathon. I can't believe it is just 16 weeks away. Mostly I am working on staying injury free and starting to increase the distance of my long runs. By the time April 28th arrives, the distance will be no problem at all.

I am totally enjoying the journey so far as well as the challenges it throws my way. This adventure is really helping me get past some walls that I have built in life. Things that really needed to be dealt with. Chief among them is my habit of giving up when things get a bit tough. By the time this journey is finished, I will have taken a chunk out of that bad habit.

You can still help me with one of my other challenges. A donation of any amount will help me meet my goal of raising $1500.00 to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fight blood cancer and make those that suffer with it live a better life. Just click the donate widget to the right if you can help out.

Training and Loving it,

Don

What An I Running For?

Hi Friends,

You may have been wondering just why I am running for Team in Training and why I am asking you for donations. Maybe this will help answer some of your questions.

If it makes sense to you, why not donate a couple bucks to help today? Just click the Donate Now button to the right.

Thanks again!

Don

Why Give to LLS?

Invest in the Best

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the largest voluntary cancer research agency specifically focused on finding cures and better treatments for blood cancer patients. With the scope and scale to fund many projects at the same time, LLS supports hundreds of cancer scientists around the world.

Research Depends on You

Unlike commercial enterprises that consider blood cancers as “orphan diseases” with small markets and limited profit potential, LLS funds research based on medical need without regard to commercial return or market size. Every dollar invested comes from charitable support from concerned donors.

Extend Your Reach

LLS funds hundreds of promising researchers at leading cancer centers and universities worldwide. And since LLS has no campus or laboratories to maintain, your investment funds more research and less overhead than a donation made elsewhere.

Why Invest Now?

Many scientists, clinicians and clinical trial participants have developed and improved current standards of care over time. It takes about eight years to develop a successful new drug. The time to invest in new therapies is now.

What Will My Donation Do?

• Encourage scientists to pursue blood cancer research. Grants to young scientists help grow research talent even as federal research funding becomes increasingly limited.
• Develop “targeted therapies” that kill cancer cells selectively. By hitting specific molecular targets, these treatments don’t harm patients’ healthy cells, resulting in fewer dangerous side effects.
• Test immunotherapies. Immunotherapies strengthen a patient’s own immune system so it can better fight infections and attack cancer cells, reducing the need for damaging chemotherapy.
• Improve the safety of today’s cures. LLS funds research to predict, manage and prevent complications in patients most at risk for long-term and late effects of treatment.
• Help patients and their families make informed decisions. LLS supplies information and counseling to help guide patients through their cancer journey and access current treatment and clinical trial options.
• Provide financial aid and co-pay assistance. A cancer diagnosis is hard enough without having to deal with its financial burden. We provide programs to help relieve the economic strain of a blood cancer diagnosis.
• Offer community services. Among the wide array of programs LLS provides are those that link newly diagnosed patients with trained volunteers and that help young cancer patients return to school after an absence resulting from treatment.
• Encourage our state and federal legislators to support blood cancer issues. With your help, LLS brings to the attention of lawmakers the urgent need for increased government funding and support of research and patient access to affordable treatment and quality care.

Thanks For Donating

Hi Friends,

Wow, thank you for donating $25.00 already to help fight blood cancer. You are all so cool.

What can I do for you in return for your donation? If you have an idea of a way I can thank you for your generous donations, drop me a note and let's make it happen.

Hit the donate now button on the right side of this page.

Thanks again

Don

First Run of the Year, Longest Run Ever

Hi Friends,

I finished the longest run I have ever attempted on New Years Day. It was the 23.5 mile McLoop around Reno and Sparks on McCarran Blvd.  What a wonderful way to start the year!

I had been planning to run the loop for a couple months. Actually I had told myself that I was going to run this route a couple months back, but talked myself out of it.  So I was determined to overcome my ability to talk myself out of things and make it this time. To say I was excited about this run was an understatement. I had gone thru a mental checklist of all the things I thought I would need on race day. I even had my clothes laid out the night before just so I would not run off and forget anything.  I even got a fuel belt and some power gels to get me recharged during the run.

When I got up on Tuesday it was really cold, near zero and there was still snow and ice in our yard at home. I got dressed, laced up my shoes and headed to Shelly Park in Sparks to see just how much run I had in me. I was sure in my mind that I could complete the whole 23.5 miles but needed to prove that I could follow through and actually finish.  Just as at home the sidewalks and sides of the road were still covered with some snow and ice. I started the day by starting my Garmin and falling flat on my left leg and hand. Way to go Don! I got up, considered just going home and decided to dust myself off and head out.

The miles seemed to really fly by and I was able to take in the first sunrise of the new year as I neared the university campus. What a sight and it encouraged me to continue to the hills in Northwest Reno. As far as the hills go, they slowed me down some but did not kick my butt as I expected they might. Actually they went quickly and I felt great as I came out of the hills near lakeside Drive. I had made it past the biggest challenge I thought I would have to tackle.  From here it was mostly flat and relatively clear sailing.

My next challenge was the long flat straight stretch after about mile 18. It was really monotonous and seemed to just drag on.  I learned that I need to have something in my mental toolbox to help get me through these times. Maybe it will be music on an iPod or it could be something that I tell myself like a mantra or positive self talk. I am sure I will figure it out by the next long run. I was able to get past this section by reminding myself that I do this run everyday and it was easy, just another 6 miles ... just another 4 miles ... just like you do every day.

I finished at Shelly Park in 5 hours and 13 minutes. It was great to finish and then receive my medal for finishing. I also got a coolio sticker for the truck so everyone will know that I ran all 23.5 miles. I really appreciated the folks from Reno Running and Fitness for letting me run with them. They were an amazing group of people and so much fun to run with. Actually, I was worried that I would be so much slower than they were that I left 30 minutes early so I could finish with them. As it turned out they were just having fun and I probably could have run with them anyway.

So I have already checked off my first goal of the new year and what a way to start. next on my big goals is the Eugene Marathon in April. I learned a lot from this run that I can use to do better in Eugene. For one thing I found out it is better not to fall on your ass before you even begin. As I write this I have really no soreness from the run except for the damage I did when I fell. I do have soreness in my left heel, but will be able to eliminate that by working on my running form.

Now, on towards the Eugene Marathon!

As you know I am running to help fight blood cancer in the Eugene Marathon this year. Why not help me out with a small contribution? Anything helps research, so a donation of $5.00 will make a big difference. Donate more if you can, too much is better than not enough. Thanks a bunch!

Special thanks go to my amazing wife Brenda. Her support was super and helped me keep going.

Don