Dec. 6, 2008

First "official" day of training. I think we walked about 4 miles in about an hours time. I was surprised at how fast it went and how GREAT I felt afterward! I actually felt like I could have done more.

I met some great people, and am really looking forward to the friendships I will gain by joining this Team!

The feeling of helping others as I help myself get into "better" shape is awesome. What a win-win situation!

Please find it in your hearts (and checkbooks!) to make a donation to the LLS. Every little bit counts!

Thanks to all who have already donated and/or offered their encouragement!

Cathy

Jan. 5, 2009

Happy New Year!

I have to admit, I fell off the training wagon "a little bit" during the holidays!

On Saturday, Jan. 4 I met the "Team" for our training. I walked somewhere between 6-8 miles. Again, feeling great (albeit HUNGRY) afterward.

I am hoping to have a new resolve in the New Year. I will get up at 5 a.m. and head OUT THE DOOR for my walking, instead of sitting on the couch enjoying my coffee.

Again, many thanks to all my friends and family for your support!

Love you!

Jan. 11, 2009

I know you are going to miss the photo of me in the rain, but I wanted to show you all who I am walking in memory of.

This is Ed Radzinski, my husband's uncle. Uncle Ed passed away a few years ago from complications resulting from Multiple Myeloma. Uncle Ed was so full of life and fun. I know he would have some wise crack to say about me doing this marathon!

We miss you Uncle Ed! Here's to you!

Feb. 11, 2009

On Saturday I walked/jogged 12 miles in about 3.25 hours!! My kids and husband all joined me at some point in time. It was a beautiful day.

This week I was reminded of why I am doing this-not just for the personal gain of improved health... One of my husband's co-workers sons was diagnosed with Lymphoma. The LLS is determined to find a cure for blood cancers, and to also offer much needed support to the patients and their families.

Again, thanks to all who have sent money. It will be put toward a good cause. Most of all, thank you to all who have shown me such support and encouragement!

Feb. 21, 2008

Today I hit the 14 mile mark!!! I did half of what I need to do on April 25th! My feet are a little sore, but it was another gorgeous day. One of my neighbors/friends joined me for a few miles. Thanks Tara!!

This note is from Ed Radzinski's daughter. Thanks, Patrice. Love you and I am so blessed to be part of the Radzinski family. Your Dad has a special place in my heart, and is missed.

Dear Cathy,

Thank you sooooo much for the sore muscles and early mornings you are dedicating to this worthwhile cause. My dad (Ed Radzinski) would be extremely proud of you (after making that wisecrack, of course). He would be quite humbled that you are enduring those miles upon miles in honor of him.

He had a tough battle with Multiple Myeloma. It was hard to witness since he was always a vibrant, healthy man.....our rock. The disease brought him to his knees - something I never thought I'd see.

As I sit here, bawling and typing, I wish I could be there with you - walking all those miles. I know what a big, huge commitment that is to forgo that cup of coffee on the warm couch!!! Thank you!

My dad was always donating his time and money to charities. He felt it was his duty to help those who needed it. His blood cancer took him way too early - we wish we could of had more time with him. He was such a good, caring, thoughtful jokester of a man. We miss him so much!!

I'm thankful for LLS for doing the research and work towards eliminating blood cancers. Let's hope they do it!!!

Love to you and your sweet family, Cathy!!

Big warm hugs,

Patrice

March 10, 2009

On Saturday, I trained with the "walking coach" for the first time. Boy, did she push us. At one point I said, "Bonnie, I signed up to walk this marathon" and she said, "You don't want to be out there all day, do you?" And she made us RUN!!! Actually I have incorporated jogging into my training for a while now. I find that when my legs are aching, jogging helps! Wild-I NEVER imagine myself being a jogger.

I am still amazed at the love and support so many have shown me! You can't imagine how much it means to me.

April 25th is going to be here before I know it!

April 4, 2009

Another great training day! The weather is perfect. Everything is in bloom downtown Huntsville.

Bonnie worked us out pretty good, but not too hard. She didn't make us do side squats up and down killer hill! Yeah!!! She told us today that if we can do 13 miles with no problems, we will do just fine finishing the marathon. I hope she is right! I don't have any hopes or dreams of making any record time. I just want to finish before they take down the finish line! ;) BTW- we did 15 today. For those of you in Huntsville we did TWO Cotton Row Runs and then a few extra loops downtown. YUP twice up that HILL!!!

All fun aside, I am so glad I have taken this journey. I have seen first hand the lives that are touched by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. With my help they can move closer to their goal of finding a cure for blood cancers.

For ALL of you who have donated thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those of you still considering, please do! No amount is too insignificant.

3 weeks until Country Music Marathon! I AM READY!!!

April 11, 2009

My walking buddy, Patty, and I did 20 miles on Saturday. We finished in just under 5 hours! We are hoping to complete the marathon in less than 7 hours! I think we can do it! No, I KNOW we can do it! We have come a long way since our "4 mile" beginnings!!! I am looking forward to this marathon. Meeting other TNT folks, and seeing the people whose lives are helped by the Leukemia and Lymphomas Society.

Thank you all for your generosity, your kind words, and encouragement. I could have never done this without all of you!

All my love,

Cathy

April 27, 2009

Here I am! Crossing the finish line! What a feeling! I think my "official" time was around 6:30-in brutal conditions!

Thanks to TNT-especially the best coach-Bonnie Robertson-my teammates. Kelly, you will ROCK at Rock and Roll San Diego! You were my life-line during the first half!

Thanks to the cheerleaders and bands that entertained us along the way. Especially the lead singer from the band around mile 22 for cheering me on and calling me "cute" even though I am old enough to be his mother!!!

Thanks to all of you for your donations and support! I was thinking of all of you when I felt like I couldn't go anymore. I promised you a finish line photo, and you were gonna get it!!!

Love,

Cathy-first-time marathoner!!!