The LIVESTRONG Chics Annual Swim, Bike & Ride to Kick Cancer

This past Saturday was the third anniversary of the LIVESTRONG Chics racing in our local  TriShark Triathlon as a relay team.

The LIVESTRONG Chics - me, Kelli & Christina

Several years ago, a fellow local LIVESTRONG fundraiser - and multiple Ride for the Roses qualifier - had obtained donated entries by the race director for him to create relay teams with the purpose of raising funds for LIVESTRONG.  A few years ago he mentioned to me that he would like a female team.  "What about me?" I asked.  I am a female after all, I fundraise for LIVESTRONG and have friends that I knew I could coerce into participating with me.

So the LIVESTRONG Chics were hatched.

All I needed to do was convince one of the Chics to complete the swim leg.  Yes, I can swim but I haven't swam laps in years.....and I would prefer to run or ride.  The past two years, my dear friends Christina and Kelli have taken turns swimming.

Our first year, Christina swam, Kelli rode my bike and I ran.  The next year we rotated roles - Kelli was our swimmer, I was the biker and Christina the runner.  This year it was my turn to swim but Kelli and Christina were willing to swim again.....so who was I to protest?

Off they go....

Turns out Kelli decided to attempt the entire triathlon.....so she was our swimmer.  For the record, the three Chics are all runners.  We have run numerous half marathons and several fulls together.  As a matter of fact, the Chics took LA by storm with me....and were greeted by quite a storm as we ran the LA Marathon this past March (that's a separate blog post itself).  So, although many of you may think big deal, she decided to complete the entire tri....to us runners, that is a HUGE deal!  (Kelli completed the full race although she had been sick the weeks preceding the event.....I am so proud of Swimmer Chic!).

Just before Swimmer Chic was to brave the cold lake water

In addition to the Chics, there are a few other LIVESTRONG relay teams.  Over the past few years we tend to see these guys just on race day....but the common bond of swimming, biking & running while fundraising for LIVESTRONG has created a sort of kinship.  We may not see each other often - once in awhile bumping into one another at the store or at the ball fields - but when all the LIVESTRONG teams converge under the our tent and don our LIVESTRONG gear, it's like old friends meeting up.

There is quite a different vibe under that LIVESTRONG tent.  We are ready to race but the intense pre-race nerves running through the blood of the other athletes seems to be missing with us.  However, underneath our calm exteriors and joking with one another is the true reason we are there.....all of us are there to honor someone we know that has unsuccessfully or is currently battling cancer.  It is personal to all of us....we are there to swim, ride and run for those that cannot.

This year my 7 year old cancer hating daughter decided to join us and be our cheerleader.  She wore a Team LIVESTRONG jersey, signed the LIVESTRONG banner, made a "In Memory" card for her father - which she proudly wore on her back, put LIVESTRONG stickers on people, and most importantly, she decided she wants to participate next year.

How completely awesome is that?  My 7-year old was inspired by all of us and wants to be part of a relay herself next year.  She is an example of someone effected terribly by cancer - her dad passed away the day before her first birthday.  Yet this little girl doesn't let anything get in her way.  She is NOT going to let the fact that cancer stole a lifetime with dad slow her down in anyway.  As a matter of fact, I think it has done quite the opposite.  She is more adventurous and never thinks anything is impossible.  Take that cancer!!

With my cheerleader, cancer hater & future triathlete!

But, Rachel certainly got me thinking......maybe I should create a kids triathlon here in town as a fundraiser for LIVESTRONG?  Hmmmmmm.....2012???

I am still reaching for my goal of raising $10,000 and am really close to breaking the $7,000 mark.  Won't you please help me support LIVESTRONG and the community of support and hope it creates for those like my daughter?  If so,click on the link below to go directly to my on-line LIVESTRONG fundraising page.
http://run.livestrong.org/teamls2011/barbarasimmons

Another 13.1 Bites the Dust....Team LIVESTRONG Pittsbugh Half Marathon

Two weeks ago my 16 year old son and I pulled out of our drive way in the dark and headed eastbound for Pittsburgh.

Our mission for this road trip:  To run another 13.1 miles as a member of Team LIVESTRONG and continue running for those that cannot because cancer has stolen them from us; to provide hope for those fighting each and every day to beat cancer; and most importantly, to support LIVESTRONG.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Another 13.1 miles down....for a total of 78.6 raced to raise over $6,000 for LIVESTRONG.  And another 121.4 to go before the end of the year with a goal of raising a minimum of $10,000.

Jay and I had never taken a road trip with just the two of us since he was in Kindergarten.....and that trip involved Paris and London.  Pittsburgh isn't nearly as glamorous but this time he was a teenager with a license....so his first road trip as a driver.


I had a great time chatting with him in the car, listening to him analyze the upcoming Bulls/Heat series and why Microsoft purchased Skype (what 16 year old knows this stuff??).  When did my little boy that was just interested in Legos and Star Wars become a young man?

Once we arrived in Pittsburgh - which is a BEAUTIFUL city....take time to visit it if you have the opportunity - I headed off the the convention center for the Expo.   Of course, in true Barb fashion, the clouds opened up as soon as we checked into our hotel....a torrential downpour that reminded me of the monsoon in LA.

After tracking down an umbrella and avoiding as many puddles as I could, I arrived at the Expo.  A very well organized event....and the coolest part?  All participants received "green" swag bags.  An e-mail arrived a few days prior to the event with links to all the coupons, etc that are normally in the bags.  Runners only received a few items at the Expo...bibs and shirts - great long sleeve tech shirts individualized for the 5K, Relay, Half or Full.  Off for a quick trip through the aisle of venders.  I've attended a lot of race expos and to be honest, for the most part, once you've been to one, you've been to them all.  But, there were some new venders at this event so it was a welcome surprise.

Next up....the LIVESTRONG booth.

I was greeted by three amazing LIVESTRONG employees.  I was asked prior to the weekend if I would relieve them for a few hours so they could attend an event for the charity groups.  What an honor!  I received my instructions and for the next two hours met fellow participants picking up their gear as well as loads of folks just passing by.  It was such an amazing experience to engage in conversation with individuals that were interested in LIVESTRONG, hear their experiences and answer questions about this outstanding organization.

Just as I was about to close up shop, I was greeted by my fellow LIVESTRONG teammate, Katie, and her husband, Scott.  Katie and Scott have been involved with LIVESTRONG for years and are captains of the team I participate on for the LIVESTRONG Challenge - Friends Fighting Cancer.  Check out their site to learn more about this group.

1000's of names on a wall but we were right by each other

A little history.....

Katie and Scott are bikers.  I was introduced to them by a mutual friend - that friend of mine here in town that encouraged me to read Lance Armstrong's book "It's Not About the Bike" and to get involved with the LIVESTRONG Challenges.  I showed up that first year in Austin not knowing anyone.  The Friends Fighting Cancer team welcomed me as one of their own.  And not being a biker, Katie helped me through that first 45 mile bike ride.

Fast forward to this past August.  There was a LIVESTRONG Challenge in Philadelphia and it landed on the anniversary of Brian's passing.  My 12 year old, 7 year old and I loaded up the van and headed to Philly.  Scott and Katie, and the FFC team, welcomed us with open arms....it was like we were with long lost friends.

Another trip to Austin this past year for another Challenge.....and this time Katie never left my side as we rode the 45 miles again - in hill country no less and 2 weeks after I had run the Chicago Marathon.  Not even when I collided with another biker (in front of Team RadioShack).  She hung with me while I signed away my life in order to obtain a band aid.   It was during this bike ride Katie mentioned that she wanted to start running again.

So.....when I signed up to run with Team LIVESTRONG for the Pittsburgh Half, Katie signed up as well.....and Scott signed up to volunteer at the event.

Fast forward back to Pittsburgh....

It was great to see my fellow cancer kickin' pals....and Katie is a true cancer kicker having survived cancer (check out her story here).   Katie had encountered an unfortunate injury which derailed her training a bit but was still determined to attempt the distance, even if she had to walk.  Once again demonstrating the LIVESTRONG attitude that allowed her to beat cancer.

Katie & I meeting Jeff Galloway

Another highlight of the weekend was walking through the Expo with Katie, turning a corner, and walking into Jeff Galloway.  For those of you wondering "who is Jeff Galloway?" he is a running guru that has created a training program which involves integrating periods of walking into your running.   I have never followed the program but do know others that have with great success, and this was the program Katie was following in her training.  A very approachable man and he provided  encouragement to both of us.

Katie, Scott & I carbing up

The sun eventually came out and we enjoyed spending time in Pittsburgh, including a great pre-race carbo loading meal outdoors.  The four of us met up for great conversation and food.  It was a very proud parent moment to see my oldest conversing with ease....and educating the three adults on a few topics.

Back to the hotel for a good night rest and prepare for race morning.  This involves quite a bit of watching weather forecasts....and second guessing myself several times on the most appropriate weather related outfit.  Oh, and most importantly, prepping my race shirt with my bib and the names of those I was running in honor and memory of.  Unfortunately, the list is getting much too long to wear with each event, but a full list can be found on the Tribute Wall within this blog.

 

Staying dry at the start

As is typical on race day for me, we were welcomed with clouds and scattered showers.  We pulled on throwaway ponchos and headed for our corral.  I was placed in a faster corral due to my previous race times, however, I had decided some time ago that I was sticking with Katie throughout the entire race.  She tried to get me to run my own race, but this particular race meant more to me than running yet another 13.1 at the same time I had the previous 16.

No, this was about accomplishing something with a friend that never left my side when I was doing something new - biking.  Katie NEVER considered peeling off from me.  She made sure I was doing ok throughout the ride, kept me company and gave me advise along the way.  I had no idea what all those gears were for....she educated me along the way.

It was payback time.
 

We chatted about a million different topics, did the run/walk Galloway method, high-fived kids, danced along with the bands on the course, made each other laugh, and 13.1 miles later.....we FINISHED!

Katie's first half marathon....showing cancer who is boss.....as she continues to LIVESTRONG!  One of my proudest finishes EVER!

Next up for me?  The North Shore Half Marathon in the Chicago suburb, Highland Park.....home of Ferris Bueller.  I doubt we will be running through backyards and hurtling hedges like Ferris did....but how appropriate to be RunningStrong for Hope to benefit LIVESTRONG in the town this movie was filmed.  A film that definitely is about living life to it's fullest.

I'm slowly but surely approaching my $7,000 goal for June......please consider donating any little bit you can....maybe forgo dinner or a movie?
Click here to donate to Barb's fundraising efforts for LIVESTRONG

One of my favorite signs in Pittsburgh......and I think many of my friends would agree this probably applies to me as I race 13.1 miles each month.

Another 13.1 Miles to Kick Cancer to the Curb

Last Saturday I found myself at the 50 yard line at Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois campus. 

I wasn't there for a football game but I was actually winning a game against cancer. 

I had just finished the Illinois Half Marathon - my April race for my RunningSTRONG for Hope Coast to Coast Tour benefiting LIVESTRONG.   I started out in December with a goal to race 200 miles against cancer.  To date, I have raced a total of 65.5 miles - from Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and now Champaign, IL.  I have run in sunshine, monsoon rains, around an ice rink and in 40 mph winds.

And along the way have raised $5,500 for LIVESTRONG.

A very important fact about this race.....the rain on my parade - I mean race - jinx was officially broken.  Although, I was running with my friend Kristin who tends to have a extreme heat curse of her own during her races, so perhaps our bad weather patterns just canceled each other out.....and brought along 40 mph wind gusts.

Yes, you read that correctly.  No monsoon or hurricane rains this time....but none stop wind....and the occasional 40 mph gusts.  But, let's keep in mind why I'm embarking on this journey. 

• It isn't for PRs - although I did get one in Vegas and would have been rather close this past weekend if I didn't have a untimely upset stomach.
• It isn't for the competition - although I suppose I am a bit competitive at times.  
• It isn't for the race day swag.
• It isn't for the exotic locale - nothing against Illinois but Champaign is far from exotic.  If I was looking for exotic, I would find a race in Hawaii. 

 

No.....it was for LIVESTRONG.  Every step I take, every line I toe, every time I lace up my shoes, pull on my gear is for LIVESTRONG.  It is to bring awareness and raise funds for an organization that has done more to bring cancer into worldwide discussions, identify and provide resources those fighting and surviving cancer.  

The following story is not mine but was recently shared with me and provides a great example of the resources LIVESTRONG provides with the dollars I raise - and you donate!

"Four and a half years ago I heard the words: “you have cancer.” I had gone through a miscarriage at five months pregnant and had no time to grieve. Shortly thereafter came my diagnosis and I began treatment for ovarian cancer. I was only 31, and all of my decisions were connected to this six letter word.

It was during that time that a friend told me to call LIVESTRONG as they could help with many questions about my diagnosis such as: Am I entitled to a second opinion or third opinion? How do I talk to my insurance company about things not covered? My job is having me go on medical leave of absence, with 30% of my pay, how do I make things work for me financially? I can’t work out in a gym right now while in chemo, are there any options for me to stay connected with my fitness? I only needed to call one number, and I was directed to great resources that I believe saved my life four years ago. I was able to talk with social workers who helped guide me through each of my questions. And the best part about this resource—it’s absolutely free". 

LIVESTRONG Navigation offers free service in English and Spanish for people who need help moving through their cancer journey. You can call 855.220.7777 or fill out an online intake form. This is what our efforts are going towards....what every dollar I raise,  every step I take during my training and races.

Please consider supporting my efforts so we can continue to provide resources like these to those that we love or perhaps ourselves as these three words "You have cancer" are mouthed by doctors around the world. Please join me in helping others make the mountain of decisions they are faced as they take in these awful words.

http://run.livestrong.org/teamls2011/barbarasimmons

My next race is in 10 days and I am just $250 shy of the $6,000 mark.  Can we make it to $7,500 before I toe the line in Pittsburgh surrounded by 100 other Team LIVESTRONG runners?

Donate in honor of your mother for Mother's Day.  Pass up one margarita on Cinco de Mayo and donate the cost.  Celebrate a cancer survivor's birthday with a donation.

Any donations made in honor of an individual will be added to the RunningSTRONG for Hope Tribute wall.

My Swim through Los Angeles.....The Honda LA Marathon

26.2 miles in sunny California....a trip to Los Angeles.....sightseeing while running.....all for Team LIVESTRONG.  Sign me up! 

Those were the thoughts that went through my head back in November when I was planning my RunningStrong for Hope race schedule.    Flash forward 5 months....and a major reality check.....monsoon-like rain and wind, chilled to the bone, and an extra 10 pounds in my suitcase when I returned home from the water soaked race clothes and shoes I wore during the race.

After months of training and raising over $4,000 for LIVESTRONG, I headed off to Los Angeles.  I was joined by the LIVESTRONG Chics - my two dear friends that take turns doing the swim portion of a local triathlon relay we compete in to raise funds for LIVESTRONG.

The weather forecast was none to pleasant.....50's and rain predicted all weekend.   Hmmm....not the vision I had in my mind back in November. (check out the videos at the end of my post to see what the weather was really like)

Sunday morning started off with a very early wake-up call....3:45 am....in order to catch a shuttle to Dodger Stadium from Santa Monica, a very short 26 miles away (it seems quite a bit shorter driving the distance).  A very seamless transition which is often a stressful start to marathon morning.

The LIVESTRONG Chics at Dodger Stadium before the start

Once at Dodger Stadium, it was off to find the Team LIVESTRONG Suite - a very cool perk the marathon provided for charities.  Instead of sitting in the hallways or stands of the stadium as rain came down intermittently, I was in a nice warm suite with the company of some truly amazing people.

This was by far the highlight of my marathon experience.....meeting the other members of Team LIVESTRONG.  We had never met one another prior to this morning; all had different journeys that brought us to that suite at Dodger Stadium but we were all there for a common cause - to show cancer who was boss.

Some of us were cancer survivors, some caregivers, others had loved ones stolen by cancer.....cancer had impacted each and every one of us....and we were inspired by one another.   Each had our own personal reasons for taking on 26.2 miles but cancer was the villain in each story. 

Friendships were formed in that suite during the early morning hours of March 20th.....more LIVESTRONG friendships - always a favorite outcome to every LIVESTRONG event I have attended.

Eventually it was time to say good-bye to all my fellow cancer fighters and head down to the starting corrals.  A group of us headed to the start together and three of us actually ran together for sometime.  The goal was obviously to get to mile 26.2 however my short-term goal was set on mile 17 where the LIVESTRONG crew was waiting for us to pass by.

Nice, dry and still smiling at the start

The rain started almost simultaneous with the start of the race.  It was on and off for the first 10 miles - at times drizzling and other times a down and out downpour.  But, at least I wasn't hot!  My main concern after training in the Illinois winters was how I would run in the heat and blazing California sun.  This obviously wasn't a concern.....and actually I had run my 20 mile training run in very similar conditions...thanks Mother Nature! (see On the Road to LA...Team LIVESTRONG Training for the LA Marathon)

I knew there would be a few hills.....but I certainly wasn't prepared for the number of hills I encountered in LA.  In hindsight, I should have pulled back a little in the first half to save my legs for the second half (which wasn't nearly as hilly) but I charged up those hills.....and unfortunately my quads were feeling those hills in the last 8 miles.  Note to self - when training on a treadmill, occasionally hit the incline button.

One very cool memory of this race was all the people standing out in the pouring down rain volunteering at water stops and others lining the course cheering.  As I was running along through Beverly Hills - drinking in the sights - I happened to notice someone wearing a Ride for the Roses jacket.  Wait a second.....I know someone from RFTR that lives in the area.  So I turned and shouted his name.....and amazingly enough it was him!  How bizarre!  A great surprise and an opportunity to catch up for a few moments as my Movember friend ran alongside me for a few moments.  At mile 22, I heard my name and turned to see a friend I have known since I was in grade school  She stood out in the pouring rain waiting for me to pass by......and then stayed out there to wait for the other LIVESTRONG Chics to pass by as well.  Her mother was one of the individuals I was honoring on my back during this little "jog."

Speaking of those I honored, check out the RunningStrong for Hope tribute wall to see the names of those that journeyed through the rain along with me in spirit.

Eventually I finished.....I really wasn't in any hurry.  Between the weather and the hills, I really adjusted any expectations I had to get a great time.....so I took extra time to enjoy the sights, chat with others along the course, stop to visit with the LIVESTRONG crew and my friends cheering.

As I crossed the finish line, I began to choke up a bit as I remembered why I was tackling this race to begin with.  I whispered to myself as tears began to form ....."This is for you Brian."  

I may have been a bit soggy and sore, but in the long run, the steps I took through the rain, puddles and wind were nothing compared to the challenges Brian, Mom, Dad and my sister Janet - along with the 28 million worldwide living with cancer - endured as they fought a great battle against cancer.  This was a small sacrifice I made on one rainy day to honor the lives of those stolen from my life.

I am forever grateful to all the support my friends have provided me with not only your monetary donations to LIVESTRONG but the emotional support during my preparation for this race, during the race.....and most importantly over the past 7 years.

Another 26.2 miles down.....147.6 miles to go.

Next up.....the Illinois Half Marathon in Champaign, IL on April 30th.  I hope to raise another $1,000 for this race.
Click here to donate to support Barb's RunningStrong for Hope benefiting LIVESTRONG

LIVESTRONG everyone!

Running in Circles.....or Should I Say Ovals?

My January half marathon is in the books....another 13.1 miles down.....173.8 miles to go.

For those of you that haven't been keeping up, I am running a half or full each month for a total of 200 miles raced in 2011 to raise funds for LIVESTRONG.   It is my RunningSTRONG for Hope Coast to Coast Tour.   The number of miles is significant.  They represent the total number of years my father, mother, sister and husband all lived before cancer stole each of them from my life.

My December race in Vegas was a PR (that's a personal record for those non-runners following my adventure)....and this past weekend was also a PR.....a PR for an indoor half marathon.  Of course, it is the ONLY indoor half marathon I have ever competed in....but hey, a PR is a PR. 

This also marked my 16th half marathon....and was by far the most difficult.  Yep, it even beat out Nashville which to date I always considered my toughest.  Nashville = hills, IceBreaker = flat.  So, hills vs flat....flat should win every time right?  Well, Nashville had some scenery.  The IceBreaker had an ice rink.  Yes, there was some scenery.  There were a few Olympic speed skaters in spandex flying by from time to time (I will admit....they were a nice view....but variety does count over the course of 2 hours).

This was hands down the most unique experience I have ever encountered in a race.....well, with the exception of the Muddy Buddy.  47.7 laps around a speed skating rink on a makeshift track in Milwaukee, WI, in January.

Note the speed skaters on the rink.   This is NOT me by the way.

Wondering how I kept track of those laps?  Well, thank goodness I didn't have to count them myself.  Each runner wears a chip that tracks the number of laps, which are then posted on a large screen.  If you are lucky, you may see your name and number of laps completed flash up while running by.  I unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - was never so lucky.  Turns out there was a glitch of some sort with my chip and the computer...but thankfully the chip was counting the laps.  Mix some very diligent race staff with a a little elbow grease and my laps were identified.  It was very odd to be running a 13 mile race and have no idea how far along I was.  By the time it was all straightened out, I was 11 miles in.  It was pretty exciting to realize I only had two remaining....8 more laps.  Although at times it was nice not knowing how many dreaded laps remained, it did make it more difficult mentally to not know what pace I was running, when to take my gels, hydrate, etc.   But, I just went with feel.....which is probably a better approach to take - but just a different approach than I normally use.

This was a very well run event.  There was a 5K, 2 half marathons, a marathon relay and a full marathon over the course of 3 days.  About 200 people competed in the half but the group was split into two races.  The start was crowded but thinned out rather quickly.  Slower runners stayed to the right and faster runners passed on the left.    Each runner provided their own water bottle labeled with their bib number as cups were not allowed on the track.  A wonderful, enthusiastic - and organized - volunteer group manned the table and handed off bottles as requested by the runners. Great concept and it worked remarkably well.  I cannot say enough about the volunteers and race staff....they were awesome....cheering us along the entire time.

A few other highlights:

• Although it was single digits outside with snow and wind, the temperatures inside were perfect for running.... about 50 degrees.
• No head phones allowed (I don't run races with my I-pod anyways but the monotony of a track workout does require some music) but the race officials were prepared and had a great selection of songs cranked up for the endurance of the race. 
• Interesting facts about some of the runners were shared by the announcer; such as, first time dad, Black Hawk season ticket holder, running with their spouse/mother/sibling.....and running a half marathon every month to raise money for LIVESTRONG.  Yes....they announced me - VERY exciting.  
• The other runners.....in most races you pass by someone, notice a funny or inspiring  t-shirt, talk to a few along the way.....but never see them again.  It was great to see everyone for the entire race - and provide encouragement....and receive encouragement.  There was a "bond" among the runners....similar to that bond that exists on the bike rides at the LIVESTRONG Challenges.  

But the BEST part of this race?  Well hands down, no competition.....the BEST part was seeing my daughter - that 7-year old "Cancer is Bad" spitfire of mine.

Making the turn and seeing her standing along the wall, giving me a thumbs up, holding up her handmade "Go Mom" and "Go Packers" signs (not sure how she became a Packers fan living in Illinois but I suspect there is a 2nd grade boy responsible for that), and the occasional high five.  Yes, that was the BEST part of this race.

Nothing better than seeing one of my inspirations for embarking on this adventure standing there cheering me on.  This is the same little girl that I shared on an earlier post about her views on cancer..." Cancer is bad" and "Cancer hurts families."  Although this race was difficult, it most certainly wasn't as difficult as the pain her father felt or the emptiness she feels for her father.  Nor was it as difficult as the battle those 28 million living with cancer deal with on a daily basis....including a amazing and inspiring LIVESTRONG friend that was recently diagnosed with yet another round of cancer.  This race I ran in her honor....and in honor of the 28 million....and in memory of those that we have all lost.

Another 173.8 miles to go....please consider supporting me along the way....over 80 cents of every dollar donated is given back to organizations in our communities to help those with cancer SURVIVE!  Any amount helps!
Click here to support Barbara's efforts for LIVESTRONG 

The Vegas Half Marathon....13.1 down, 186.9 miles to go

In the words of Conan O'Brien (yes, Conan is my philosopher today), "Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen."  Wow...this simple statement applies to every aspect of my life.  My life has turned out quite differently that I expected but somehow things always turn out okay, partially due to the amazing friends I surround myself with.  How true this statement is when applied to my solo adventure to Las Vegas to run the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon.  A trip that had a lot of additional meaning to it, as I've mentioned in previous posts.

I often say "things happen for a reason" and I have several friendships - with many of you by the way - that happened under strange and unusual circumstances.....circumstances that required so many other circumstances and events aligning up prior to our meeting to have occurred.  More recent occurrences are meeting a new friend at a Chicago Marathon Team LiveStrong event just because we happened to sit at the same table and while talking, discovered we have a mutual friend.  Another while running the 5K at the Philadelphia LiveStrong Challenge with my daughter and a stranger (now a dear friend) starting conversation with Rachel because of her birthday hat.  And meeting two cool LiveStrong fundraisers from Michigan while dodging the Austin LiveStrong Challenge 5K runners to get to the finish line refreshments.  So I am a true believer that someone is watching over me and that things do happen for a reason.

I happened to experience one of these "things happening for a reason" on my flight to Las Vegas.  I was flying on Southwest (because is there any better airline??) and, for those of you that you that have missed out on flying the best domestic airline, seats are not assigned, you just pick your preference as you board.  I am a window seat person and will go all the way to the back of the plane to sit by a window even if there is a open seat closer in the front.  I just prefer to look out at the clouds, the buildings and hopefully some majestic sights on occasion.  In this case, there happened to be a window seat open near the front.  I assumed it was taken but when I asked the aisle seat occupant, it was wide open.  So I plunked myself down....and as in the true Barb fashion that mortifies my children, I started chatting with the woman on the aisle.  And we kept chatting.....until someone asked for the middle seat - even though there were lots of window and aisle seats still available.

But, the chatting did not conclude....instead, it was as though we were three long lost friends that reunited on the plane.  As we continued to talk, we realized we all had a lot in common.  All three of us were going through some "personal rebirth" of sorts.  My new friend in the middle was also a widow and her husband passed away suddenly about the same number of years ago as Brian.  Granted, Brian didn't pass away suddenly but I would consider a two week span from diagnosis to passing as sudden in the cancer community.  However, at least I was able to say goodbye and come to terms with it - if you can call it that.  Other similarities, we both were living in communities with great friends for support but no family, both had relocated halfway across the country to the Midwest (her from CA and myself from PA), both had children still dealing with the loss of their dads and at different stages, both were in the process of accepting that we needed to make decisions for ourselves,  and both felt a bit guilty for being ready to move on with our lives.  I have NEVER since Brian's passing had a conversation with someone that understood my struggles of being a widow raising children as she did. 

Traveling alone allowed me to make these new friendships.....and I know I would have missed out on this amazing connection if I had been with a group.  It was this realization that "good things happen when you meet strangers."  But, in order for these good  things to happen, you need to make yourself open to them.
 
This was one of the quickest flights I've ever been on.  When we landed in Las Vegas, I didn't feel as though I was alone....not the least bit lonely but stronger than I was when I boarded the plane and excited about the continued possibilities of this weekend adventure.

The Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon.....the real reason I was on this trip....to begin my "2011 LiveStrong Coast to Coast Tour"....RunningStrong for Hope - hope for those 28 million worldwide living with cancer that cannot run a full or half marathon to kick cancer's butt.

Saturday was a typical day before a race.  I checked into my hotel (The Wynn, which is an amazing hotel and casino) and received the most outstanding level of service.  It was as though I was the only guest or maybe the staff could see that this was a life changing trip for me?  I have a feeling the level of service is typical for every guest, but boy, did I love it!  I received an upgrade - perhaps I looked like a big time gambler....boy were they fooled!  I headed up to my room, relaxed a bit then headed over to the expo and met up with a few friends that were also in Vegas for the race.  Once I picked up my packet, checked out the booths, I headed off to to have a carbo loading dinner and my typical night before the race glass of wine.  I landed at The Mirage and while having dinner, enjoyed watching all the "cowboys" in town for a Rodeo.  What a interesting pairing....runners and cowboys.  Looked like a lot of the cowboys were still celebrating Movember - wearing the face of men's health with a variety of mustaches.  I have a feeling many of them were not aware of the significance of their facial hair, but I thought about the importance of Movember and wondered how much more money could be raised if we recruited some of these cowboys. 

A few rounds in the casino - proving I am not a big time gambler  -  and I headed to my room for the pre-race prepping.....bib on shirt, chip on shoes, lay out items for morning - watch, gloves, hat, etc, pack a bag for post-race....check, check, check and check.  Then off to sleep on the 59th floor with the lights of Vegas blinking outside my window.

The alarm seemed to go off a bit too early but I actually had one of the first restful and relaxing nights sleep in several days.  After I made my typical race day statement "whose idea was this" and "I don't want to get out of bed to run", I dragged myself up with the darkness looming outside my window.  Once dressed, I headed down to the lobby - and met three men from Milwaukee who had also recently run the Chicago Marathon.  You expect to arrive in a lobby filled with runners, but of course this was Vegas.  As I headed to the shuttle, I was greeted with cheers of "Run Fast!" and "Good Luck!" from the casino tables.  This lobby was filled with those still enjoying their Saturday night.....and hopefully having some luck that could rub off on me!

The weather conditions were a bit chilly for Las Vegas but perfect for a race.  It was in the low 40s but then again, the sun still hadn't risen.  Once I arrived at the start, I found a McDonald's to seek shelter from the chilly morning, bought a coffee and settled in a booth for the next hour.  Apparently this was not a novel idea.  Soon the restaurant was filled with other runners.  Quite a melting pot - I met two runners from Mexico (who looked prepared to run the Chicago lakefront in January), two from Canada (dressed much differently than the Mexicans), and others from across the US.  It was quite a social scene.

Soon the sun began to rise and time to line up at the start.  I waited until the last moment then headed over to Corral 8, where I promptly noticed a Fabio wanta-be dressed in a Speedo swimsuit next to me.  I'm sure he'll appear in many of my race photos from the start - but I suppose that won't be as bad as my friend's photos from the Chicago Marathon finish with a giant male body part behind her.  I started chuckling when I saw him and noticed a woman next to me doing the same.  We talked for a minute or two before the start and it turns out she was also here by herself from L.A.  None of her friends were interested in running/traveling to Vegas so she just decided to go alone.   Bizarre that we were both there under the same circumstances and standing next to each other among the 30,000 runners at this race - a third of which seemed dressed as Elvis.

The race went really well....surprisingly well.  The conditions were perfect - flat (and I mean FLAT), lots of support along the way, great views between the strip and the mountains beyond, great music, enthusiastic volunteers at the aid stations, weather couldn't have been better, considerate and friendly runners,.and just a well run race.  I felt great along the way and every time I looked at my watch I was surprised...my watch must have been impacted by the large numbers running and the buildings....there was no way I was running this quickly.  Not after nursing an injury the past few months and only training on the treadmill.  But, I kept thinking I better not take a chance....maybe it was right.  I was feeling no pain - all those trips to the chiropractor obviously were working and perhaps the runs on the treadmill were really acting as speed work for me.  Maybe I was running this fast afterall.  As it turns out, I was ran my fastest half - took a full minute off my previous PR.   Not what I was expecting, but I;m not complaining!

Of course, this isn't why I was running - to beat a personal best time - but I'd take it!  The real reason - and I kept these thoughts with me all along the way - was for the 28 million that cancer was causing havoc to their lives.  For those that were suffering and fighting a very awful and unfair opponent, for those Survivors that flattened their opponent and for those that put up a great battle but unfortunately couldn't last another round.  I have loved ones in all these categories and I kept thinking along the way how the pain I was feeling was absolutely NOTHING compared to the pain that #$%& cancer was or did cause them to feel.  This is why I was running this race....why I'm embarking on this 2011 challenge....every step of the way.  To let cancer know who is in charge.....US!!!

13.1 down.....186.9 to go!

Please support me in my RunningStrong fundraising efforts to provide hope for the 28 million living with cancer

http://run.livestrong.org/teamls2011/barbarasimmons