Back Together

Last weekend was the Long Island Marathon and I am happy to report, 10 of the Freeport Nautical Milers participated.  I wasn't able to be there (but was present in spirit) because I raced in Alabama.  That meant there were some pretty sore legs last week so the team took a break.  I sure did miss my friends.
This morning was the first time we were back together and when the alarm went off at 4:20 am, I jumped out of bed.  I didn't realize how much I missed the company, the banter, the speed, the ability to run down the middle of street without traffic... the team spirit.
So great to be back together again.  At least until the next marathon.

I was so excited this past Wednesday, May 8 was World Ovarian Cancer Day.  Taken from their website:
On this day, ovarian cancer organizations from around the world will unite to educate their communities about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. For women living with the disease, and their families and friends, World Ovarian Cancer Day will build a sense of solidarity in the fight against the disease.
At least 20 countries got on board. And this will only grow with each year.  The response was fabulous and within the day the Facebook page had over 3000 Likes.  CNN and many of the national newspapers grabbed the story as well. 
It makes my campaign more meaningful because truth be told, sometimes I feel like an army of one.  This proves I am not alone out there.  We're all in this together and someday, maybe we won't have to fight this fight.  That's the dream; that's the goal.

The Most Difficult Race To Date

I chose races for location and time of year and one would think Alabama in May is a pretty safe bet. But a stalled cold front brought a high of 43 degrees, driving rain, sustained 18 mph winds and fog to the area this weekend. If it had been a local race, I would have rolled over in bed and skipped the event, like almost 100 entries did this morning.
Huddled together like penguins pre-race, the sound of teeth chattering and blue lips did nothing for my psyche. For a change, everyone couldn't wait to get into water, the easiest part of today's event. I dreaded leaving the safe haven of 55 degree water; usually too cold but today like bath water in comparison.
The bike hurt. The freezing rain stung my skin. Hypothermia was a realistic concern and the mountain climbs were relentless. My water bottle developed ice crystals and my nutrition almost froze. It almost didn't matter because my fingers were too cold to manipulate the distance to my mouth.
The run was welcome but attempting to take off my bike helmet and change shoes was almost comical. The pain in my hands to manipulate buckle and laces was almost too much to bear. My sneakers had no flexion due to cold, forcing a flat-foot run for the first two miles. The run was pseudo-cross-country through several miles of a rock covered path. The decision to run on rocks or on softer ground through questionable puddles occupied my every step.
And then it was over. By far the most bad-ass race I think I'll ever do. And state #43 done. Thanks to the local Sentinel and Lakeside Post for the articles. Next up, Kentucky. Weather forecast.... who knows?

New Beginnings

I was trying to think of a name for this post and several came to mind... 'The Game is On', 'Let the Season Begin' and in honor of this weekend's Kentucky Derby, 'And I'm Off'... but since this year is probably the most special, I wanted to have a less tongue-in-cheek tone.  It is indeed the new beginning of the 2013 triathlon season but hardly the beginning of this campaign.  In fact, it is the beginning of the end of what started as a whimsical idea to race around the country in celebration of my life.  Clearly it has turned into something much bigger than that.
Even though the campaign is winding down, my 50 states are almost complete and I am likely to raise the $100,000 I aimed for, the work is far from over.  Although scientists are closer than ever, there is still NO method of early detection for ovarian cancer.  But you probably already know that.  My official campaign may end this year but the mission to tell women about signs and symptoms and early detection is endless and will continue.
With that said this weekend is Alabama, representing state #43.

Circus Act



Flying through the air with the greatest of ease.... well, that was me this morning.  And similar to this little girl in the photo, I have a bandage on my elbow.  Not quite sure what happened but somewhere about mile 3, I tripped on something and went flying into the air.  Took the brunt of it on my elbow which is ripped up, black and blue and swelling quite nicely, thank you.  Also abrasions on my hands and hip.  My running team quickly came to my aid, made me sit still and assess and once cleared by them, we resumed our run.  I can't help feeling humbled and annoyed by the whole thing.  Next week's event weighs heavy on my mind and this kind of thing just plays tricks with my head.  It could have been so much worse so for that, I am grateful.