"I'm not exactly the running type."

First of all, HELLLOOO BLOGGING WORLD.

My name is Francesca, and I am so excited to be here:)

Back in the Springtime, I was motivated by the 7 crazy-cool runners that you have been following on this website to sign up for and run the MARINE CORPS MARATHON in October! Not only that, but in exchange for Team in Training's (TNT's) expert coaching and support, I have made a committment to a raise at least $1800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Considering I'm not exactly the "running" type, these next couple of months are sure to be tough and challenging. BUT I do love to have a good time (see picture on the right), and I'm hoping that's what I'll find in my experience with TNT. One thing is for certain, LLS's mission to try and find a cure for blood cancer, as well as provide patient services to those already afflicted with the disease, will be more than enough to keep me going!

I promise to keep this blog alive and entertaining for those of your who will join me every week. Check back for new updates (on my health) and future fundraising events!!

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Most importantly, I'd like to say:

CONGRATS to Chris, Brandon, Crystal, Jessie, Brian, Lena, and Ashwin!! Your hard-work and dedication truly inspired me to join TNT and follow in your training and fundraising footsteps. I am so proud of all of you, and I'm so happy that I'll be training with most of you by my side over the next 5 months. Thank you for letting me be a part of this madness!

We Actually Did Do It... Just Like Diddy

Well... hello again, it's now been almost three and a half weeks SINCE WE ALL FINISHED the Nashville Country Music Marathon. No, it hasn't taken this long for us to recover well enough to type. But before writing anything I (Chris) did want to let things sink in some.

In the shortest sense, completing that race in what turned out to be brutally hot weather (hovering somewhere between 85 and 90 degrees by the finish) was absolutely the most challenging physical feat I've ever achieved.

It seems that everyone agreed those 26.2 were not a particularly enjoyable experience. We had cramps, dehydration, and a little more walking than any of us expected. We ate Gu gels, chugged CytoMax and inhaled salt packets along the way. And still nothing could really prepare you for those awful few miles between 20 and 24.

The race itself was some twisted combination of constantly battling within yourself, sometimes talking to yourself with tunnel vision, to keep both legs moving in rhythm while at the same time desperately seeking out energy from all the fantastic, screaming, smiling supporters along the way.

With those last few minutes in mind and the Tennessee Titans stadium looming, there was nothing better than the distant image of a purple shirt looking to help everyone through the last stretch. When asked if I was doing okay (I must have looked as bad as I felt), I lied with a forced grin but gladly accepted a buddy until I could see the finish.

Taking those last few steps is a powerful, powerful moment and stopping is difficult. A body in motion for so many exhausting hours doesn't respond particularly peacefully. But after eventually staving off delirium, there was nothing better than watching teammate after teammate in TNT gear cross the finish.

As the most skeptical (I think) of the group in joining with Team in Training rather than run individually, I want to loudly express that the training, the friendships and the unbelievable support from this group of people backing the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's efforts to beat blood cancer was something I will never forget.

There are so many thank you mentions that I wouldn't even begin to try one by one. But I'll try broadly from the whole lot of us. Thank you: TNT coaches, staff and team leaders, honored teammates, all our fellow TNT runners (DC area and all our new friends from around the country), all our friends who put up with a multitude of invitations to fundraising events, and the biggest thank you of all to everyone that contributed their hard earned dollars and kind words in support of a great organization in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

What happens now? Well, several (Brandon, Crystal and Ashwin, I believe) are continuing with TNT as captains for this Fall while it looks like all of us are returning to marathoning. We had such a good time torturing ourselves once we're doing it again. Wave to us in October at the Marine Corps Marathon in DC!

This blog may fizzle, or it may live on depending on the group sentiment. Either way, thank you everyone again, and we hope you enjoyed following along. Below are pictures of each of us on race day. So long!

Raceday Eve

Greetings from Tennessee! Less than 9 hours away from the race and Ashwin and I are in the hotel lobby still wired and far from sleep.

We've prepared by scarfing southern BBQ and rocking to some honky tonk yesterday before a relaxing Friday and an inspirational Team in Training dinner with more than 600 members from around the country.

The event has finally set in after months of hard work and we're all psyched for the morning to come and get on the move for what looks like will be a beautiful, sunny day in Nashville. Hopefully the heat holds off (forecast is for a high of mid-80s) until we're almost finished.


a few observations (read: inside jokes) from Nash-vegas:
- Brandon, aka "Bruno," has a camera that takes a great picture of Andy Dick on stage at Tootsie's Bar.
- Girls in cowboy boots and skirts/dresses... we could get used to this.
- Country Music speaks to everyone, especially when the lyrics only consist of the line "I'm gonna kill you"
- From coach Chip - "You'll be fine if you alternate the beer, liquor and water."
- running for 5 hours > running for 2 hours and 8 minutes
- "Bite Me Mode" will 100% apply to a one Lena Feldman tomorrow.
- Go to the Smoking Corner at Tootsie's
- Combo Platters at Jack's. 'nuff said.

We'll have lots of pictures and video to come in the next few days. Until then, leave us a note to find after 26.2 miles tomorrow morning!

The Taper

Just a short update:

After countless frigid Saturday mornings, afternoons on the treadmill and dimly lit evening runs building a distance base, we're on our cool down leading up to the main event in about a week and a half.

The training we've all put in has been invaluable, leaving us experience dealing with chilly temperatures, battling blowing winds (in our 20 miler ten days ago) and fighting up and down hills on the W&OD trail, which I'm pretty sure I've seen about enough of. All the captains and coaches with Team in Training have done a massive job setting us on paths to success.

The remaining training almost seems like cheating with such comparably short distances. Still, I know my worn down body appreciates the brief lull to get fully geared up for Nashville on the 25th. Only 11 days away!

This Saturday we'll all join up for our last group run, a short jaunt compared to the last few weekends, of the spring TNT season before the first of the group heads to Tennessee on Thursday morning. We'll continue updating with thoughts from everyone as race day approaches.

Hitting the National Mall

Our first run as a group divided (Crystal and Jessie putting in 16 miles for the National Marathon) and the rest of us dropping back down to 10 miles for a couple laps around the National Mall on a beautiful, sunny morning.

After 14 miles on a winding trail through suburbia last week, the jog around DC was a welcome change. Each trip up and down the Mall, from the base of the Capitol up to the Lincoln Memorial, accounted for just about 4 miles. Most of us agreed that knowing distance wise where we were at in our run made a world of difference mentally.



This is not as bad as it looks. We were all in good spirits and feeling great afterwards. Even the girls that battled through 16 miles!

Luckily no one's heart exploded from having too much Advil before the run as our pre-run training talk warned us might happen. Unless a couple of us are biological exceptions, the warning may have been a bit of an exaggeration. The only side effects appeared to be from excess consumption of energy gel, which are known to contain OMG energy.



After resting up this afternoon we're looking forward to a great night at Cowboy Cafe in Arlington where our group will be hosting a fundraising event. Come on out and get your party on with some live music and drink/food specials while supporting a great cause. We look forward to seeing everyone out there!

Still Truckin with Visors, Survive Difficult Run

With the team down a few members (Brandon visiting Ithaca and Crystal qualifying for the National Marathon) we set out from the 'burbs of Reston, VA for 14 miles, once again along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, donning new TNT visors.

"Block the rays!"

Unsurprisingly, many of us are carrying nagging bumps, bruises or strains with the smallest ache compounding over the now two hours spent of pounding legs against concrete.

Regardless, we all survived what was the farthest distance yet for any of us and did so while crossing over an inspirationally named stream dubbed "Difficult Run." While the pace of running usually allows for some conversation, there is plenty of time reserved for introspection. One thing I've been considering is how the course of a run feels.

I've come to decide that for me, it's a bit like the flight path of an airplane:

Warm Up and first couple miles = Take off - Hyper energized, excited for what lies ahead and burning fuel fast.

Miles 2-4 = Climb - Burned off starting adrenaline, adjusting to course and working out kinks in stride depending on how the body is feeling.

Miles 5-10 = Cruising altitude - Found stride with footsteps drowning all else out, past checking times and distance every quarter mile, refueling with water and energy gels (ewwwww)/jelly beans (mmmmm jelly beans).

Miles 11-13 = Descent - Up and down with a little turbulence dealing with a tired body, slightly re-energized by signs of the finish line although approaching final mile seems to take forever.

Mile 14 = Landing - Tired feet are landing gear waiting to touch down with the last mile disappearing faster than expected. Leg stretching, friendly faces and food await after some taxiing back to the parking lot.

Yea, it's maybe a bit of a stretch, but we all have some weird thoughts during that much running right? Feel free to share some of the ideas your brain generates along the way.

Saturday Inspiration for Running Solo

Steve Prefontaine is one of the few names in running I'll probably ever recognize, and today, our second journey into a double digit mile run, is one of the first times I've encountered the "guts" he's talking about above.

I missed the TNT group run this morning to coach my U9 boys (to victory!) in their indoor soccer game and ended up running our scheduled 12 miles alone. During the week we've all been putting in time on our own with distances between 4 and 6 miles. But facing twelve miles, which is absolutely the farthest I've ever gone in one span, had me struggling toward the end.

The run took me from Arlington down to the White House, up the Reflecting Pool facing the Lincoln Memorial and back across the Memorial Bridge into Virginia. The last couple miles were all uphill and probably somewhere around mile 10 I started thinking about "guts."

Both feet and my left knee were getting sore and the possibility of slowing down or walking for a bit seemed a pretty reasonable option. Who would know?

But with all my teammates already completed their training in the morning, the generosity of all those who have supported our efforts so far, and the cause we're running for, raising money to support those suffering from life taking blood cancers in my head, my legs kept moving.

Among his amazing achievements, Pre was famous for pushing himself and other runners past their imagined limits. I certainly owe him a little thanks for helping me through the end on this one and I imagine we'll all need some considerable "guts" to go more than twice as far on April 25 in Nashville.

Look for updates and probably some pictures from the rest of the group later this weekend. And as always, please considering donating to our support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Celebrating Obama, Supporting LLS [Update]

Saturday night some gracious friends (many, many, MANY thanks Joey and Fran) hosted an "Inaugural Ball" with proceeds from the door going to our fund raising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The mood was great, there were some seriously impressive dance moves on display late into the evening and the turnout was better than we could have imagined especially on such a chilly night.

The big guy made it:



Everyone was lookin sharp:



We filled the house:



We all want to extend a MASSIVE thank you to everyone that attended and to those that helped make the event such a success. While having a blast with the likeness of newly inducted President Obama looking on, you helped us raise more than $1,300 almost $1,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in one short evening.

More running updates and inspiration on the way. Until next time, enjoy the video below and as always, if you'd like to donate to our cause fund raising links are on the right side of the page.

Moment of Inspiration for a Frozen Day

"At that point, I knew what had happened. I knew my leg was broken pretty badly. And I knew I couldn't get up again. So I started crawling."

Courtesy of Jessie: the story of a high school runner who broke her leg in multiple places 45 feet from the finish line of the Ohio state cross country championship and still finished the race.

*I couldn't get the video to work, but I imagine it might be kind of brutal. Just a heads up.

...

What Markwardt saw in the video might not be visible to the rest of us. She saw a teenage girl who, a year earlier, watched the state meet from the stands and made a personal commitment to run in that race in her senior year. She saw a girl who fulfilled that commitment, and then, with a badly broken leg 45 feet from the finish line, had a choice: Finish, or don't finish.
To her, it was a no-brainer.

...

For the full story.

A Brief Introduction - Lena

Five things about Lena Feldman:

On joining Team in Training: I always considered running a marathon, but only wanted to do it if I had a great group and some live music to get me through. Although I'm not a huge country music fan, I definitely think it will be a good time!

On training habits: I like training the most in the mornings, but I find it easier training in the afternoons. In my headphones while I run I've got anything that will pump me up: Rihanna, JT, Fergie, Beyonce, Madonna... It just has to be fast-paced and fun!

On running experience: My longest run before this was a 10k. My biggest hurdle to training is my crazy schedule in the spring with classes, working, and internships... yikes!

On goals: Finishing in under five hours. It's my first marathon though, so as long as I cross the finish line, I'll be happy!

On stuffed animals: My favorite: Hyacinth. It's a ballerina hippo.

Lena will be spending much of her little free time figuring out how to beat Brian (see photo above) to the finish line and avoiding sneak attack signs of friendly affection (see photo below).

How Bout Those New Shoes

Over the past week we've met several more team members as well as heard from some of our holiday travelers.

Now it's my turn as I'm off to Boston this evening for a few days to celebrate passing into the New Year (woooooo party). My ratty old running shoes are long gone and my new pair is taking up valuable carry on luggage space.



I'm hoping to get two training sessions in since I'll be missing our group run this coming Saturday although I'm thinking it may be a bit ambitious.

Last weekend a number of us got brand spankin new kicks but I've been hearing mixed reviews thus far. I took mine for a longer run over about 6 miles as a trial and while about halfway my feet were feeling a bit foreign, by the end things were pretty comfy.

Others haven't been so lucky. Both Brandon and Ashwin have come up against tight leg muscles and shin splints they weren't experiencing with their older shoes. We have varying theories on what might be the cause but I imagine a few more miles to break them in is all that's needed.

So aside from the obvious trial of running a marathon and the purging of aging running equipment, there a few smaller running related goals I have for the coming year.

One will actually be finishing well in my first competition of the year, as I'm joining my roommates in the half-marathon portion of the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach this March. To make a strong time, I'm learning better pace myself during training. Also, as I'm writing this in Reagan airport staring at a McDonald's, I'm hoping that training for the marathon will help me eat better (Taco Bell excepted).

So, any goals for the New Year? Tips on breaking in new shoes? Eating tips? Feel free to share them below.

I'll try to update with some photos from running in Boston - in the meantime check out some of the photos from last weekend on our Flickr page - and I hope that everyone has a happy New Year!

A Brief Introduction - Jessie

Five things about Jessie Walsh:

On joining Team in Training: I've always wanted to run a marathon, and running with TNT to support LLS seemed like a great excuse to do so. It's pretty nice to be able to accomplish one of my goals while raising money for a great cause.

On training habits: I train all times of the day, but long runs (with and without the team) are definitely going to be in the morning. Have to get used to waking up early and running! I'm going to try to run without listening to music when I train because we can't have headphones on during the marathon, but ordinarily I have my Ipod playing quite a weird mix of artists (Ben Folds, Girl Talk, Gavin Degraw, Gnarls Barkley, Hellogoodbye, John Mayer, Rihanna, Talib Kweli, and Gomez to name a few). My only requirement is that it's got to be fast... slow songs are a major downer.

On running experience: I've run two half marathons but didn't really train that much for them. I'd like to think that I'm fit, but running this marathon is definitely going to be a challenge. I don't like losing and I don't like quitting.

On goals: Run as much of it as possible and not destroy my knees in the process. An 8 min/mile pace would be nice, so I guess that would put me at about 3.5 hours? Not sure what the chances of that are, so i'll say under 4 hours.

On challenges: Fundraising, but if you mean the physical act of training, then I'd say not having my knee quit working. It doesn't seem to like me, but I'd say it has good reason.

Jessie will also need to work on practicing safe driving habits and learning that snowmen are typically composed of 3 distinct body parts.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and New Shoes

First of all, happy holidays to all - hope everyone has spent at least one relaxing day with family or friends. We have embarked on a tough stretch for our team, a lot of people have left the DC area to visit family and take a vacation, thus truly putting the onus on us (is that even possible to say, "onus on us") to make our runs and be responsible. Many of us were really excited to put on our new shoes and find out if our investments would pan out in our favor...

It's probably too early to tell, but I followed up my best run of the season (from Saturday) with a very disappointing run. Shin splints ruined mile 2 to a walking pace, though I somehow finished the last mile running pretty well, I was not happy with my effort despite the ability to brave the New England weather for a nice run. My knees are bothering me, I've probably eaten too many of mom's cookies in the past two days, but I'm hoping that the next run will work out better. All in all, I hope the rest of my team has fared better, been responsible and are enjoying their vacations.

A Brief Introduction - Crystal

Five things about Crystal Hahn:

On joining Team in Training: Conquering a marathon has always been a goal of mine but I never expected to do it so soon. Also, I've personally known victims of blood cancers and if I can help contribute to stopping this disease from hurting more people, how could i say no?

On training habits: Evenings or nights for me. I hate working out in the morning. When I'm at the gym, I like to watch BET (106th and Park - no joke). When working out I prefer techno or hip hop. It pumps me up.

On running experience: I've always been a gym rat but never a runner. I've been seeing a knee specialist since high school, which will be one of my biggest battles but I think I'm extremely healthy mentally. Brian and Lena like to call me a machine.

On goals: My biggest goal is to just finish the marathon. I think people forget how big of an accomplishment finishing is in itself, but if I had to put a goal down, I would say under 5 hours or under Oprah's time (4:29:20).

On stuffed animals: I've had a pink Carebear (Cheer Bear) since birth that is currently still on my bed. I was a little bit of a slow talker and called it ddaattu.

Crystal's biggest challenges will be leaving ddaattu behind and not getting distracted by pretty flowers along the way.

Saturday Round 2 - Georgetown

On a chilly but comfortable D.C. December morning, 6 out of 7 survived our second Saturday session with Team in Training, a four mile jaunt up the C&O Canal in Georgetown. Our seventh runner Jessie was out of town but likely ran faster and farther than the rest of us on her own.

The group, which all arrived in punctual manner after some late arrivals last week, started at the foot of M Street and headed West past the entrance to Georgetown University before doubling pack along the dirt path and finishing up at the Georgetown Running Company for a breakfast of bagels and hot chocolate.

As a group we were all extremely pleased with our efforts. Brandon and I led the group out with two others while the rest of the pack followed closely behind and finished with some gas left in the tank. One guy had running goggles on which I'm convinced give you super powers.

The highlight of the morning may have been our visit to the running store where most of us picked up some fresh kicks on discount. Dealing with some smelly bodies and feet the knowledgeable and patient staff watched us take strides to help us choose the perfect pair. My poor shoes were in particularly bad shape and have been abandoned (RIP) for the next generation of Nike.



According to our training schedule, we've all now completed a total of 17 miles over two weeks not counting any bonus work anyone might have done. Looking forward it seems like a meager distance, but the hard work has only just begun and the support and confidence of those around us has gotten us off to a strong start.

Some more things learned:

Use the potty before you leave the house. An early morning four miles in Georgetown on a muddy trail doesn't provide many options.

The city is a much different place in the early hours of a Saturday and is going to be a joy exploring over the coming months. An empty M Street is an oddly pleasing sight when it's typically jammed with cabs, shoppers and party goers in the evening.

Friday nights are going to be much more subdued as we move along. If this past one was any indication (minus two nameless individuals), they're going to involve a lot of chick flicks and Mario Kart:



Yea, Love Actually. Ashwin's fave.

For now, most of us are headed our separate ways for the holidays but will hopefully stay on course and reunite for our next Saturday session on January 3 ready for the step up into even more challenging distances.

Keep checking in, we'll have some outstanding video clips and more bio pages up shortly.

A Brief Introduction - Brandon

Five things about Brandon Lee:

- On joining Team in Training: I joined TNT after my friends from high school couldn't stop talking about the program. In the back of my mind I've always wanted to run a marathon but never thought I'd convince myself to train on my own. TNT was the perfect solution for motivation and taking part in a good cause.

- On training habits: I train after work during the week, and on the weekends with TNT. I'll throw on the ipod if I'm on the treadmill but if I'm outside I usually won't listen to music. With the ipod, I usually bump some rap (biggie, bone thungs, tupac) or other random stuff (beach boys, green day, 80s party hits, etc).

- On running experience: I used to run indoor track in high school and my main event was the 600M (best time = 1:24.4). Any time I had good race in an event over 400M, I would throw up after the race (not on purpose). After one, I threw up lots of little red chunks and my coach was wondering what the hell it was. It was Twizzlers that I had eaten before the race. He looked at me like I was an idiot.

- On goals: I'd like to finish in under 4 hours, but it may be tough if the course is really hilly. Plus, I dont think I've ever gone for a run longer than 5 miles.

- On not surviving: My last meal would be the General Tso's combo (comes with pork fried rice and an egg roll) at Chopstix, located on Garth Rd. in Scarsdale, NY. I think they should rename it the General Lee's combo.

Brandon's biggest challenges will be avoiding Twizzlers and keeping his afro trimmed to avoid excess wind resistance.

This is Marathon Running... There are Rules

There are several rules Team in Training institutes during their group running sessions. No iPods (tough break), no baby joggers (not a problem), and a required water bottle.

I'm wondering if the problem of finding a comfortable water carrying device could be solved by the Can Grenade.

Things got hectic this week but there is much more to come shortly including more bios, a potential Pre hair growing competition, our Saturday morning session in Georgetown and hopefully some info on our first fundraising event. Stay tuned and enjoy the stache.

A Brief Introduction - Chris

I was hoping to post a quick few things about each of us participating in this event, so I'll take the plunge first.



Five things about me:

- Like the rest of us, I obviously viewed running a marathon as a grueling physical and mental challenge. Basically, an experience that seemed so painful I never imagined I would want to put myself through it. However, my younger sister took up cross country a few years ago and her positive experiences, a little competitive nudge from friends and the draw of aiding a great cause was too much. So off I go.

- My past running experience was mostly forced to stay fit as a soccer player. Sure, I step out and run a couple miles every so often, but the goal was always to stay in shape for the beautiful game. Running for the sake of running - not at all my idea of a fun afternoon.

- I used to hate jogging with music because it would take over my stride. Each new song changed the beat of my footsteps. Now I don't leave without my iPod and playlist of Girl Talk, Alexisonfire, Darkest Hour, RJD2 and Minus the Bear. Weird collection, I know.

- I much prefer to run at night. I've tripped over the sidewalk and nearly been hit by many a vehicle but the morning just doesn't do it for me.

- I've worn the same pair of running shoes for about 4 years. They survived a triathlon this Fall but I think it may have been their swan song. Until it warms up again, you can find me in the dinosaur hat.



Any tips for surviving this aside from a pair of "Nip Guards?" Good running tunes? Leave a note.

More from our first Saturday

We are also working on creating a video diary series of our experience, but here are a few clips from this past saturday:

Let's go!


Ashwin's morning adventure


B. Lee's initial thoughts, waiting for the metro


We'll get our videos going - there's definitely more footage before the running, after the running and at our end 0f season soccer party. All in all, the first training session was positive for all of us. We had a great athlete's clinic for the first hour - learned the ins and outs of the great running products of Body Glide, Nip Guards, sexy running tights - and I know Brandon and I will be going shoe shopping this week! I will definitely be getting the free consultation from the physical therapist, but the one positive I will be taking from this first experience is that no matter how slow I was, I never quit. We have each other and its pretty beautiful. After the running, the seven of us headed to opened Union Jacks to watch some Premier League and at the end of our meal, no plate was left behind (read: we cleaned house on our meals). I'm looking forward to the rest of the trainings in December and our first group fund raising effort will be held at our friend's Christmas party on Saturday night (906 T Street).

Off We Go - First Saturday Team in Training Session

First of all, welcome. This is post number one to the "If Diddy Did It..." blog that will tell the story of seven friends (Ashwin, Brandon, Jessie, Brian, Lena, Crystal and Chris) training and fundraising for our first marathon.

What you'll find will hopefully be a regularly updated account of our training, fundraising efforts and thoughts along the way as we prepare for the Nashville Country Music Marathon on April 25, 2009t with a group from Team in Training.

For those that don't know, Team in Training is "the world's largest endurance sports training program" that raises funds in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The roots of Team in Training were established in 1988 when 38 runners raised $322,000 for the Westchester/Hudson Valley LLS Chapter.

So while we prepare our bodies to complete the marathon, we'll also each be working toward a fundraising goal of $3,000 (and hopefully more!) in support of an important cause. Team in Training provides a nice breakdown of where the funds for our running will go in the LLS's efforts to cure blood cancer.



Saturday morning at 8 AM, our group of seven fearless individuals turned out in Arlington for the first DC area Team in Training session for the spring marathon season. It was not warm. Six out of seven participants were late to the meeting. Most of us were very hungry.

Despite the adverse conditions, all of us finished our 5K timed run in under 30 minutes, with results ranging between 22 to 28 minutes. All in all, some strong first steps down the long road to 26.2 miles in April.

Training day number one taught us a few things:

The early wake up calls on Saturday are going to take some getting used to as well as more than a little self control on Friday nights usually reserved for some stress busting beverages after a long week of work or school. As the training gets more intense, a rested body is going to be crucial.

Grabbing a snack before a long run is vital. Banana, toast, something. For me, it ended up being some chocolate and caramel Chex Mix from the vending machine after I ran out the door empty handed. Being low on fuel or thinking about a growling stomach is going to make some already tough running that much more difficult.

We're going to make some great friends along the way. The group of strangers jogging through Arlington hours before we'd usually be awake on a Saturday were all enthusiastic, friendly and supportive.

That's all for now. Look for personal profiles on our runners in the coming weeks. Note: There are links to the fundraising pages for each of us on the sidebar of this site. If you're feeling inspired after reading about our training please contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through one of our donation pages.

Hopefully after runs we'll start seeing less of this




and more of this