Things I've learned so far...

Today is day 79 in this journey, and this is what I have learned so far... "Shoop" by Salt n Peppa is the best running song ever! The song just makes me smile! Coming in at a very close second is "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. I've been through quite a few songs on my ipod since this started, so I thought I would share with you some of my "wisdom"....hahaha.

I have also learned that it is impossible for me to run without music. I need to drown out the sound of my panting as I struggle to keep going. Everytime I meet someone on the sidewalk while I'm running, I have to hold my breath so they don't call 911 for me.

I have learned that blisters on my feet are my friend. This means I'm working towards my goal.

I have learned that I still know nothing about running. In the past few weeks I have heard terms like lactic acid buildup, protein power shakes, edible gel (not really sure about that one...), and breathing from the top of my lungs. I've decided that I need to get a book to learn about running. My husband said I should just research it on the internet. I've decided against that because I'm certain I will accidentally diagnose myself with a fatal disease while searching. (Yes, I've had some bad internet search experiences).

For as much as I still have to learn, I do know this...there is the right way to run and the wrong way to run. Last night I experienced the "wrong" way. Coming from someone who hates to exercise, I've realized that this running thing is as much about the mental preparation as it is about the physical training.

Let me tell you why. I'll be honest, this past week has not been good. I haven't been running as much as I should. So last night, I was FORCING MYSELF to get out and run. My intent was to go for 4kms. I might have forgot to mention this, but I can now run a full kilometer without stopping!! (Yep, in 79 days I have gone from not being able to run 1min to now doing a 1km.) Anyways, I was prepared to run the first km, and then run/walk the last three. Ummm...that didn't happen.

Why? By the time I got home from work, picked up both boys at different places, got supper ready, one boy out the door to swimming lessons, the other in the bath, supper dishes done and a quick phone call, it was almost 8:30. And, my knee was really hurting. But I knew I had to go. So I quickly got ready (and couldn't find my favourite running capris...yes, that does make a difference)..and ran out the door. I was trying to beat the clock, it was getting dark (remember my fear?). I only did a couple of stretches, and was off. And in my hurry I didn't warm up like I usually do. I usually walk at a fast pace for about 5mins to get going. Last night, I was in a hurry. So long story short (I know, too late)..I only made it just over 1km and let me say I WAS DYING!!! I had stitches in my side so bad, I didnt' think I could turn around and get home, and I was limping with my knee.

Why am I telling you this? Because it's important. I beat myself up all the way home because I didn't do what I was supposed to. I told myself I was too out of shape, I wasn't losing any weight, and got upset at all the things at home that needed to be done, and wondering if I could somehow just give up. By the time I reached my street, I felt a kick in my butt. I couldn't believe I was thinking all that negative stuff, and totally forgetting what I had just done! I HAD JUST RUN 1km!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I had chose to get changed, and leave the house, and do something! I had made a great choice! It didn't matter that I didn't make the 4km last night, because at least I tried! What was my other option? I would have put on my pj's and ate the last of the chips in the cupboard.

So I've realized that the right way for me to run is to get my headspace where it needs to be, get my good clothes on, get my music, and take my time! And if I have a bad night, I must cut myself some slack, and realize how far I've come in 79 days, not how far away from the finish line I am.

A FUNNY FUNDRAISER!!!!

About a month ago, I came across a company called Funny Fundraisers. They are in the business of making people laugh for a good cause. I was totally interested, so I contacted them right away. Basically, this company sets up a comedy night, including booking a professional stand-up comic for a 90min show. The owner, Marc Sauve has been awesome to work with. Within a couple of days, he found a great location, booked the comedian, and had the tickets ready for me to pick up. The company's fees are paid from the ticket sales, and the sales profit goes straight to my fundraising campaign. People, this is a win-win!!!

Here are the details....

Friday, October 1, 2010

Essa Road Banquet Hall

41 Essa Rd., Barrie

Showtime is 8pm

Doors open at 7pm for the

HUGE silent auction and 50/50 draw

TICKETS are $20/each

Featuring the very funny Steve Levine

Contact me for your tickets

Please come out for a night of great laughs!

And for those who need an extra boost...for every 10 tickets you sell/buy before Sept 15, you get a chance to win a foursome of golf at Horseshoe Highlands!!!

I NEED YOUR HELP to sell all the tickets, to make this event a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love to laugh. I think people think I'm funny (when I say people, I mean everyone but my husband :) ..but that's another story...). So that's why I'm so excited for this event! Throughout this adventure, I have been trying to do events that are are inline with my personality, but most importantly, fun for the people who are coming out! Obviously I need people to support me by giving to my campaign, but I truly want them to enjoy themselves!

 

Thanks Marc!

You mean I actually have to run?

So yesterday I received a very shocking email. It is my Half-Marathon training schedule. People, this is where it gets serious. Up until now, I've been trying to run every other day. I have averaged 2 times a week. I know, I need to commit more. But I'm still trying to figure this out! Remember? Running with potatoes? I can't always get out of the house to run. Especially by myself.

But, I digress. Anyways, when I first started this nonsense, I could not run for one minute. Honestly. I was so out of breath and out of shape. And to put your mind at ease, no miracles happened that now I can run forever. But I can now run for 4mins straight, then walk 1min, and even repeat that! All the way to 3kms. That's progress people!

In case anyone is wondering how I'm going to build up to running 21kms, I will show you the training schedule I have been provided with. And no, you are not alone if you faint. I did too. Seeing it on paper means it's real. I actually have to do this. And I'm scared. Not just of the distance, but the amount of time this is going to consume. I am truly freaked out about this. It's been hard enough to get 1hr to run by myself that's not between 12am and 4am. Oh, and have I ever mentioned a small thing that might hinder this whole operation? I'm afraid of the dark. And of being stolen. Yep, don't know how I'm going to run by myself, in the dark, when the time changes, and it's dark by the time I get home from work. I know, very irrational, but not unlike my deep-seeded fear of dirt and shag carpet.

(While I was writing this post, I realized that I don't know how to attach something in a table format, that's not a picture. So when I figure that out, I will post the schedule! More for shock value, than anything).  :)

Still doing it?

And the answer is...I'm still going strong! Each day I'm getting closer to reaching my goals! It's been awhile since I posted, but I want to let you all know, I'm still working on it! Between you, me and the fencepost I didn't expect there would be this much work to this. Now I know why the slogan is "Challenge Yourself, Help Millions".

Lots of good things have been happening these past few weeks, I haven't had time to talk about them. I have two great things to share, actually three. And probably by the end of this post, I'll have more to say.

So last week, I had the best experience I've had since this started. I was returning books at the Law Library, and I met a great lady there. It was the first time we had met, so we started chatting (I know, big shock from me, eh?). Anyways, we got to talking about volunteering, fundraising and this half-marathon. Next thing I know, she asked me if she could give me a donation. Imagine! Asking if I would take her donation! Let me say, I almost cried. But wait, it gets even better! She then thanked me for doing this! Seriously? I wanted to hug the woman, but that would probably scare her off. I managed to get out to my truck before I cried.

Raising this much money is hard work! And sometimes it's easy to get down about it, especially when you haven't received a donation in a while. See, there are fundrasing limits that have to be met every month. Yes, it's a great way to keep on track to reach the goal, but it's also pressure to keep at it. So needless to say, this complete stranger changed my day, and my week! And it just reaffirmed to me that there are people out there who will give to a charity just because. She didn't need to know all the details, she just gave with her heart. I truly hope that every Joints in Motion team member gets one  (or twenty-five) of these donations!

And on to my next story, my in-laws came over for Sunday dinner, and my mother-in-law pulled THREE donation cheques out of her purse!  A total of $125!!! When I started this adventure, I had given her a few of my pledge letters, and brochures to take with her, to show to some people, and she's certainly been doing that! Three donations from three strangers! Thank you so much Sheila for believing in what I'm trying to accomplish, and talking to people about it!

And last but not least....I held another fundraising event this weekend, a USED BOOK SALE! But I've just decided that I should post that separately. So stay tuned!!!

More Scavenger Hunt Photos!

So I have to post these photos, from the winning team, Hawaii 6-0!

And I am very happy to say, they have already signed up for the next SCAVENGER HUNT FOR A CAUSE! to defend their title!!

Best decorated car!! And the surfboard stayed on the whole time!!

Another group tub shot!

Three people in a shopping cart. I see that every time I go shopping!

Thank you again to team Hawaii 6-0 for your awesome uniforms, car decorating and just your enthusiasm! I can't wait to see you at the next hunt!!

Stay tuned for more team photos!

Strike Out Arthritis!

My second event was a joint effort with my new friend and fellow Joints in Motion team member, Nancy (she's much braver (or crazier) than me, she'll be running a full marathon this October in Greece).Nancy and I met through a facebook group, and haven't looked back! I love sharing ideas, stories and pain with her.

Nancy and I before the night started!

But, I digress...so on Monday, August 27 we hosted a bowling night, Strike Out Arthritis! here in town at the Barrie Bowlarama. It was a huge success! We had roughly 65 people out bowling, and again, my good friend Marsha was there by my side. Some people came all the way up from Toronto, and more from Base Borden. Talk about support!

And the great news, is between Nancy and I, we raised just under $1,000!!!

I just want to say again, a HUGE THANK YOU to my friends who have consistenly supported me in this crazy journey! I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me.

My First Event!

So I held my very first fundraising event on Saturday, July 17,  a Car Rally / Scavenger Hunt. I had five awesome teams participating, and my very good friend Marsha helping me judge! On hand I think there were about 25 people.

Everyone met at my house to get their instructions and lists at 4:30pm. They left at 5pm sharp, with very strict orders to report back to Boston Pizza at 8pm SHARP, stuff in hand! Marsha and I waited anxiously for three hours for them to be finished. We actually drove around Barrie trying to find any teams. We did meet up with the "Gangsta Gals" at one point (I don't know if this was before or after they broke into a construciton site)...

The teams ended up at Boston Pizza at 8pm sharp with too many funny stories to share! Some of the ones that stick out are someone getting stuck in a shopping cart (Doreen...) and someone asking the lady at Wal-Mart to page his lost mother, Rhea (um...Shawn Gibson....).

So in a nutshell, each team was given a list of 100 items to find or take pictures of. Each item had a different points value. The team with the highest total would take home the trophy. Some of the items included picutres of your team member in a grocery cart, on a pirate ship, and in a canoe. Other things were take out menus, report cards, old prom photos, and such. I do have to pat myself on the back for a minute, because THE LIST WAS AWESOME!!! Each team told me how fun it was to find that stuff. Here are some of the photos....

I will post more photos as the teams send them to me!

I have to mention that the teams were to give themselves names, and were supposed to come in uniform. The names were great! The Pottogibs, The Gangsta Gals, Two and a Half Men, Team Brownie, and Hawaii 6-0.

So all told, everyone had a great time, and we raised $430!!!

And the winning team was Hawaii 6-0!!! It didn't take the Pottogibs long to challenge them to a rematch!

And the good news is, WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN!!!

So look out for your invitation to the second "Car Rally for a Cause" in September! Thank you to everyone who participated, and made the event so special to me. I can't wait to do it again!