Thursday, April 12, 2012

Only Half Crazy

Well, it is official.  I will be running the Nike Women's Marathon on October 14, 2012.  Last night, I went to the Team In Training kick-off party for the race.  It was a fantastic night of pampering at Luminous Salon and Spa.  

We had our choice of services, including massage, manicures, and a wash and blow dry. There was wine, appetizers and desserts.  I enjoyed a massage and my hair looks fabulous.  There were raffles and I won a bottle of wine!  When my hair was done I filled out and paid for my entry fee for the race.  Let me tell you, it really felt good.  This has been what I have been working for and now it is really happening.

You couldn't help but enjoy the energy in the room.  People were there for all different reasons, but one reason was the same.  We are there working hard and raising money to help families whose lives have been affected by leukemia and lymphoma.  I cannot truly imagine what this dose to a family but I am blessed to know the Kane's.  We will be running on what would of been their daughters 16th birthday weekend.  We will be running to honor her memory and celebrate her life.  There is no better reason than that.

As a mother, I think it is easy to say that if I was in this situation, I would just break down and stop living.  However, when you talk to Mrs. Kane, you can't help but be inspired.  She has and continues to live her life with much purpose.  She does this because her daughter can't.  She has to live with meaning because of her 3 beautiful boys who need her to still and always be their mommy.  I can only guess that Mr. Kane makes this a little easier for her as they are the perfect team.  They love and support each other no matter what and, that to, is an inspiration.

I am nervous and excited about this race.  I have never raised money before and not sure what to expect.  I have been told it is easier then it sounds.  It will also be my first half and I just hope to finish.  I have no big desire to break records or tackle the hills like they are flat, we have all seen the rice-a-roni commercial, I expect them to kick my butt!
"Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco Treat"
But really, those things are just a small part of it.  I am going to do this, because I want to support my friend, Mrs. Kane.  I love her and her family and I am honored that she asked me to be a part of this.  I didn't know it, but the first time I wrote the words, "I am going to run a half marathon", this was the race it would be.  I don't think this will be my last half, but if it were, I could be happy with that.

A while back, I was asked to write a piece about Purposeful Running.  I talked about why I run and what keeps me going.  I said in that post that it is important to give back.  I am lucky that I can do what I love and still make a difference and for that I feel blessed.

I called this post, Only Half Crazy to be funny as I am only running the half in San Francisco, but I hope all you full marathoners know, I don't actually think you are crazy, I admire every single one of you, especially, Mrs. Kane who will be doing the full that weekend.  I plan to be waiting for her at the finish to celebrate with her our achievements and her little girls life.

Run strong, think big!


10 comments:

  1. AWESOME! Good for you. I look forward to following your blog and your progress! I am preparing to run my first 5k, so I am in AWE of your upcoming half! You're my hero ;)

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    1. Wow, thank you for the kind words, they really mean a lot to me. Thanks for reading!

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  2. You are such an inspiration! You can do it and you motivate so many others! Keep it up Mommy!!!

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    1. Thank you so much! I write this blog to motivate but to be motivated by all of you too. I so look forward to the next 6 months of training and sharing all the good and the bad with you. Thank you for reading, there is no better compliment.

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  4. Great job! I am so excited for you. I ran with TNT in 2004 and it was an amazing experience. What a great race to do also:) When I fundraised, I sent letters to everyone I knew asking for money and I got a great response. A letter is more tangible and personal and gives them something to hold in their hands to remember to send money. I would also put a link on your site to your fundraising page. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Hiker Mom! I will be working on my letter this weekend and I will have a link here and on my FB page as well. I am meeting with a TNT rep after vacation to go over some more fundraising ideas.

      I am glad you had such a positive experience with it in 2004. I have heard nothing but good and everyone I met so far has been wonderful.

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  5. Yay Nicole! It will make such a difference to have people to train with and learn from along the way. And I love that you can combine the race with a way to fundraise and give back. Can't wait to see where this journey takes you!

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    1. Yes, I am looking forward to training with other people and learning from them. Thank you for you continued support. I ran 1 mile yesterday, but shh, it is a secret. LOL It went well and I know I will be ready to start training.

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  6. Good for you! I can't wait to follow your training!

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