When I'm doing my training runs throughout the week I try to vary where I go. If I don't I get really bored, really fast. But one of the things I've always loved about running outside is how much I get to see. Whether it's in nature or in my urban jungle. I also feel like I'm able to see a lot more than if I was wizzing by in my car. In essence it allows me to slow down and see more of the world around me. So, I decided to keep a list of the interesting and noteworthy things I've seen on my runs and when possible I'll take shots to go with it. Without further adieu, my list:

1) A small, wire-haired dog lying dead in the middle of the sidewalk. (I called the humane society so they could deal with it appropriately)

2) A gigantic, light up, Homer Simpson donut in the back of a pick up truck

3) 2 woman engaged in a fist fight

4) A small group of unicycle riders

5) A Home Brew store

6) A big mound of sweet and low packets that looked like they were strategically placed.

That's it for now, but I'm sure I'll see more!

I'm raising money for each mile. It's going to work like a sponsorship. Each mile is worth $100.

What to do: Donate $100 by selecting the $100 option and clicking the "Donate Now" button. In the message section tell me what mile you want and if you'd like it in honor of anyone. During my marathon I'll wear my offical TNT t-shirt with the names of everyone who donated and the mile they chose. It'll be like your right there with me!

**To put this in perspective**

$100 = pair of concert tickets or a fancy dinner out...

OR

$100 could mean...Funding for a family support group with trained facilitator, or registration for 1 person to be a bone marrow donor.

For people who don't want to or can't pay $100 I still love, appreciate and encourage ANY amount of donation! EACH AND EVERY ONE COUNTS!!!

1. Deb and Bob Merion

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3. Helen and Mort Eisenberg

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11. Milt and Marge Merion

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15. Neil and Karen Koffler

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20. Beth and Alex Goldstein

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26. Deb and Bob Merion

.2 Thao Nguyen

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

PROBLEM: "MY SHOE RUBS ONE SPOT ON THE TOP OF MY FOOT."

Solution: Eliminate pressure on a "hot spot" by lacing around it, not directly over it.

- Thanks Thao!!!

No, don't worry, I'm not running as an independant for office so you don't have to whip out your checkbooks for yet another cause. Although.....

But I digress. Like I talked about it my previous post TNT is about running, goals, raising awareness, raising funds and having fun but it's also about making new friends and creating a group activity in a sport that's regularly done solo. The team aspect of TNT really drew me in because 1) I hate running alone and I can only listen to my runners mix so many times and 2) I love making new friends but I'm sort of shy. So TNT= perfect for me. But one major downside I figured out early on is my schedule seems to get in the way of the group aspect of TNT. In my job I'm flying a lot and usually it's over a weekend, which is when the big team runs happen.

At first I was worried that because i wasn't going to these group runs I would miss out on making new friends or still be the "new kid" who hadn't even shown up for a practice after a month. But I was wrong, the team dynamic doesn't end with Saturday practices. My mentor, Lisa, offers and actually seems to enjoy talking with me when ever my busy schedule allows. And other members of the team including Thao and Amy have reached out to me about doing runs when I'm actually able to make it. This means the world to me. Even Whitney who works for TNT doesn't seem to mind me dropping in on her at work during odd hours.

And last but not least, I've figured out that because I can't do as much organized running it's on my shoulders to make the commitment to run when I need to run for the distance i need to run. Before when I just ran for the hell of it there was really no order to it. I'd run for X miles or X minutes. But now, there's a game plan I'm supposed to follow to make me a success at the marathon, and I like that.

But most of all I love that even though I know I'm not running with them I know somewhere, they're doing the same run, and that makes me feel like just as much of a team member.

So kick off for the summer season of TNT was yesterday. I had so much fun. I have not seen people so happy to be helping others in a long time. Honestly, by the time the event was over my face hurt from smiling. I came away from it excited, inspired and honestly a little nervous. Running a marathon is a pretty big undertaking by itself, but adding on having to fundraise $4,200 on top of that. Whoo boy. After talking with my mentor Lisa for a bit I felt a lot better. Everyone there has so many great ideas and she had no shortage of them. It's such a nice feeling to know that all these people are on my side and want me to succeed.

My team mentors/captains/coach

I'm leaving Tuesday for Ann Arbor Michigan so I'll be missing the first practice on Saturday

:( But I'll be out there in the friggin friggid cold of A2 running, even if it's by myself. Definitely not as fun.

I'm so excited, my journey has officially begun! Bring it on :)