Racing to Save Lives

Almost four years ago. That was the answer I found myself telling a fellow runner that asked me how long ago my Grandpa had passed away. In some ways it seems longer and in others it seems like just yesterday we were trying to find the pickle ornament he had hidden on the Christmas tree. There are still days I long to watch one more Cardinal's game, play one more game of Rummie Cubes or share one more bowl of ice cream, but I know he is in a better place now.

All of those great memories are just one of the many things that keep me motivated to keep raising money to help find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. I want to help insure that other families will get many years to enjoy their family members like we did Grandpa Jim. It is that time again...time to put all those miles I have been running to use. I have signed up to run the San Diego half marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society this June.

There have been several races since the last one I did for Team in Training. With each race comes a story...just for fun I will fill you in on a few. Well, there was the Lewis & Clark half marathon where Mother Nature hurled the remnants of Hurricane Ike at us. The flash flooding and heavy winds ended the race early at mile 10. There was the Frozen Buns 10k...I think the name says enough about that one. Another of my favorites is the Go! St. Louis half and wouldn't you know it rained through the entire race in 2009. It's crazy the elements I will run in for a medal and that amazing adrenaline rush at the start and finish line.

With all of these miles I have had great fun, but now it is time to start running for a cure again. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by the 10 year anniversary of Grandpa passing away. So far we are right on time with a little over $30,000 raised. By now you are probably wondering how you can help. I won't ask you to join me on my long training runs, (unless you want to) but you can help by making a donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help fund research and patient services in our area.

Please ask your friends, family and coworkers to join in the fight against leukemia and other blood related cancers. Perhaps your company has a matching gift program? If so, please include their matching gift form with your donation. We cannot accomplish this goal without your help and support. We understand that there are many causes out there and endless opportunities to donate, so any amount is greatly appreciate. Know that your help does make a difference. As long as there are people out there with Leukemia and Lymphoma we will be running. Thank you so much for your continued support and dedication to helping find a cure. We will think of you as we run. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Please check back often, I will post updates on training runs and information on upcoming events and of course there will be a Soulard Pub Crawl this sping!

You can contact me at plangenecker@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to share a story or words of encouragement.

EVENTS:

Tuesday, May 18th -- "Eat-at day" at the Des Peres California Pizza Kitchen in West County Mall

Eat at CPK anytime on the 18th and 20% of your check will be donated to my fundraising goal. Email me at 2010patti@gmail.com for the flier to take with you.

Saturday, May 1st -- Soulard Pub Crawl

The pub crawl went great! We raised almost $1300. Thank you to everyone that was able to come out, I really appreciate it.

Donation: $20

Begin at Hammerstone's patio at 7:00 p.m.

Drink and shot specials at each bar, free pizza at Hammerstone's

T-shirts included for the first 50 participants

Thursday, March 4th -- Happy Hour to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society --

This event was great! We raised $450, thank you all so much for coming out!

TRAINING:

5/1 -- Group training run -- 10 miles

4/17 -- Group Training run -- 8 miles -- I should have worn my new shoes this day, the others have about had it and made my feet hurt :)

4/11 -- Go! St. Louis half marathon! It was a great day to be outside and the crowd support was awesome. Some of the hills were new this year but it was still a great time. I was finally able to wear heels again on Wednesday. Soreness is probably due to choosing patio fun over lots and lots of water :)

3/13 -- St. Patty's day 5 mile run. This went well besides a small breakdown at mile 2 where I made Stacy leave me behind. It was great to run the first 2 miles together. And she had a great finish time on her first race back post baby Graham.

3/6 -- 4 miles today with the group.

2/20 -- 6 miles today. Good run despite a lack of sleep from being at the YMSB concert the night before. It was a great day out and for the first time not really that cold!

2/6 -- 7 miles this morning: This was not the day for speed but the day to watch out for goose poop and try to not fall on the ice/sludge. Listened to a lot of Slightly Stoopid and Yonder Mountain to get me through it. If you have any song suggestions let me know.