Goober's First "Race"

Random thoughts about today from my iPhone as I'm trying to sleep:

-Today was Goob's official first "race" since she was in my tummy

-My friend Lolo kicked butt despite the awful weather and circumstances.

-I wear a billed hat for a reason at rainy races. Ugh.

-Pancakes and coffee post-race = nummyness.

-Goober is my little Rockstar. I love her tons.

More later....

Goober's New "Runners"

In honor of Goober's official walker status, Trav and I got her a pair of Nike Lunars.  They're a bit big right now, but she'll be putting some miles on them soon.  These are Goob's second pair of Nikes, as her first pair, some wicked awesome Jordans, were from her Great Uncle Doug (Coach Fish) back when she was 1 month old.  Time sure flies!

THEN:

Goober's Jordans 12/2010

NOW:

Goober's Lunars 2/2012

It's OFFICIAL: Goober Walks

While we were in San Francisco, Goober decided she just wanted to walk and walk and WALK all over the place.  Oh boy!  She's going to be running before we know it.

Here's a clip from Valentine's Day. 

San Francisco Running

Waiting for A at the Ferry Building

While in San Francisco for a couple days, I was lucky to meet up with "A" for a run along the waterfront one evening.  I had met her briefly last year when she did HTC with the nuun group and was in Seattle for a day, so it was great to see her again in her hometown.  She suggested 2.5 miles out and then back along the waterfront as to avoid some of the huge hills SF is known for.  Thanks A!  After walking 10.8 miles pushing Goober in the non-jogging "stupid" stroller the day before (while wearing my TOMS flats!), I needed a hill break.

Despite Trav's scoffing at my outfit of choice--the usual running garb, plus my red sparkle skirt--I felt fast and fun.  And a couple people commented on my sparkle. Why thank you!  Don't care if I looked silly...

A and I chatted the entire time about V-Day, running, running buddies, races, goals, marathons, babies, etc.  and the miles flew by.  At this time the sun had set, but the route we were on was well-lit and still packed with runners and walkers galore.  Nice!  We did stop for a couple photos of the Golden Gate Bridge mid-run but didn't pause too long.  Once the 5 were done, A showed me the inside of the Ferry Building, which had been remodeled a few years prior.  It was awesome.  Fun little shops with gourmet food and bakeries and specialty stores.  Bummer that it was closing time!  

Purdy sunset

What's up A?  Holla!

I realized that A totally was the doppelganger of my friend J: blonde, blue-eyed, nose piercing.  So I was sure to send her a picture of J for confirmation.  Crazy!

Done!

If you don't know A, then check out her blog...she's on a mission to qualify for Boston and she's totally going to get it!

Thanks for the run!

We Ran for Sherry

Sarah, J2, J, Tiffany, Alma, Lindsay and myself. Kerrie took the pic.

The morning's run with the ladies of WeROKC for Sherry Arnold was fantastic.  Met some new people, put names to faces seen on our Facebook group, and was thankful for running buddies.  Along the 8 miles we encountered a few people we told about our running cause of the day: one woman and her cute dog took our picture at the 4-mile halfway mark, and we chatted with a small local running group who had stopped to admire a big hawk in a tree.  There were so many people out running, walking, biking...it was great!  Made me miss living in Seattle proper.  Soon though!

Even though we can't change what happened to Sherry--though we all wish we could!--we honored her by running together.  It just isn't fair though.  And every time I think about it, it just makes me so angry that someone so innocent and loved could be taken from the world that way.  ERRRGH!  AAAAGHHH!  But then I remember that there were/are 1000s of people running for her, and it makes me feel that much more pride for the passionate running/blogging community.  We all really care about each other, and I hope that we continue to look out for one another.

To SUAR's Beth:  You.Are.Amazing.  Know that I think about you and your family often, and I send all my best your way.  Thank you for putting this virtual run together.

Though our group broke up into smaller groups running different paces, we all finished our runs strong.  FOR SHERRY.

PRE-RUN:

J, J2 and Kerrie

Alma, Tiffany and Sarah

Pre-run huddle. We sure are a colorful group.

Pretty in purple: Sybil! 

MID-RUN:

Tiffany, Kerrie and Alma

Sarah's stretching

The hawk

POST-RUN:

My feet were pretty sore from running in my new "stupid" trail shoes.  Ice bath in Lake Washington's water.  WOoooooOOooo!  Cold!  But Alma's spinach & raspberry bars were yummy and distracted me from the pain.

Ugly/frozen feet

Other "Run for Sherry" recaps:

Kerrie - Mom vs. Marathon

Tiffany - Musings of a Runner Girl

Alma - The Average Woman's Running Blog

Lindsay - Lindsay On The Go

Running for Sherry

Tomorrow morning runners from all over the nation will gather to run in remembrance of a mother, teacher, daughter, cousin, friend and RUNNER, Sherry Arnold from Montana who tragically lost her life too soon.  Seattle area runners from WeROKC (Women Runners of King County) are gathering for a group run in honor of Sherry.  For more information about the virtual run, please visit Beth's site at Shut Up and Run.

Please excuse my lack of blue ink...of course it's the only cartridge I DON'T have a spare for...

Stay safe out there.

Guest Post - Running and Cancer: Reclaiming a Sense of Control

By Liz Davies

Whether someone has treatable skin cancer or metastatic mesothelioma, a cancer diagnosis is one of the hardest challenges in life. In addition to the pain of cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment, the battle with cancer takes away a patient’s sense of control. 

Cancer treatments, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are notoriously harsh and aggressive. Throughout the treatment process, a patient’s body belongs to doctors, surgeons, nurses, therapists, and insurance companies. It belongs to the cancer. This is how most patients feel. 

Running is a monotonous, exhausting, sometimes painful activity. If cancer patients can handle the exercise, it can help them reclaim ownership of their bodies.

Numerous studies have shown exercise to be very beneficial for cancer patients and survivors. Exercise, particularly aerobic activity like running, is good for the body, mind, and spirit. Running strengthens the heart, lungs, muscles, joints, immune system, and other body organs and functions. It also boosts energy, elevates mood, and improves outlook.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong, a testicular cancer survivor, has said, “Exercising may be one of the best things you can do for yourself during and after your cancer treatment.” Running is a good choice for many patients, depending on their cancer type and the stage of cancer development. 

Dana Jennings, a prostate cancer survivor, turned to running during his battle with the disease. He shared his story in a 2009 edition of The New York Times. Running returned a sense of control to Jennings -- control that was lost to surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy. 

Small steps are the best way to start a running program, especially if a patient was sedentary before cancer diagnosis. Jennings started slowly, walking laps around the hospital ward before shuffling through his neighborhood at home. Although it was hard at first, Jennings’ fitness improved over time, and he reclaimed control of his body. 

His cancer was no less a battle, of course, but running made fighting the disease a little easier. “After you’ve weathered prostate cancer and its treatments, the old aches and complaints of running don’t mean much anymore,” he has said. “They can’t compare to the pain and fatigue that accompany cancer.”

The American Cancer Society recommends 150 minutes of moderately-intense exercise each week. The best cancer fitness programs include flexibility exercises, strength training, and aerobic activity. Patients should seek doctor approval before starting a running program or any exercise plan.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.