I will start out by saying: I am soooo excited to be at 97% of my goal - I really wasn't sure I would get here.

But, what is more amazing to me is how many individuals (and companies) are on the list. It really blows my mind to see the extent of support I've received from family, friends, colleagues, associates, and even friends-of-friends. This fundraising has truly been 'grassroots', getting me to my goal, and sending in an amazing sum to LLS for research.

I'm less than a week from the race, and have only seven miles to run this week for training. I don't know yet if I'll be able to handle the evenings later in the week when I want to run, but need to stay off of my legs and off of the trail. All of the advice I've received confirms that the rest for your muscles is really the best you can do to prepare this close to the event.

Though it doesn't qualify as official 'high altitude training', I did get to run in one of my favorite former running spots - Salt Lake City. I lived in Salt Lake for two years, and ran occasionally for fun, but nothing compared to the miles I put in now. To get in my last long run of 8 miles, I ran up to the University (an 800 foot climb) to reach a maximum altitude of about 4760 ft. The way up left me a bit out of breath, but overall, it was a terrific run, going through a beautiful campus with a close glimpse of the mountains beyond. The last photo is the hill heading back down - I tried to capture the steep drop, but don't think any photo would do it justice. It certainly made for an easy back half to the run.

My next update will be race weekend! Thanks for the continued support and compassion.

I have mixed emotions this week - it's now taper time, as I've reached my maximum training miles and my runs are tapering down in mileage to allow my body some time to recuperate before the big day. I have a bit more time on my hands this week, as the evening runs were starting to take over my 'free time'. But, I also find myself anxious for the event, and wanting to do everything I can to make sure I'm prepared. It's hard to convince myself that the rest is really the best I can do for myself right now, and to trust the schedule.

And, the rest is certainly well deserved - I finished my 20-mile 'graduation run' this weekend, with a full team of Omaha TNT teammates. We had a fun but wet run out at Lake Zorinsky, with 8 runners plus some additional alumni and staff there to cheer us on and help us through the tough final miles. I'll admit the last half was a challenge, but I have full confidence in my preparation and ability to get through an additional 6.2 in a couple weeks. The week prior, I completed my first official Half Marathon here in Omaha (though my training mileage put me past the 13 mile mark many times). It was so fun to be part of a big crowd, but I know it'll be nothing compared to Chicago.

Every Saturday run with the team, we have a chance to mention our Honored Heroes, those who we're running in honor or memory of, and those that push us through when the miles get tough. I'm honored to be able to celebrate these individuals - whom I've never met, but have made an impact on my teammate's lives, inspiring them to run for the cause.

With about a week worth of fundraising left, I'm so thrilled to be SO CLOSE! Any size donation will help close the gap, so thanks for your commitment to the cause.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been feeling especially grateful. More donations have been rolling in, leaving me only $1000 away from my fundraising goal, with three weeks to get there! My friends, family, coworkers and colleagues have been so good to me and LLS, and I can never express enough gratitude for this.

For the remaining weeks of training, my goal will be to live and run in appreciation and honor of those around me - those that provide inspiration and strength.

Speaking of running - it's going great! I ran 17 miles this weekend, and for part of my miles I participated in the annual Corporate Cup 10k to benefit the American Lung Association. It was a rainy but crisp morning, a definite relief from running with temps in the 90's the last couple weeks. Though I've been a bit more sore than normal this week, I'm getting the miles in and should be recuperated for another big event this weekend - the Omaha Half Marathon!

I've ran 13+ miles on several occasions now during my training, but am excited to participate in a big event like the Omaha Marathon runs. We have a group from Team in Training that will be competing at Omaha, so I'll be running with some great friends! Hopefully by participating in the Omaha half and having some big event experience, it will alleviate some of the pre-event jitters when it comes time for the Chicago Full.

I want to end with a sincere thanks - it's those that have supported me with encouragement and donations that allow me to run with Team in Training, a great organization and wonderful way to be a part of something meaningful.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

8/21/13

Well, I'll be honest here, I'm in to big miles and big time commitments, and it hasn't all been easy. For instance, last night's 8 miles in 90 degree heat & 50% humidity was one of my more challenging runs. At about mile 4.5 I was ready to be... in a pool, collapsed on the grass, downing water... anywhere but on the trail. But, amazingly, after citing aloud some personal mantras (because on a deserted trail, I felt no shame), walking a bit, and cranking up my music, I was able to press on. Then, there was that exceptional moment where the full moon was straight ahead, the sun was going down behind me, and I could feel the cool night coming on. I guess this is why they say half the challenge in endurance events is the mental push through the physical exhaustion, eventually 'zenning out' and pushing all the distractions aside.

This weekend, I'm up to 14 miles, and am looking forward to reaching another personal record in terms of distance, and seeing the whole team on the trail also achieving some amazing mileage. I'm starting to get a better handle on the eating, drinking, mid-run fueling, and other technical necessities to keep my body prepared for the weekly mileage.

Lastly, even though I think it ALL of the time, I probably don't say it (or write it) very frequently. I am so thankful for all of the support - especially from family. My sister (and her boys) have graciously provided their home, shower, and pancakes for relief after my Saturday runs, my brother & sis-in-law have provided running and injury tips and encouragement, and my parents are just. always. there. AND, of course they've all donated graciously.

So thanks for your interest, support, and LOVE.

I'm excited to announce that as of the first week of August, I'll be half-way through my training schedule. This means I've gotten up to a 10-mile run, and will be moving upwards in the double digits. Last weekend was my first double digit run ever, and it felt pretty amazing. Aside from some minor joint pain, my stamina, energy, and enthusiasm remained high and carried me through the miles.

Our long runs are at 6:45 on Saturday mornings - not where I would typically be on a weekend - but these group training sessions are what put the 'team' in Team in Training. We start off together with a group of 10-20 all training for various TNT events - full and half marathons in Omaha, San Francisco, and Chicago. Typically, Coaches Dan & Kelly are there to bounce between us trainees to offer tips, answer questions, and just provide company. I've gotten to know many new and wonderful people already, and look forward to the deeper relationships as we build the miles - spending even more quality time together!

Weekday runs are more typically solo, but I enjoy these just as much as it gives me time to think and wind down from the workday. Last night it was a cool 80 degrees and my 5 miles felt really quite fantastic - and I'm not even exaggerating, as cheesy as it sounds!

Thanks for the support of those who have donated and supported me along the way. I've developed some new running buddies, including a coworker and old friends, and even gotten my Dad back into his running shoes! I have many more miles to go, and more dollars to raise, but as long as my enthusiasm and drive remains, I have no doubt I'll make it.