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Racing to Save Lives

I'm off! I'll let you know how it goes!!!

October 20 update: I ended up running about 14 this weekend--I've riding on the Cap Crescent trail a bunch of times and always assumed the mile marking started at, you know, the trail in Georgetown. Oddly enough, that's not true. So now I just have a few pretty short runs and I'm done, baby done! Thanks to all who have donated or will donate!

October 17 update: I am officially in my "tapering" phase of my training so tomorrow I am scheduled to run "only" 16 miles. I can barely type that it's so funny.

Two weeks ago my cycle team rode our century in Salisbury, MD. For the first time I've been there, the weather was gorgeous and the team totally kicked butt. They were amazing and it was a terrific day.

During last week's run my IT band acted up again. I think we've finally got things under control though, so I'm optimistic that it won't be a problem on race day in just two weeks!

September 29 Update: So I ran 20 FREAKING MILES on Saturday. The way my training has been going lately I was not sure that this would be possible. As it turns out it's this doubling-up of training thing is very demanding on my body. I ended up with "runner's knee" (both legs) and ilio-tibial band syndrome (just the left) and my training runs had pretty much turned to disasters by the beginning of September. I went to a really terrific doctor and got some good advice (don't do long rides and long runs on consecutive days--duh) and stretches and exercises and started to get back on track. I've gotten the runners knee under control but the IT band still acts up.

This past weekend the cycle team had a very light weekend (Seagull is next Saturday) and so I joined the local TNTers training for Marine Corps and Nike on their 20 miler--the capstone of the training program. I was really nervous going into the run but one of our fantastic chapter coaches noticed and gave me some tips--and told me to stop at the halfway mark for some intense stretching. With her help and that of the other coaches and the team I was able to do the whole distance--something I was quite unsure of when we started. It was honestly one of the toughest things I have ever done but was such a confidence booster I know I can finish the marathon, so thanks Cindy, Jan, and Rich.

People keep asking me my time goal for the marathon. Before my injuries, I was hoping to get as close to 5 hours as possible. I've had to slow down a bit and really need to take stretching breaks during a long run, so my new goal is to beat Katie Holmes, who ran NYC in 5:29:58 last year. So that's my goal!

Also, I need to give a huge shout-out of thanks to the fabulous Virginia Silhooettes for helping me out with a fundraiser. They are goddesses.

THIS MESSAGE PAID FOR BY THE AMANDA CORRIE FOR MAKING WILL RUN FAST COMMITTEE.

Original post:

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

As I approached my 40th birthday I thought about doing something stupid, like on a bucket list, but in a better movie. I've been riding bikes for charity for a while now and love every minute of it, but as a coach for TnT, I haven't been raising any money, which seemed a bit wrong. And after 10 or so centuries, I wasn't sure people would get very enthusiastic about making donations for another one, so I was toying around with the idea for another event when I got an email from TnT--they have 50 precious slots in the New York City Marathon! So I talked it over with Elizabeth and decided to go for it and I am all signed up.

Now I haven't really run (except for hashing, which shouldn't count) since high school many, many years ago. And I am coaching the cycle team for the Seagull Century just a month before the marathon, so this could get very ugly, but I am hoping it will be fun and rewarding. I'll let you know. I am excited but also scared.

Oh yeah, I need to raise $7500! Please help(!) by making 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!

p.s. I'll put up a picture as soon as I can find one of me running.

Will Wheeler

Last Edited on: 10/31/2008

29 comments

"GO BABY!!! i am SOOOOO proud of you -- you will rock seagull and then turn around and kick NY's ass!! running buddies, woot woot :)"

Elizabeth Skane

Fri Jun 27 01:52:57 EDT 2008
"Way to go Will!"

The Jacob Family

Mon Jul 21 10:59:16 EDT 2008
"Like Sue said: Go Will! I"m very proud of you! Love, Mom"

Mom Forkas

Mon Jul 21 11:25:48 EDT 2008
"You should totally come and train with me and the Winter TNT team that is training for Disney/Phoenix. We kick off on August 16th. I could be your team captain! "

Noel Turner

Wed Jul 23 08:18:21 EDT 2008
"Will you are a biker not a runner, what are you thinking? My best to you in this endeavor. You will make us bikers very proud!"

Charles Abod

Wed Jul 23 10:01:27 EDT 2008
"Will - you have been an amazing coach. If not for you, I am not sure if I would be a captain right now. With all you did for the Tucson '07 team, you kept me going and loving what I am doing. Keep up the great work and kick some tail in the NYC marathon! GO HOKIES!"

Michael Witczak

Wed Jul 23 09:56:33 EDT 2008
"GO WILL! You have given me support through Tucson and encouraged me to be a team captain (and your my coach again this season), this is the least I can do for you. I'm sure this wasn't the stupidest thing you've ever done or ever will do and that you'll do just fine crossing that finish line. Best wishes to you."

Sharon Robinson

Thu Jul 24 09:19:40 EDT 2008
"Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllll! Kick butt! Ziggy Piggy salutes you! "

Hans Bernhardt

Sun Jul 27 11:04:46 EDT 2008
"Go Team. You rock, Will. Good luck!"

Janice Cori

Sun Jul 27 08:03:11 EDT 2008
"Go Team! Run like the wind Will!"

Renee Crain

Tue Jul 29 10:04:40 EDT 2008
"We love you, Will, and couldn't be prouder."

Donna and Jim Linksz

Fri Aug 15 09:17:05 EDT 2008
"Will - Hope your training is going well. If you want to join Corry and I for a long Sunday run sometime, let us know. We are likely running a second marathon this year at the end of November. Jeff"

Jeffrey Kempic

Thu Aug 21 06:16:56 EDT 2008
"You really are crazy but good luck and I'll be thinking of you! :)"

Jennifer Rackley

Sun Sep 07 03:10:51 EDT 2008
"Go Will!! Next stop: Ironman!! :-)"

Robin McKinnon

Tue Sep 09 12:21:14 EDT 2008
"Go, Will!!"

Gina and Eric

Tue Sep 09 03:41:21 EDT 2008
"Good luck Will! "

Alison &Scott Dombrowski

Sun Sep 14 10:00:23 EDT 2008
"Best of luck, Will. One foot at a time!"

Ryann and Eric

Sun Sep 14 10:38:00 EDT 2008
"Go Will! It's awesome that you are coaching Seagull AND training for this new challenge in NYC. And for a cause that has real and positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer. You are a hero in my book. Kathi"

Katherine McNeil

Thu Sep 18 09:17:51 EDT 2008
"You're crazy Wheeler !"

Dad

Mon Oct 06 11:37:31 EDT 2008
"Will you are such an inspiration! or just flat out crazy! Here's hoping for no charlie horses, side cramps, shin splints or bonking- you rock! "

Heather MacDonald

Thu Oct 23 01:10:31 EDT 2008
"Wat to go Will ! Marni"

Marni

Thu Oct 23 08:27:08 EDT 2008
"Run, Will, Run!"

Maggie Newman

Thu Oct 23 09:03:47 EDT 2008
"Good luck at the NY Marathon Will!!!! "

Johanna

Thu Oct 23 09:58:53 EDT 2008
"Good Luck Will!"

Paul Louie

Fri Oct 24 12:14:41 EDT 2008
"Run fast - beat Lance!"

Ben & Kate

Fri Oct 24 05:15:33 EDT 2008
"Good luck, Will!! We'll be thinking about you."

Scott and Krista

Fri Oct 24 09:36:10 EDT 2008
"Hi Will! Thanks for your efforts to help leukemia patients. My son was just diagnosed with ALL on Sept 17th. We are thankful for the strides that have been made in treating this disease. Thanks to efforts like yours, my son should be fine. It is just a long, bumpy journey. I thank you and your teamates for all they are doing to make it even better. Donna (Saunders)Khalil VT '88, APO MJWB Spring 1986"

Donna (Saunders) Khalil

Sat Oct 25 02:47:08 EDT 2008
"With our love, best wishes, and support."

Larry & Marie Skane

Sat Oct 25 11:05:09 EDT 2008
"Will. Sorry for being a slacker. Better late then never I suppose. How'd the marathon go?"

Adrian Moris

Tue Nov 04 03:30:45 EST 2008

Elva Christovich	$1000.00
Larry & Marie Skane	$500.00
Dad	$500.00
Donna and Jim Linksz	$500.00
Di Johnston	$250.00
local Johnston	$250.00
Steve Mitchell	$250.00
Mike and Sharon Fijalka	$250.00
William Anderson	$250.00
Jim Wheeler	$250.00

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