I’m back with the run team for the summer, mentoring peeps and training for the Chicago Marathon! I know, I didn’t think I’d want to do another marathon after my first one. But Coach Tim was right; after the pain went away, I’d forget all about it and want to do another. It took about four months and a full season on the bike, but after Solvang, I needed to focus on another challenge.
Chicago stood out because I didn’t want to do Nike again (and they didn’t offer a marathon after all). Also, I watched the movie, “Spirit of the Marathon,” several times while training for Nike Women’s Marathon and it kept me motivated. That movie follows several people ranging from absolute beginners to an Olympic Bronze Medalist as they prepared for the Chicago Marathon. So, it planted the seed in my mind about someday doing that race. Everyone I know who’s done it says it is a truly world-class, big city race on par with NYC marathon, so they recommended it highly. And, lastly, I’ve never been to Chicago.
We had a few sessions so far and it looks like a fun, but small team. (I guess that means I need to keep recruiting.) Hopefully, a few more people will sign up before we get too deep into the season.
Team Sylvia
Another new thing for me this season is I’ve joined a team within Team in Training. Sylvia C is a strong, brave woman who is a 2X cancer survivor. She is currently going through stem cell therapy and having a rough time. So, our team manager asked a bunch of us if we’d raise money in her honor so she could have a grant named after her. Our goal is $100,000. If we hit this number, she will be able to direct how the money is distributed. Due to the large number of blood cancers, most honorees choose their specific disease. In her case, I think it’s acute myeloid leukemia (AML): a cancer of the bone marrow and blood that progresses quickly without treatment. It should be a fun experience and really emphasizes why we’re doing this. We’re doing it for Sylvia!
I’ve met most of my peeps and everyone seems fully engaged and committed to the cause. I also have a lot of alumni, which certainly allows me to focus more on the new people. But everyone seems to get along and I think we’re going to have a great season. Wish us luck, and if you’re reading this and haven’t already supported me this season, please consider donating $26.20 or more in honor of my marathon mileage!