Running on Faith

We did it!  We completed the 26.2 mile distance and we were smiling when we crossed the finish line.  It certainly wasn’t the experience I expected however I’m neither disappointed nor discouraged by the events of Saturday, December 5, 2009.  I was given an opportunity that I never expected and one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

I didn’t sleep much the night before, if at all.  My nerves were on edge, the room was small which made me feel very cramped, and Paul and I had to sleep together in a double bed.  I was more worried about the cold weather than I was the distance because I absolutely cannot stand to be cold.  We up met up with our large group downstairs in our hotel around 6:45 so we could see the 5K members of our team get started with their race.   It was a very chilly 25 degrees but not windy, thank goodness.  I opted to wear my leggings under my shorts at least for a while.  My ears were FROZEN and Tish was so nice to offer me an extra head wrap to cover my ears.  Thank you so much!  When Blake, Mason, Mr. Jimmy, Sarah and Lara left us to join the other 2900 folks running the 5K, Blake had stripped down to shorts and a t-shirt and I felt so bad for him.  Did I mention it was 25 degrees and the sun wasn’t out yet?  After the 5K race started, I had to leave Camren and Mrs. Arnell on Beale St and that was hard for me….the meant my run was getting closer and it would be AT LEAST 5 hours before I would see them again.

The rest of our team made our way over to the marathon/half marathon start.  We dropped Tim off at his corral and then Tish, Christine, Paco, Paul and I walked back to our corral and we tried to stay in the sun.  Louise showed up then and I finally got to meet Nancy!  I saw plenty of runners that looked just like me….silly because of the way we were dressed and scared because we didn’t know what to expect.  The emcee for the morning was very cheerful which helped to keep the mood light.  Then a little St Jude “angel” took the mic and sang the National Anthem.  I could not see  her and I don’t know her name but I had to fight back the tears and I thought to myself, if I have one ounce of the courage she had, I would be fine.  Then the race was starting and they were releasing us by corral numbers in 2 or 3 minute intervals.  I guess it took about 20 minutes to actually get to our group and at this point, Christine and I were still planning to run together.  I tried not to worry about Paul, he still insisted that he could do this.

It was time for us to take off, I gave Paul a quick kiss and we were off!  I actually felt very relaxed and prepared.  Christine, Nancy and Louise were pulling away from me but I was really OK with that.  I had a plan; I knew what I needed to do.  As we passed the “Happy Mexican” restaurant, I thought about Paco and I hoped he was OK.  About 25 minutes in (2 ½ miles) I took a scheduled 5 minute walk break.  Just a few minutes into my walk, I felt someone grab my rear end and to my surprise it was Paul.  He was running slow but steady.  We walked a few minutes together and I told him it was time for me run again.  He told me to take off and he would try to keep up.  I shot a quick text to Cam just to let him know we were OK and that we were together.  We kept this pace for a while, I could run faster then he could but he could walk faster than me.  It soon became clear that we could run this marathon together.  We didn’t talk much and we weren’t side by side but we could always see each other.  The miles were going by pretty quick.  I never saw Christine again and I said a little prayer for her.  I stopped around mile 8 for a quick bathroom break and “chafe check.”  This was a costly stop for me, the lines were long and I had to wait a while.  Paul kept going and the plan was for me to catch back up to him.  It took me a lot longer to catch him than I thought it would.  He would be easy to spot, he had a bright blue & yellow jacket on but after about 15 minutes of running, I was getting concerned that we’d put too much distance between us.  I finally spotted him in the crowd ahead running uphill, so I sped up a bit and closed the distance and caught up.  I was feeling good and I was keeping well hydrated.  Paul told me to take fluids at each mile so I did just that (I actually listened this time).  Christine told me to take 3 Shot Bloks every hour so I was doing that also.  I was fighting the hunger though; I didn’t get enough to eat before the race.  At the 10 mile mark, there was plenty of fluids but no cups to drink it from.  This was bad because I’d just eaten 3 Shot Bloks and I really need to wash those things down good or I start to gag.  I said another silent prayer that was just a fluke and the remaining 16 miles would have plenty of cups!

Paul and I were still together and quickly approaching the 13 mile mark.  I wondered what he would do….make the turn towards the stadium or stay by my side for the back 13.  We talked about it and he made the call, he would stay with me.  He shot a quick text to the boys to let them know.  I had mixed feelings and was worried about him doing further damage to the knee.

Right around the 13 mile mark, we saw Blake, Cam and Mr. Jimmy.  That was a great feeling!  Paul and I were side by side, smiling and the image was captured thanks to Camren.

 As we ran away from them, I fought back the tears because I knew it would be several hours before we would see them again.  It was at this point that the army of people we were running with suddenly disappeared.  Thank goodness Paul was there, I have trouble with loneliness when I’m running and it was great having him running within shouting distance.  I stopped again at mile 14 for a quick bathroom break and Paul continued on.  It took me 2 miles of running to catch him.  In those 2 miles, I only saw 2 other people…that was a very weird feeling.  I grabbed my phone and shot Christine a text.  She quickly called me back.  She wasn’t feeling well but she was moving forward and she was only a mile ahead of us.  I knew we wouldn’t catch up but it was good to hear her voice (she has been my friend and mentor throughout my training and I wanted only the best for her).   Starting around mile 16, it felt like we were on a steady climb.  Who knew Memphis was so hilly?!  Our strategy became clear, walk the steeper inclines, run the down hills and flats.

Right around the 20 mile mark, I realized that I never really warmed up.  It was still cold enough to keep my gloves on and have my vest zipped all the way up.  As I look back now, the weather was perfect, the sky was clear, there was no wind and it was impossible to get overheated.  And we finally reached a point where we staying on flat ground or going downhill.  That was a very good thing because his “good” knee was hurting and I was experiencing a different kind of pain in my left thigh muscle and my left foot was starting to curve  inwards (that was a new side effect of running!).  We didn’t stop though, we kept moving forward.  As we approached the final ½ mile of the race, we had to make a very sharp right turn UP a ramp.  That was cruel and to make matters worse, there was a big smoking car heading our way with a policewoman running after it.  In my mind I was thinking, “Damn, we came all this way to get run over!”  We managed to get past it and made a few more little turns that led us into an almost empty stadium.  It didn’t matter, the rest of  theRunning of Faith team was there yelling for us.  As we rounded the corner, we heard and saw Blake, Camren, Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Arnell cheering us on.  Mrs. Arnell called us “heroes” and Paul jumped up to them for a quick high five….we had less than a100 yards to!  Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling.  It was amazing because we were so tired and it was so glad to be done.  It was also amazing because we were able to do it together, a gift we never expected.

If you’ve never tried something like this, imagine being on the road (on foot) for 5 hours and 42 minutes, having only water, Gatorade and some gross nutritional supplements (just for the calories).  Imagine that your body had gone through the water and Gatorade so quickly that you only had to use the bathroom twice and imagine that your legs and feet hurt so bad that if you were at home you’d take 3 Aleve and sit down for the rest of the day. Well, when you cross the finish line, you forget all of that.  Over the last 6 months of training and running alone, I never once thought that it would be possible for me to go the 26 mile distance in such good spirits and with Paul within shouting distance the entire time.  We never once planned to start and finish the marathon distance together and that’s what made the day so special.  I did a lot of praying for the team of Running on Faith, and especially for Paul, because I knew this would be a challenge and I knew he wouldn’t give up.  God answered my prayers and he knew what to do.  How else can we explain that out of at least 10,000 people that started the marathon and ½ marathons that day, we found each other so early in the race and stayed together to the end?

Well, tomorrow is the day I’ve been waiting for.  I’m on my third pair of running shoes, I’ve lost three toe nails, I’ve several mental breakdowns while running and I have chafe scars in several places that no one will ever see (except Mr Xctmnt).  I’ve trained in extreme heat in order to get ready but right now in Memphis, it’s about 32 degrees.  I have plenty of clothes to wear in order to keep myself warm but at this point I have no idea what I will actually wear tomorrow.

Tonight, 13 of us got together to eat supper at the Rum Boogie Café.  It was a great restaurant with great service and it was very “Memphisy.”  The company was great and the food was surprisingly good.  Christine and I talked about what the day would be like tomorrow for us.  At this point, we plan to stay together for the full 26.2 miles.  We’ll take it easy, have fun and not put any pressure on each other.  Paul and Paco talked about cutting their race short a few miles and just hanging out at the beer truck!

I hope to have a happy post tomorrow or Sunday.  I want to thank my friends and family for their support, I’ve channeling that tomorrow while I’m on the streets of Memhis. Don’t pray for me, I’ll be fine, I just need to keep moving forward and smiling (that won’t be difficult with Christine by my side).  Save your prayers for the kids of St Jude, they need it more than me.

This is Flash and I’ll be running on faith tomorrow!

Maybe it’s the job stress, the running stress or worrying about Paul….but I had a bad dream about the marathon last night! 

 I dreamed that I forgot my Shot Bloks in the hotel room and I had dressed all wrong.  We were expecting cold weather but the temperature shot up to 70 degrees.  Then I accidentally went to the wrong corral and I staged with the elite group.  That doesn’t sound so bad but they took off like lightening, left me and I got lost on the course. 

 I woke up around “mile 5” and I was actually sweating.  I’m not worried about this little marathon at all……

Ready or not, marathon week-end is quickly approaching.  Am I ready?  Physically, probably not.  Mentally, yes.  Am I scared?  YES.  I know I haven’t put enough miles in but I ran as much as I could so we’ll see if was good enough.

I started tapering off my mileage and ran 13 miles last Sunday, then Tuesday, Thursday and this past Sunday I ran 3 miles each day.  Each time I hit the road, I felt a good bit of discomfort in my calves (not quite sure what that’s about).  I think I’ll skip my runs this week and give my legs a rest. 

I have been practicing with the Shot Bloks and so far, there have been no negative effects.  Of course, race day could prove to be quite different!  I’ve also been practicing in the same shorts, sport bra and shirt so I know exactly where and when I’ll start to feel chafe.  I suppose I should be worried about the cool Memphis weather but I’m not.  I will not alter my clothing choice, other than maybe adding a sweatshirt that I can ditch a few miles down the road after I warm up.  I’m set!

I recall reading somewhere that chemotherapy for one day costs roughly $750.  I’m so proud that between Paul, Blake and I, we’ve raised enough money for 3 days of chemo for one child.  No matter what happens out on the road Saturday, I’ve have peace of mind from our fundraising efforts.

Will I ever train for and run another marathon?  That remains to be seen and I’ll let you know the answer to that after this week-end.  I won’t ask my friends and family to pray for me this week-end as that seems like a frivolous request.  Instead, I’ll ask them to pray for the patients and families at St Jude.  Don’t worry about me, I’ll be just fine.

This is Flash and I’m running on faith that this will be a FAST week!

Special thanks to Troy Esch, Cammie Fabre and Got Frieght? for their generous donation to Team Running on Faith.  Your donation helped our team reach our Team goal.  Thank you for your support!!

I had too much going on Saturday so I had to move my long run to Sunday morning.  I was up at 6:30 a.m. and ready to hit the road.  I had several things in my favor for this run so I had a feeling it would be a better day.  The main thing is that Paul would be out on the road with me trying to work out his knee.  Then, my precious friend Christine (aka Hardcore) left me a voice mail Friday telling me that she was praying for me (and she has no idea how much I needed those prayers that day).  My mom was finally home from her 2^nd week long stay at the hospital and last but not least, Paul bought me a new pair of running shoes.  How could this run go wrong with so much going right?

Before we started our run, Paul and I talked about the best way for me to complete a 26 mile run.  I had to admit to myself a few weeks ago that I will not be able to run for 26 straight miles and I know I have trouble stopping and starting on my runs.  I had to start practicing this NOW.  So, I set out with my new margarita Shot Bloks and a plan.  I was able to easily alternate running 20 minutes/walking 5 minutes and I continued this for somewhere around 18 miles.  I ate a Shot Blok and drank a good bit of Gatorade at one hour intervals and I was good for another 10 or so miles but in the interest of time, I had to call it a morning and head home.  It was a decent run and I was pleased with it.  I’ve pretty much decided what I’ll be wearing on race day and I found a fanny pack that’s been working very nicely (I don’t think it will hold cherries though!)

Later that day my father in law told me I had guts for doing this.  Thank you for saying that Mr Jimmy but I don’t feel like that at all.  I feel like I’m losing the fight but if I can help one child WIN their fight, then all of this will be worth it.  Troy was so excited to tell Paul and I that his company’s donation to Blake and Team Running on Faith helped us reach our team goal of $10,000.  What an incredible journey it’s been!

I am ready for Marathon week-end to get here.  I’m tired of training and I’m ready to see what my brain and legs can do.  This will be the first time I’ve crossed a finish line and Paul was not there waiting on me.  The tables have turned, I will be there waiting on him this time!

This is Flash and I am running on faith that our teammates will remain “healthy” and we’ll all make it Memphis, run our races and meet our personal goals!

I slept in a little bit Saturday morning and didn’t hit the road until 7:30.  I was a little depressed about this training run, I knew I would need to go at least 17 miles and I would be out there alone.  I was committed to the task though, no matter what.

 It was the longest distance I’ve ran so far and it was definitely the longest amount of time I’ve been on the road.  I have no other word to describe it but MISERABLE.  At mile 7, I ate two Shot Bloks and grabbed a PowerAde to go.  At this point, I practiced the strategy of running 10 minutes and walking for 2.  I continued that for the next 5 miles however by the time I came back to our driveway (mile 12) my feet were hurting so bad, that I thought I might be better off running barefooted.  On the third loop I stretched the walking and running out to more like a 7/5 interval and I’m sure the folks that live on McCullough and Old Settlement thought I was crazy because now I’d passed their houses several times.  I was hurting, I was lonely and I was fighting back the tears and nausea.  (I’m not cut out for these distances.)  I kept going over and over in my mind….what was different from last Saturday in New Orleans.  Then it hit me, I didn’t have Christine by my side talking the whole way! 

Somewhere in the middle of mile 14, I was on Old Settlement.  I’m fairly comfortable on this road, Mr. Jimmy, Mrs. Arnell and Troy live there, I know almost all of the vehicles, who drives what and by now I’m pretty sure everyone knows me.  Anyway, I notice a big white Dodge truck pass me rather slowly then as soon as he passed, he really sped up.  No big deal, out in the country, men sometimes do that.  But he came back, this time from behind and did the same thing.  Ok…that’s still not weird.  Then on the third pass, I looked really hard at the driver and tried to make eye contact.  I figured it would be best to let that driver know that I was aware of where he was and that he has passed several times.  Maybe it worked because he didn’t come back and maybe it was nothing at all.  Just a little suggestion to drivers that happen to be passing female runners or cyclists: We are very aware of our surroundings and anything you do out of the ordinary, we notice.  So a little thing like driving back and forth or slowing way down next to that runner or cyclist might not seem significant to you but believe me, it is very significant to us!

By the time I made it to Troy’s house, I was really hoping he was home because I planned to ask him for a ride back to our house.  He wasn’t home so I figured I’d have to tough it out and finish up the last 2 miles.  Paul and Blake drove past a mile later and brought me water and offered me a ride home.  I took the water but not ride.  I’d come this far, what’s another mile?  By this time, I was walking more than running but I would finish it.

3 hours and 50 minutes later and 18 miles later (I miscalculated a little bit), I was done.  Cam brought me a peanut butter snack bar and a bag of ice.  I just sat on our patio and cried out of frustration and pain.  The blisters on my feet were the biggest I’d ever seen; I need new shoes AND new socks.  Paul came out to check on me and talk me through it.  He also had a little surprise for me, he handed me $100 bill.  He told me that one of his parent’s neighbors saw me pass in front of his house 6 times in almost 4 hours.  He was so impressed by my persistence (and he knew I was running for St Jude) that he drove over to our house and gave Paul the money.  My running paid off Saturday, the blisters, pain and frustration were worth it! 

Thank you go James Kidd for noticing that I was out there running all morning and thank you for taking the time to personally deliver your donation.  It couldn’t have come at a better time for me!

This is Flash and I’m running on faith that I’ll get through the next month with my sanity and feet intact!

Saturday morning, we’re up at 3:45 (A.M.!!!) and getting ready for the drive to New Orleans.  Blake and I would be running the New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon along with Tim, Christine, Louise and Mike.  During the drive to New Orleans, it was cold, windy and raining.  GREAT.  It seems like the Esch family is forever making a road trip to participate in some sporting event in bad weather.  Any time we’re signed up for something, we always follow through; no matter what how adverse the weather conditions are and today would be no different.

Around 5:00, I got a text from Christine letting us know they’re on the road (see, we’re not the only crazy people).  We arrived in New Orleans; found the Hutchinson vehicle and waited for them to come back with our race packets (it was cold and windy).  I wasn’t really nervous, I was just aggravated.  I HATE cold weather and wind.  Tim, on the other hand, seemed to be full of nervous energy!  At this point, my only real concern was that I would not find a port-o-can before the race started.  We only had 20 minutes to use the restroom, find the rest of our team and get lined up with what SEEMED like 5000 other people.  I’ll never get used to the people in New Orleans.  I do realize that it was Halloween morning but some of those costumes were just crazy.  I encountered a dude that at first glance, appeared to be completely naked except for a fig leaf covering his most private part.  I quickly turned, turned 5 shades of red and started choking.  I guess I gave him exactly the reaction he was looking for.  I don’t get the costume while running deal.  I’m very picky, almost superstitious about the clothes I run in, especially anything over 5 miles.  Running 13 miles in a nude color body stocking or full body Batman costume complete with face mask and cape brings to mind one thing….serious chafe!

We quickly found our positions in the crowded road and waited for the start signal.  Christine, Louise and I hung in the back of the crowd; there was no need to get trampled up front.  I knew Christine and Louise had planned to run together and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up so I just enjoyed the moment while we were talking and WALKING towards the start line.  I think it literally took us 2 minutes to reach the starting line after the signal sounded.  We had to weave in and out of the walkers as we started to run but we still managed to stay together.  I think 5K, 10K, ½ marathon and full marathon walkers are great and I admire their spirit and the fact they are out there BUT there should be a law about where and when they start.  It is unfair to make those of us that are running spend 2 miles moving around the walkers and the over zealous sprinters that have to stop and walk because they have no idea what they’re doing.  I’m sorry; I just had to get that off my chest.

So, Louise takes off like a jack rabbit and a mile into the race, I had no idea where she was.  As it turns out, Christine and I were running pretty much the same pace without any effort.  We passed Paul on the way out and tossed him our extra shirts and gloves (it warmed up very fast).  The miles started to fly by and before I knew it we were at mile 6 at 1:03.  I started to panic a little but I didn’t let Christine see it.  My pace was faster than normal; I was running with someone and TALKING (something I never do).  I was wondering how long I could keep that up.  At the entrance of City Park, we were still together and Paul sent Christine a text “tell my old lady hello.”  We were talking and laughing about that and I lost my footing on the curb.  I tripped and stumbled forward for what seemed like several feet and pretty much landed on Christine’s back but I stayed on my feet.  At mile 7, Christine shared her marguerita with me (Marguerita Shot Blok that is).  I was skeptical because I know better than to try something new during a race but I wasn’t drinking enough (the water and PowerAde they handed out was nasty).  That Shot Blok was pretty good and it the spot, thank you Christine!   We continued on our way, still together and still talking.  When we reached mile 11, I glanced at my watch and felt that panic rise again, it said 1:57.  We were on pace to beat my best ½ marathon time of 2:27.  This is where my mind started to play tricks on me but Christine got me through it by talking non stop.  It worked!  I crossed the finish line at 2:19 (Christine was able to sprint to the line, I wasn’t).  It was a great run except for the ankle pain, which was new for me and the cobblestone road.  I hope Memphis doesn’t have any cobblestone roads!

My proudest moment didn’t come from achieving a personal best time or running the entire way with my friend, although those are great things.  The best moment of the day was when I realized that Blake, my 14 year old son, placed 2^nd in the 19 and under category.  It was his first ½ marathon but I’m sure it won’t be his last!

As a group, we enjoyed the adult beverages, the smoothies and the band.  The company was pretty good too!  Tim, Blake, Mike, Louise and Christine, you guys are great and Team Running on Faith was well represented in the Big Easy!  This is Flash and I’m running on faith that the next month will fly by!

Saturday, October 23                                                  

Saturday morning I slept in a little bit and decided to try to get a 15 mile run in around 9:30.  It was a chilly morning and I was optimistic about having a good run however I knew I would be on the road alone, which is hard for me.  Paul was still suffering with his knee from the Mockler Beverage 3 miler.  It had been a rough 5 or 6 days for me because my mom had major surgery and she was still in the hospital.

The run started out fine but my calves were hurting from the moment my feet hit the pavement.  I was having a hard time focusing and my heart just wasn’t in this run.  I came across Paul, Mr. Jimmy and Troy around the 3.5 mile mark and they cheered me on and passed me a bottle of water.  Normally the sight of these 3 men cheers me up and lightens my spirit.  That would not be the case on this run and somewhere around the 4 mile mark, my emotions took over and I started to cry.  I was worried about my mom, I was tired and I hate to be on the road without Paul.  So, I did a bad thing, the worst thing a runner can do really, I gave in and gave up. Our driveway was my 5 mile mark and I stopped.  I just sat there on my ice chest at the end of the driveway and collected my thoughts.  I didn’t finish that run and I didn’t give it another thought the rest of the day!

Tuesday, October 26

Monday, Paul went to his knee surgeon to have the bad knee checked out.  It was not good news and he decided to get a 2^nd opinion on Tuesday.  The 2^nd visit confirmed the bad news.  He should not be running these long distances on a regular basis.  He’s pretty bummed, he really enjoys running.  I’m bummed because while I know he’ll be able to complete the 26.2 miles on marathon day, he won’t be able to train with me for the next 5 or so weeks.  He’s my best friend, my training partner and my coach (that I never really listen to).  I often struggle with feeling lonely on the road and I need him out there. The whole way home, I had a feeling of dread, I would have to run without him.  But the run wasn’t so bad after all; he hopped on his bike and rode along the side of me while I ran 4 miles.  It was a really nice run and a really nice thing that he did for me!

Saturday, October 30, I’ll be running the Jazz Half Marathon with Blake and a few fellow Running on Faith teammates.  I’m actually looking forward to the run and spending time with my friends.

This is Flash and I’m right now I’m just running on faith!

Folks, I apologize for the delayed posting of this report. This report was typed and ready however I was sidetracked by my mom’s surgery and hospital stay.  I’m happy to report that she’s doing much better.  I love you mom!

If someone were to ask me what I do in my spare time, as if I really have any, I’d have to say that I run.  A LOT.  Take Saturday 10/17/09, for instance….

Saturday morning, we were up at 6:15 in the morning and by 7:30 we were headed to Walker for a cross country meet with Blake (leaving Camren behind because he had Beta Club obligations).  I proudly watched my son and the rest of the Catholic High Cross Country team run their race in the worst conditions so far this year.  Every time I watch these guys, I’m awe struck and inspired and as parents of these boys, we all have many blessings.  The most important blessing is that those boys are healthy, strong and are able to run.

We left the meet thinking Camren would be ready to be picked up from his Beta Club event.  He wasn’t so we went home only to have him call me once we drove up in the driveway.  So I dropped Paul and Blake off and “ran” back out to get Cam.  Then Cam and I “ran” to Wal-Mart to pick up some warm clothes because we planned to be outside later that night.  After that, we “ran” home. 

After we got home, I started thinking about when Paul and I would be able to get our long run in.  We had planned to run the Mockler Beverage 3 miler that night and I really wanted to be able to sleep in Sunday morning.  So….I sheepishly asked Paul around 2:00 if he would mind getting a quick 10 mile run in with me.  And that’s just what we did!  We ran between 2:00-3:45.  It was painful and miserable and I wondered what in the world I was thinking.  How could I run 10 miles at 2:00 then run 3 miles at 6:00?  I spent 2 hours and 45 minutes running and worrying about it then we returned home, took showers, cleaned up and THEN we “ran” out to the Mockler Beverage facility to meet up with the Hutchinsons and Mr Jimmy (the original Mr Xctmnt). Why?  To run again! 

And thank you Christine!  Without you, there is no way I would’ve been able to run those 3 miles.  My feet hurt so bad from standing several hours at the track meet and then running 10 miles that I was unsure if I would be able to even put those Nikes on.  But that was one of the most pleasant runs I’ve ever had, the weather was great and it was so nice to visit with one of my favorite people (I rarely talk when I run).  When we finished, I was shocked to learn that Blake finished the race in a lightening fast, incredible time.  Where does he get it from?  Not from his mama.  I turned around and “ran” back to meet Camren and finish his run with him.  He didn’t need me…he was coming around the corner with a steady pace and a big smile on his face.  He volunteered to run this 3 miler and he did it with a great attitude and a lot of heart.

We spent the next hour or two eating sausage poboys and drinking a few “recovery” drinks.  And I learned that I’m still young enough to use my feminine charms to get my way.  I think Christine, Lara and I had more fun trying to talk the Mockler guys out of a couple of cheap ice chests….and you know what?  It worked!  I would classify Saturday 10/17/09 as a successful day.

This is Flash and I’m running on faith that I’ll have more good days like that on the road to training for the St Jude marathon.