“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch-what make you go beyond the norm.”
This year I am taking on a new challenge. Not that running a half marathon every month or running full marathons is not challenging....they are.
I lost a bet....a bet that in hindsight, I am actually glad that I lost.
Last year I entered into a little wager with some cycling friends of mine. They offered up to each run a marathon in exchange for me riding RAGBRAI - a 7 day bike ride across the state of Iowa. I took them up on it but recognized that running a marathon is hard - even for a runner like myself. So, I let them off the hook a little. They just needed to each run a half marathon.
Well, they all did. And I think they all appreciated how difficult running can be.
And I am glad that they accomplished this goal. All three tried something new. All three worked extremely hard at being successful.
And better yet, I am taking on a challenge I NEVER would have considered before.
And I am excited about it!
I am not very comfortable as a cyclist (first of all, it took me three years and some coaching by one of these friends to learn to call myself a cyclist instead of a biker). I don't understand all the intrincities of cycling. Running - piece of cake. I put on my shoes and go. Well, I guess it really isn't that easy, but when you are comfortable with something, it is easy, right?
So, I am allowing myself to get out of my comfort zone. This July, I will be riding 471.1 miles across July, more than likely in the middle of a Midwest heatwave. In addition, I'll be pitching a tent each evening.....this is actually more scary for me! I don't mind camping, as long as someone else is doing all the setting up. So, yet another challenge for me.
Isn't life about getting out of your comfort zone? I think so. And this is exactly what I need....to push myself out of my comfort zone...to get "unstuck." Just one of many changes I'll be making this year - but that is another blog post entirely!
Not only am I riding across Iowa as a challenge to myself, but also to spread awareness about LIVESTRONG and raise funds to allow this outstanding organization to provide support to those battling cancer.
I am still "RunningSTRONG" as I'll be doing a few running events this year - Hood to Coast and the Chicago Marathon - but my focus will be on the bike. I'm "RunningSTRONG on Two Wheels"...it is the year of the bike!
More details to come but there will be several opportunities for you to provide support to me along the way. I plan on blogging about my journey as well as share more information about LIVESTRONG.
I will be riding 471.1 miles for cancer survivors.....do you have someone you would like me to ride for? If so, keep following....more details to come!
I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hope you'll follow along!
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
....and my 16 year old son, Jay, and I will be embarking on our first road trip without the rest of the crew.
Destination: Pittsburgh....the location for my May half marathon.
Six months ago I came up with this crazy idea to run a half or full marathon each month to raise funds for LIVESTRONG. I was already planning on raising the funds for LIVESTRONG - I had done this for several years. But, I wanted to do something different this year.
As I did in Los Angeles a few months ago, I will be participating as a member of Team LIVESTRONG. Running alongside others with a common goal - we all hate cancer and are supporting the LIVESTRONG mission.
I have always taken a few weekends a year for myself....my way of keeping my sanity....and would work in a race in some fun destination with friends during that weekend. Over the years I have run through The French Quarter, down the Vegas Strip, through Churchill Downs, around the Indy 500 track, on an island in Oregon, crawled through mud at a farm in Northern IL, rode my bike up and down the Texas Hill Country.
.....and Jay has never seen me compete in any of them.
My younger two, Rachel and Nolan, have participated in 5Ks with me and gone to a few local half marathons and cheered me at the finish. Last August, Nolan joined me on a 25 miles bike ride on his mountain bike through the hilly Philly LIVESTRONG Challenge course in the pouring rain a day after Rachel celebrated her 7th birthday by running her first 5K with me.
I'm excited to embark on this adventure with Jay. Eight hours in a car with a teenager does not sound enticing but I am really excited about it. Only two more years and he will be off to college, and if he is anything like his mom or dad, he will only be home for holidays. The one-on-one time with Jay has been very limited since his father passed away.
I'm excited for Jay to see the energy surrounding a LIVESTRONG event....to meet other people that are running for those that cannot....that are spending their free time training and fundraising. I'm hoping that this experience will allow him to understand a bit more WHY I am so committed to LIVESTRONG and what volunteering for a cause you believe in means.
What do you do to encourage volunteerism with your children?
That got your attention, now didn't it. "Make a fool of Barb? How do I sign up for that?" Sounds pretty enticing, huh? Read on....
As you are all aware if you have been following this blog, I am running a half marathon or full marathon each month this year to raise funds and awareness for LIVESTRONG. My goal is a minimum of $10,000 and my stretch goal is $15,000.
To date, together we have raised just over $5,000 (although my fundraising site only shows $4,700 at this time, there are funds en-route that I am aware of). At my halfway point already....woo whoo!!
So, on to more important matters....how do we go about making a fool of Barb?
My next race is on April 30th....the Illinois Half. Which will be attended by A LOT of local runners.....a lot of people that know me.....so what a better time and place to make a fool of myself?
Here's the deal:
If I raise $6,000 by race day, I will wear a race outfit chosen by one of my donors
Which donor?
Those that donate $50 between now and April 20th will be entered into a drawing. The donor selected from that drawing will have the honors of selecting my outfit.
If you make a $100 donation, you receive two entries, $150 = 3 entries, etc.
How do you participate?
Make an online donation using the link below. I'll receive an e-mail notifying me of your donation. Please be sure to include your e-mail when you make the donation so I can notify you when you win! Oh, and let me know if you want me to dedicate my run to anyone you've lost to cancer, a survivor or someone currently battling this awful disease.
Why of course. Remember I am representing LIVESTRONG and my RunningStrong for Hope so please chose an outfit that is not inappropriate. But, those that know me well, know I'm pretty game for almost anything.
OH, and the first $50 donation that is made today (April 1st) will be matched by me....and that donor will get two entries to the drawing.....so if you REALLY want to make a fool of me, be quick!
If we surpass $6,000, I'll be sweetening the pot.....but more to come on that!
Please share this with anyone you know that hates cancer and wants to kick it's ass!
Any suggestions on what I should wear? Please post a comment if you have one!
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.
It has definitely been a bit warmer these days....although anything above single digits and minus zero wind chills will feel warmer.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the spring-like weather I encountered while completing a long run in Chicago.....with 20 inches of snow from the blizzard a week earlier piled up everywhere....and slowly melting causing major puddles, slush and mud patches.
Regardless, training for a marathon in Central Illinois in the winter is tough. Mother Nature apparently does not care that I am training to run in a Team LIVESTRONG event....raising over $3,000 to date. Or maybe she does care....and wants me to toughen up....and be more aware that the difficulties I am facing while running are nothing in comparison to those fighting cancer.
Since that unseasonable warm day a few weeks ago, I have since completed 2 additional long runs in my training for the Honda LA Marathon.
The first - an 18 miler in some much cooler weather (30's but with lots of wind) was broken into two separate legs. A rather fast 10 miler (well it felt fast considering I had an additional 8 miles to go after wards) with two of my running crew. We were in a pretty open area and it was difficult to escape the famous Midwest wind. My hip flexers were feeling it in the last 3 miles as we ran directly into the wind.
I moved locations for the remaining 8 - jumped into my car for a quick jaunt to our local running trail that runs between a wooded area so I was afforded a little protection from the wind.....along with bathroom and water accessibility at our Amtrak station. Another major drawback to marathon length long runs in the winter - all the porta potties are removed from the trail and the water fountains turned off. I definitely have to "plan" quite a bit more on these runs than I ever need to in the spring, summer and fall.
That last 8 miles went considerably well and I felt great all along the way. So good that I was on the treadmill the next day for an "easy" 3 miler that turned into speedwork.....and actually made it to a CrossFit class on Monday. Take that 18 miler!
This past weekend a 20 miler was on the schedule. I was feeling rather tired on Saturday morning and had absolutely no motivation. "So, I run on Sunday morning instead," I thought as I poured another cup of coffee and curled up under a blanket to watch the past weeks DVR selections. This was the first Saturday in months that there was no basketball game, practice, play, rehearsals, set-design, speech tournaments, etc, etc, etc. This is a rare occurrence and I was set on relaxing.
I woke up Sunday morning after having a full 12 hours of sleep (what????) and still feeling rather sluggish. A few in my running group were going out at noon so I thought I would join them....and enjoy another lazy morning (this could become addicting). A plan to meet others was perfect motivation because it was a rather dreary day....certainly a great one to again escape under a blanket with a book, movie or puzzle.
Soon it was noon. Off we went. It was overcast and chilly, but not too bad overall. After stopping in at the train station 4 miles in to our run, we were greeted with a torrential downpour. Certainly this would have been a welcome surprise it it was July but not today. 30 degrees is perfect for running.....but not when it is raining. One of the LIVESTRONG Chics was with me (the Swimmer Chic)....she and the other Chic are joining me for the Honda LA Marathon. Swimmer Chic had a 16 mile run to complete so, again, off we went. The others were doing a short 10 miles and turned back soon after the rain began.
This was not the same experience I had in Chicago or the week before (see A Much Needed Break from Winter....Has Spring Sprung?). I had only one gel with me and had forgotten to grab a Gatorade....so water pretty much hydrated the two of us along the way. (A mistake I will NEVER make again!). Oh, and lets not forget the driving rain and wind along with the chills we were both feeling as a result of that weather. Our muscles were just plain tight....there was no changing that....our clothes were soaked through and through. But onward we went.....pushed by each other and the goal of getting to LA.
Once I got to the 16 mile mark with Swimmer Chic, I could have easily stopped (my car was just a few steps away). But the thought of getting just 4 miles away from completing a 20 miler....and having to think about doing it next weekend instead....propelled me forward. I won't kid you, those last 4 miles were not fun. I strategically ran an out and back route with a bit of a hill on it so I could take advantage of the downhill and wind to my back on the return. 1.25 miles remaining.
I kept pushing myself....reminding myself that the last 6 miles of the marathon wouldn't be any easier (although I am hoping that it may be a bit warmer in LA??) and once again, the thoughts of the pain those I love endured in their battles against cancer reminded me that this feeling for the last 1.25 miles was just an inconvenience to me....it wasn't life or death. So get your butt moving Barb!
Just another reminder of why I am running this race....thanks Mother Nature!
And thanks to all my supporters.....we have hit the $3,000 mark.....can we get to $4,000 before the race? Please use the link below if you would like to make an on-line donation. http://run.livestrong.org/teamls2011/barbarasimmons
I cannot believe the generosity I have received this past two weeks:
AMAZING OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT....this bit of generosity blows me away the most.....over $2,200 in donations to my LIVESTRONG fundraising. Over $1,200 in ONE week! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! This is a cause that is VERY near and dear to me....and I am always speechless that others are willing to support me so effortlessly. THANK YOU! I am 1/5th of my goal of $10,000....although my stretch goal is $15,000. Can we raise $3,500 before I head to Los Angeles to run the marathon on March 20th??
Outstanding customer service.....It didn't appear as outstanding service when my flight was canceled due to blizzard conditions. After being dropped numerous times by American Airline employees and voicing frustration on Twitter, an amazing Social Media representative jumped in and took ownership of my issue....which resulted in me getting rebooked on the only flight American was able to get into my little town in the days following the blizzard.
LIVESTRONG Assembly....I was eventually able to make it to Austin, TX...better late than never (I love Austin.....it is one of those cities I would pick up my family and drop everything if the opportunity presented itself....no questions asked). I was in Austin to attend the LIVESTRONG Assembly - a gathering of over 700 advocates - mentors, leaders, partners. I was there as a first year mentor. The energy surrounding any LIVESTRONG event is always very rejuvinating....and if you've read my earlier post How LIVESTRONG Saved Me from the Tilt-a-Whirl, you'll understand why I am so grateful for this opportunity. I continue to meet the most inspiring individuals at these events and am constantly in awe of their accomplishments. As much as I wish we didn't need to have an event like this, it is such an uplifting experience to be surrounded by others with a common interest....that "get" my situation, and can understand where I am coming from when I talk about my concerns and struggles.
And last....but not least....the friends that surround me on a daily basis - physically and virtually - that continue to remind me I a not alone, I am a strong woman, I am capable. My favorite quote of the week....Impossible = I'm Possible.
THANK YOU....I love you and appreciate you all being in my life!
