When I declared I was going to run the 2010 NYC Marathon and raise money for The Alzheimer's Association, My bestest girlfriend, Amy, jumped in and declared she would share this journey with me. We started planning our training, each applied for a spot with R2R and started our fundraising plans.
As happens sometimes, life throws things in as we make plans.
Last month, Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now on a different journey. Her prognosis is great. It was found early and she has many options for treatment.
I looked back at my goals for this journey and here is the one that includes Amy:
My goal is to have a deeper and closer friendship with Amy and
learn how to encourage and support her and she me.
I still have that goal. The way we will achieve that will just be different than planned back then. I will encourage and support her in her quest to be cancer free. She will encourage and support me in the quest to finish the marathon and raise $10,000.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Very Successful Fundraising Day
The first official fundraising day was awesome! We made $1022.96. Neither of us know how the six cents came to be, as we did have things for a nickel, but nothing for a penny.
My mom, dad and Uncle Elmer came for about half the day. I loved that they could be here to see people support the cause closest to our hearts.
My favorite story of the day:
A married couple were compiling the stuff they wants to buy. The items ranged from a 75 cent Tupperware container to a $5.00 Galilean Thermometer. It was a rather large pile of various items. I totaled it up for them and told them it was $27.50. The wife asked "Can you do better?" I said "It is all for charity. All of the money will go to The Alzheimer's Association." She didn't miss a beat and said "We will give you $30.00."
How awesome is that?
Second day of the yard sale will be shortened due to the sever weather we will be getting this afternoon. We will clean up, store everything and then spend the next month or so getting more donations from friends and have a second one in July or early August.
My mom, dad and Uncle Elmer came for about half the day. I loved that they could be here to see people support the cause closest to our hearts.
My favorite story of the day:
A married couple were compiling the stuff they wants to buy. The items ranged from a 75 cent Tupperware container to a $5.00 Galilean Thermometer. It was a rather large pile of various items. I totaled it up for them and told them it was $27.50. The wife asked "Can you do better?" I said "It is all for charity. All of the money will go to The Alzheimer's Association." She didn't miss a beat and said "We will give you $30.00."
How awesome is that?
Second day of the yard sale will be shortened due to the sever weather we will be getting this afternoon. We will clean up, store everything and then spend the next month or so getting more donations from friends and have a second one in July or early August.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The First Fundraiser!
Today is it!
Amy and I are having the first yard sale. She lives in a town where it makes sense to have one. In Stanfordville, no one would even be bale to find my house!
Many generous people have donated 'stuff' for us to sell. We have priced and tagged it all and in a bit we will venture out to set up the tables and be ready for the early birds. Some 'ultra early birds' (read that as girlfriends who already saw some stuff) have already made purchases, so we have already raised $80.00!
We cobbled together some logos from R2R and The Alzheimer's Association to make signs and a donation jar. We are letting everyone know that every penny raised will be used to help find a cure for this horrible disease.
Oh - I did my run this morning already - now I just need to fit in my stretching regimen to be one day closer to the coveted purse!
Amy and I are having the first yard sale. She lives in a town where it makes sense to have one. In Stanfordville, no one would even be bale to find my house!
Many generous people have donated 'stuff' for us to sell. We have priced and tagged it all and in a bit we will venture out to set up the tables and be ready for the early birds. Some 'ultra early birds' (read that as girlfriends who already saw some stuff) have already made purchases, so we have already raised $80.00!
We cobbled together some logos from R2R and The Alzheimer's Association to make signs and a donation jar. We are letting everyone know that every penny raised will be used to help find a cure for this horrible disease.
Oh - I did my run this morning already - now I just need to fit in my stretching regimen to be one day closer to the coveted purse!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Surprise Visit Yesterday
My folks are staying with my Uncle Elmer up in Colonie. They came in for Kyle's wedding and will be returning to Florida next week. My dad called to ask if they could come visit yesterday. I jumped at the chance to spend the day with them.
My mom remembered that I am running in the marathon. She remembered that I am raising money for Alzheimer's education and research. She is even asked me about it. Those of you who have a loved one suffering from this disease, you know that tomorrow could be totally different and today, she knew. I loved that she generated a conversation about it. I loved that she showed some interest outside of her own concerns. She was my old mom for a few hours. I will hold onto that memory.
My mom remembered that I am running in the marathon. She remembered that I am raising money for Alzheimer's education and research. She is even asked me about it. Those of you who have a loved one suffering from this disease, you know that tomorrow could be totally different and today, she knew. I loved that she generated a conversation about it. I loved that she showed some interest outside of her own concerns. She was my old mom for a few hours. I will hold onto that memory.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Achilles Healer
I ordered this strap a few weeks back and it arrived the other day and I got to run wearing it yesterday morning. I am very optimistic about it. When I finished my run, I hardly knew I had an Achilles tendon. That is amazing.
I have been doing my Achilles stretches three times a day. I have the appointment with my podiatrist next week. I am feeling stronger and stronger each day in my thought that my achilles will not let me down!
Just as an update, I will be buying the coveted purse - yes, I will!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
I am bummed (no more!) see update
I am disappointed.
I am disillusioned.
My feelings are hurt.
My runners mace was not returned.
I do not like it when people do not live up to my expectations.
I have a second one, so I am still safe running this morning.
They didn't know I have a second one.
Update!
7:08 - She dropped off the mace!
I am doing a happy dance!
People do have integrity!
I didn't trust poorly!
I will not have to have a discussion I didn't want to have!
Life is good.
I am disillusioned.
My feelings are hurt.
My runners mace was not returned.
I do not like it when people do not live up to my expectations.
I have a second one, so I am still safe running this morning.
They didn't know I have a second one.
Update!
7:08 - She dropped off the mace!
I am doing a happy dance!
People do have integrity!
I didn't trust poorly!
I will not have to have a discussion I didn't want to have!
Life is good.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sharing My Mace
I went out for my run yesterday morning and 'wore' my mace for the first time. I was concerned about having it in my hand. I was concerned that it would be distracting or that I would find myself holding the canister too tightly. It really seemed like it was designed for me. It fits right in my palm, stays right in position for instant usage (without having to even touch the canister)and the velcro does not scratch or itch.
As I was crossing Rte 82, I heard dog commotion. Never a good thing these days. As I got to my stretching post, the commotion had stopped. I did know that the noises had come from Stissing Lane. I was heading up Stissing Lane first.
After stretching, I take off. As I turn onto Stissing, I see two people and two dogs. I assume they are a married couple and I give them and their dogs a wide berth. I noticed that neither the man or the woman tightened their leashes, so I figured I was going to be fine. I was.
I passed them three more times before my run was done. The last time, the woman said something to me about being impressed or something and I just smiled and said thank you.
As I was fixing to walk home, they were just finishing their walk and coming toward me. I figured they would be good people to get 'dog advice' from. It was cute, the woman spoke to me and said "Are you going again?" I told her I was done with my run and that I would like dog advice from them.
I told them about my bite and about the second German Shepherd. I asked if they lived around here (it was Memorial Day morning, so I thought they may be visiting). They own Animal Farm, which is pretty much across the street from the second Shepherd.
Here is what I found out:
- That Shepherd had been reported to the town. The owners were told to keep it inside the fence with the gate shut.
- That Shepherd came after them this morning and that was the commotion I had heard.
- She yelled at the Shepherd, in a mean and stern voice and it stopped. She also called it a very bad name when she yelled at it.
- She knows me and I know her - we were on the Rail to Trail committee together 10 years ago.
- We have an Animal Control guy in town - who knew?
I showed them my Joggers Mace and they were intrigued. The man asked where I got it and said they were going to get some. This was the first day they took their dogs that direction on Stissing Lane, as they knew the Shepherd had been reported. The woman said she was concerned about walking home now, as what would they do if the Shepherd attacked their dogs?
I offered her my mace to use for their walk home. The husband declined and I could see she wanted to say yes. I took it off my hand and told her to take it and bring it back before Wednesday morning. I apologized for it being sweaty.
As I was crossing Rte 82, I heard dog commotion. Never a good thing these days. As I got to my stretching post, the commotion had stopped. I did know that the noises had come from Stissing Lane. I was heading up Stissing Lane first.
After stretching, I take off. As I turn onto Stissing, I see two people and two dogs. I assume they are a married couple and I give them and their dogs a wide berth. I noticed that neither the man or the woman tightened their leashes, so I figured I was going to be fine. I was.
I passed them three more times before my run was done. The last time, the woman said something to me about being impressed or something and I just smiled and said thank you.
As I was fixing to walk home, they were just finishing their walk and coming toward me. I figured they would be good people to get 'dog advice' from. It was cute, the woman spoke to me and said "Are you going again?" I told her I was done with my run and that I would like dog advice from them.
I told them about my bite and about the second German Shepherd. I asked if they lived around here (it was Memorial Day morning, so I thought they may be visiting). They own Animal Farm, which is pretty much across the street from the second Shepherd.
Here is what I found out:
- That Shepherd had been reported to the town. The owners were told to keep it inside the fence with the gate shut.
- That Shepherd came after them this morning and that was the commotion I had heard.
- She yelled at the Shepherd, in a mean and stern voice and it stopped. She also called it a very bad name when she yelled at it.
- She knows me and I know her - we were on the Rail to Trail committee together 10 years ago.
- We have an Animal Control guy in town - who knew?
I showed them my Joggers Mace and they were intrigued. The man asked where I got it and said they were going to get some. This was the first day they took their dogs that direction on Stissing Lane, as they knew the Shepherd had been reported. The woman said she was concerned about walking home now, as what would they do if the Shepherd attacked their dogs?
I offered her my mace to use for their walk home. The husband declined and I could see she wanted to say yes. I took it off my hand and told her to take it and bring it back before Wednesday morning. I apologized for it being sweaty.
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