Stacy Runs a Marathon

We did it!!!

On October 19, 2008, I finished the Nike Women's Marathon! This picture was taken around mile 7 of the race, at the very top of the biggest hill on the course. I was still having fun at this point. The 26.2 miles were probably the hardest thing I have ever done but crossing the finish line was definitely the proudest moment of my life.

Thank you so much for your support! My race is over but for the millions battling blood cancers, the race goes on. I am so proud to have run for those who cannot, and to say that as of today, I have raised $4210 for LLS! If you are still interested in donating, I can accept donations through October 31st. In the future, please remember LLS in your annual giving. They do great work. And if you have ever thought about doing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, or century ride but just don't think you can, check out Team In Training. They can get you to the finish line!

Much love,

Stacy

As most of you know, last year, I trained with Team in Training for the Nike Women's Marathon and to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My plans were soon derailed by 3 tibial stress fractures. I was devastated but determined to come back. In April 08, I ran the Derby Festival Mini Marathon and in May, started up with Team in Training yet again to run the Nike Women's Marathon on October 19, 2008.

It was hard work coming back from my injuries. Three months without running and leaping back into training was frustrating. I went from running 12 mile runs in August to barely able to do 2 miles in November. At the same time, my injury further put the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission into perspective. My struggles paled into comparison to those battling blood cancers. My fight was to get back to something that I loved doing and to achieve a longtime goal. Their fight to beat life threatening disorders is much more important. I want to run this Marathon for those who can't.

We need your help! My goal is to raise $3900 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help them fight blood cancers. No donation is too small and is very much appreciated by me and those seeking a cure for these diseases. Last year, I learned just how many of my friends and family have been touched by these diseases. Their notes are tucked away in my fundraising folder and help keep me going.

I plan to update my website frequently with training updates so please check back often! If you would like to mail a donation or drop a note to me, please feel free to e-mail me at SLHeineman@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for your support!

Update: 10/13 - It's here!

The best news - although it may not be showing up yet in my Funds Raised bar, I have met my goal of $3900 raised for LLS. Thanks everyone who made it possible! If you haven't donated yet and would like to help me push my fundraising over $4,000, you have until the end of October!

It's finally race week. We're in our final taper to prepare us for the big day. You'd think a taper would be great - after running lots for months now, our mileage for the last 2 weeks has been pretty limited. Now though, nerves and anxiety are creeping in. I'll be fine, I know it. I'm just ready for the day to get here! I leave for SF on Friday, and the race is Sunday! I hope you'll remember me and my teammates in your thoughts and prayers on Sunday. :)

Update: 9/28 - It's 3 weeks away!

So much for frequent updates! Never fear, I'm still training and doing great. Runs have been getting progressively longer, and I started to get nervous before each new distance milestone. Some were great, some weren't, but I completed all of them! TnT gives us the tools to be successful physically, and a little mental toughness goes the long way.

Yesterday was the pinnacle of our training - 20 miles. The one that scared me most was my best long run of the season! Everything just went well. The legs aren't feeling too bad today (just don't ask me to go for a run - walking the dogs is more my speed today)

20 is the longest distance we do in training, and this is the distance that preps us to do 26.2 on October 19th.

Thanks so much to all the donors! LLS and I appreciate your generosity! I can't wait to come back and let you know what a huge success the race was.

Update: 8/10 - Almost halfway there!

Running is going very well. One week ago was my 12 mile run (that I did in beautiful Charleston, SC, oh, the agony), and the big significance of that was that it was after my 12 mile run last year when I first felt the stress fracture. So far, so good. I did get new shoes yesterday that I'm hoping take care of some of the aches I've been having. My beloved Mizuno Wave Precisions are not the best model for long distance training. So they are packed away until my longest races are 10K's!