Candy & Jennifer
First Training!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
VICTORY PARTY
That nap did not seem long enough!! Honestly, we weren't thrilled to go - we even took a cab instead of walking the cruel 10 blocks there. But once we got there - we were so glad. Most of our group made it, where we enjoyed a tasty little dinner, including well deserved ice cream! HA!
They already had a great slide show from the day! Then, came the dancing. Yes, you heard me right - dancing! They encourage you to dance to help keep the lactic acid moving in your body. We were at the back of the room (closer to the door), so we created our own dance floor! My grandmother, Honey joined several of us for the Electric Slide. I couldn't believe how right they are - dancing actually helped the pain. Speaking of pain, here's a great marathon saying, "Pain is weakness leaving your body!" AMEN!!
We decided to cut out early. We were asleep by 8:30pm! A well-deserved 8:30pm!!
They already had a great slide show from the day! Then, came the dancing. Yes, you heard me right - dancing! They encourage you to dance to help keep the lactic acid moving in your body. We were at the back of the room (closer to the door), so we created our own dance floor! My grandmother, Honey joined several of us for the Electric Slide. I couldn't believe how right they are - dancing actually helped the pain. Speaking of pain, here's a great marathon saying, "Pain is weakness leaving your body!" AMEN!!
We decided to cut out early. We were asleep by 8:30pm! A well-deserved 8:30pm!!
RACE DAY!!
It's here! It's really here!! By the way, this came VERY EARLY!! We were up at 3:15AM!! Our early start team met downstairs at 4:15am!! Honey, Sara & Janet even came down to wish us luck!!
Our team headed over the starting line & we got to be at the front! That was so cool! Let me tell you - it was rather dark & chilly! They had a girl lead us in some stretches - very helpful. A group from California spontaneously led us in "The Star Spangled Banner". That was very touching!! Then - the 10 second countdown to the start!!!
The adrenaline was pumping as we started - it was so neat to have people cheering us on that early in the morning! They had a calypso band at mile 1 and a gospel choir at mile 2!! Wonderful!! By the time we reached the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was coming up!! What a site! Then, the hills...nothing, I repeat nothing in Oklahoma can prepare you for this. The view however, from about mile 7.5...you can't touch that! The hills, the ocean - breathtaking!
Throughout the course, TNT staff and coaches are dressed up in theme costumes cheering you on. They had a group in 70's & 80's costume, there was Colonel Sanders, Richard Simmons, the Escape from Alcatraz group, and a possible Elvis sighting! The favorite for most people was the San Francisco Cheerleading Squad ( a very FABULOUS group of spirited guys!) We saw them at miles 3 & 23!!
We cannot begin to describe what it's like to have thousands upon thousands of strangers cheering you on!! It's like being in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade & being the feature float! Families watching from their windows. Lots of kids & dogs - so cute!! And the volunteers - WOW!! THOUSANDS of volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, cheering you on. The American Red Cross with first aid, the porta potties, the entertainment, AH - the list is ENDLESS! The chocolate, the socks, towels, all sorts of goodies handed out along way, but where do they expect you to put it? I gladly accepted the towel so I could wipe the salt of my face. Yes - maybe this is T.M.I, but I literally had salt (from the sweat) on my face! HA!
Perhaps the toughest part was going around Lake Merced. There weren't as many volunteers cheering you on, and it's mile 20-23 - at that point it takes all the mental strength you can muster! One final hill and then you see the incredible ocean view!! Mom & I were keeping up with each other via BlackBerry - she was about 1.5 miles ahead of me. Mom crossed the finish line & let me know where to look for her cheering me on. Sherry Furseth heard them announce Mom's name & got a picture of her! Oh yeah, that's another cool thing - is that they announce each person's name as you cross the finish line. I crossed the line with my co-worker Patty, her poor knees had hobbled her, but she did it!! I could see Janet & Sara as a crossed the finish line too.
Mom & I quickly found each other as I made my way through the finishers line (getting necklace, shirt, removing the timing chip). It was so fun to celebrate with mom, Honey, Janet & Sara!! WOW!! We really did it!! With all the thousands of people in this area, they really know how to manage this - it's all mapped out very well. Next, it's time to check in at the TNT tent where you get more "jewelry", you're 26.2 pin!! YEAH!! We were both moving a little slow at this point. Mom's knees were killing her & I knew I'd earned some fantastic blisters on the bottom of my feet around mile 20 or 21. We were anxious to get our cushiony flip flops!!
We also found Sherry Furseth amongst the crowd. She successfully completed the half-marathon!! I saw her parents, Gerry & Betty Ann as I approached the 12 mile marker & they waited for her to finish her race!
We gingerly walked to our shuttle - it felt like 3 more miles!! Once back at the room, it was time for a shower, ibuprofen, and a nap!!
Our team headed over the starting line & we got to be at the front! That was so cool! Let me tell you - it was rather dark & chilly! They had a girl lead us in some stretches - very helpful. A group from California spontaneously led us in "The Star Spangled Banner". That was very touching!! Then - the 10 second countdown to the start!!!
The adrenaline was pumping as we started - it was so neat to have people cheering us on that early in the morning! They had a calypso band at mile 1 and a gospel choir at mile 2!! Wonderful!! By the time we reached the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was coming up!! What a site! Then, the hills...nothing, I repeat nothing in Oklahoma can prepare you for this. The view however, from about mile 7.5...you can't touch that! The hills, the ocean - breathtaking!
Throughout the course, TNT staff and coaches are dressed up in theme costumes cheering you on. They had a group in 70's & 80's costume, there was Colonel Sanders, Richard Simmons, the Escape from Alcatraz group, and a possible Elvis sighting! The favorite for most people was the San Francisco Cheerleading Squad ( a very FABULOUS group of spirited guys!) We saw them at miles 3 & 23!!
We cannot begin to describe what it's like to have thousands upon thousands of strangers cheering you on!! It's like being in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade & being the feature float! Families watching from their windows. Lots of kids & dogs - so cute!! And the volunteers - WOW!! THOUSANDS of volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, cheering you on. The American Red Cross with first aid, the porta potties, the entertainment, AH - the list is ENDLESS! The chocolate, the socks, towels, all sorts of goodies handed out along way, but where do they expect you to put it? I gladly accepted the towel so I could wipe the salt of my face. Yes - maybe this is T.M.I, but I literally had salt (from the sweat) on my face! HA!
Perhaps the toughest part was going around Lake Merced. There weren't as many volunteers cheering you on, and it's mile 20-23 - at that point it takes all the mental strength you can muster! One final hill and then you see the incredible ocean view!! Mom & I were keeping up with each other via BlackBerry - she was about 1.5 miles ahead of me. Mom crossed the finish line & let me know where to look for her cheering me on. Sherry Furseth heard them announce Mom's name & got a picture of her! Oh yeah, that's another cool thing - is that they announce each person's name as you cross the finish line. I crossed the line with my co-worker Patty, her poor knees had hobbled her, but she did it!! I could see Janet & Sara as a crossed the finish line too.
Mom & I quickly found each other as I made my way through the finishers line (getting necklace, shirt, removing the timing chip). It was so fun to celebrate with mom, Honey, Janet & Sara!! WOW!! We really did it!! With all the thousands of people in this area, they really know how to manage this - it's all mapped out very well. Next, it's time to check in at the TNT tent where you get more "jewelry", you're 26.2 pin!! YEAH!! We were both moving a little slow at this point. Mom's knees were killing her & I knew I'd earned some fantastic blisters on the bottom of my feet around mile 20 or 21. We were anxious to get our cushiony flip flops!!
We also found Sherry Furseth amongst the crowd. She successfully completed the half-marathon!! I saw her parents, Gerry & Betty Ann as I approached the 12 mile marker & they waited for her to finish her race!
We gingerly walked to our shuttle - it felt like 3 more miles!! Once back at the room, it was time for a shower, ibuprofen, and a nap!!
Saturday - Shopping & Pasta Party!
Mom, Honey, and I enjoyed a "leisurely" morning (heading out for the shops around 11am!) We each a store or two that we wanted to hit! We kept commenting on the weather the whole day - it was BEAUTIFUL!! It was such fun seeing other marathoners throughout the city!! The big search was for this great needlepoint shop tucked high above the streets of SF. I thought mom was going to have a coronary when the elevator doors opened! It was a DARLING shop! The really know how to "finish" their products!
When we reached Macy's, we headed to the 4th floor where they had more Nike Women's Marathon merchandise! But the cool part was looking out the front window & taking pictures of the Nike Village. We couldn't get it all in 1 shot - it was that big.
PASTA PARTY - Sara & Janet joined us for this - it truly becomes emotional here!! As we walk into the Mascone Center for our 8000+ person pasta party, we are greeted by HUNDREDS of TNT staff & coaches. They're all cheering US on. It made every single individual person feel so lifted!!
The pasta party was for Team in Training participants and their guests only. There were 5300 TNT participants - add their guests, it brought our total to over 8000!! It was certainly the their largest pasta party ever!! While waiting for the program start, they played a slide show with each chapter's honorees - some survivors and some who'd lost their battle with leukemia or lymphoma. Each state would proudly cheer loudly for their honorees. I can't begin to describe the feeling of being in a room with several thousand people all fighting for the same cause...finding a cure for blood related cancers!!
When the program began, the emcee, John "the Penguin" a writer for Runner's magazine, began to share some amazing statistics. Since training began, we've each walked an estimated 600 miles and burned an estimated 60,000 calories. From it's inception 19 years ago, TNT has trained over 340,000 people who've helped raise over $800,000,000 for leukemia & lymphoma research!! For this year's race - the 5300 TNT participants have raised $18,500,000!!!! That's $700,000 per mile!! And we're a part of that!!!
The final speaker was Amy Bartlett, a recent leukemia survivor. This California native was just diagnosed in March. She carefully detailed her battle with this disease, including it's side effects...including the hair loss. For a girl, that's a tough issue, but she embraced it head on. She threw a party/fundraiser which included shaving not only her hair, but the heads of 18 male friends! And, they raised over $20,000 that night for leukemia & lymphoma research. Amy is a strong 35 year old woman who faced this journey with a strong sense of self, sense of humor, and a wonderful support system. She went into remission in May!! And, she'll be participating in the half-marathon tomorrow!!
It was a special night to share with Sara & Janet. We had our own tearful moment hugging each other. Janet thanking us for doing this in Stephen's honor and us thanking her for sharing their story with us. We truly have become new friends throughout this journey.
Next year, Sara, Janet, and Honey hope to join us for this event!!
When we reached Macy's, we headed to the 4th floor where they had more Nike Women's Marathon merchandise! But the cool part was looking out the front window & taking pictures of the Nike Village. We couldn't get it all in 1 shot - it was that big.
PASTA PARTY - Sara & Janet joined us for this - it truly becomes emotional here!! As we walk into the Mascone Center for our 8000+ person pasta party, we are greeted by HUNDREDS of TNT staff & coaches. They're all cheering US on. It made every single individual person feel so lifted!!
The pasta party was for Team in Training participants and their guests only. There were 5300 TNT participants - add their guests, it brought our total to over 8000!! It was certainly the their largest pasta party ever!! While waiting for the program start, they played a slide show with each chapter's honorees - some survivors and some who'd lost their battle with leukemia or lymphoma. Each state would proudly cheer loudly for their honorees. I can't begin to describe the feeling of being in a room with several thousand people all fighting for the same cause...finding a cure for blood related cancers!!
When the program began, the emcee, John "the Penguin" a writer for Runner's magazine, began to share some amazing statistics. Since training began, we've each walked an estimated 600 miles and burned an estimated 60,000 calories. From it's inception 19 years ago, TNT has trained over 340,000 people who've helped raise over $800,000,000 for leukemia & lymphoma research!! For this year's race - the 5300 TNT participants have raised $18,500,000!!!! That's $700,000 per mile!! And we're a part of that!!!
The final speaker was Amy Bartlett, a recent leukemia survivor. This California native was just diagnosed in March. She carefully detailed her battle with this disease, including it's side effects...including the hair loss. For a girl, that's a tough issue, but she embraced it head on. She threw a party/fundraiser which included shaving not only her hair, but the heads of 18 male friends! And, they raised over $20,000 that night for leukemia & lymphoma research. Amy is a strong 35 year old woman who faced this journey with a strong sense of self, sense of humor, and a wonderful support system. She went into remission in May!! And, she'll be participating in the half-marathon tomorrow!!
It was a special night to share with Sara & Janet. We had our own tearful moment hugging each other. Janet thanking us for doing this in Stephen's honor and us thanking her for sharing their story with us. We truly have become new friends throughout this journey.
Next year, Sara, Janet, and Honey hope to join us for this event!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
WE'RE HERE!!
Oh my gosh!! We're really here! Sorry we didn't blog yesterday - but it was NON-STOP! Mom arrived at the airport EARLY (carpooling with Sherry Furseth). Honey & I arrived later, we all caught an American Airlines flight out with 10 other TNT participants! We got to see Janet & Sara at the gate too! They flew in style - first class!! Thanks, mom for suffering in coach with us - HA!! Our flights were uneventful - yeah!! ALL OF OUR BAGS MADE IT!! Our rooms were ready upon arrival, upacked, and headed to lunch with Janet, Sara, Honey, Mom, and my co-worker Shea. Lunch was great, but the scenery...priceless!!
(See the picture above?!) This was the "scene" just outside Bloomingdale's. There were young dudes painted in gold, wearing very TINY gold Speedos, throwing "snow" in the air. It was quite a show.
After lunch, it was off to Nike Village/Expotique to check in & get our Bib #'s, race packets, etc. There was SO much going on! They've increased the number of runners, walkers etc. to 20,000...making this the WORLD'S LARGEST WOMEN'S MARATHON!! Then it was off to Niketown to check out all the fabulous Nike Marathon clothing - WONDERFUL!! The coolest part was the way Nike put EVERY PARTICIPANT'S name on a screen/film on the bottom floor window. Everyone has a blast looking for their name. Mom found hers - it was a little too high to get a close up, but she got a picture. For the 2nd year in a row, my last name was in the crease-ARG! It was crazy shopping with almost all the other participants (maybe not all, but it was PACKED).
We quickly headed back to the hotel to "gussy" up for Top Fundraiser VIP reception. Mom, Sherry Furseth & I were eligible for raising over $7500 each. It was in the Starlight Room of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Lovely setting, and if it weren't for the fog, we could have seen the whole city. They offered a nice dinner and a brief, but emotional program. A 35 year-old woman shared her recent battle with Leukemia (diagnosed in March, remission in May). It was so moving to hear her discuss her journey...and to hear her announce that she's in remission!!!
Then, the AMAZING news. The 140 Top Fundraisers in the room had raised $1.4 MILLION dollars this year!! WOW!! The Top Fundraiser raised $58,000!! The #2 fundraiser raised around $16,000 - but her company MATCHED her donation - bring her to $33,000! We were all curious to know what incredible company she worked for!! We had a great time, chatting with Sherry and her parents, Jerry and Betty Ann too. Then it was back to the hotel!
Mom & Honey headed up the room, while Sherry & I joined some of the team for the Tshirt decorating party. I think that's when I got a case of the "silly". Kristi Warren & I just became deliriously silly. Finally, it was time to get some rest. But it was only 10:30pm (pacific time).
This morning we slept in til all of 7am. Had some roomservice oatmeal - not bad. We're enjoying a leisurely morning, but we're about to head out for a little more sight seeing & window shopping. Back to Nike Village to get our iPods engraved!
We have our Pasta Party tonight - with all TNT participants. This is always very emotional. It's hard to believe that by this time tomorrow, we'll be close to the finish line!! WOW!! I don't mean to overuse that word - but WOW!!
Love to you all!
J & C
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Last minute errands & whatnot!!
Oh my goodness, so many last minute things to do. We're all SO excited - we leave in just hours!!! I can't believe it! Last night, decorated our singlets - I promise to post a picture later. I've got a conference I have to go to next week, so I've been getting everything ready for that (shipping our display, materials, getting my presentation ready, etc)!! Mom has been to get a manicure, taking Tom to the doctor, dental appointment, the list goes on!!
Thank you all so much for your thoughts & prayers!!
I promise to write more later tonight!
Thank you all so much for your thoughts & prayers!!
I promise to write more later tonight!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sinuses & Presents!
What a combo, eh? My sinus infection is clearing up! (THANK YOU LORD!!) Sweet Mom stayed up til the wee hours working on some presents for some of our teammates & our guests (Honey, Sara, and Janet!) AND - working on our ribbons that we'll wear with honorees names on them!!
Tonight, Team Oklahoma will get together for a Bon Voyage Party. We'll go over some last minute reminders AND decorate our singlets! Our 'singlets' are our raceday shirts. The Team in Training tradition is to put your name & your state on the front of your shirt so that volunteers can literally cheer YOU on. Add those pictures tomorrow!
I'm fervently trying to wrap up things at my office before heading out to San Francisco. (I'm in the office 1 day next week before flying to Pennsylvania for conference. OY!
We're so EXCITED - the big moment is FINALLY drawing near. We wish we could take everyone with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
Tonight, Team Oklahoma will get together for a Bon Voyage Party. We'll go over some last minute reminders AND decorate our singlets! Our 'singlets' are our raceday shirts. The Team in Training tradition is to put your name & your state on the front of your shirt so that volunteers can literally cheer YOU on. Add those pictures tomorrow!
I'm fervently trying to wrap up things at my office before heading out to San Francisco. (I'm in the office 1 day next week before flying to Pennsylvania for conference. OY!
We're so EXCITED - the big moment is FINALLY drawing near. We wish we could take everyone with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
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