Getting Ready for February 15th

I wanted to make sure everything was ready as I prepare for "26.2 with Donna-The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." I ran the Space Coast half-marathon in Cocoa, FL on Sunday, November 30th. As you can see from my smile, I was very satisfied with the result. I finished with a new PR of 1:52:12.

I had several people inquire about the "BCM" when they saw my shirt. Hopefully, I was able to convince them to participate.

I will be heading to Jacksonville on December 21st for the Jacksonville Bank half-marathon.

"Lost in Sadness"

Time has passed.

Does the length or reason matter?

No.

Now is important.

This is the moment.

I stand before her.

I see no change.

The beauty of her face.

The brilliance of her smile.

The comfort of her embrace.

Nothing is different.

I watch her eyes.

"the mirror of her soul."

She begins to explain.

I listen.

The facts are clear.

The battle has commenced.

I've heard this all before.

Is this a dream?

How many times will this story be told?

Time has passed.

I'm "Lost in Sadness"

"T" Minus 90 Days and Counting

It's hard to believe that we are just 90 days out from the "26.2 with Donna". Where has this year gone! From the responses to our poll question we should have quite a few runners headed to Jacksonville Beach on February 15, 2009.

If you are a reader of this blog, please send the information to your friends, relatives, co-workers, your entire e-mail address book! I want our group picture to be at least three times as large.

All of the information you need is at the Breast Cancer Marathon website. One of the most important pieces of information is that 100% of your entry fee goes directly to the charity.

Please sign up today and come run with us. Prayers & Love!

When Will It End?

Shortly after the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer", I started this blog. It was a spin-off from my original blog "Running Geezer". I wanted to bring attention to this marathon, the fight against breast cancer and my dear friend Donna.

As Donna has progressed in her fight, the posts have had a more positive theme. In fact Donna e-mailed me today to say she competed in a 5K. Next week she has a 10K on her schedule as she makes progress toward the half-marathon on February 15, 2009, in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

There is a line from a movie, "Just when you thought it was safe......" that another dose of reality reared its ugly head. I learned a few days ago that another friend of mine Joan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The "Pink Bandanna" is going into overtime to continue to spread the word. More miles to be run, more tears to be shed.

I am using a different version of my "Imagine" photo. I took these photos last year about this time when I was in New York City for the NYC Marathon. The "Imagine" mosaic is located in the Strawberry Fields section of Central Park. It is of course a memorial to John Lennon.

Please help by supporting the "26.2 with Donna". You don't have to be a runner, you can be a contributor without breaking a sweat. If you are a runner, we hope that you will sign up to run this incredible event. There are many Donna's and Joan's out there who need your help and support.

Prayer's & Love.

On The Road Again

The "Pink Bandanna" got packed in my suitcase and headed off to New York for the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon. This is a point-to-point race starting in Schenectady and finishing in Albany. It is a very small race with a limit of 650 runners. 18 miles of the course are on a paved bike trail adjacent to the Mohawk and Hudson River's. Autumn was in full color, the scenery with the color of the leaves changing was spectacular.

As I have written in previous posts the "Pink Bandanna" is the symbol for everyone battling breast cancer. You know about my very dear friend Donna, who is the inspiration for this blog. As I got further into the race and needed that special boost, I relied on the bandanna and the strength it gives me. Holding it I realize that any discomfort I was feeling is nothing compared to that which those battling breast cancer face.

We crossed the finish line knowing there are a few more races before we go to Jacksonville for the "26.2 with Donna-The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer", February 15, 2009.

Prayers & Love.

Happy Valentine's Day

So, we are a little early in sending our wishes to you! But, in just six months it will be one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. You can buy that special person flowers, candy and dinner or, you can treat them to a very unique gift. The gift of hope, sharing, caring and life. Why not register them for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer."

Next year it will be held on Sunday, February 15th. Make this event part of an exciting Valentine's Day weekend. What a wonderful way to say "I Love You!"

100% of the registration fee goes directly to the "Donna Hicken Foundation".

Time for Celebration!

The very happy lady in the photo is "Bandanna" staff member Donna. The ceremony was held to celebrate the successful completion of her radiation treatment. We all remember when she informed us that she had breast cancer in November 2008, there were no smiles that day. No matter how tough things get, Donna always has that radiant smile and positive attitude. She informed us that she will begin her training for "26.2 with Donna" very shortly. She is already registered and will be starting with us on February 15, 2009.

Come on, what are you waiting for? Register today for "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer".

Oakley Sunglasses-"26.2 with Donna"

Be a hero. Help finish breast cancer with your purchase of the custom Oakley "26.2 with Donna" sunglasses featuring its Running Ribbon trademark.

Every penny of the proceeds from your purchase will directly fund life-saving research and care for those living with breast cancer.

Cost is $120.00 plus shipping and handling. Click on the "title" for additional information.

The "Bandanna" Rests

I was never in doubt as to which shirt I would wear during the running of the Boilermaker 15K. As for the pink bandanna, it proudly took it's place upon my head. As you know from previous posts to the blog, I wear it for my dear friend Donna who is currently battling breast cancer.

The Boilermaker 15K, was a fun race again this year. This is the third consecutive year I have run the race. My nephew Jim, aka blog "Runner's Anonymous", and I took on the challenge of the hills in Central New York. I am proud to say that he and I both achieved PR's in the 15K and my niece Eileen, PR'd in the 5K! Both of them are planning to be in Jacksonville Beach in February. As mentioned in the previous post, Daria ran the 15K as well.

I had a few runners stop me after the race to inquire about the "26.2 with Donna". I told them to check out the website and be sure to register! We are still a long way from February 2009, but now is the time to spread the word and get the registrations coming in. Please join us!

"Bandanna" Visits New York!

We took our show on the road to Utica, New York and located Daria decked out in her "26.2 with Donna" race shirt. Daria is a regular visitor to "The Pink Bandanna" and has been a contributor with her comments. She ran the inaugural race this past February.

Back in April when I told her I would be running the "Boilermaker 15K" in Utica, she told me that was her home town. We made plans to meet at the expo on Saturday before the race. She told me to look for her in her "Donna" shirt. Having never met her the shirt was going to be the beacon. Right on time I saw her approaching. Of course we had to have pictures taken and talk about the upcoming "26.2 with Donna". Daria has already signed up for the race in February.

Please join us in Jacksonville Beach on February 15, 2009.

We Haven't Forgotten

February 15, 2009 may not bring frost on the leaves in Jacksonville, but why not think of cooler days ahead. Don't forget to sign up for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer". Experience "winter" in Jacksonville.

Our Donna recently completed her chemo treatments and will begin her radiation treatments soon. She is a fighter and already has her registration and hotel ready for February. We hope that you will join us and the thousands of others who will turn out for this event.

Results Are In $2,650.

Approximately 100 runners donated $1,325., on Saturday morning, to participate in the "Left Behind" half marathon. A special "thank you" to all the runners, the volunteers, the MarathonFest training program, Susan Paul and the Track Shack Foundation.

The Track Shack Foundation was generous and matched the contribution, making the total raised for the "Donna Hicken Foundation", $2,650.

The photo is of our pot luck breakfast and some of the runners who participated.

Fundraiser - Part 2

The two ladies pictured above are Donna and Jodi, both are runners in our training program. Donna is currently battling breast cancer. Jodi has won her battle to beat breast cancer! In fact Jodi ran the half-marathon today. There is hope in the fight against this disease. They selected the "Donna Hicken Foundation" to be the recipient of the money raised from the "Left Behind" half marathon. Approximately 100 runners showed up for the fun run. There were medals for each finisher and a delicious pot luck breakfast of goodies. I even saw some chocolate donuts. We will have a tally of the money raised in the next few days. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed.

"Left Behind" Fundraiser

We belong to a training group called MarathonFest. It is organized through the Track Shack a local running store in Orlando. This coming session we expect to have over 600 runners in training.

Each year around this time, many of our runners are leaving Orlando to run the various spring races. For those of us who did not register for a spring race, we hold our own, the "Left Behind" half marathon. This year it will be on Saturday, May 3rd. This is a fun run, with left over t-shirts and things donated to us by Track Shack. We finish it off with a "pot luck" breakfast.

Each year a charity is chosen to be the beneficiary of the donations made as the entry fee. This year the "Donna Hicken Foundation" was chosen. We are hoping to raise over $2,000. I will have a follow up post with photos early next week. Wish us luck!

Are You Registered for 2009?

We filled the bleachers for this photo in February. We want you to be in our photo for 2009. Maybe we can do a slide show, so we can fit everyone in. REGISTER NOW!

"The Good Fight"

"I pray that in your lifetime, cancer will simply become a word in the medical history books."

Donna Deegan

Excerpt from her autobiography, "The Good Fight".

Please Answer Our Poll

We have added a quick method to determine how many of you are interested in the "26.2 with Donna". In the sidebar to the right, you will see our poll question. Please answer the question by "clicking" on the appropriate answer. It is not necessary to log in, just vote. Thank You!

Comments from Donna Deegan

I contacted Donna Deegan, Race Founder, to make her aware of what we were doing with the new blog. I asked for her "blessing" on the project. I received an inspirational response. I would like to share two of her comments.

First, "To say you have my blessing would be an understatement. I am the one who is blessed."

Second, "The more we connect with others, the more we spread that energy and the quicker we arrive at health and healing."

Birth of the Blog

Many of the posts to my other blog had to do with the "26.2 with Donna-The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." As I was reading some of the comments, I realized there was a tremendous amount of interest and support for this event. So, within a few hours, "The Pink Bandanna" was born.

The name for the blog came about this way. The pink bandanna has become the symbol of the breast cancer movement. Every participant at this years marathon received a pink bandanna in the goodie bag handed out at the expo. Many participants and spectators were wearing them on race day. My friend Donna, shown in the photo entitled "Inspiration", is currently battling breast cancer. She has already registered for the 2009 half-marathon! What are you waiting for?

Our Donna, is not to be confused with Donna Deegan, Race Founder, and two-time breast cancer survivor. Both of these ladies are the inspiration for this blog.

We hope that you will enjoy reading the posts and leave us your comments. We would like to hear about your experience with the race or your plans for 2009. Please consider joining us in Jacksonville Beach, FL, on February 15, 2009.

Join The Group in 2009

Thank you for stopping by to read our blog. We are just starting, so we will have much more coming soon. In the meantime, please check out the website for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." Registration is now "OPEN".

The photo is of our Orlando, FL, group prior to the 2008 race. Will you be in the photo next year?