By schedule, I mean training, not fund-raising (Still behind on raising money).
I haven't run or walked since Thursday of last week, so this morning started a little slow. I never could get my breathing down, as it is remarkably muggy this morning. I also wasn't as focused on my watch this morning; all I know if that I ran and walked, probably a little more time walking. I stretched a few extra minutes this morning. I am a little sore from all the swimming over the weekend with the girls, but ran with minimal aches. In all, covered 2 miles in 30:51 minutes.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 39.85 miles
Monday, July 21, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
July 19 - A Family Event
Tangent: I need to raise $116 everyday from now until September 1 to reach my goal - have you contributed yet? Thanks for your help!
As planned, today was the bike at the Y. Rachael figured she might as well go also, as Anna Ryan had the entire house up and going well before 7am. Rachael took yesterday off also as she has a sore knee. Her running today caused her more problems, but then she ended up on the bike next to me and was able to ride for 20 minutes with no problems. I hope she is going to be able to participate in all of this fun. I hope we know soon, but no telling when she will actually go see a doctor.
I rode this morning for about 42 minutes and covered 11 miles. I am more convinced that bike riding is my event and when I do this next time, I am choosing a Century Ride. If only I could find a more comfortable seat or shift some of the fat from my gut to my butt for a little padding.
On a somber note, Phillip Estes joined the Lord last night, Friday, July 18. I don't know the Estes family; I just followed their story after his wife posted on Jason's Caring Bridge site. Another victim of this cruel disease. Please lift the Estes family up in prayer.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 37.85 miles
As planned, today was the bike at the Y. Rachael figured she might as well go also, as Anna Ryan had the entire house up and going well before 7am. Rachael took yesterday off also as she has a sore knee. Her running today caused her more problems, but then she ended up on the bike next to me and was able to ride for 20 minutes with no problems. I hope she is going to be able to participate in all of this fun. I hope we know soon, but no telling when she will actually go see a doctor.
I rode this morning for about 42 minutes and covered 11 miles. I am more convinced that bike riding is my event and when I do this next time, I am choosing a Century Ride. If only I could find a more comfortable seat or shift some of the fat from my gut to my butt for a little padding.
On a somber note, Phillip Estes joined the Lord last night, Friday, July 18. I don't know the Estes family; I just followed their story after his wife posted on Jason's Caring Bridge site. Another victim of this cruel disease. Please lift the Estes family up in prayer.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 37.85 miles
Friday, July 18, 2008
Lunch with Jim
I had lunch today with my friend Jim Fuhrmeister. I have known Jim and Tricia for about 10 years. When I lived up here in Birmingham the first time, he became my attorney for just about everything I did related to the Bank and everything I needed personally.
I wanted to have lunch with him to follow up on a series of emails about remembering his wife, Patricia Fuhrmeister. He reminded me how cruel of a disease leukemia really is and continues to be supportive of our efforts to raise money and increase awareness in hopes of eradicating blood cancer.
He told me about a lot of the little things I didn't know about how the disease affects you and all the hoops it requires the patient to jump through during the course of treatment. Lindsey Allison told me the other day that the loss of Tricia makes her "mad." Jim echoed that today and talked about every time he hears about somebody else who is affected or suffers a setback, it makes him mad as well.
We talked about another local guy, Scott Armstrong. He has gone up to Duke last week and is preparing for a transplant from cord cells. A Caring Bridge site has been set up for him and can be found at http://caringbridge.org/visit/donaldscottarmstrong. Like Jim, when I was here the first time, he was one of my business resources in that he handled many commercial appraisals for me over the years. Please pray for him and his family as they go through the toughest part of the fight yet.
Thanks for the emails of encouragement I have received so far. Please consider a donation so we can help fund the required research to find a cure for these diseases.
I wanted to have lunch with him to follow up on a series of emails about remembering his wife, Patricia Fuhrmeister. He reminded me how cruel of a disease leukemia really is and continues to be supportive of our efforts to raise money and increase awareness in hopes of eradicating blood cancer.
He told me about a lot of the little things I didn't know about how the disease affects you and all the hoops it requires the patient to jump through during the course of treatment. Lindsey Allison told me the other day that the loss of Tricia makes her "mad." Jim echoed that today and talked about every time he hears about somebody else who is affected or suffers a setback, it makes him mad as well.
We talked about another local guy, Scott Armstrong. He has gone up to Duke last week and is preparing for a transplant from cord cells. A Caring Bridge site has been set up for him and can be found at http://caringbridge.org/visit/donaldscottarmstrong. Like Jim, when I was here the first time, he was one of my business resources in that he handled many commercial appraisals for me over the years. Please pray for him and his family as they go through the toughest part of the fight yet.
Thanks for the emails of encouragement I have received so far. Please consider a donation so we can help fund the required research to find a cure for these diseases.
July 18, 2008 - Fundraising
This week, I have kicked off my efforts to raise the money to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I mailed some letters early in the week and then decided it was much more cost effective to send emails. Therefore, last night and today I have started sending the information out to my friends. If you get one, please feel free to pass it on to others who would like to support the cause of finding a cure for blood cancer. If you didn't get one yet, you probably will if I can find your email address.
If you are willing to give just a little, it all adds up. The link to the donation page where debit and credit card are accepted is in the right-hand column, near the top. I have also tried to include a donor form in case you prefer to send a check. Unfortunately, one group of emails I sent, I failed to attach the attachments. I am trying to find out how to make a link to it - check the right hand column for it also.
I am also looking for any ideas for future fundraisers. If you have an idea, or access to any trips or items that can be donated to be included in a silent auction, please let me know.
Thank you for any support you can offer!!!!
I didn't train this morning as my feet continue to be really sore. I am taking today off, tomorrow will ride the bike since it doesn't bother them, and will rest again on Sunday. Hopefully this rest will allow me to hit the road full speed again on Monday.
If you are willing to give just a little, it all adds up. The link to the donation page where debit and credit card are accepted is in the right-hand column, near the top. I have also tried to include a donor form in case you prefer to send a check. Unfortunately, one group of emails I sent, I failed to attach the attachments. I am trying to find out how to make a link to it - check the right hand column for it also.
I am also looking for any ideas for future fundraisers. If you have an idea, or access to any trips or items that can be donated to be included in a silent auction, please let me know.
Thank you for any support you can offer!!!!
I didn't train this morning as my feet continue to be really sore. I am taking today off, tomorrow will ride the bike since it doesn't bother them, and will rest again on Sunday. Hopefully this rest will allow me to hit the road full speed again on Monday.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Jason Weathers
When I decided I was going to participate in Team in Training, the original plan was to do it in memory of Patricia Fuhrmeister, and in honor of Jason Weathers. That was late June and Jason was battling, and I was just waiting for an opportunity to mention this to him and make sure he was okay being our honored patient. I never had that chance as an unexpected turn of events resulted in Jason's complete healing as he has joined our Lord on July 12, 2008.
I have not talked to Stephanie about remembering Jason, but through her brother Scott, understand she is encouraged that we may use his story to raise awareness about this cruel disease and raise money in hopes that we may one day find the cure.
Again, other people are much better at telling these stories. I have copies the story Stephanie wrote on Caring Bridge and pasted it here:
Jason was united with his Savior on July 12th at 10:32 p.m. Our hearts are broken, but we rejoice that J now has experienced COMPLETE HEALING! If you would like to contribute to his legacy, we welcome gifts to the Jason Weathers Education Trust for the future education of his three precious children. Jason Weathers Education Trust775 Ridge Lake Blvd.Suite 180Memphis, TN 38120
Jason and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on February 28th. We dated six years prior to getting married. We met when we were juniors in high school at Temple Baptist Church. When we married, we had our whole life planned out! Even the names of our kids. Isn't God funny? NOTHING that we planned has happened except for God blessing us with children! Jason applied for dental school for a couple of years after completing his B.S. in Biology from the University of Southern Miss. The Lord did not see fit for Jason to go in that direction. After much praying, Jason decided to go to nursing school. He completed nursing school at USM and began to work at Forrest General in ICU with hopes of attending Nurse Anesthesia school after gaining critical care experience that is required. During this time the Lord blessed us with 2 beautiful children, Anna Lea and three years later, Jon Brent.
Once he gained critical care experience he began to apply to graduate schools all over the country. One of the schools he applied to was Wolford College in Naples, FL. I remember thinking to myself, "way TOO far from Hattiesburg!" I prayed fervently that another school closer to Hattiesburg would work out. Of course, God had another plan. Off to Naples we went. Jason was so excited to finally be working toward what would be his life long profession. I must admit I was not overly thrilled (an understatement for those that know me well) about moving that far away. There were many hard days in Naples, but the Lord taught us great things about depending on him completely. Jason loved school and those that were affiliated with the school. Soon we became active at First Baptist, Naples and what a blessing that church was and continues to be to us. Anna Lea started school at First Baptist Academy, which was an even greater blessing. After a year of living in Naples, the Lord opened the door for us to return to Hattiesburg once Jason completed the graduate program. We were so excited about the door the Lord had opened! We were enjoying Naples, but looking so forward to moving back home for Jason to work with Hattiesburg Clinic Anesthesia. Jason was to graduate in May of 2008 and start to work on June 1st. This past summer we discovered another little plan the Lord had for us. We were going to have a 3rd child. What a surprise! We knew it would be tough, but here again trusted the Lord's greater plan.
So, how did we get to this point? Jason began to run a fever the week of Christmas with no other symptoms. After receiving a week of antibiotics and still running fever, I insisted that Jason go back to the doctor to have blood work done. On Sunday, January 6, at the Naples Urgent Care, Jason called me with the dreaded news. The physician that read the blood work said it was imperative that he be seen by an oncologist over the next 24 hours. We decided that rather than him see someone in Naples, he must come home to be seen by Dr. Bellare, whom we have known for years. On Monday, January 7th, Jason flew home to be seen and further tested. We will never forget that day as long as we live. Dr. Bellare told us that he believed Jason had acute myeloid leukemia, but he must do a bone marrow biopsy to confirm. He sent us directly to Forrest General to be admitted, but before he did that he shared scripture with us and had prayer. No, this isn't the plan we had, but we knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was holding us tightly. We know even now that HE will carry us through this entire journey. God has blessed us so much over the last 10 years of marriage and for that we are eternally grateful. We trust that through this most difficult journey that HE will receive glory and honor.
It is because of Jason and Tricia that I became involved in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Please continue to pray for both of these families as each day is still a struggle. May God grant you peace and strength.
I have not talked to Stephanie about remembering Jason, but through her brother Scott, understand she is encouraged that we may use his story to raise awareness about this cruel disease and raise money in hopes that we may one day find the cure.
Again, other people are much better at telling these stories. I have copies the story Stephanie wrote on Caring Bridge and pasted it here:
Jason was united with his Savior on July 12th at 10:32 p.m. Our hearts are broken, but we rejoice that J now has experienced COMPLETE HEALING! If you would like to contribute to his legacy, we welcome gifts to the Jason Weathers Education Trust for the future education of his three precious children. Jason Weathers Education Trust775 Ridge Lake Blvd.Suite 180Memphis, TN 38120
Jason and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary on February 28th. We dated six years prior to getting married. We met when we were juniors in high school at Temple Baptist Church. When we married, we had our whole life planned out! Even the names of our kids. Isn't God funny? NOTHING that we planned has happened except for God blessing us with children! Jason applied for dental school for a couple of years after completing his B.S. in Biology from the University of Southern Miss. The Lord did not see fit for Jason to go in that direction. After much praying, Jason decided to go to nursing school. He completed nursing school at USM and began to work at Forrest General in ICU with hopes of attending Nurse Anesthesia school after gaining critical care experience that is required. During this time the Lord blessed us with 2 beautiful children, Anna Lea and three years later, Jon Brent.
Once he gained critical care experience he began to apply to graduate schools all over the country. One of the schools he applied to was Wolford College in Naples, FL. I remember thinking to myself, "way TOO far from Hattiesburg!" I prayed fervently that another school closer to Hattiesburg would work out. Of course, God had another plan. Off to Naples we went. Jason was so excited to finally be working toward what would be his life long profession. I must admit I was not overly thrilled (an understatement for those that know me well) about moving that far away. There were many hard days in Naples, but the Lord taught us great things about depending on him completely. Jason loved school and those that were affiliated with the school. Soon we became active at First Baptist, Naples and what a blessing that church was and continues to be to us. Anna Lea started school at First Baptist Academy, which was an even greater blessing. After a year of living in Naples, the Lord opened the door for us to return to Hattiesburg once Jason completed the graduate program. We were so excited about the door the Lord had opened! We were enjoying Naples, but looking so forward to moving back home for Jason to work with Hattiesburg Clinic Anesthesia. Jason was to graduate in May of 2008 and start to work on June 1st. This past summer we discovered another little plan the Lord had for us. We were going to have a 3rd child. What a surprise! We knew it would be tough, but here again trusted the Lord's greater plan.
So, how did we get to this point? Jason began to run a fever the week of Christmas with no other symptoms. After receiving a week of antibiotics and still running fever, I insisted that Jason go back to the doctor to have blood work done. On Sunday, January 6, at the Naples Urgent Care, Jason called me with the dreaded news. The physician that read the blood work said it was imperative that he be seen by an oncologist over the next 24 hours. We decided that rather than him see someone in Naples, he must come home to be seen by Dr. Bellare, whom we have known for years. On Monday, January 7th, Jason flew home to be seen and further tested. We will never forget that day as long as we live. Dr. Bellare told us that he believed Jason had acute myeloid leukemia, but he must do a bone marrow biopsy to confirm. He sent us directly to Forrest General to be admitted, but before he did that he shared scripture with us and had prayer. No, this isn't the plan we had, but we knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was holding us tightly. We know even now that HE will carry us through this entire journey. God has blessed us so much over the last 10 years of marriage and for that we are eternally grateful. We trust that through this most difficult journey that HE will receive glory and honor.
It is because of Jason and Tricia that I became involved in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Please continue to pray for both of these families as each day is still a struggle. May God grant you peace and strength.
July 17 - Encouraged
Rachael and I went to a fundraiser last night for three of the participants in Team in Training that are running in Chicago in October. I was able to talk with one of the coaches for a while. Apparently nobody really runs the whole marathon. Most people use some type of interval for almost the whole thing. They train by running 5 minutes and then walking 2 minutes. I am still hoping to get to where I can run 5 minutes......
This morning was just 30 minutes of walking. I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to run on 2 of the flat/downhill parts. On the first one, comfortably ran almost 4 minutes until I got to the start of the big hill and walked it. I also finished with a little run of about 1 1/2 minutes. My foot was good a sore this morning and all day. I hope the new/custom shoe inserts will be here soon and make a difference. Still able to log 1.9 miles today. Still looking for a flatter place to run. By the way - I finally ran enough cumulative miles to equal the actual marathon. I hope I can run in less than 13 days in January.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 26.85 miles
This morning was just 30 minutes of walking. I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to run on 2 of the flat/downhill parts. On the first one, comfortably ran almost 4 minutes until I got to the start of the big hill and walked it. I also finished with a little run of about 1 1/2 minutes. My foot was good a sore this morning and all day. I hope the new/custom shoe inserts will be here soon and make a difference. Still able to log 1.9 miles today. Still looking for a flatter place to run. By the way - I finally ran enough cumulative miles to equal the actual marathon. I hope I can run in less than 13 days in January.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 26.85 miles
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
July 16 - Missed my run
Somehow we failed to get the alarm set correctly, and consequently, I woke up late and missed my run this morning. A few extra minutes in bed sure was nice.
I attended my first Board of Trustees meeting for the Alabama/NW Florida Leukemia & Lymphoma Society today. It was interesting. We had a few speakers, one of which is about a 22 year old man who has survived Hodgkin's disease twice. He is a year into remission and is doing his part to spread the word about the disease and its effects.
Additionally, the LLS Scholar, Dr. Linn from UAB, spoke today about the impact the funding he receives from the LLS really has. Without it, he would have to spend almost all of his time seeing patients, and his research would basically be stopped. Now he gets to balance those two aspects of his career. His dream is to cure blood cancer in his lifetime - good luck!!!
I did get to talk to one of the running coaches at the board meeting. That group continues to my by brain believe I can run this thing. I wish my legs and lungs would get on board.
I was able to get away early and get in a little exercise. It's 95 degrees outside so that rules outside the real work. My alternative is to hit the treadmill in the basement. It's hard to run on, so I tried to walk pretty hard. After 22 minutes, I decided I would run for the last 8 minutes. Basically, I busted my butt. I lack the coordination to run on the stupid think. So, basically, I only got in a work out of 22:14 and 1.5 miles.
Ok, now for a shower. We have an LLS fundraiser to go tonight to benefit on of the other Team in Training teams.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 25.75 miles
I attended my first Board of Trustees meeting for the Alabama/NW Florida Leukemia & Lymphoma Society today. It was interesting. We had a few speakers, one of which is about a 22 year old man who has survived Hodgkin's disease twice. He is a year into remission and is doing his part to spread the word about the disease and its effects.
Additionally, the LLS Scholar, Dr. Linn from UAB, spoke today about the impact the funding he receives from the LLS really has. Without it, he would have to spend almost all of his time seeing patients, and his research would basically be stopped. Now he gets to balance those two aspects of his career. His dream is to cure blood cancer in his lifetime - good luck!!!
I did get to talk to one of the running coaches at the board meeting. That group continues to my by brain believe I can run this thing. I wish my legs and lungs would get on board.
I was able to get away early and get in a little exercise. It's 95 degrees outside so that rules outside the real work. My alternative is to hit the treadmill in the basement. It's hard to run on, so I tried to walk pretty hard. After 22 minutes, I decided I would run for the last 8 minutes. Basically, I busted my butt. I lack the coordination to run on the stupid think. So, basically, I only got in a work out of 22:14 and 1.5 miles.
Ok, now for a shower. We have an LLS fundraiser to go tonight to benefit on of the other Team in Training teams.
Cumulative miles since the start of training: 25.75 miles
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