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.

On The Road Again

Another trip, another race! This time I journeyed to Colorado and of course brought along the "Pink Bandanna". The miles are adding up, the word is spreading! On May 9th, I ran the half-marathon at the Colorado Marathon, in Fort Collins. This was my first experience running at altitude. Quite a bit different from the flatland of Florida! It was a wonderful experience and a beautiful, scenic course. The start for both the "full" and "half" marathon is in the Poudre Canyon above Fort Collins, elevation 6,500 feet. The temperature was 40 degrees, clear and calm. We gathered for the start in a field of sage nestled between two mountain peaks. The sun was just rising and the shadows in the canyon were breathtaking. This is a small race with a cap of 1,500 for the "half" and 1,000 for the "full". There were not many spectators in the canyon, however, once into the Fort Collins area the crowds increased and were very supportive.

I have several small events planned in Florida this summer. In October, I will be running the "Wineglass" marathon in Corning, NY. Of course I will be in Jacksonville on February 13th, then on to Boston on April 18th. I need to do something special for Boston!

Three Years and Counting

Yesterday was the 3rd annual "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. Once again I have a new "Inspiration" photo of me and my friend Donna. This blog began with Donna on the sidelines, less than 6 months into her treatment. Last year we added a new photo when Donna returned to running at this race. This year she was back out there, training completed and she rocked the course. You are amazing!

So many stories over the past few years. Some have made this blog, others are unwritten, still others unknown. Mari Johnson contributed a story earlier this year. Mari ran the race yesterday in memory of her mother-in-law Cathy Johnson. I posted a story about another friend, Joan, who is currently continuing her fight against this disease, and making progress! You all have a friend or relative, or maybe you are in the fight. This event, this race is for you.

During the race you see many signs or shirts with the word "remembering". So many names, so many losses. You cannot participate in this event without being moved to tears at some point. After I finished and was walking past the crowds lining the fence, I saw a woman who reminded me of how I saw Donna two years ago. She was wearing a pink bandanna and showed the signs of her chemo treatment. I walked over to her, put my hand on hers and told her, "this is all for you." Let us pray that she will be out there again next February 13, 2011.

There are so many races throughout the country to choose from. I have been blessed with the ability to travel and participate in many of them. There is only one that I will commit to each year and that is the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer". Please, if you are a runner, or walker, you can do this. One of the unique things about this event is that 100% of the registration fee goes toward the fight against breast cancer.

I will be registering for next years race later today. Please, come out and support the fight to the finish. February 13, 2011.

Hope the Weather is Nice!

Just a little more than 3 weeks until the 3rd annual "26.2 with Donna". It's hard to believe it is the third year. I'm training for the half-marathon, I love the distance and the course!

I hope we will once again get a large turnout from the Central Florida area. This is such a wonderful event. Donna Deegan has once again worked tirelessly to ensure everyone has a fantastic time in Jacksonville.

It's still not too late to register for the race. Please, do all you can to support this cause!

I would like the weather to be "cool" this year. I was in New York earlier this year and experienced "cold" as the photo illustrates. How about a nice 50 degree day!

There will be more posts to this blog and a recap following the race.