60 minutes

Today was practice #4.  We only did 60 minutes and I walked the majority of it with Martha and Danielle.  We added a couple of short runs for a minute at a time but kept it pretty easy.   Today we held practice at a lovely location called Golden Gardens.  It is in Ballard and was right on the water.  Sometimes I forget that there are beaches all over the Seattle area.  When I think of Seattle I always think about the market, the vibrant green of the surroundings and the water surrounding the city.  But I never really think about beaches.  I guess that's because it is not sunny very often and the sun makes me think of the beach.  This park was right on the water.  It was slightly overcast and quite beautiful.  By the time we ended practice the boats were starting to come out.  We sat afterwards for a nutrition clinic which I found challenging because it just made  hungry.  

I left practice and went to Red Mill Burger.  Probably not the healthiest choice but I was starving!  I had a delicious burger which I will add to my burger blog (see the link to the right).  Then it was time for a pedicure followed by grocery shopping.  What I love about getting out early for practice is that I finished up all my errands and made it home by 2pm.  I have the rest of the day to do whatever I want!  Love it. 

This week I have to get a little more serious about the fundraising part.  I want to hit my goal by end of August so I don't have to worry about it anymore.  - Post on Facebook, send an e-mail to my non-facebook friends, apply for the Partner match at work, put up a sign at my desk at work.  That should be a good start. 

Also this week....  a little more walking during the week.

70 minutes!

Today I completed my 3rd TNT run.  We went for 70 minutes which is my longest walk/Run so far.  I have admit it is mainly walking at this point.  I've been trying to add some running to get use to it but it is hard.  When you haven't run a step in years, it takes a while to get the breathing right.  
Last week I walked the entire 50 minutes with a woman named Martha.  She is a cancer survivor and this is her first race ever.  Martha is signed up to do the same half marathon as me in November.  We talked about her cancer, her kids, my job, my move to Seattle, etc.  And all of a sudden, the 50 minutes was done.  It goes by much faster when you have someone to talk to.  I walked with her again today.  We added some running and I'm hoping we can continue to add running.  I would like to get the entire 13 miles in at 3 hours.  That means the walking needs to be at 14 minutes for a mile.  Right now we are pacing more like 15-16 minutes.  I think it's completely doable. 

I received my first donation this week.  One of my dearest friends in the world, Jim, donated $100.  Way more than I expected.   it makes my heart sing.   I'm counting on most donations being closer to $20 which means I need 75 folks to make a donation.  Sounds like a lot but I have plenty of time to make it happen. 

I sent out an e-mail last week to 20 friends and family members informing them that I signed up with TNT.  A lot of people wrote back notes of support.  I'm starting to hear stories of loved ones who have fought cancer and especially Leukemia.  The stories are heartwarming and make me more committed to the fund raising.  I joined group to help myself but I'm beginning to feel the need to help others.   It's a good feeling!

This week I need to buy new running shoes.  My old shoes don't feel so great these days and since they are 5 years old, it might be time for something new.  

I am going to try to update this blog every weekend after the Saturday training.  I'll do my best to keep it interesting so it's not just -  today I went for 50 minutes etc.....  

Stay tuned !

(If you want to donate.... the link is on the left side of the blog :)  Thanks