1. I’m actually not really a fan of Halloween.  Never really have been.  I mean of course I liked the costumes and candy when I was little but I was never one to stay up late so trick or treating was strenuous for me.  And sense the trick or treating years, its really just been something in the way of Thanksgiving and Christmas (the time from Thanksgiving-Christmas is pretty much my favorite time of the year).  However, with the godkids around it is a bit more fun because well…they are just so stinking cute.  Of course I’ll post more costume pictures after their trick or treating but Pumpkin (1 yrs) is going to be a Penguin, and Peanut (4 yrs) is going to be a “Candy Cane Fairy”.  Her pick.  Last night they tried on their costumes.

We also made pupcakes (cupcakes) for her Halloween party at Preschool.  She did a fabulous job decorating them. 

Pumpkin did a great job sticking is hands in the jar of icing and spreading it all over himself.  Boys.

2. Working the running skirts booth again tomorrow at the Marine Corp Expo!  If you are going to be there stop by!  Seriously, the fall line is even cuter in person.

3. Speaking of running skirts…there happens to be a running skirt in my RAFFLE.  HERE.  Check it out.  HERE.  and donate. HERE.  Please.  Thank you.  HEREEEEEE.

4.  My stomach has been putting an abrupt, deliberate, and painful stop to my runs lately.  Well not complete stop but a very unpleasant detour.  Seriously.  I though after Wednesday’s run that I was getting the stomach bug or something but no.  Felt fine all Thursday…and today stomach attacked with vengeance during my run.  Not sure what is going on.  I haven’t changed my diet at all and haven’t been trying anything new.  grrrr.

5. However, I still managed to run 13.2 miles today in 2:08.  My first half was a little less than a year ago and I ran that in 2:12 (which I was and still have very proud of) but today I ran a training run of the say distance in less time.  Cool feeling =)

6. Sunday I am running the Marine Corp 10K.  I’m avoiding racing it.  Just got my legs feeling better and I’m not ready to push it…however, I will be pushing Erin!  We are going to try out her marathon pacing plan during the 10K and get ready for another Erin race PR!  Go wish her luck (and tell her not to punch me in the face when I push her real hard on Sunday).  After the 10K the plan is to wait around and try to get close to mile 20 so I have run the last 6.2 of the marathon with my friend Ericka who will be rocking her first marathon!

7. I detest when people play Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

8. I fell asleep at 8:30 last night.  Woke up some time around 4am with the TV and lights still on and laptop on my bed.  Yeah apparently I just passed out.  I its currently 9pm and I’m not far from falling asleep again!

9. I truly adore Fall weather!

10.  I don’t really have anything to add but I can’t end on 9 so ummmm… I’m watching Fatal Attraction (a show about people who keep wild animals as pets and then get their faces eaten off).  I am prettified of monkeys.  Human like apes particularly.  I think Chimpanzees look like evil hairy zombie children.  I hate everything about them.  Yet I’m watching a show about people who get their faces eaten off by chimpanzees.  Smart move.  Oh, and last night…my 4 yr old goddaughter called to tell me she was wearing “monkey jammies” (pajamas with monkey faces on them) just to taunt me.  But they she said “Katye, but really its okay cuz they have rainbows on them too”.  Yep this is my life.  Wouldn’t have it any other way though (well except I might remove all traces of ape like creatures from the earth…and no, I do not consider humans to be ape like creatures).

Now that post just had a whole lot of sense didn’t it?  =)

I have been slightly MIA this week and I apologize (because admit it…you’ve missed me).  I’ve had a alot of school related work to get done this week so unfortunately that took precedence.  So I’m back!

1. Currently still in one of our student lounges eating Pumpkin Spice yogurt from Red Mango.  Can you say delicious?  They added Red Mango and Starbucks in the student center this summer and I approve.  I don’t drink coffee but as my boyfriend and parents would tell you, I’m pretty sure I could live off frozen yogurt.  And the best part is Red Mango and literally frozen yogurt.  No added sugar and what now.  Just flavored non fat yogurt.  Because of that, some people complain that its too tart or bitter which I don’t get (cuz I don’t do sour or bitter, I’m all about the sweets).  And I also happen to love anything pumpkin flavored.  I go through a loaf of pumpkin bread weekly (my dad sometimes works by an amazing bakery and brings home some really amazing breads) and pumpkin spice yogurt is no exception.  Funny thing is, I don’t like pumpkin pie.  Go figure.
2. I updated my fundraising page and added the story of my inspiration behind it all…the sweet little Ella Grace!  I started reading about Ella and her adorable big brother Hunter, about a year ago on her mom’s blog HERE and when I decided to raise money for Down Sydnrome Congress I immediately emailed Kacey and asked if I could use Ella has my honoree.  She wrote up something very sweet about what Down Syndrome research means to her for me to include in my site and sent me some great pictures.  I got the main one to show up but the rest work for about an hour after I ahh them and then they turn into error signs!  OY!  But check out Ella HERE and check out the rest of her adorable pictures below.  Is she not the sweetest little thing ever?  Please keep the donations coming (and thank you SO much to all those who have already contributed!).  Remember to check out all the awesome prizes you could win by donating HERE
3. It seems that me and Tony have taken a long term break in our relationship.  I just haven’t doing my part to make the time for him that he deserves.  He is always there, willing and ready to hang but I just ignore him.  I’m sorry Tony.  Can we start this relationship over?  Starting today I am going to start P90X all over again.  Keep me to it!

Lots of amazing stuff up for grabs HERE.  Please check it out!

The real purpose of this post is to feature an amazing runner who has been a big inspiration to me and to many others!  So please read on!  But first I have a quick question.  How many of you experience “racemare”.  As in nightmares about racing.  This has been happening to me alot lately even though I really don’t have a big race coming up!  Last night I dreamt they made the Disney Marathon into a big scavenger hunt.  Instead of a given course, you had to collect clues at each mile marker with a clue on how to get to the next mile but no directions.  It was awful!  I am terrible even when I have directions, but following vague clues was terrible!  And there were trick miles that weren’t really part of the course and you had to go back and find your way again.  And part of it was on a cruise boat and if you didn’t make it onto the boat in time you had to wait another hour for the next one to arrive.  It was AWFUL!  At one point I just kept running in a circle and crying.  I think I may have even tried to catch a cab to the finish (but I didn’t know where the finish was because I didn’t understand the clues).  Oh goodness happy that one was only a dream.

Ok now for the real feature of this post. This weekend I asked my friend Lora if she would mind writing something up about her amazing journey into running.  I first met Lora at the Disney Princess Half Marathon (we were both on the Virtual TNT Team).  And race day was on her birthday!  Pretty cool huh?  Well Lora was also coaching the course and Nike Women’s and I couldn’t find her at our coaches meeting until she pointed herself out to me.  I DIDN’T RECOGNIZE HER!  Read on to see why.  I had a wonderful time with Lora last weekend and after that I knew I needed to have her share her story with you all.  Definitly read up on this one…its a good one!

VTNT back in March during Disney Princess Weekend! That's me in the gray shirt and green head band. And that's Lora in the middle in the white with the balloons behind her. You might recognize Stephanie (who was also a race day birthday girl) Becca, and Courtney in there!

Why I run…

I run for a cure.

Hi! My name is Lora Gans. I am currently 41 years old. I became interested in walking several years ago. I was the prevailing couch potato and at the time I weighed close to 300 pounds. I was skeptical I could not walk very far. I needed motivation and I found it with Team in Training. I wanted to take the challenge in memory of a cousin who had Leukemia. He was an artist. He was lucky to live a full life. I trained hard for the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Unfortunately I was not able to finish. I did not let that discourage me. I had gotten picked up at mile 9. It was rough getting picked up to say the least but I got to see something incredible at the finish. I watched a Team in Training runner pick up his honor patient towards the finish and carry him across the line. I knew it was a special moment for both of them. That little boy had a bald head and was very weak. All of us who were watching cried. They both smiled all the way to the finish. I think everything happens for a reason. I decided at that moment that I needed to keep walking/running for a cure.

I decided that I must finish a race so I began to train for the Alaska Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon with Team in Training and completed it with joy! It was hard work. I finished in over 5.5 hours. I met so many incredible people I was hooked. Even though I was very slow I was not going to let my weight stop me. During my training I met so many people who were touched by blood cancers. I knew after talking to many of them that I had to keep up the fight for a cure.

Shortly afterward I completed the Oro Valley Half Marathon, a Team in Training Alumni Event. I got a lovely penguin medal, one that I am very proud of. I waddled all the way to the finish. I got to get to know John Bingham a bit more at that race. I got the chance to hear his story of how blood cancer touched his life and why he does so much for the society. Thanks John for running the event! I waddle daily!

In 2007, the marathon bug bit me once again and I completed the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘ N’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon. I ran in honor of my friend Michelle who suffers from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She has been a huge inspiration for me. She has been through treatment a number of times and then been back into remission. She has a beautiful new baby girl and had to start treatment again right after she was born. For the first time she had the works to try to get back into remission. Imagine trying to be a mom to a newborn and go through chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Michelle inspired me to train very hard. I was able to get my time down to 4.5 hours for the half marathon.

In 2009, I had a life changing event. I could not get my weight down on my own and I decided that I wanted to live an incredible long life so I could continue to walk to find a cure. I had gastric bypass surgery. One month after my surgery I began the long journey to training for my next half marathon. I was blessed to train once again with Virtual Team in Training for the Walt Disney World Princess. I ran in honor of a co-worker’s sister, Cindy, who has Lymphoma and just completed another round of treatment and left her with side effects and a lot of pain. I kept thinking of her every time it got tough for me in my training. I was very low on energy for a long time and I pushed it every step of the way during my training. I battled nutrition issues while training because I could not eat very much. I only had 1 serving of a carb per day. That was 1 slice of bread or ¼ cup. That was very difficult but I knew Michelle had it far worse. Then for the first time, I began to run! I learned to run/walk and mastered the technique! I smiled the entire race! I also lost a total of 115 pounds! I finished in 3 hours 20 minutes. I decided to treat myself to the Disneyland Half Marathon in September for the Coast to Coast medal and I set a personal record of finishing in 3 hours.

with her much deserved coast to coast medal!

I wanted to inspire others to help find a cure and of course to keep my weight off and became a Coach for Team in Training. My first group I coached just completed the Women’s Nike Marathon! My second group will be completing the PF Chang’s Full and Half Marathon in January 2011.

do you see why I didn't recognize her! She's a shrinking woman! She looks amazing especially with her super cute hair cut!

My next half marathon is in November in Scottsdale, AZ at the Women’s Running Magazine Half Marathon with several races on the books and I am scheduled to run my first full marathon in June of 2011 at the San Diego Rock’n’ Roll Marathon with Team in Training.

Don’t let anyone tell you, you cannot do anything! Get inspired to walk or run for something that gets you energized!

So that’s Lora for ya.  Thank you so much Lora!  You are an amazing person and rocking coach!  You’re team is so lucky to have you!  See you in San Diego!  Isn’t she inspiring?

So the raffle has begun!  First winner will be chosen Nov. 5th!  Check it out HERE!!!

The two groups don’t have their own fundraising pages yet hence the use of paypal donations but I assure you 100% of donations go straight to the charities!

You can also access the donation link over the right hand side (under my button and email).

PLEASE share the word!  My goal is to raise over $8K and I can’t do that without you!  So please spread the word and happy raffling!

Random compiling of thoughts-

Thank you for restoring my faith in the running community (okay I never really lost it in the first place but you just helped remind me that the negative people are a minority in the running world).  Thank you so much for your support and standing behind me and other charity runners.  I know many of you are charity runners yourselves and I am glad to be among you!  So please keep doing what your doing and never let anyone put you down!  Because charity runners can be darn fast two (in case you were wondering, the winner of the Nike Women’s was a TNT runners…just putting that out there).

On another note…fall in in full force!  Out of nowhere temps dropped giving us our just 30 degree run this morning.  But my TNTers toughed it and with no complaining!  Rock on guys!

And GOOD LUCK for all those running the Army 10 Milers tomorrow (especially Erin and Cindy).  Yesterday I drove down to DC to help work the running skirts booth and had so much fun!  It’s so great seeing all those running ladies out there!  And I love that we had military ladies in their fatigues trying on skirts.  Now that is an amazing women!  Tough, brave, smart, AND feminine!  You ladies will look amazing in your skirts!  I so wish I was going to be there to at least cheer on my buddies but I have work.  But I know their will be some lovely ladies killing it out there!  And another thank you to Cindy for giving me the chance to rock the booth!  It really has alot of fun.  Seriously, the fall line is even more vibrant and cute in person!  PS in case you didn’t notice I tried to make this paragraph an “army green” but its really more of a puke green.  sorry.

Taking your advice (thanks for the contributions), I decided the raffle will be held so that you can enter and prizes will be chosen in the order names and picked (if your picked first you pick your prize, second picks from what is left, and so on…until all the prizes have been claimed).  I have some awesome stuff so be sure to check it out.  More details coming SOON!  But for now you can check out a preview of it HERE.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Start getting those Sunday FunDay notifications to me =)

Three things Thursday already?

1. As you all well know, the Boston Marathon sold out within 8 hours of opening its registration.  Apparently there was more than one computer glitch standing between runners and their coveted entry spot causing a great deal of panic and sadness as the race closed thousand out.  I have just a few things to say about this.  a) I think this says something amazing for the running community.  For a qualifying race to sell out that quickly shows the interest and dedication to running is higher than ever. b) I understand the frustrations of those who were on their computers in time and couldn’t get through because of the server overload.  They have a right o be upset and to express their opinions to BAA.  c) On the other hand, it was made quite known that the race would sell it in record time for the past 2 months or so.  Therefore, while I feel for them…there is no reason for people who did not attempt to register on opening day to be throwing fits. d) There is no reason to be taking their frustration out on charity runners.  I could go one for a good day about this one.  As you all know, my heart belongs to charity running.  I’ve run the majority of my racers as a charity runner.  NO I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR BOSTON WITH A TIME!!! Yes I get that.  But I did qualify through my fundraising efforts and success over the past year.  Believe me, I know running a qualifying time is no easy feet…either is raising $26,000+ in 6 months.  And yes there is the argument “But Boston isn’t about charity its about running.  It didn’t begin as a fundraiser.  It’s traditionally a race for fast runners”.  True.  However, it also didn’t start as a race allowing women.  Women are not part of its original tradition either.  And to blame charity runners for “taking their spot”.  Oh get over it.  Charities get about 1,300 total entries and start behind everyone else.  That extra 1,300 entries may have kept registration open for oh say another half hour?  But would have cost deserving charities that depend on the funds raised thousands upon thousands of dollars.  So my point is I understand people being upset about not getting in.  But that frustration should be directed toward BAA and not toward charity runners.  On facebook.  It’s not going to change anything.  People are saying they are “heartbroken” by getting shut up.  In my opinion they should talk to a parent who just found out their child has a teriminal illness, Down Syndrome, or another disability.  Talk to a single mother who has lost everything.  What about someone who will never run again?  Then talk to me about true heartbreak.
2. Okay now that I got that off my chest I will be working at the running skirts booth tomorrow at the army 10 Miler booth!  Anyone in the DC area going to be there?
3. Oh, incase you didn’t get it from #1, 

I’m running Boston for charity.

Thank you to everyone who read and commented on my recap HERE.  You guys are great!

That being said, I’m about to jump into my next big fundraising adventure and am in the works of putting together a big raffle.  So far it will includes products from Power Balance, Running Skirts, Gracie Gear, Nike, Mizuno, Outside PR, Oakley, Borders, Sof Sole, New Balance, Chestertown Half, among others!  Literally hundreds of dollars worth of raffle prizes.

Now my question to you is how should I run it…would you be more likely to donate/buy raffle tickets if

a) there is one winner who wins the grand prize (everything)

b) you bid for specific items and therefore all prizes go to seperate winners (unless someone wins more than one)

c) I post a spread sheet to create a bit of a silent auction type deal

d) There was one raffle per week featuring a prize package

e) you entered into one big raffle and prizes are chosen in order that names are drawn

f) something completely different!

My goal is to raise $6,000+ by next April and I would love to get a big head start here.  So what to yall think?  Opinions are greatly appreciated!

You know I don’t proofread- this one will be no different.  Sorry =)

That was the theme of the weekend.  Every year the Nike Women’s Marathon has a theme and this year’s was “I Run to Be…” You fill  in the rest =)  But anyway when I left off, we had not yet ventured into race day.  So off we go…

Nike had set up an early start at 5:30 for walkers who felt they needed the extra time to make the cut off.  There has been alot of controversy over this but honestly I think it worked out very well.  Three of our ladies were a part of this group so we got them all set up and on their way and I met the rest of the group at 6:45 in the hotel lobby.  We went over last minute issues and they were all so excited and nervous.  I knew they were all going to do great (and hey they looked great).

As I’ve said before, TNT puts you up right and we literally walked out the hotel front door to find the bag check buses.  We got all their stuff checked and headed over a block to the start at Union Square.  We hung out for a bit, stretched, talked, and even had our picture taken by a reporter from Runner’s World (because we just looked that good).  The pace groups for this race are crazy so we spent some time walking around get everyone settled in the packed pace corrals and then I sent them on their way!  I was then off to mile 10!

I showed the cab driver exactly where I wanted to go on the race map, and we drove for a bit, and he dropped me off and wished me luck!  The first group crossed the finish at 7:30.  It was currently 8:15 and the participants I saw were walking.  Hmm there’s no way the walk group could be at mile 10 within less than 45 mins.  Great.  He dropped me off at mile 3.  So I had to find another cab and another 20 mins later and I was at mile 10 and ready to go!

Ok honestly, coaching is such an awesome experience!  My plan was to stay around 10-17.  That way I could see my halfers to the finish and still have easy access to my full girls.  Also, miles 17-25 were an out and back so I had really easy access to miles 10-26.2 it worked out wonderfully!  I first found one of my full marathon early starters and I could tell she wasn’t feeling it.  Her stress reaction in her ankle was flaring and she decided she just wanted to finish the half strong.  Smart decision and we go to the finish and she had a huge smile on her face!  Then I was back on my way.

Around mile 12 of the half I found one of my more experienced marathoners and seriously she was gray.  She’s a pretty speedy lady and I was worried about why she was on the half course.  Once I got closer she was shaking so bad and her lips were blue.  Bad news.  She told me she had gotten to mile 17 and turned around cuz she really wasn’t feeling good.  Oh wait, did I mention it rained pretty much the whole race?  So the mix of being soaked and the breeze by the ocean just had her freezing.  I held her hand and we got to the closest aid station.  They took one look at her and called her and ambulance.  They wrapped her and 4 mylar blankets and got her in a heated van.  They took her temp. and her body temperature was down to 91!  BAD NEWS!  I stayed with her until the ambulance got there and they assured me she would be okay.  I gave her one last hug and told her to text me as soon as she could.  Later I found out it took them 2 .5 hours to get her body temp back up but she was okay (and got her finisher’s necklace of course).  I know it was hard for her to drop out but I was so proud of her for making the right choice.  Had she kept going to finish the full she would have been in serious danger.  SO LISTEN TO YOUR BODIES PEOPLE!

I had so much fun back and forth on the course.  Yes I was soaked and cold but I was loving every second of it.  I got to run with so many people from different states and help get them through those rough patches.  At one point I was headed backwards on the half course and I heard someone yell my name.  I looked around and didn’t see any of my runners but then I saw Lisa waving at me!  She yelled “You don’t know me but I follow your blog!” I wasn’t close enough to tell who she was but I turned around and yelled “which one are you?” and she told me she was “Lisa Runs” I jokingly yelled back “wait, what?” (get it) but I don’t think she heard me.  She was looking amazing and was so close to the finish.  I ran with her for a few minutes and it was so great to see her out there.  BTW if you haven’t already go congratulate her on her awesome first half!  This was a HARD course, I can’t imagine this being my first half and she conquered it!  WTG Lisa!

Once my halfers were all finished I ventured to the full course.  I found another one of my girls who has one of the best senses of humor ever.  She had be cracking up and as we approached mile 17 we joked about hotdogs (during her first marathon, she was so hungry that she opted to stop and get a hotdog at mile 17 and proceeded to throw up the rest of the race).  She was doing so amazing and I dropped off to run another one of my girls into the finish.  She had tears in her eyes and kept saying “oh my gosh this is a dream!” SO true!  We got her over that finish line and hugged and cried.  It just reminded me all over again why I love being a part of this team.  And then she looked at me and said “what do I do now?!”  Hahahaha how many of us feel that way after our first marathon!  I told her to go get her Tiffany’s necklace and relax!  And I was back on the course.

All in all, every single one of my ladies made it to that finish one way or another.  I was so incredibly proud of all of them for braving those hills and the rain.  It was also great to be there for other TNTers who I had never met before.  Its so cool how running brings you together with some many others!  The announcer was cracking me up.  He was counting how many times “Argyle blonde girl” made it to the finish.

All in all I spent 7+ hours on the course (in the rain) and logged 23.75 miles when I was actually running (and not cheering and manning aid stations.  It was a long exhausting day but I had SO much fun.  Coaching is such an amazing experience.  It was completely not about me or my goals.  No pressure!  My only goal was to get my girls to their goals.  Crossing the finish line with friends as they accomplish their goals is so amazing!  There were points when my legs were getting pretty darn tired but I knew I needed to be that energy and positivity for the runners and so I put my exhaustion aside and had a blast!

There were definitely some issues at the end of the race.  They ran out of mylar blankets leaving many runners (myself included) cold and wet and in the wind.  They also ran out of finisher’s necklaces and began handing out older versions promising to send the new one in the next few weeks.  Don’t get me wrong.  I really enjoyed this race alot but that’s just not right.  You work so hard to finish that race and they don’t have a blanket or necklace for you (yet its a capped race and they know how many runners are going to be out there).  They marked off everyone’s bibs as they got their necklaces so its not like people took more than one.  Anyway I really hope they fix this!  Fortunately only one of my girls didn’t get the right necklace.  She got 2008 and I offered her my necklace because she deserved it!  But she actually liked the 2008 one better and they are sending her the new one so hey that worked out right?

And I give those firemen major props!  They stood out there for hours and hours in wet tuxedos handing out those necklaces!  Thanks boys!

Okay and I usually LOVE the running community for its positivity and unity.  But I have to say I’m disappointed.  I had nothing but a positive experience on the course but today the NWM facebook page has been flooded with such negativity it makes me sad.  I completely understand the frustration over the necklaces and blankets but what I do not understand is all the complaining about TNT.  People are complaining that there were took many TNTers and coaches on the course and that was annoying.  Oh get over yourself.  When you sign up for a race called “The Nike Women’s Marathon: A Race to Benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society” what do you expect?  All elite runners?  One person actually said (and I quote) “There was a TNT coach at the finish picking up runners as I tried to sprint to the finish.  I should have mowed him over”.  Seriously?  Wow.  But I refuse to let this negatively affect my weekend.  I had an amazing experience and and so proud of all my ladies.

me and some of my amazing ladies post race

me and Courtney (runcourtrun.com) at the victory party

Yesterday I had an all day coaching certification course which was amazing.  And ya know what?  I am officially a certified running coach!  WHOOHOOOO!!!!

And as for the swag…you know I can’t leave a race without goodies.  And Nike is one of my favorite apparel companies.  What did I leave with?

stole this picture from Lisa- I couldn't get a picture without an awful glare. Thanks Lisa =)

this zip up is one of my winter running staples so when I found it with the race logo on it I was sold!

And Nike Town was doing personalization on apparel…so check out the back of mine

long legs on the loose!

Nike offered TNT coaches and staff a crazy awesome discount on a pair of shoes- had to go with the Tiffany Blue addition =)

Pretty much I had an amazing weekend.  And now I’m exhausted.  And in conclusion

I Run to Be…

Myself

What about you?

Hi all!  first and foremost a HUGE congrats to all my family and friends who raced at the Baltimore Running Fest!  So very proud of all of you!  And another HUGE congrats to my buddy Tonia on her PR today at the Indianapolis Marathon!  Congrats everyone!

And tomorrow will be my team’s turn.  10 wonderful ladies will be racing their hearts out for loved ones lost, those still fighting, and those who may one day suffer from cancer.  I have my course assignments and looks like I will be covering some serious miles tomorrow but I am SO excited to coach these ladies to the finish!  They are going to do amazing!  I’s going to do my best to find Courtney and run her the last mile of the half!

So far it was been a wonderful two days in San Fran.  Our hotel is SO pretty!

love the little canopies! so cute!

We went to packet pickup yesterday and of course had to go to Nike Town!  AKA Heaven.  And bad news for my wallet.  But I managed to hold back somewhat.  You’ll see my super cute purchase later.  Grabbed a later lunch, wandered around, and of course had to hit the Walgreens across the street for some race weekend essentials.  Most of us walked out with a gallon of water, bananas, nuts, and Clif Bars.  Definitely couldn’t tell we were runners ; )

Today me and our Chapter’s staff member Julie headed to the coach and staff meeting bright and early where I got to catch up with Lora, a VTNT teammate who is now also a coach!  It was so good seeing her!  I then had to go to the front desk because some awesome people (aka running skirts) had lefts something extra special for me there.

check it out!

I pretty much chilled the rest of the day and then went with Julie to set up our tables at the Inspiration dinner.  It was HUGE and of course our table looked adorable!

had to rep MD with the crabs!

We then headed to cheer the participants in (if you’ve never done a TNT event, before the inspiration dinner all the coaches and staff members line the entrance (all 400 of us) wearing crazy outfits and making a ridiculous amount of noise.  Courtney found me and came by for a quick hug!

The Inspiration dinner makes me cry.  Every time.  This one was no different.  We got to hear from the awesome John “the Penguin” Bingham and then from Tam, a member of Team Nancy (she and her 5 sisters are racing in memory of their 7th sister Nancy, who they lost a few years ago).  Read about them HERE.  She gave a great talk that had many in tears and reminded us why we do what we do!

So my stuff is all laid out and ready for my long journey tomorrow.  I very excited!  weather should be low 60′s =)

needless to say...i will stand out =)

Tomorrow is going to be quick a long day but I will update you when I can!

I am currently sitting in the airport in Boston waiting for my second flight to San Francisco!  Why they had be fly north and then head back down to San Fran I’m not quite sure of but oh well I’m excited.  I spend a decent part of yesterday helping out at various areas at the Baltimore Running Festival Expo (between TNT, the store, and Under Armour, plenty of people were looking for help).  It was fun and I applaud Under Armour for working with Special Olympics of Maryland.  They had various Special Olympic athletes working the t-shirt pick up and they did a wonderful job!  I won’t go off on to too big of a rank here but as I have learned more and more while working with students with special needs, there is nothing like real world education.  By volunteering and handing out the T-Shirts they got to utilize their communication skills, social skills, math skills, and following directions (which they tend to be incredibly good at.  You tell them the steps and they follow them exactly).  So I talked to a few of the volunteer athletes who were incredibly polite, for a bit =)

I also scored and awesome “Run Baltimore” Under Armour shirt (nothing like living in the city that UA was born haha).  But now I am in my Nike mind set.  We are planning on taking our group over to the expo and then going straight from there to NIKE TOWN!  This is BAD BAD BAD for my wallet.  BAD!  But I have actually been saving up with this trip because I knew I’d go crazy in the Nike store.  Nike is definitely in my top 2 of running apparel and makes up a decent part of my wardrobe (currently wearing my lime green Nike Frees and a matching quarter zip up).  So I guess its time for Fall/Winter clothes shopping =).  And because the ladies at running skirts are SO amazing they are having my Preppy Purple skirt dropped off at the hotel so I can wear it during the race on Sunday!  Can’t thank them enough!  So whoever complains about their costumer service doesn’t know what they are talking about!

And lucky me, the wonderful Sandy of BIC Bands hunted down the crab ribbon I was looking for and my BIC band arrived in the mail yesterday!  SO I get to sport my awesome crabs BIC band during the race!  In case you didn’t know, our Maryland TNT chapter team name is “Crabs Fighting Cancer” So it worked out ever so perfectly.  Thank you Sandy!

Ok well I’m off to sit on a plane for one too many hours reading one too many gossip mags and watching one too many episodes of MTV reruns (Jet Blue has TV…its amazing).  Will update yall soon!