Motivation Comes From a Victim

I have had some physical ailments since I completed my last marathon in April. They are bothersome, but to me nothing compared to the battles so many fight against Breast Cancer. One of the negatives, I have experienced during this time, is I have not been running as far or as often. I really missed my running. I got the OK from my doctors to resume running about two weeks ago. Restriction, no speed work, or no distance. With the layoff, my body accepted those conditions without question!

I began with a slow 2 mile run. No negative side effects. Several days later I bumped up my mileage to 3. I kept that distance for three days, allowing for a rest day in between. Several of my running friends registered for a 5K, that was held last evening. I was planning to run 3 miles, so why not run the 5K and enjoy the festivities.

Once I hit the "submit" button and my registration was "official", I began to have second thoughts. Maybe I was taking on too much by running a race. My answer was, it's not a race, you are going to pace yourself. It is a training run with 500+ people! Thursday morning brought me more negative thoughts. I could just run my mileage in my neighborhood and there would be no pressure. Back and forth I went most of the day. Crazy to fret over a 5K. I was still debating my decision as late as 4:00pm, for a 6:30pm race.

I had been on my computer and was ready to shut things down and get ready, or was I ready? I took one last quick look at my Facebook page and saw a post from a lady named Nikki to Donna Deegan. Nikki mentioned that her mother-in-law had passed away earlier in the week from Breast Cancer. The pain that Nikki was feeling was evident in her post. She thanked Donna for all she does and mentioned that she was going to run the half-marathon in February.

I knew at that moment I had to run that 5K. No more excuses, no more doubts. That post on Facebook "pushed" me to stop my whining and run! I felt a bit awkward when I responded to Nikki's post that I would dedicate my 5K her her mother-in law. I do not know Nikki, I did not know her mother-in-law. I knew only one thing and that was to run.

For anyone who follows this blog, I proudly wear a pink bandanna at my races. It has traveled to many different races and gone many miles. It is the original bandanna I received at the first expo for the BCM in 2008. It is beginning to fray, the color is fading, but it is filled with many memories. I have several brand new, in the wrapper, pink bandannas. It just wouldn't be the same.

Race time came, I said a prayer and off I went. I was so excited to be "racing" again. My emotions were brought to the verge of tears when I thought of "who" gave me the nudge to run this race. So many victims of this deadly disease. I have several friends, including Donna Deegan and my dear friend Donna Nelson, who are survivors. We need to keep running and as the race slogan says, "FINISH" Breast Cancer. To all of the Nikki's and all of the victims and survivors out there, may God Bless You!

"A Marathon from Fear to Love"

This video says it all! Please take a moment to watch it. You will understand why I run it and why so many friends have chosen this race. Just click on the word video to view. Thank you!

More Than Half-Way

It is hard for me to imagine it has been over six months since I ran the half-marathon in February. With that said, I guess I better get "back to business" for next year's race on February 12, 2012. I have been less than attentive to this blog but, it is no reflection of my dedication to the cause to "FINISH" breast cancer.

For those of you who have FACEBOOK accounts, there is a wonderful page for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer". It will keep you up to date on the happenings more so than I will. Of course there is the website for the event. You can access it by clicking on the event name above, the link will take you there. However you get there, please get there!

I will be running the half-marathon in 2012, this will be my fifth time. I am one of the many "streakers" who will be running a fifth consecutive race. Before anyone new to this site gasps in disbelief, the "streaker" title is for runners who have run each of the five races. It has nothing to do with the fad of the early 1970's!

I am happy to say that the two Donna's that I run for are doing well. I will continue to run for them and all the others who are affected by this terrible disease. Every year when I think about the finish line of the previous year, I see the faces and pink bandannas of the "fighters". Some will be runners this year, others will not have been as fortunate. If you do run this race, please stop and say hello to these people. No Gatorade, Vitamin Water, donut, banana, any supplement will give you more strength than touching these people.

As an earlier post reflects, I ran the Boston Marathon in April. The picture I have posted above is of my dear friend and breast cancer survivor Donna. She went all the way to Boston to be there for me. Help "FINISH" breast cancer and save the "Donna's" of the world who mean so much to all of us.

A Visit to Boston

On Monday, April 18th, I had the honor and pleasure of running the 115th Boston Marathon. It seemed so long ago that I qualified for this race. As runners know, what you wear during a marathon is critical. Your clothes must be very comfortable for the 26.2 mile journey. I had three choices for a shirt, a singlet, a short-sleeved, or a long-sleeved shirt bearing the logo of the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer". Based on the weather forecast, I decided that the short-sleeved shirt would be fine. As I made my way along the course I could hear shouts from the crowd of "Go Breast Cancer". When I ran close to the spectators along the roadside, many reached out for a "high five". The "Breast Cancer" shirt(s) have made some journeys far from Orlando, Jacksonville and Florida. On Monday the shirt, with me inside, crossed the finish line at Boston. Now we need to cross the "Finish Line" of Breast Cancer.

Another Donna Sighting

I know you have seen many photos of each of the "Donna's", but here is one more. Presenting the "Inspiration" for this blog. Two very incredible "Survivors". Prayers & Love!

Number "4" is in the Books

First, my apologies for not updating this blog on a regular basis. Life has gotten a bit hectic recently and blogs have taken a back seat. However, that does not mean that the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer", took a back seat. Quite the contrary, a record number of runners participated in this years event. The "gang" of Orlando area runners who continue to support this race is amazing! We also had quite a few who came north to Jacksonville Beach for the first time. I completed my 4th half-marathon and will be there for number 5 on February 12, 2012. Please join us. Out of all the marathons in the U.S., this is the only one in which 100% of your registration dollars go directly to breast cancer research or to assist breast cancer patients.

A special tip of the cap to race founder and three time breast cancer survivor Donna Deegan. The growth of this race in four short years is incredible. Her vision has certainly become a reality. Now her vision of "finishing" breast cancer must be accomplished.

One more tip of the cap to our other Donna. Donna Nelson stood at the finish line in 2008, three months into her battle with breast cancer. In 2009 she made her return to running. Her streak of "Donna" races is now three. She celebrated this year by setting a course PR, then going back to encourage her running friends to finish strong.

I will post soon again with some additional details on the event.

Yes, We Can Get 10,000 Runners

Registration is up for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer". As of the end of June, the numbers are up 25% and growing. The word is getting out there to be in Jacksonville Beach on February 13, 2011. If the registration frenzy continues, the race should top the 10,000 entry level, in just four years!

If you are reading this blog you already know the importance of the event. Hopefully, you are one of the runners or walkers already registered. If you are not, please register soon! Share this blog with your friends and/or family. I will be posting a link on Facebook. Whatever you can do to spread the word would be wonderful. Unlike other marathons and half-marathons, 100% of your registration fee goes to the fight to finish breast cancer.