Thank You Donna Deegan

Although this blog is almost one year old, I had never had the opportunity to meet Donna Deegan, the race founder. On Saturday, at the race expo, I finally got to collect the hug she promised me in an earlier e-mail. Having read so much about her, hearing comments from others who have met her, it was finally my time to meet and learn first hand about this incredible lady. Do you know that feeling when you meet someone for the first time and you feel as though you have known them forever? My experience wasn't meeting her for the first time, it was a "reunion". She was even more gracious than I had expected and her smile conveyed the spirit that drives her to do what she does for the fight against breast cancer.

Thank you Donna for all that you do. Prayers & Love.

Are You Ready for February 15th?

It is just 4 weeks until the running of the second "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." It's hard to believe it has been almost one year since we were at Jacksonville Beach. It is not too late to register for the marathon or half-marathon. Hotel rooms are still available. Please check out the website for additional information.

I am pleased to let you know that my "inspiration" for last year's race, Donna N., has been training and will be running the half-marathon. Last year she had to stand on the sidelines and cheer the runners. This year she will hear those cheers for herself!

It has been enjoyable to keep this blog going. Thank you to all who have visited.

"Prayers & Love"

Remembering a Birthday

On December 18, 2008, Tim Feeney, a fellow marathoner and friend lost a 30 month battle with brain cancer. Pictured above is Tim and his wife Susan. I took the photo in October 2007, one day after the Marine Corps Marathon. Susan ran the marathon, Tim despite his cancer was able to attend the race. In fact, the first person I recognized as I exited from the finish area following the marathon was Tim. He was making his way to find Susan.

February 15th we know is the date of the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer. February 15th would have been Tim's 50th birthday.

Susan will be running the half-marathon at BCM to "celebrate" Tim's birthday. What a wonderful birthday present. So if you are attending the race and hear a chorus of "Happy Birthday" prior to the start, please join in. We will be sending our wishes to Tim on his day. I know he will be watching and keeping us safe along the course.

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.