Mrs. Devine

Sylvania Devine was a lovely person. She was very dignified even through her illness and death. She loved her family, her husband of nearly 49 years, and Jesus Christ.

We used to pretend we did not see each other washing dishes in our kitchen sinks, but we always knew that was a good time to call the other. She loved my children-always brought balloons and treats back from her many church functions for them. She always made time to smile and talk with them.

She lived a long and happy life and died a quiet, peaceful death yesterday, surrounded by those that she loved most.

WOW-what a month!

Ok. So a lot has happened since my last post. Kai has since been transitioned to my sister-in-law Cara and her boyfriend Eric. He seems to be very happy romping with their dog George and Eric has started running with him-so the marathon dog dream lives on! Go buddy go!

Every marathoner talks about the time in their training when they start to drag and need a boost. I have officially hit that point! I have to admit that I have had to really pry myself out of bed some mornings today being one. Over the last week I have had influenza, I lost my dear mentor and friend Dr. William J. Sohn and have begun to say good bye to my old neighbor and friend Mrs. Sylvania Devine as she finishes out her lost battle with cancer. So now what?

I really have some new reasons to keep running.

I saw my friend Lori just before I got the flu. She and I stood in a restaurant talking about the marathon training and how great she looks with her new darker eyelashes and eyebrows. She looks great and feels stronger every day! Perhaps I can get her to run with me soon! (you know I mean it Lori!)

A big thanks to those that have donated money (every cent adds up to a cure!), time effort and spirit to my training! And of course a big whoo hoo to Laura who lets me stop and pee at her house (and even promises to supply orange slices!).

Any and all support is welcomed over the next few weeks as my miles rack up! In two weeks I will do my first 20 mile run!

Another reason to smile!

Every weekend, the team in training eastern PA team meets for a group practice. We have a quick team meeting, then head out for a run/walk. We generally do our long runs together-it is really great. Yesterday the full marathon team did our first double digit run. It was 30 degrees-we lucked out on the weather!

Before we start out, we have a brief meeting. The organizer generally gives us a quick mission moment to remind us why we are training-to help find a cure for blood cancers. I was very happy to share that Lori's PET/CT scan came back showing that she is in REMISSION!!! The entire team erupted in applause. None of them know her, but each one celebrated her victory!

It was the easiest 10 miles I have ever done!

Twenty-two miles on moral support!

So last week I ran 22 miles total. It is hard to believe that on the race day I will run that plus 4. I have been battling some achilles inflammation for about a month now, but I seem to have it on the run (should I even say that outloud???).

The Team in Training coaches and mentors-not to mention teammates (YEAH SHERA!!!)are awesome. It was 23 degrees when we started yesterday-we did a 5 mile timed trial (smack in the middle of an 8 mile run for me-10 cut short by the coach d/t the achilles). Everyone was smiling while they were running-no, I left my flag hat at home so I know they weren't laughing at me. The trial went well. I would have loved to get back down to under 9 minutes per mile, but I came in under 10 min per mile which I am happy with.

I really felt a great deal of positive energy pulling me forward-no, not just gravity- but the moral support from all of my friends and family (especially John and the kids)and those that love Lori who have all come out in force to support me, Lori and Team in Training- financially, spiritually, and morally! (Thanks everyone!)

I am still looking for someone to run with bright an early-I can't help but notice that 5 people said (based on the poll to the right) that they would be willing to run with me someday....I promise I will leave the nip tuck dog at home!

PS: Check out Lori's site (linked at the bottom of this blog) for the latest news. Please send any positive energy and well wishes you can her way.

Kai the pup/personal trainer

This photo is of Maddy-she needs to be more than an honorable mention in this post! She really rocks and is the greatest dog in the whole-wide world! It is undisputed!

Kai is a rowdy 20 month old golden that we inherited last March. He has chewed his way through several wooden fences, KONGS (the indestructible puppy toys), a sofa, sneakers, carpets, toys...the list goes on and on and on.

He would chase the children into the house as they left the school bus (because he wanted to play) but he was pretty aggressive about it-nipping, jumping, barking. One day he got a good mouthful of Emma's hair. We were really at our wits end and gave him one last chance.

I started running with him at the end of November to just wear him out. This was my third attempt to run with this guy! The first two were spent holding the leash so tight and short that I really was on my way to developing a nice bicep (but only on the right!) and trying to keep him from biting my rear end for the last 60% of each run with the left! NOT relaxing! Certainly NOT what I was looking for in a running partner.

He must have sensed that his days were numbered with us because the first day we went out for our November run-it was as if we had been running together for years! He is great! I set the pace, but he keeps it! The biting was solved with a stick in the mouth. One morning he looked exactly like the Grinch dog with a curved branch for antlers! Today he ran with what could be classified as firewood!

He waits patiently for the alarm to go off each morning. He gives me 5 minutes to get out of bed. I have tried hard to sleep in and wimp out on the days when the temperature is in the single digits. He jumps up an puts his fat head on my pillow as a gentle warning of what will come if I don't drag my butt out of bed! One morning he got sick of waiting and jumped onto me and licked my face! OK OK it's cute!

Since November, he has stopped chasing the children and has really calmed down. I don't think he has chewed anything in weeks.

I am truly committed to finishing the marathon, I wonder if the dog could run with me?

OK-not day one, but the first day I had time to post

If you are reading this, you know I am training to run the Long Branch NJ Marathon in May 2008.

10 REASONS FOR THE SELF-INFLICTED PUNISHMENT FOR A NOBLE CAUSE:

1. FOR LORI: Lori is such an inspiration! She endured 8 rounds of very powerful chemo with grace and maintained her wonderful sense of humor. I would hope that if I were in that situation, I would be half as strong and positive. She just finished her last round! WAY TO GO LORI! This is the real reason! I am running with Team in Training in honor of Lori. Check out the links at the bottom of this blog to read Lori's story and to see how you can help!

2. FOR JOHN: Last year while training for the Philadelphia marathon, I stepped in a pothole, turned my ankle and tore one of the tendons in my right ankle (OUCH!). Of course, being the smart person/health care provider that I am, I ran on it for another month. It has taken me a year to rehab, but now I am able to run pain free again. So why not train for another 26.2 mile event... John could not be happier! He says I am a completely different person when I am running. I wonder what he means by that??? He does say it with a smile...

3.4.5.6. FOR ETHAN EMMA LIAM AND MAGGIE: OK. Cheap way to rack up the reasons. I wanted to come up with 10...Honestly, they are the best thing that ever happened in my life! I am thankful every second that I am with them! They are truly wonderful people! They are also a full cheering section for the last few miles!

7. FOR AMY: Because Amy and I promised we would run one-and I know she will soon! Last February my running partner and friend Amy Freeze left Philadelphia to take the job of a lifetime and be near her family (You go AMY!). Since then, I have struggled to find someone that is fool hearted enough to meet me in the mornings to run. I have since started running with the pup. While he talks less than Amy, he is pretty funny and never calls out due to the weather:)

8.9. For KAI and MADDY: For those that do not know him, our puppy Kai is the biggest pain in the neck! He really gives patient old Maddy a run for her money. To her credit-she has a never ending pool of patience and love for him and she really puts him in his place when he needs it. KAI must have some sort of extreme exercise daily or he literally eats anything in his path. Thank God Maggie is quick on her feet! We have lost countless shoes and even a sofa cushion! We have been ready to give him away more than once-but can never do it because he really wants to be part of our family and to fit in (SOB SOB). More on Kai another day...

10. QUEER AS IT IS, for ME: I turn 40 this year and have always wanted to run a full marathon. I know you are shocked because I really look (act) much younger than 40 but it is true. Do you think John looks younger than I do?

Thanks for your support-both financial for TNT and spiritual! Think of me on those mornings when it is tough to get out of your warm beds!