Day 142- April 20th Its the Final Countdown!!!

Want to pump yourself up for the weekend? Check out this diddy-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw

My coaches have been hounding us this week to take it easy and relax. Of course, no crazy practices or training exercise; they call it the "taper." I am enjoying the tapering this week. I am still doing PT every week like clockwork. My last session before the race is tomorrow. My leg is not 100% but it pretty darn close. I am hoping that the andreline will kick in on Race Day to help me through the 13 miles. I wish there was some fairy dust to throw on my leg just for good luck sakes! Come on left hammie work with me.

I am making tons of lists to make sure I don't forget anything i.e. running gear, jelly beans, fuel belt, propel, plane ticket-the essentials is what I would call them). Anything beyond that I think I could pick up in Nashville.

I am excited about the country line dancing at the WildHorse Saloon. Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JSskRTLBHM I think I will be the girls on the left sitting this one out.I just hope I don't look like the lady on the far right in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2wBzUGOlCs

Ready or not Nashville here I am come!

Day 139- April 17th Last Chance Workout Good Ole 6 miler

Howdy Guys...well today was my last "official" workout with Team in Training Spring Season and wouldn't you know it I was late to this practice. In fact, it was the only practice that I was ever late too.  I got to see some of other teammates that participated in races earlier in the season and hear encouraging words from those guys.  It's nice to know that they still care about us Country Music runners.
Today's workout wasn't too difficult but boy did I enjoy those hills and of course having company is always nice. I also got a chance to have a friendly chat with my Coach Alex and he had some encouraging words to say about the race and this season. Thanks Coach!

Another tid-bit of info: I got a chance to meet my honored Teammate Ms. Sheridan Pearcey, who is fighting for her life. She is a sweet "young at heart" lady who came to visit her daughter and grandson this week. It was nice to hear that she feels like a human again. Ms. Sheridan, the race in Nashville is for you!

Go TEAM!

Day 132 April 10th George Washington has one awesome plantation

I have two weekends left until Race Day. I have to say that I am getting use to waking up early and going for a run/walk/jog with my teammates. It's nice to say that I ran 8 miles before 11am on a Saturday morning-I feel like I got something accomplished. This weekend were graced with the trail at Mount Vernon, which is where George Washington's estate was. It was a beautiful place to go for a walk with my buddies. Check out Mount Vernon's website for more information: http://www.mountvernon.org

I got a chance to run with my teammate Robbie and catch up with the latest "60 Minutes" gossip. I also got a chance to meet one of our coaches named Jack. He was talking to Robbie and myself about the Nashville course. He was encouraging yet honest about the course and the hills that will get us at the end of the race. I am totally not worried about the finish line at all-yeah right.

One thing I learned this weekend is that Mrs. Judy ZiBerna's birthday will be on Race Weekend.  Her daughter, Jenn is the reason that I started running with Team in Training. I think it is a perfect way to honor her life by running the half marathon for her. I have a lot people that I am running for on Race Day so this one is for you guys.

Day 123 Thursday April Fools Day- There's no fooling around up here

Because this weekend is Easter weekend, we have an “own our own training” but I am thinking I am going to hook up with Jenn and the wonderful Graves family for a quick jaunt around Fletcher’s boathouse in DC. It will be nice to see the Graves’ Family and to catch up with them. It’s amazing to think that after almost 5 months our training will be ending soon.

Physical therapy is still going well. I am almost finished with it. I have to admit that it has taken some dedication on my part to keep going and taking the time to do the exercises every day. I do my best to work out every day but it is starting to affect my work schedule a bit. Hopefully with the race only a few weeks away I will be able to finish up quickly.

Besides working on PT, I have also been working on my race outfit. What shorts, socks and other items will I wear on Race Day? Now this may sound trivial but I am trying to think like a road racer. I think I got the socks, shoes & fuel belt down as well  my fuel snacks during the race. The singlet will just have to work because I have to wear it. I also have a bright neon visor to wear in order to pick me out in a crowd. I am thinking to myself just look for the whitest girl in shorts and a singlet-I can't be missed. This will have to wait for another day. 

I am getting excited not only about the race but also about seeing my family. I haven't seen them since Christmas and the little "punkin" Jayden has grown like a weed.  I am excited to see the little baby and my family as well.

My very special thank you to all of my contributors in Georgia you guys are the absolute best. I am trying to think of some way to really thank you for your cards, letters and donations. I am thinking on this and will get back to this soon. Go TEAM!

Day 120 Monday March 29th Feeling Good & Eating Good

Howdy Howdy Family and Friends. My apology for not updating my blog sooner life has taken a hold of things lately. Where to begin? Well, I did 10 miles last weekend and felt really good afterwards. I was able to run most of the trek with a few walk breaks in between for comfort. I must say that it felt good to get back into the swing of things. The coaches were very encouraging even to the point to make sure we were taking our necessary water breaks and such. We were fortunate to have two coaches on bikes Coaches Jim and Joe from the Virginia Team of TNT. They are two funny characters both with good senses of humor and can make light of any situation.

I would be remised if I didn’t mention that Coaches Shannon and Alex of the Maryland Team are just as fabulous. Coaches Shannon and Alex are very generous with their time and energy. One weekend they took our entire Maryland Team out for pizza. Now pizza may not sound like too much but with a crowd of folks who are training for an endurance event: we like to eat (and eat a lot). This intense training requires calories and I am not going to deny myself or my body of the calories it needs to survive and do well. So to the doughnut holes, bananas, gummie bears and Clif Bars watch out because you are too yummy to pass up (and of course good ole carrot cake).

Thank you to Coaches Shannon and Alex for being amazing encouragers in times of weakness (when I want to give up) or times of grief (when its snowing/raining outside). If you are looking for a program to get you up off the couch and into shape and for a great cause, join Team In Training. You will make amazing friends, firm up your tush in a few short months and help support the mission of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Go TEAM!