Alas, I missed training #7 because I was doing something silly called....oh I don't know...camping and relaxing. Massive guilt overtook me, so I ended up doing a measley 3 miles midweek (7/9), which is the Aloha Run that I am helping coordinate with the Ke Kukui Foundation schedulated for later this month. SQUIRREL!!!!! Oh dear! Anyway, had our all team training today at the beautiful campus of Concordia University. Didn't stay of the mission celebrations but it was nice to see all of the teams...running, walking, tri, and cycle!!! GO TEAM. Was able to do the 5 mile course, even thought it was a tad boring (listen to Miss Smarty pants!) Need to step it up again!!!! Miles: 5.0 (today) 3.0 (7/9). Total: 34.9....behind Ahhhhhh!!!!

6/29 - Back to the old TNT stomping grounds at OMSI under the Hawthorne Bridge!!!! We were fortunate to have the ever awesome Tam D. for our mission moment. What a truly inspirational woman she is and always has been for me, as she shared her sister Nancy's journey. I even remembered that monumental Nike race in 2008, when "the sister act" all crossed the finish line! I was fortunate to be apart of TNT that year, and WOW!!! Thank you dear friend! As for the run? Well let's just say, it was hard. Vicky, my BRB (best running bud) was back in town. Luckily we got out early since it was predicated to be a hot one. All of Portland was out running, walking, cycling, rollerblading, etc. Thought I'd be conservative and only do 5 miles. Vicki and I parted ways on the Naito street given the difference in our mileage for the day. It was the traditional Hawthorne, Steele Bridge, Naito run but by the time I finished up 5 miles on the return, I was feeling pretty good (insert Rocky theme song here). So I thought, what the heck? So I took in another 1.40 miles as I threaded my way through construction zones, from the bridge to the head of the Springwater Cooridor. WOOT!!! Did more mileage than I even thought I could do and boy was it HOT!!!! Mileage: 6.4 miles Total: 26.9

6/22 - Vancouver. Nutrition Clinic with the old tri-coach...who looks amazingly like Jillian from Biggest Loser (I was afraid she was going to tell us to drop and do 20 full plank push ups!!!). Very informational and helpful. Decided to go for more since I've not been training during the week (making all the excuses in the world!!). Late start led to hotter conditions that proved to be challenigng!!!! Thank goodness I remembered to bring my fuel belt. Nothing like Gu, pretzels and gummy bears to give me a boost!!!! Mileage: 6 Total: 20.5

6/15 - Road Runner Sports Company - Milwaukie. Lordy! This is not the store to put me in!! To many pretty, shiney things to spend money on!! A great clinic on Injury Prevention with rollers and stuff. OUCH!!! My running buddy not there, so did it solo for the 4 miles. A beautiful run with lots of shade, which was needed!!!! Mileage: 6 Total: 14.5

6/08 - Duniway Track. Run-Walk clinic: now THIS the clinic for me! Thank you Coach Sue, on proper techniques on how to do it right to minimize any injury and get the maximum benefit!! Took in the famous Terwilliger Hill up to OHSU with a 2:1 interval. Knees achey on the way down but otherwise tolerable. Mileage: 4. Total: 8.5

6/01 - Portland Running Company - Beaverton. Yeah! Found my true team!!!! More my pace for sure. Shoe and Gear Clinic. Thought we took in the 3 miles, but only did 2.5 ... meaning, we have to pay more attention to the TNT directional chalk signs!!!! Mileage: 2.5!! Total: 4.5

5/25 - Grant High School Track. Surprised that I was put on to the running team thinking I was assigned otherwise. Frantically calling my buddy Vicki, to find out they are slightly across town at Irvington Park. Mileage: 2 miles Total: same

Aloha Family and Friends!

Welcome to my Team In Training home page. We all have a "calling" in life, and mine is to serve others, and that can be seen in my commitment as a social worker, friend and mother. I took this further, when I joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team in Training (TNT) back in 2007, to do the Race for the Roses Half Marathon. Since then, I've slugged out 1 full and 3 more half marathons, and a slew of 5, 8 and 10Ks. I've extended my commitment to their cause by even serving as a mentor and captain (ergo my "rank"). It felt good to know that it was not about running, but that my efforts were toward a higher purpose of helping indviduals and their families as they faced the challenges related to blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma. It resonated even more, as I realized that my efforts were helping to find a cure, so that I and my fellow athletes would not have to keep doing this. In my home state of Hawaii, we call this level of unconditional devotion and love for others, "the aloha spirit."

So, what does that mean for you dear family and friends? Well, I've always believed in "carpe diem" (seize the day) or in my case "carpe life!" Let's make this a life adventure together. Join my Aloha Brigade, as I train for the next few months for the Portland Half Marathon, which will be on 10/6/2013. I know you will be there in spirit, but if you live locally, by all means, come down on race day, and cheer me on by ringing that purple cowbell (because we know you can't have enough cowbell!!!). Not only am I running on behalf of our honored team mate, but also for a dear friend, Ang Black! PSILU FFIC!!

So, please find that aloha spirit, and make a TAX DEDUCTIABLE donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.You can do so on this webpage, and/or send me a check (payable to LLS) to the address noted below.

With Deepest Mahalo,

~Sheryl (a.k.a Capt'n Bruno)

205 NW 41st Street

Vancouver, WA 98660

(503) 407-4569