100 days

Just saw online that there are 100 days until the Boston Marathon. 100 days. 14 weeks and 2 days. The marathon training season and fundraising has gone quite well so far. Fundraising probably better than training, but in my opinion, that's a good thing. I've raised just over $6,500. Of course you all remember that 100% goes directly to fund cancer research at Dana-Farber. Yes, 100%. It's the amazing part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge and the Barr Program. $6500 is just over 30% of the way to my goal of $20,000 with just over 3 months to go until the marathon. I'd be so bold as to say that the fundraising is off to a very quick start in comparison to prior years. In marathon running a start that is too fast is a big no-no, but it certainly works in regards to raising money for a world-class cancer institute!

One of the things that I am proud of and so thankful for the number of different people who make contributions. So far this year, 58 different people have made contributions to Dana-Farber. Each donation is meaningful and personal. Some are incredible surprises. Some come from people I have never even met. A few arrive with touching notes. Many are from people who have made donations for each of the past three years. Others are from groups of people who have combined their resources to give in honor of my family. Many include a personal story. Every single one is incredibly generous. Every single one is important. And I am so appreciative of each and every contribution. Thank you for putting me on the road to another topnotch year. My deepest thanks to all of you who have been able to make a contribution to this fantastic organization.

My running has gotten back on track after a sore hip kept me off the roads for a week, and traveling for the holidays slowed things a bit, although, to be honest, not as much as I figured it would. I was actually pretty good with getting in my scheduled runs although I didn't do any additional training like I had planned. I ate like it was my job, and the number of cookies I consumed within a two week period has also slowed me down to a drag at some points as I now try to pick up my heavy legs and shuffle on down the road. Better eating, better running, better cross training are on the schedule now. I am on track with some strength training and cross training, both activities which I hope will keep me well and running strong for the next 100 days and beyond. And so far, the weather has not bothered me at all. So far.

For those of you who have any interest in distance and workouts, here's my week in review: I did a long run of 11 miles yesterday and was joined by a friend who is training for a half ironman in early summer. She is much faster than I am (much, much, much faster), but slowed down enough for me to keep up, and she wasn't huffing and puffing in exhaustion at the end so was able to keep some conversation going while I felt like I was grunting out one word contributions to the conversations. While cold, it was a beautiful morning in town and I was able to appreciate the views for most of the run. The air is clear and refreshing in the winter and the views of the water are picture perfect. The rest of the week included a short recovery run on Monday with my husband, who has been trying to kickstart his running again. I did some hill repeats on Tuesday on the treadmill before the Endurance Running group at the Y. That class included many drills to improve form and balance, some sprints and some strength work, at which time by incredible weaknesses were outed for all to see. I rode the stationary bike on Wednesday, and will get in a 7 mile tempo run this weekend with my half marathon training partner. And maybe another bike ride or short run, too. 100 days, and many miles to go!

I hope the New Year brings you all much happiness, many laughs, and fun times with family and friends. Things to come on the blog....information about what the Barr program has been funding. Updates about my amazingly strong and enduring sister, Mary, who is starting another experimental treatment on Monday. Maybe some New Years resolution thinking. Training updates and running news. Lots of gratitude for generosity, friendship, family and support. Probably some weather news because I just can't help it. I'm a Southerner living in the frozen Northeast. It's a fascinating subject.

Remember....be good and be strong.
And Happy New Year to you all.

Cancer Research Saves Lives

This video was shared today on Facebook by the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, which is not only affiliated with my alma mater, but more importantly is where Mary will be going for participation in a clinical trial for the second time. I think it helps to see how important research is, and just how immense the need is for funding. Cancer research saves lives. Please, donate if you can to the DFMC challenge team.



Be good. Be strong.

Tick-tock

The holiday season seems to be a time of ramped up anxiety, stress and always rushing around. We always seem to have someplace to be, something to pick up, someone to visit, wrapping, shopping, driving, mailing, decorating, hiding, baking, and fitting in some sleep. We often hear "If only I had an extra day this week, a little more time to get it all done" but much less often do we hear "thank you for this day."

Last week, I received an email from someone who I don't know very well who had heard about the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. She shared with me that her sister was very ill as a result of a glioblastoma, the type of brain tumor that Molly and John both had. She had gone through some experimental treatment that the doctors thought might work for a couple of weeks, maybe months. Surprisingly, it worked for almost exactly a year, although the benefits of the treatment have since stopped. She wrote to say "thank you for all you are doing. Thank you for helping to give people time." Not time to squeeze 27 "to do" items into one day, but time to just live. Time to spend with family and friends. Those words really caused me to stop and think. The days and minutes we so often ask for to run errands or go on a trip or take a run are really such a huge gift to us all, yet we take them for granted.

As widely reported last week, Elizabeth Edwards died after living with cancer for 6 years. I saw an interview with her and she said that she knew there wasn't a cure for type of cancer she had, but treatment to try to keep it at bay. She was hoping that the research would stay one step ahead of the disease, and what she wanted and needed most out of the treatment was time. Time to be with her kids, to see them to adulthood. It shouldn't be that way. The expectation of treatment shouldn't be just for a little more time, but for a cure. Time is better, but it isn't good enough. Six years isn't good enough. One year isn't good enough. A month isn't good enough. It's better, yes. But it is not enough.

Please take the time, MAKE THE TIME, to stop and smell the gingerbread. This holiday season, and every day, we need to make sure we take the time to laugh with friends. To read with our kids. To visit family. To throw out some extra hugs to our nearest and dearest. Have fun. Take a breath. Say thank you. And appreciate each second. Take advantage of each day, and use the time you have wisely.

I am once again overwhelmed. I'm taken aback by your words, thoughts, actions, and generosity in support of my entire family and the marathon run. There aren't ways to say thank you to so many of you who help make this marathon experience as meaningful and valuable as it is, and the "marathon season" has just begun. I can say the words "thank you" over and over but I don't think those words ring strong enough to exemplify how moved I am by your support. This endeavor each year, while beneficial and valuable to further cancer research, is also therapeutic for me. It helps me find healing and strength. It allows me to feel I am doing something against a disease that has causes so much sadness and taken so much energy. Your support and kindness make it a possibility. So, thank you. My gratitude is HUGE.

Be good. Be strong.

From Mary's view

I wanted to share a link to my sister, Mary's, caringbridge site. It gives you a little insight into this week (and past few years) from her perspective. And it is beautifully written. If I did this correctly, you should be able to just click below and it will connect you.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maryfirth

Take a stand. Don't be still.

Dear Family and Friends,

April 18, 2011 has a “to do” entry on my calendar. At 10:30 a.m., I will be starting the 2011 Boston Marathon as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge for the 3^rd year. I will be again raising money for the Barr Program in Innovative Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and I would be so grateful for your support.

I was actually kind of looking forward to writing this letter this year. I was anxious to share with you all that my sister, Mary, had undergone innovative treatment this summer, and that it was working. I wanted you to know that she spent almost 4 weeks in the hospital, one in ICU, enduring grueling treatment, and she was doing well. At one month out of treatment, one tumor was shrinking. At two months, that first tumor was almost invisible on scans and a second was also shrinking. Mary started planning in increments beyond the following week, and we all were living with a little bit less stress every day. Unfortunately, on Tuesday, that excitement came to an end when Mary went in for her 3-month follow-up. The positive results, the shrinking tumors, were gone. The “invisible “ tumor was back and it had brought some friends with it. Happy Thanksgiving, right?

So, now I am writing this letter in a little bit different state of mind. This year, I am angry and I am even more motivated to continuing raising funds for cancer research. I will be running with renewed purpose and a greater sense of urgency that this disease needs to be stopped. I am not going to be reluctant to ask for funds. I am not going to be hindered by shyness about sharing our family’s story and talking about the effects of this disease in our lives. I lost my older sister, Molly, at the age of 36 to this disease. I lost my younger brother, John, at the age of 32 to this disease. And I have to sit and watch my sister, Mary, who just celebrated her 35^th birthday struggle every single day against this disease. This is personal and it is important, and I need your help.

So, please join me, my family, and the DFMC team in taking a stand against cancer. If your means allow, please consider a donation to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. These funds enable researchers to continue their quest to find a cure, and to improve the lives of cancer patients around the world. For those of you who have contributed in the past, you know that 100% of your donation directly funds innovative, basic cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Every single cent. So, every single donation makes a difference: $5, $25, $100. Those dollars matter and are vital. If you are interested, you can make a gift directly online by visiting www.runDFMC.org/2011/jennies or

You can send a check made out to Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge to my home. Please leave me a message if you need the address.

Please know that there are ways to contribute to the lives of those with cancer beyond making a financial donation. You can volunteer your time to a cancer organization in your city. Run or walk in a race where the proceeds benefit a cancer organization. If you are in the greater Boston area, you can commit some time to volunteer for the DFMC team either during weekend runs or during marathon weekend. Send someone who has been affected by this disease a card or a note to let him or her know you are thinking about them. Plan a visit. Go out to lunch. Please share this message with others and invite them to either contribute to this important cause, or to a cause that is meaningful to them. Raise awareness and spread the word. Take a stand. Just don’t be still.

I am again blogging about my experiences (www.begoodbestrong.blogspot.com) and plan to include information about the research the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge is currently funding so you can see first hand how you contributions are helping in this fight against cancer. I also hope to continue share with you how this disease has affected our lives and the lives of our family and friends. Unfortunately too many of us have stories to share and understand how deeply the ramifications of such a horrible disease can cut.

During this time of Thanksgiving, please remember to express your appreciation to those you love and who love you. Find gratitude, although it isn’t always as simple as you’d like it to be. I am again so thankful for the opportunity to run for this organization that I truly believe to be important and valuable. I am thankful for the overwhelming and generous support that has been shown the past two years, and for all of you who share kindness, generosity, and support. I have hope that my participation on this team will help further the efforts to find a cure for cancer.

Be good. Be strong.

Believe in hope.

Kindly,

Jennie

www.runDFMC.org/2011/jennies

www.begoodbestrong.blogspot.com

It's coming around again

I'll be back....on the starting line of the Boston Marathon again in 2011. My spot on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, as of this morning, is confirmed and I am all set to begin training. 5 months and 24 days from now I'll be taking the first of many, many steps along the road to Boston. It is because of the overwhelming kindness, support and generosity of so many people that I am once again able to commit to this cause and this race for the third time. I've set my goal high, and am excited about the chance to again represent Dana-Farber on the marathon course.

This year, my sister, Mary, underwent cutting edge treatment for melanoma. This treatment was developed and enriched through many, many years of research. And this treatment is working for her. Once just an idea, funding for basic cancer research helped make this idea a reality, and as a result, there are many patients reaping the benefits. There are more ideas out there that need to become reality. There is now a vaccine in development for glioblastomas (the type of brain tumor that my siblings, Molly and John, had) that is working. There are genetic tests that keep people from unnecessary treatments that are working. There are many people living longer. The research is working. But it isn't even close to finished. And that is why the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge is in existence.

Last year, the DFMC team raised over $4.5 million dollars. Every single penny of that money goes directly to fund research at Dana-Farber. Every single penny. It doesn't go to pay overhead. It doesn't pay for parties. It doesn't pay for construction. This money pays for research. Innovative, basic cancer research at one of the top institutes in the country. And that is how ideas become reality. And how we get closer to a cure.

I am thankful beyond words for the research that has given Mary the opportunity to live with hope. I am so thankful for the opportunity to again be a member of this team. I am thankful for every donation, every kind word, every running partner that shares some miles with me, every hug, every smiling face out on the course, every member of "Team Jennie" over the past two years, and every effort to make these experiences so successful and meaningful. Without all of this kindness shown by our friends and family, this opportunity would not exist. It allows all of us to live with hope.

Be good. Be strong.
www.runDFMC.org/2011/jennies

Running for fun

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. ~Dale Carnegie

Yesterday I ran my first official "race" since the marathon. It's was a race in that I was given a number and timing chip, and I started running with 4,500 other runners at the same time aiming to cross the same finish line. But I've come to prefer calling most of these events "runs" in place of "races" because usually my motivation for completing them really is not to win or even to place well against the field. It's to just get out there and run. If I am racing, it is usually only against myself. But when I am out there running just to run, I think I enjoy the events much more. The stress is less. The anxiety is less. And the fun factor and happiness factor...you guessed it. Much higher. I still like a little competition here and there, a test of fitness or a truly hard effort that you aren't likely get from running on your own. A race. But I also like standing at the start line just happy to be out for a run with a bunch of people who feel the same way. Running for fun.

For kids, running events are always called "Fun Runs." It's the grown-up versions that are usually called races. Maybe more people would participate if the purpose of some of these events was running for fun, where you win just for participating and your finishing time doesn't matter. In fact, it wouldn't even be measured. In a time when there is such a push for people to get healthy, and I think setting a goal of participating in a fitness event is a method that works. I know that it works for me. I am a much more consistent runner if I have something marked on the calendar, a goal. I think the competition aspect of "racing" is daunting to many people, especially new runners or walkers, and maybe, just maybe, the fun factor might be a big draw to get people moving and aiming to reach a goal.

Participating in these events, even coming out and watching the runners go by, helps you to see what an inclusive sport running can be. What so many people notice when watching a race, especially one with a crowded field, is the many, many different types of people who are running. Different strides, different body shapes, different genders and ages, different abilities, different paces, and different goals. The course yesterday had a turnaround spot so there was the opportunity to see the entire field about a third of the way through the race. We could see everyone ahead of us and everyone behind us as we ran. I loved watching the thousands of people pass by. Everyone has a story. Everyone is out there for a different reason. To finish, to reach a personal goal, to help someone else reach a goal, to improve, to beat the odds, to just know that they can. It's humbling and empowering. It's exciting and exhausting. It can be exhilarating and defeating all at the same time. It's something I love to do. I guess because I think it is fun.

Somewhere along the line, this turned into a bit of pep rally for running. While it wasn't my intention when I sat down tonight, I can't say it isn't how I feel. It's good for your body. It's good for your mind. Please make sure you are in okay shape to start out if you haven't run in a while. Or in forever. And you don't even have to run. Take a walk or ride a bike. Go for a swim. Just get out there and do it. It might take some time to get there, but if you give it a try, you might just find you are having fun. Success!

Be good. Be strong.