Racing to Save Lives
6/2/11 Update: We are SO close!! So close to race day and so very very close to reaching my fund raising goal!! Thank you all so much for donating...and for some of you who continue to donate again and again...YES!! I'm talking to you Bob Adams! You are my #1 contributer this year and from myself, my family, my team and The LLS - THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
Last weekend we managed to fit in three long workouts - a frigid swim that was longer than our swim will be on race day, a 16 mile run (also longer than our run on race day) and a 74 mile bike ride...you guessed it - longer than our ride on race day. Now we just have to put these three together and we'll have accomplished our goal. We have our very last brick this coming weekend - a 60 mile hilly ride followed by a 10 mile run. One more long and CRAZY hard bike ride the following week and then we start to taper for our race.
I want to thank you all again for all you have done for me - whether in financial donations or simply the love and support you've given me through all these years with TNT. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Swim, Bike, Run, Love,
Julie
5/21/11 Update: Another great weekend in the books! I did my very longest ride ever yesterday with the team. 72.5 miles around Clark County up in Washington. It was a strong ride for me and I felt great the whole time. During every training ride, we all start out together in two teams. The early riders (ie: the slow people) usually start at 7am and the late starters (ie: the fast people) start at 8am. See how the coaches use different wording to make us "early starters" feel ok about our lack of speediness?? :D
Then along the way we tend to break off into smaller groups depending on speed and what different things might happen during the ride. Occassionally someone will get a flat and a group will stay with them while they fix it, or a couple people will get off course and find themselves a few miles off track. People get dropped and then picked back up again by a new group, but with this many people on the team, you are seldom truly alone out there.
There was lots of stuff happening out there yesterday, though. One teammate had FOUR!! flats, someone else took a tumble and several others took a wrong turn and one even ended up with 82.5 miles on her odometer - that's one LONG ride!! Fortunately, my group had none of these issues and we were the first to make it back to the house for the hot pizza and ice cold drinks that our teammate's wonderful wife had waiting for us. It was a delicious day in many ways!!
I think most of us are feeling like we are very ready for Pac Crest and Race Day... Just a great testament to the superb TNT coaches, captains and mentors that make this all possible.
We found out this week that our honored teammate, Alex, is back in the hospital fighting a fever. Please remember him in your prayers as he's going through more chemo.
I am happy to say that after a successful fundraiser and even more personal donations coming in this week from you all, we are at 90% of my fundraising goal. Just a few hundred more dollars and you will help me with a most successful year in supporting The LLS!
Thanks to you all for your support!
Swim, Bike, Run, Love,
Julie
5/15/11 Update: What a great TNT weekend. With the help of Mom and my mother-in-law, Gloria and my Aunt Nadine I had a very successful garage sale fundraiser. Thank you to all who donated items to sell. With your help, we raised $1006 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!! Thank you all so much!
5/8/11 Update: Recovery week comes once again at just the right time. This old mom is beat! Happy Mothers Week to me!
I was able to visit with Alex and his family up at Doernbecher on Friday night and that totally fueled my heart for this weekend's workouts. Because (as a lot of you know) I am not a great cook, I took them Chinese food. Everyone likes chinese food, right? Well, Alex sure does! He even knows how to use chopsticks. For a little boy who just finished chemo and was barely awake from a nap after a transfusion, he sure was a firecracker! What a brave and strong little boy!
We started this weekend with our longest brick and our steepest ride yet - Bald Peak. I had never done this ride before in previous years so had no expectations. I knew there was a big hill, so when we hit that hill and finished it, I was pleasantly surprised. Then...we hit the rest of the hill...and then a little bit more of it...and then finally reached the top. My hamstrings were so cramped up and my back was screaming at me. At that point - about 27 miles into a 54 mile ride, even though I knew I would be running 9 miles when it happened, I was looking forward to getting off that bike!
Once off the bike, we headed out on our 9 mile run. I originally was in a bit of a dark place and thought I should probably run by myself, but when Diane offered to run with me, THANKFULLY, I took her up on it. She totally held me together and we had a GREAT run!
Today we had an open water swim (my first of the season) and a 6 mile run on the schedule. I headed out to Hagg Lake early to get my run done and was pleasantly surprised with my speed. Then the wetsuit was tugged on and away we went for our swim. I managed to do the whole swim without turning over onto my back...but I was still freaking out on the inside. That first swim is always a tough one for me. The wetsuit feels too tight and I feel like I can't breathe and the water is so very cold. For whatever reason, it gets very emotional for me. The tears started to well up after I got out of the water and was changing, but it still got me again this year. I'm thankful that part is over. Even more thankful that this is how I started Mother's Day. Much more thankful that I have the ability to get out there and do all this. It did not get past me on this day that there are so many people struggling that would love a quick dip in the lake - anything - to help them forget the things they are going through in their fight against cancer.
Thank you so much for your donations this week!!
Swim, Bike, Run, Love,
Julie
5/6/11 Update: I can't believe it's been almost a month since I've updated. What a whirlwind of training. We biked our longest ride yet last weekend. 61 miles! I can tell you I was so glad to get off that bike!! Then the next day we had a 13 mile run on the schedule so I headed down to Eugene for a great visit with family and friends and ran my first official Half Marathon. I'm here to tell you it went GREAT! What a blast that was!
Unfortunately, I arrived home to find out that our honored teammate, Alex had received bad news. Alex was originally diagnosed with lymphoma when he was three. His treatment ended just this last October. Very recently his family celebrated his remission, only to find out days later that he now has leukemia. Please keep this sweet 6 year old boy in your prayers as we continue to do the same.
As we train for this race and fund raise for a cure, Alex is our focus now. He is fighting to win over this. Please fight with him!!
Thank you so much for your donations and your sweet notes this last month. You are all so wonderful!
4/11/11 Update: What a great training weekend! First, I thought I would let you in on what our weekdays look like in training this year. Mondays always start us out fresh with a nice rest day from the long weekend workouts. I've just started doing a little weight lifting again, so usually something with my upper body on Mondays, lower body on Tuesdays, Upper again on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
On Tuesdays we swim a the pool. Right now we're above 3000 yards per swim.
Wednesdays are track workouts or hill repeats. We've been hitting at least 5 miles on Wednesday nights at Duniway Track.
Thursday we are back in the pool for another 3000+ of laps/drills.
Friday is a mid-distance run or bike ride. So maybe a 6 mile run or 25 mile ride.
The weekends are obviously where the longer workouts happen. This Saturday we had a "brick". That is a bike followed by a run. There is some debate on why it's called a brick, but I personally go with the idea that when running directly after biking, you feel like you are running with bricks attached to your legs instead of feet. That first mile is HARD! So on Saturday this week, we biked 40 miles out at Hagg Lake. Those are rolling hills and I actually nailed my nutrition and kept my exhertion level low and felt really strong about this ride.
However, my lower back was all kinds of cramped up when I finished and I was sadly realizing that the 6 mile run immediately following was probably going to be more of a rulk (run/walk) or a wog or waggle or whatever term you want to use for "SLOW!".
I mentioned my troubles to Coach Glen and he had me down on the ground and lickety split had my lower back stretched out so good that I could run. I not only ran, but I ran the whole way, and I ran a good pace @ 9:40m/m. Aside from feeling like I had crammed my foot into my left shoe with a rolled up extra sock in it for the first 4 miles, it was all good. I knew better than to stop and check because I would find nothing there, but it does take some getting used to going from the bike directly to a run.
I was elated with Saturday!! My best brick ever! We also dedicated this week's workout in celebration of Mom doing so well in her treatment right now and so towards the end when I was really bookin' it - I had tears running down my face. Very emotional on many different levels.
Coming off a day like that, you might think Coach would take it easy on us for Sunday. But you would be wrong. We had a 50 mile bike ride on the schedule. Fortunately, The Dalles puts on the Cherry of a Ride this weekend with a convenient option of 48 miles and so a bunch of our team were hosted at Captain Michele's house for a night of good food to fuel us after our long brick and then a nice place to sleep in the gorge the night before our ride. It was a beautiful day to ride in the country and visit with teammates and ended with hot cherry cobbler piled high with icecream.
Can a weekend even get any better than that?
So that's a week in the life of a TNT triathlete at this point in the season. Add a little work, a lot of family and laundry and you see it's a busy time of year ...and I love every minute of it! Thanks again for participating! If you are local and have garage sale items to donate, Mom and Aunt Nadine and I have scheduled our fundraising garage sale for May 10th and we're looking for more good junk to sell :-)
4/4/11 Update: Woot! We're almost 1/2 way through our season. Training is going even better than expected. We had a 9 mile trail run this weekend. It was muddy, it seemed like it was all uphill and it was a beautiful until it started pouring on us during the last 3 miles. But I call that good hard training that can only come in handy some day!
Yesterday I did my longest ride so far this year - 50.5 miles. Holy quadriceps from the trail run and OMG all-over tired legs from the ride. It was a beautiful day for a ride in the country. Lots of time to reflect about our recommittment date. TNT asks us to decide at the half way point if we are going to continue training and continue fundraising. At this point we put pen to paper and sign our promise that if we are unable to reach our fundraising goal, it will be paid by ourselves. I'm at 34% of my personal goal right now and I know with a little help from my friends, we can reach my goal of raising $3,550 by June 1st.
The need for fundraising is critical. Did you know that an estimated 957,902 people in the United States are living with, or are in remission from, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma. Every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies. Every 10 minutes someone dies. Every 10 minutes someone dies. That thought just keeps repeating over and over in my head. I know it personally and I can't stand around and let that happen without doing my best to be a part of the solution.
I hope you will consider participating and partnering with me!...'cause people with cancer don't quit and I won't quit either. We're going to raise this money together and then you're all going to get to sit back and watch me sweat it out for about 7 hours on one hot day in June at Pac Crest. Bring it!!!
3/26/11 Update: WOW! What a week. I'm sitting here after a BRUTAL 45 mile bike ride and feeling pretty out of it, but I'll try to make sense. First, I had a great week of fundraising. A special thanks to Gloria and Mike and my Uncle Bob for making two fantastic donations this week!! We are up to almost 30% of my personal goal and I appreciate you so much!
I also got to take a trip down to Eugene to visit with the family and have lunch with Nicole and see Baby Katelyn, so anything after that was all extras - I felt like I had a BONUS week! I ran my first 5k on Thursday and came in 4/7 in my age group and 60/130 overall. I can see where my training is definitely paying off. I ran 8:50m/m and that is something I didn't think I would ever be able to say again.
Today we had a 45 mile ride that included part of Larch Mountain (the non-snowy part thankfully!!) and it was incredible. I felt amazingly strong and had a REALLY good ride, but the continuous cold rain and downhill did not make for a comfortable ride. We got cold! So cold that people couldn't feel their hands to brake. So cold that I was shivering so badly I couldn't keep control of myself on the bike for portions of the last 11 miles. WOW! This is a ride I will never forget!!! But it makes me stronger and for that I am thankful. I am also thankful for all of you wonderful doners who have helped our team raise $60,168 in just these last two months. You are amazing!!!!!!
3/19/11 Update:
Phew! We just finished our first real "brick" of the season. It was a 25 mile ride - including a LONG hill...followed by a 5 mile run. I felt great on the ride but had some trouble on the run. My left glute has been bugging me and that in turn started to cause some left knee problems, which started to cause some mental problems so when I arrived home, I had Steve and the kids draw me an ice bath and some hot tea so I could sit and stew for awhile.
3/5/11 Update:
Hi Everyone ~ I am going to try to update here weekly as I have done in years past. Our big team workouts are usually on Saturdays, so there is always a good story to be had from that!
Today our team dedicated our bike ride to Michael and I got to wear the honorary vest. It's VERY bright and attached to it are purple ribbons with the names of people we are racing to honor and remember. Of course, Michael and my mom have been two of those names every year that I've been doing this. It was nice to wear it and know that it was reminding everyone of why we race. In years past, I've become so emotional when I see the person wearing the vest in passing, whether on bike or foot, so it was a great honor to be that person today as I was flying along on my bike.
Speaking of the bike, we did a 34 mile ride today with an elevation gain of 1700 ft and I worked really hard at keeping myself in the correct exertion zone and felt like it was a good strong ride. I could have pushed it harder, but that was not necessarily what I was supposed to be doing today, and in addition, frankly...I get easily lost. It's best for me to travel in groups :D
Until Next Week...
Swim, Bike, Run, Love ~ Julie
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I thank you for all your prayers and support for our family. Michael passed away on Sunday after a mighty fight against this disease. My hope is that you will continue to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society each and every year as Team in Training races to raise money to help find a cure. If not LLS, please find a charity that speaks to you, but most of all, GIVE. Help be a part of this fight against this life taker called cancer.
Thank you and Much Love,
Julie
UPDATE as of 1/22/11. Please keep Michael and Nicole and their beautiful kiddos in your prayers. Michael found out two weeks ago that his leukemia has come out of remission and he is currently receiving treatment at OHSU. I was able to visit him the other day and he is doing great during such a fight as this. Pray for his strength and for the doctors wisdom in choosing treatment for him. We are waiting on results from his bone marrow biopsy. Please continue to pray for no leukemia to be found from this latest test!
Hello Family and Friends!!
I am proud to announce that I have partnered up with TNT for a fourth time to race in honor all of the individuals and their families battling blood cancers. My goal for this season is to raise $4,000.00 to help fund research TO FIND A CURE!
As most of you know, blood cancers have affected my family and have made this a very personal fight for us. In 2005, Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. The survival rate for this type of cancer is only 35% in the first 5 years and I'm ecstatic and blessed to say that she is fighting this cancer and beating it 5 years later! The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has continued to support her as she travels this journey of chemotherapy, steroids, infusions and all of the costs that come with treating such a long term illness.
In 2007, my cousin, Michael, was diagnosed with Leukemia and after grueling months spent in the hospital, he is in remission and doing well! I know that a cure is possible and on behalf of these two incredible people, I race.
Once again I am triathaloning my way to a cure ;-)
A Half Ironman to be exact!
The race starts in Wickiup Lake and to be honest, it's a pure thrill to swim that 1.2 miles in the freezing cold water with the morning sun beating down on me...I could stay there all day...but then it's time to really get the race going. It's a long slow climb up Mt. Bachelor (about 56 miles of sitting on a bike seat...c'mon people...You should be pledging some $ for that alone!!) and just when your bady has cramped up nice and good into a bent over position, the ride is over and it's time to unfold yourself and run...for 13.1 miles to be exact. Honestly, this leg of the race has never been my strong suit, but you'll never see me quit...
I cross the finish line to honor not only Mom and Michael and all of the other people battling these diseases, but also to honor you, our supporters.
Thanks so much, Everyone.
Swim, Bike, Run, Love,
Julie
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.
I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!
Steve Arts | $757.00 |
Michael Arts | $250.00 |
Elva Payne | $200.00 |
Bob Cudmore | $120.00 |
William Rennie | $100.00 |
Natalie Rava | $100.00 |
Robert Adams | $100.00 |
Robert Adams | $100.00 |
Eugene Thiessen | $100.00 |
Larry Browning | $100.00 |
Jennifer Pitcairn | $100.00 |
Robert Adams | $100.00 |
Susan Reynolds | $100.00 |
Cynthia Glazier | $75.00 |
Pat Green | $53.00 |
Ward Monroe Green | $50.00 |
Robert Holbrook | $50.00 |
Gretchen Merten | $50.00 |
Don & Diane Bake... | $50.00 |
Terri & Ron Dick... | $50.00 |
Jeannie & Brett ... | $50.00 |
Michele Jarjour | $50.00 |
Paula Renzi Gibbs | $50.00 |
Helen Kearns-Ofner | $50.00 |
Christopher OLeary | $50.00 |
Teresa Guerra | $50.00 |
Natalia Shunmugan | $50.00 |
Abby Davis | $50.00 |
Jan Matsuno | $40.00 |
J Roxane Russell Hia... | $35.00 |
Pat Green | $35.00 |
J Hughey | $25.00 |
David Jones | $25.00 |
Ray A Wiley | $25.00 |
Buddy Patterson | $25.00 |
David Arts | $25.00 |
Claude Frost | $25.00 |
Rachel Brecko | $25.00 |
Cathy Glazier | $25.00 |
Frances Benjamin | $25.00 |
Greg Zurbrugg | $25.00 |
Joie Matteo | $25.00 |
nadine cudmore | $25.00 |
Marica Kadens | $25.00 |
Jennifer Packer | $25.00 |
Roy Glazier | $20.00 |
LaVelle Kuykendall | $20.00 |
Stephanie Steerman | $20.00 |
Ruth Darkins | $20.00 |
Carol Fulks | $20.00 |
Michael Bauer | $15.00 |
Cecil Wilmarth | $10.00 |
diane | $10.00 |
Mom On A Mission | $10.00 |
Kathy Glazier | |
Nicole Fink |
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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws. Please check with your financial advisor if you have more questions.