Third Times a Charm

March 5, 2011

Friends and loved ones,

When I lost my grandfather last spring, I made a commitment to directly impact cancer research in my community.  By joining the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program, I was able to make my miles more meaningful by running in memory of my Grandpa John and my dad, Danny. 

This October, I will be taking on another race for DetermiNation and running in honor of the millions of people fighting this disease and for those winning the battle.  I would like to ask for your help as I try to cross two finish lines.  All of the months, miles, and hard work I put in training for this race will become something greater than a personal victory – it will directly help people with cancer in our communities.

I know that there are many wonderful causes out there to support but the funds raised enable the American Cancer Society to save lives by helping people stay healthy, get well, find cures, and fight back.  Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. This is my way of fighting back against a disease that has taken too much.

When I cross that finish line, I will be doing it for you and for all the people we know who have been touched by this disease.  With your help, we can create a world with less cancer.  Your gift will mean so much to me, and countless others affected by cancer.   They say that every donation makes a difference, and it really is true. You can donate by visiting http://main.acsevents.org/goto/andrearunschicago.  

If you cannot make a donation at this time, remember that you can donate at any point up until the race.  Every little bit helps and if you were to donate $5 per month, you could donate $30 by the race.  If you could donate $10 a month, you could donate $60.

Please let me know if you would like me to wear a ribbon in honor of one of your loved ones.

With your donation to my DetermiNation team, you will have given more than just a donation.  You have given hope for a world free of cancer.

Best,

Andrea

P.S. Have you ever considered running an endurance event?  Before last spring, I would have never thought that I could complete a marathon.  The DetermiNation program helped me do the unthinkable, achieve what seemed impossible, and change the course of cancer forever. With access to training, a wonderful community of support, amazing race-weekend amenities, and inspiration every step of the way, the American Cancer Society helped me finish two marathons over the last 6 months. For a full list of DetermiNation races and events, please visit http://acsdetermination.org.

One mile at a time, we're creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays!  And we hope that you will join us.

DetermiNation athlete

Illinois Division

T-217: I'm getting better

The title of this post is actually quite fitting.  After I returned from NOLA, which was such an amazing experience, I had required quite a bit of recovery time.  I always allow myself a few weeks of pigging out after a marathon and let up on the running for a bit.  This time, though, my recovery from the race was a bit more than a bit of chafing on my waistband (which I did not experience at all this time).  I actually injured my foot a bit, nothing serious, just a tendon strain in my foot.

And I was REALLY REALLY REALLY sick for 3 days.  I'm not sure if it was the race or the food or the sweet drinks, or more likely a combination.  So, when I was violently ill and heard that the Boston Athletic Association was changing the registration process (staggered with faster runners allowed in first, people at the higher end may not get in) and qualifying times (now a 3:35, which is terrifyingly fast), I knew I would be upset when I was feeling better.

Two days later, I had to really think about whether or not I wanted to push for this.  What would this mean?  AND...would the registration remain open long enough for Chicago runners to get in?

I have been surveying runners to find a race a month or two earlier with a similar elevation chart and climate.  I am a huge runner nerd, yes.  Although I guess I figured that out when I started the blog.

Ultimately, I decided to go for it.  I just registered for the Edmonton.  3 marathons in 4 months.  Here we go, folks.

I still have the determination and DetermiNation.

Andrea