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.

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.

We're Getting Close

As we approach mid-December, we are less than 90 days away from marathon Sunday, February 21, 2010. Once again, I hope we can "recruit" a large number of runners from Orlando to be there. I'm registered and have my hotel room reserved!

Please make every effort to join us for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer".

The photo is from 2009 after the award ceremony.

Donna in Orlando at Track Shack

On Saturday, November 7th, we were blessed to have Donna Deegan, visit the Track Shack here in Orlando. She was here to promote her new book, "Through Rose Colored Glasses", and to visit with runners. Many of the people who stopped to see her have run the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer".

If you have been a follower of this blog you are very familiar with Donna Deegan. Her story is one of courage and determination. Assisting Donna was "our" own Donna, Donna Nelson. Both of these ladies have been such motivators for the running communities in Orlando, Jacksonville, Florida and across this country.

There are links on this blog to the websites for Donna's book and to the marathon. Please support this "fight" and register to run with Donna on February 21, 2010.

The photo is of Donna Nelson, Donna Deegan and me.

A quote from the book, "Fear Not; Only Believe" Mark 5:36

Donna to Visit Orlando

Donna Deegan will be at the Track Shack in Orlando, FL, on Saturday, November 7th, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. She will be signing copies of her new book, "Through Rose Colored Glasses". There are many Donna fans in the Central Florida area and we hope they will come out for this event.

Dedicated to Cathy Johnson

"When I first met my mother-in-law, she was already going through breast cancer treatment for over two years. Over the next five years, she would prove to be one of the bravest, most positive people I've ever known. Never did she complain or ask, "why me", and her response to our questions of how she felt was always, "I'm hanging in there!", with a big smile on her face.

She showed me that you have choices in your life. You can choose to succumb to your fears and stresses or you can fight. You can take a stand and believe in yourself. She always wore a yellow LiveSTRONG bracelet, and that was her commitment. She challenged herself to LiveSTRONG through the good and the bad.

Cathy lost her battle to breast cancer in May, but her resilience and attitude in the face of adversity has given me a new perspective and given me the chance to look at distance running in a new way. I now look at marathon running as a choice and a chance. I purposely put the long miles under my feet, but many men and women who are given the diagnosis of cancer never had the chance to accept or deny the diagnosis.

The last hill in the "Breast Cancer Marathon", as you're approaching the finish, seems to go on forever. By that point in the race, your legs hurt and you're usually just about out of gas. During last year's race, as I came up the hill, panting and walking, I passed a woman wearing a pink "Survivor" bib and something big occurred to me ..........

That hill is over in just a few minutes. I can walk it, run it or even crawl up it and soon enough, I'm on the down slope and across the finish line. For those who are going through cancer treatment, many times there is no down slope, or the journey to get to the easy parts is very long and not easy. So that day, I ran the hill, and never stopped until I finished, where my husband was waiting to welcome me.

I can't wait for the 2010 "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer", because I know my mother-in-law will be there with me in spirit, reminding me to keep going and to LiveSTRONG.

I LiveSTRONG in memory of Cathy Johnson."

This post was written by Mari Costea-Johnson and published with her permission. The photo is of Mari and her husband Dave, at the finish of the 2009 marathon.

"Through Rose Colored Glasses"

Donna's new book, "Through Rose Colored Glasses", is now available for pre-sale.

Please visit the "Breast Cancer Marathon" website to see all available merchandise.

Please Share Your Story

As we move beyond the halfway point toward February 21, 2010, it is time for me to be more diligent in updating this blog. I am in the process of reaching out to friends for stories about their family members or friends who have battled breast cancer. Or, if you have a story about your involvement with the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer", please share your story with me for the blog.

I will be back in Jacksonville for year number three. I have run 10 marathons and numerous half-marathons. There is not one that is as inspirational as the "26.2 with Donna."

Having friends who are survivors and are running in this event. Having friends who are running in memory of a loved one who tragically lost their battle to this disease. Reading all the t-shirts and signs the runners and spectators carry on race day. So much inspiration. So many reasons to participate.

As I write this, I recall coming upon a runner with less than two miles to go. On the back of his shirt he had a small sign that said simply, "please say a prayer for my sister."

Motivation is everywhere. To me, the hills don't seem as high, the heat is not too hot, and my body can and will endure a short period of "pain". Any discomfort I feel is nothing compared to what a cancer patient must endure.

If you have a story, please e-mail it to me at: jimny1045@juno.com

Incredible Journey

Those of you who have been following this blog are familiar with Donna Nelson and her battle with breast cancer. For those of you who are new to this blog, Donna was diagnosed in November 2007. Less than one year from her diagnosis she was back running, a 5K. In October she ran a 10K and on February 15th, she ran the half-marathon at the "26.2 with Donna".

This past weekend in Eugene, OR., she completed the "FULL" marathon, all 26.2 miles. Those of us who run know how difficult it is to run a marathon even under the best of conditions. To run one within 18 months of being diagnosed with breast cancer is truly "INCREDIBLE".

When Donna mentioned she wasn't pleased with her finish time, I reminded her of the quote from John "The Penguin" Bingham. "Your spirit doesn't know how to tell time."

Anyone, regardless of your physical condition, needs only to look at the photograph that accompanies this posting. The photo is of Donna crossing the finish line at the marathon.

What an "Incredible Journey"!

Prayers & Love.

A New Perspective

Over the past 14 months, I have found it easy and enjoyable to maintain this blog. It really doesn't take much effort to report on an event such as the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer". Nor, does it take much effort to keep you informed on the people who help to make this race such a wonderful experience.

Several weeks ago I got to "go inside" and see firsthand a breast cancer patient receive her treatment. My friend Joan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall, needed someone to accompany her for lab tests, doctor's examination and her "chemo" treatment. I think I was more nervous than she was. On second thought, I definitely was more nervous than she was!

Joan is receiving her treatment at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Orlando. I have driven past the center hundreds of times, but never had the occasion to go inside. Walking to the front door was not unlike walking to the start of a marathon. Hundreds of thoughts were going through my mind. Only this time I was not familiar with what to expect behind the huge sliding glass doors. I know what to expect during a marathon.

The waiting rooms we went to were full with patients awaiting treatment for various cancers. There were men and women, young and old, various ethnic backgrounds, a cross-section of our population. It seemed as though no one was spared. I felt out of place. Why was I one of the fortunate people to be a "visitor", not one of the "patients". Why me? Why Joan?

As we moved from place to place within the center, I was struck by the positive attitude displayed by the staff. Trying to make the experience for the patient one of caring and comfort. Again, I encountered the patients, many ladies, many bandannas, not all pink. I was now coming face to face with what goes on behind the scenes. I felt as though I was beginning to "hit the wall", as can happen during a marathon. I wasn't giving up just as in a race, but the emotional involvement of the day was taking it's toll. I must go on.

Our last stop of the day, now about 2:30pm, was Joan to receive her "chemo" treatment. We went to a semi-private room, where the nurse took the "IV" and inserted it into Joan's port, a devise that was surgically implanted in her right chest. The machines were set and the "drip" began, it would take approximately 30 minutes to complete the process. At one point we were able to leave the room with the "IV" stand in tow. Off we went for a better view of downtown Orlando. As Joan reclined in the "chemo chair", I looked out over the city, not really seeing what was happening on the streets. What I could see was Joan's reflection in the window. Again the questions filled my mind........why? why? WHY?

Soon the machine sent out an audible tone indicating the process was finished. The nurse unhooked the "IV" and we were free to go. I felt the sensation of the marathon finish, I knew it was near and I had to muster the strength to get to the finish line, which like the start line, was two sliding glass doors.

The fresh air of the brisk March day felt clean and refreshing. I had done it, I had completed my "marathon" tour of a single day of a cancer patients experience. Much like any marathon I have ever run, I would not change a moment of the experience. I learned much about the process, I learned some things about myself, but most of all I learned an important lesson in the fight against breast cancer.

Tomorrow, Joan will once again head to M. D. Anderson for a treatment. This time her brother will be at her side. I'm sure I'll be back, just as I've come back to run other marathons. In retrospect, it wasn't me the observer who was running the marathon, it was the patient. My day with Joan was a 50 yard dash compared to the ultra-marathon she is running.

Give her strength, give all who are fighting this disease the strength to successfully complete their run. "Prayers and Love" to all who battle.

Joan....."I Love You!"

Don't Miss the "26.2 with Donna" in 2010

The photograph is of some of the Orlando runners who ventured north to Jacksonville Beach for the Breast Cancer Marathon. I don't have an exact count on how many "MarathonFest" runners attended, but I would estimate at least 25. Thank you all for making the trip and the commitment to this event and the fight against breast cancer.

The inaugural event in 2008 was very good, this year the organizers made a number of improvements to make this a "five-star" event! Please, please, please put this race on your calendar for February 21, 2010. Be part of our photo! I, along with many others are already registered and have our hotel reservations.

I would like to thank "Fat Man Running" for stopping by after the award ceremony to say hello. He has been a follower of this blog and a second time runner at this event. He traveled all the way from Massachusetts to take part. Also, Daria, who I saw along the course. She made the trip from New York.

Please send the link to this blog to all your runner and non-runner friends. We are hear to spread the word.

Thank you to everyone who visits this blog.

The Difference a Year Makes

On February 17, 2008, I ran the inaugural "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." On that day one very special person was at the finish line cheering for me. For those of you who have followed this blog it was Donna Nelson. The picture of us at the finish line is still the "inspiration" for this blog. Donna could not run in 2008 as she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2007. I remember her telling me that she would be running the race "next year" and I could be waiting for her at the finish line. Thankfully, she completed her treatments and was able to resume running.

Fast forward to Sunday, February 15, 2009, Jacksonville Beach, FL. Donna is ready to run the race that had eluded her last year. She would have a friend and breast cancer survivor, Jodi, running with her today. When I finished my run one of the first people I saw was Donna's husband Fred. He had received an update on Donna's progress and we knew when to expect her at the finish. As the runners came across the finish we got our first glimpse of Donna and Jodi. Our smiles of joy turned to tears, then back to smiles. As Fred did last year, he took the camera and snapped a 2009 version of "Inspiration". What a difference a year makes.