2 weeks to go - Reconfirming my faith in humanity and in myself

Longest run: 12.1 miles. Time: Let's just say within my goal time. Biggest gripe: my stomach doesn't like all that jostling.

Last week was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Because this race just got very real. In fact, this week is my last training week before tapering in the final week. That is, my last chance to work on speed and mileage before I have to rest my legs and body in preparation for the race. I admit I haven't been 100% (or even 80%) following the training regimen. Work, weather, fatigue and a minor cold (which I kicked in 2 days, thanks to zinc) have all been major factors in missing some pretty key workouts. So I might not be quite up to par with my running mates in class, but considering I was basically sedentary 6 months ago, I feel like I'm in a good place. Here's a gem: I was lamenting to my mom about how slow I am compared to my training mates and she says, "It's not a competition." Actually, mom, by definition a race sort of IS a competition. Ha ha. Gotta love her, always supportive. In any case, yes, I finished the 12 miles. Slow and steady wins finishes the race. I'm like a turtle. I'll just keep going til the end, now matter what. Isn't that the point of all this? To set a challenge beyond what I've ever had to endure and just get through it. If it was easy, it wouldn't be called a challenge.

And now to the amazing part - last week I opened my fund raising campaign for HopeLives (see widget to the right for more information), and within a single day my amazing friends, family and co-workers raised almost $1000! I had originally set my goal at $300. Having never done a fund raising, I wasn't sure what to expect. But by the end of the day, I raised the goal to $1200. And then we beat THAT. Smashed it. As of this writing, I'm at $1502. That's equivalent to about 38 services to women in recovery. I'm absolutely thrilled and in awe of "my people". You guys are great. Can't thank you enough. And there are still 13 days to go until the race. Let's keep climbing, keep putting one foot in front of the other until the finish line. That's the only way to do it.
-k

3 weeks to go! Help me reach my goal!

Countdown is on! And it's time to raise some dough for breast cancer.

Longest run: 10 miles at 1:54 (and at 5000 feet!). Best mile: 9:30 min/mi for 4 miles

Hello, and apologies for the long absence. I was on vacation for a bit, but I have not forgotten my promise: I am running the Staten Island Half-Marathon to raise funds for a very worthy cause (skip to the end if you want to save a few seconds), and I need your help to make an impact. 

As you know, in May 2012, my mother, Jean, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Two weeks later she underwent a mastectomy. The scary part is the diagnosis and not knowing, but the really hard part of facing breast cancer treatment is coping with loss and the months of recovery. Through her experiences of trying to find support in her small community, Jean was referred to an organization called Hope Lives, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. This organization assists women in northern Colorado by providing care, guidance and education post-breast cancer diagnosis. It provides much-needed complementary care, lifestyle support such as housecleaning, and emotional support such as family and couples counseling - FREE OF CHARGE.

For Jean, Hope Lives was the lifeline she needed in a rural area that has few resources— a gap that often left her frustrated and feeling like the system had failed her. For me, Hope Lives was peace of mind, knowing that she could be part of a community that could understand her and bring her closer to full recovery. Today, Jean is back at work, and coming to terms with her "new normal." She fortunately was also given an excellent prognosis. 

For my mom, and for the women of northern Colorado, I am running the Staten Island Half on October 7, 2012. Will you join me in supporting them?

Go to http://www.crowdrise.com/kelleyshalf by October 7, 2012. Whatever you can donate, $5, $10, $50, will make a huge difference to the life of a woman dealing with breast cancer. Every little step we take can make a big difference in the life of a breast cancer patient recovering or undergoing treatment.

You can also check out Hope Lives at hopelives.org to see how they are changing the lives of the women of Larimer County and Windsor, CO.

If you are able to support me in my cause, I am so grateful. I understand times are tough, but any little bit helps. I better go strap on my running shoes and make you all proud!

A warm hug,

Kelley