Team In Training

Most of you know I am going to be running the Nike Women's Marathon on October 21st for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. Some of you have been asking about my training and fundraising and I want to thank all of you for your concern and support. Training has been going great, though I've been struggling to find time (and energy) for my weekday workouts at 5:15am. I am moving up to 18 miles this Saturday, followed by a couple of 20 mile runs before we begin to taper. I have some awesome story's when I get home from some long runs. The girls always ask, "how was your run mommy?" The latest greatest was an early run in Irvine with my team. I showed up a 1/2 hour earlier on accident (that's a first) and started out by myself. I came to a point at the park where I thought there were ducks coming up in my path. Since it was kinda dark and I wasn't even really awake, I started clapping to have them move out of the way. Those little critters never moved, not even an inch. I get closer and they're not ducks, they're bunnies. The cute little ones that look like the ones Jeff shot in Texas out in the farms. I had to tip toe over them. I so badly wanted to pick one up and take it home to the girls. I love the wild life along side the river trails. Also, one of my favorite adventures is running on vacation. I once rolled under a gated community in Palm Springs to find the most beautiful homes around a lake. I almost got stuck too. While measuring my waist with my hands I forgot to include my water belt. To bad nobody got to see that one! Mission Bay was beautiful too. There's nothing like eating smores and woofums around a bonfire all night and then wake up to a 14 miler. I have also done a few practice races. The picture is with my sweet cousin, Shauna. We did a 10K for Iron Girl in Solana Beach and stayed 2 nights looking over the Padres Stadium. We decided not to take some good advice before race day which is to drink, drink plenty of H2O. However, I must add, the best runs have been here in the amazing OC. Early runs with my dad around Balboa Island and having coffee with his bench buddies or running alongside Jeff on his bike down to the beach. Or, just around our neighborhood and seeing such friendly faces. The outdoor, early morning crowd is so special. One morning I counted 76 good mornings, hello's or hi. Leave a comment if you have a cleaver greeting besides the usual. Honestly, I could go on and on. I have been so hesitant in an update because there is just so much. The bottom line here is so many of you have help raise money for blood cancer research, patient aid and education. Our team has seen patients who are babies up to the elderly and it has truly been an amazing experience. Thanks to all of you for your words of encouragement and donations. I have almost reached my goal. If you would like to contribute please go to my website www.active.com/donate/tntors/tntorsJRice