In one week from today, I will race my first 50K! The Tamalpa Headlands 50K in Marin.

I am extremely nervous, not necessarily because it will be difficult, but because I really don't have a good idea how I will do. Generally, when I train for marathons and half marathons, I go into races knowing how I will do within a few minutes (barring any unforseen "issues"). My goal race time range for next week's 50K is 60 minutes wide. Ha! Earlier in the season, I peaked too early, then burned out a bit and had to recover from that, only to now get hit with a cold a week prior. How much this all will affect me versus how much I will subconsciously let it affect me... who knows! But all of these unknowns and my desire to really rock this race, are really driving me crazy... aaahhh!

No one has ever been blown away that I was training for another race with TNT. I love running and triathlons, so I have always done TNT more for the fundraising experience. But this season is different. The training has been brutal and longer than any training I have ever completed. There have been highs and lows, fear that I wouldn't make it to race day, fear that I wouldn't succeed, painful long runs with severe nausea, dehydration, you name it. I have been pushing my body for so long and I am tired and I am still unsure I will make it race day. This is a completely unusual feeling for someone like me who likes to be in control. All of these unknowns, despite my putting my best into everything... it gives me a small glimpse of what it is like to be fighting cancer. Obviously, it is a very small glimpse, but it's been enlightening. How many of our friends and family put up their bravest, strongest fight, only to lose in the end? And how scary to not know the outcome.

I am usually not so touchy feely when it comes to my participation in TNT. I simply raise money to honor those who were instrumental in Matt's recovery. It's my way to give my thanks and to do my part to make sure there is continued funding for research and patient care. It's pretty straight forward. But this season is different. There is something about pushing and working so hard and still not actually having control over the outcome that sincerely scares me. I don't ever want to be in this situation without it being my choice and one I can pull out of if I choose. I most definitely don't want Callie to ever have to go through the pain and fear of cancer. I get choked up just thinking about that possibility.

So... who knew this season, the ULTRA-est season of all of my many TNT seasons would mean so much more than any season before.

Thank you to all who have donated and supported me during this grueling training! I don't know how I will do, but I will give it everything I've got! Speaking of giving... if you haven't donated, or it has been so long since you made your first donation, please consider donating so I can hit my goal of $10,000!

~Claire

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Claire & Matt fundraise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society every year to honor those who were instrumental in Matt's recovery from Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma: family, friends, doctors and nurses, and the many LLS supporters who donated money that resulted in a treatment that worked for Matt.

We started Rhodes Race 5K in 2008 to ensure we had a successful method to fundraise year after year. Claire loves running and organizing and Matt is a wiz with websites and graphics, so a 5K seemed like the perfect event. And that is how Rhodes Race began!

This year we are training with Team In Training to run our first ultra-marathon: The Tamalpa Headlands 50K. It is 31 miles of hills, hills and more hills! This will be our biggest athletic challenge to date. To match the challenge of this season, we hope to raise a whopping $10,000. Thank you for being a part of this incredible event and all of your support and donations to LLS!

RHODES RACE 5K

rhodesrace.com

**This year's race is dedicated to the memory of our former TNT teammate,

Brenda Donato, who lost her battle to Leukemia 5 years ago**

Be a part of our 5th annual Rhodes Race 5K! Race hard, jog, walk, push a stroller, hang on to your dog's leash, or volunteer! Be a part of a fun event that benefits a great cause. Join the fun on Sunday, April 15th at the Sailboat House on Lake Merritt in Oakland! http://rhodesrace.com/

*Your donation to LLS is your race registration fee*

Registration / Donation MINIMUMS

STROLLER Division $5

(this is for the baby in the stroller, not the person pushing the stroller)

YOUTH Division $5

CANINE Division $5

ADULT Division

• $20 REGULAR start
• $50 30 second head start
• $100 The SWIFT start (60 second head start)
• $1000+ Automatic WIN!

VIRTUAL Racer $ No min or max!

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We hope to see you on April 15th and thank you for all of your support!

Claire & Matt

http://rhodesrace.com/