Racing to Save Lives

Hey, you are great to stop and visit...Welcome!

...here is my latest personal TNT news...

FINISH LINE UPDATE... A 15.49 Minute Mile! I'll take it...not too shabby for my first half-marathon.

A couple of discoveries along the way: #1 it is easier to run downhill and easier to run uphill most times than walking. Gravity works and "eating the uphill frog" makes the task easier; 2) In this case, looking back worked well i.e. already walked 7 miles, more than half the distance, so the next 6 shouldn't be so bad etc.

Good in theory, but the truth of the matter is...ya just gotta put one foot in front of the other for the 13.1 miles.

The TNT Team was so organized throughout the entire experience. I can't say enough about their training, weekly team tips and professional organization.

After race bonus -- a massage on site. Yeah!

Oh, and P.S. Thanks to each of you who offered morale and financial support. I really appreciate it and I know that folks who are the "end recipients" of better treatment for blood cancers are grateful as well.

Week 12 TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE

Ahh the long miles,--12 early Saturday morning along the B/A Trail and across the Naval Academy Bridge.

The weather was perfect --cloudy with gentle breezes --and I think I have the pre-training drill down now. Hydrate the day before, pack my own liquids and snacks... and don't change anything up! If it's not broken, stay with the known:)

Well, my race day packet arrived over the weekend, so I'm set for June 6. Staying positive and confident is key.

Thanks again for your support!!!

Week 11 TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE

When I was just about full out of steam around mile # 8 on the way back in, I got re-energized when I nearly stepped on a garter snake camaflouged on the macadam. We scared him nearly as much as he did us. That surprise turned my walking goal into "let's just get this one finished."

Sunday, was the day this weekend that I allocated to walk my "long miles" -- in TNT jargon that meant 11 miles if you are a half-marathoner!

My team mate Aurore and I parked at the trail head of the Cross County Trail on Kent Island (just over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis) and stepped off 11.5 miles finishing right around high noon.

I am curious as to why I felt so good because my longest miles to date have been 8.5. Intention played a part in the psychology of the day and I took to heart atll the training tips made available by the TNT coaches i.e. hydrate throughout the week and eat carbs the day before. I took this to extreme and ate carbs most of the week.

A park bench never looked so good as when we arrived at our car. Funny, Aurore's trainer say to tell your legs there is no option NOT to walk the miles. Well, I engaged in alot of inner dialogue as we walked along the water on the shaded paved trail.

As a half-marathoner for ZOOMA Annapolis, I add another 2 miles onto my best distance to date...a challenge, but with all the friends, family and colleagues who have helped me raise my $1500 minimum by donating, you each keep me motivated and inspired to train and finish well!

A BIG THANKS to each of you!! And, oh by the way...give it up for the Celebrity Bartenders who "charmed the crowd with their mixology talents" and helped us raise OVER $495 in one night-- Michele, Suzanne, Susan, Tom and Casey!

Applause for The Rockfish Bar & Grille too! They are great civic partners and help make Eastport the dynamic community that it is.

There will be more excitement before ZOOMA (like picking up my race packet and the pep rally) and I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, thanks very much for donating to help find a cure for blood cancers!

'Til we meet again, please raise awareness of blood cancers with your friends and family and offer the opportunity for them to donate also right here on this site!

Yarrow

Week 10TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE

The greatest thing that I am learning about Team in Training is that wherever I am on a Saturday morning, I am welcome to train with the local Team in Training of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team. It gets lonely out there on the trail doing miles during the week:)

This Saturday, was a timed training around the 5.5 mile loop of beautiful Valley Forge National Park with an extra 3.0 mile extension along the Schuykill River trail. Wow , what beautiful scenery...and a wonderful walk coach!

Some other team members we're also training to race-walk on June 6th! ZOOMA Annapolis, here we come!

I am soooo excited to just need under $500 for my fundraising goal...the funds go direct to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for research, education and seeking a cure for blood cancers.

I understand the last few dollars are the hardest to raise...sounds like the final few miles - - difficult but know I can make it!

If you can stretch and make a donation(very easy right here online), I would greatly appreciate your help!! Fundraising closes on May 21.

Meanwhile, back to the trail and to remembering all the folks who are waiting for a cure!

Thanks...and, let's connect real soon.

TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE

Saturday mornings have taken on a whole other meaning during Team in Training. My very first "psuedo race day training" was exciting...and early. TNT participants from across Maryland met at 6:45 am at Centennial Park in Columbia where as a race-walker we stepped off 8 miles on an "out and back" trail that was amazing.

Nature abounded with blooming azaleas, sunshine and Spring breezes. The "volunteers" staffing water stops bubbled over with enthusiasm and encouragement. At mile #6, I developed a real appreciation for them! "Go, go, You can do it" It.. and it was about then that I mentally slipped into my "What WAS I thinking? mode."

At the end of "8", our reward was a team picnic on the grass, complete with grilled burgers and a pot luck. Wow these people really know how to throw a party! Kudos to LLS Bryan and all the walk/run leaders and coaches...volunteers and participants. I met and talked with so many inspiring people.

Each mile is easier when I remember why I'm hitting the pavement: to help stop blood cancers and bring hope for a cure to many who are suffering.

I've learned that training includes trial and error with "nutritionals" as well as weather observaton/adaptation and gear. It's all about working it out before race day.

I've tried goos, energy drinks, gummy bears, peanut butter filled pretzels and other combinations to see what works best for my body as far as keeping up my energy level and replacing electrolytes. so far...water, Synergy and raisins work best for me.

Weather? Now there is a condundrum. It was freezing when we gathered and warm and breezy when we ended. Alot of layers with the option to tie shirts to the TNT directional signs and then retrieve them on the return. Practical and efficient.

Gear? Try alot of combinations to accommodate a number of weather scenarios is the team advice.

My goals remain: raise money for Leukemia/Lymphoma, get in shape, have fun!

So thanks again for stopping by and for your support! Back to the trail...

TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE TNT UPDATE

This is the second update on "what WAS I thinking" to "what AM I thinking?"

First, I want to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their generous donations toward my $1500 fundraising goal, leaving just over $500 to go. Yeah!!

Right now, I'm thinking "more training" and since my Subaru blew her engine a couple of weeks ago, I'm walking more than ever!

My 15.5 minute mile is still there and now it is time to kick it up a notch! For energy and endurance, I've tried goos, gels and drinks and I'm am back to raisins and water!

Something good comes from every challenge, I've noticed. So yes, not having a car equates to more daily walking and that is a good thing as June 6th's ZOOMA is closer every day. In addition, our TNT coaches suggest weekly cross-training be added to our training schedule, so I've refurbished my 2-wheeler and that makes running errands much faster...while I get my cross training in at the same time!

You can help me more with the fundraising side of things by emailing my TNT page link to everyone you know and asking them to make a financial donation in any demonination they can! Together we will make the financial goal. But hurry, my date for donations is April 15...memorable money day!!

That concludes Update #2....read more to see how I got started in this wonderful race...

:):):)

HERE IS HOW MY WHOLE ADVENTURE GOT STARTED:

TNT is not new to me. I have been a "tag-a-along" on the Annapolis team training for a year now...you know...just show up to walk the 5 miles or so on Wednesday nights, get some exercise and have some social fun.

With getting to know these girls better, I began to admire their commitment to themselves, TNT and this cause. They accepted me and encouraced me to participate at whatever level I could manage, whenever I could. That was awesome since I was suffering from "commitment phobia" and didn't even want to promise on a weekly basis.

Well, they won me over with their gentle approach, superior training and friendship!!

I'm IN and this is my Team in Training (TNT) page. I'm training to

participate in an endurance event called ZOOMA on June 6, 2010 in Annapolis as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

All of us on TNT are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

My inspiration to complete this event is in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure! The ones who can will be participating, too!

Please make a donation to support my participation in TNT and help advance LLS's mission. Whatever the amount you can donate is really appreciated! My goal is to raise$1500!

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

Well, I gotta run...the team is gathering and I gotta tie my laces! Training is happening, June 6th is approaching & I'm off to hone my speed walking skills so I can finish ZOOMA in the requisite time.

Thanking you in advance,

Yarrow

P.S. Wish me luck & please know that your support on June 6th will offer much needed encouragement! Water boys & cheerleaders are welcome along the route!!

Update #1

w/o March 1st. I am up to walking 8 miles; working on achieving a 15 minutes mile! (am at a 15.5 m/m right now.) Not to mention learning the "headlights" technique to pick up my speed:)