tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44652831514198578192024-03-19T08:49:01.391-04:00I Run Like a MotherLisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-77016624122867534652011-03-20T17:59:00.003-04:002011-03-20T18:01:20.488-04:00Dos Amigos Fundraiser!I'm having a fundraiser this Wenesday, March 23rd at Dos Amigos Burritos in Dover, NH. I'm also having a kick-buttocks raffle if anyone would like to buy tickets but cannot attend. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for 10. Email me at lcorman@comcast.net if interested.<br />The list of raffle items can be found <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZsKPTqZc8ixup0D2YXI3eJ2XTcACm3dnTEMvTG3mT3k/edit?hl=en#">here</a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-67186619583467023782011-02-17T13:49:00.004-05:002011-02-17T13:56:25.248-05:00Five Below FundraiserThis upcoming week, February 19th-26th, Five Below in Newington, NH will be having a fundraiser to help GoKids Boston. 10% of sales will go to the charity, if you have THE FLYER. <br />Sigh. <br />Flyers are a pain because it means the majority of the people will already be people you know who you gave the flyer to. Oh well-so if you are someone I know, feel free to hand out as many flyers as you can to people I dont know.<br />You can print out your own copy of the flyer <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lgIhFdvBVHpXcz41XvEzzVN6Go9ZQ4RQd2bKFiL2Z7I/edit?hl=en&authkey=CIHoxqoN">here</a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-80927498303353355902011-02-02T20:47:00.018-05:002011-02-03T11:08:23.820-05:00February Fundraising75 days until the Boston Marathon. Gulp. I'm a *tad* behind in the fundraising department, but February is chockfull of events, so I hope to up my game (and my donations) this month<br />1. Superbowl Squares for CHARITY-Come on, we all know every one does squares for the Superbowl, so why not help kids in the process? Here's the breakdown:<br />go to: <br /><a href="http://www.officepicker.com/users/respond.php?game=5333&code=marathon">http://www.officepicker.com/users/respond.php?game=5333&code=marathon</a><br />BEFORE the big game on Feb 6th. Pick a square-$20 each. Pay by either cash, check or credit card <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman">here</a><br /> and state in the comments its for Squares). Sit back and wait for your chance to make $500. Cash Prizes are as follows: <br />First Quarter Score = $125.00 (12.5% of winnings) <br />Half Time = $250.00 (25% of winnings) <br />Third Quarter = $125.00 (12.5 % of winnings) <br />Final Score = $500.00 (50% of winnings)<br /><br />Can't get better than that, folks. Half of the pot will go to my fundraising efforts. Everyone wins. The end.<br /><br />2. My Lia Sophia party. So I picked a really poor date to have this-I guess its the night of the Horne Street School band concert, so that just ruled out about 95% of the people I invited. Boo for me. BUT people can STILL order through the website at <a href="http://www.liasophia.com/theresamorecroft">Lia Sophia</a> website 50% of the sales will go to GoKids Boston! And the jewelry is beautiful.<br /> And I'm still having the party. So what if I have to eat all of the cheese and crackers by myself.<br /><br />3. Five Below-The Five Below store in Newington, NH is giving me an entire week where I will receive 10% of the sales if people bring in the GoKids Flyer, which I will post here and on FB when the time gets closer. The dates are Feb 19th- 26th, Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm<br /><br />4. Chuck-E-Cheese Fundraiser-Another great fundraiser that requires a flyer, so again, I'll post when the time is closer. Feb 24th, starting at 3pm-the Chuck-E-Cheese in Newington, NH.<br /><br />March has my big Spring Fling Workout Extravaganza, which will be held in Guilford, CT. My AWESOME sister is putting this on at the Guilford Park and Rec, where you can attend a workout class (or many) and all of the $ raised will be going to GoKids Boston. Woo hoo!! March 5th. And there is going to be a kick butt raffle, filled with the most amazing items donated to me by fitness personalities, running companies and other health related groups.<br /><br />Phew-it hasnt even started and I'm already tired! And somehow, I need to keep running 40 miles a week in addition to everything else :)<br />A big thanks to everyone who has supported my fundraising efforts thus far!!<a href="http://firstgiving.com/lisacorman"></a><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman"></a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-39120775661755747522011-01-18T15:17:00.001-05:002011-01-18T15:17:40.783-05:00<object width="355" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://togo.ebay.com/togo/togo.swf" /><param name="flashvars" value="base=http://togo.ebay.com/togo/&lang=en-us&mode=normal&itemid=140502458952&query=ferrari&rvr_id=200007730472&POS=copywidget&VER=single" /><embed src="http://togo.ebay.com/togo/togo.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="355" height="300" flashvars="base=http://togo.ebay.com/togo/&lang=en-us&mode=normal&itemid=140502458952&query=ferrari&rvr_id=200007730472&POS=copywidget&VER=single"></embed></object>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-22961696010896715602010-12-17T21:10:00.005-05:002010-12-17T21:24:21.149-05:00First GIveaway!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pOyRnDoycsbY2SeY8sQCyM13Ez9jQgi5v3PKY2WWLUWNyZHfi3Paz3B_7RuF3Jn9d82WDYuqfPX76LWSrrA7qbQbw-ICt2godNTyrhsIEzyDMxzb9GqMjmZAcukSM3aLIpFafvaYLAVI/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551839612202045554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pOyRnDoycsbY2SeY8sQCyM13Ez9jQgi5v3PKY2WWLUWNyZHfi3Paz3B_7RuF3Jn9d82WDYuqfPX76LWSrrA7qbQbw-ICt2godNTyrhsIEzyDMxzb9GqMjmZAcukSM3aLIpFafvaYLAVI/s200/photo.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>As I posted before, many companies have been so generous with donating items for me to give away, in order to raise money for GoKids Boston. One of the first companies to respond was Bondi Band (<a href="http://www.bondiband.com/">http://www.bondiband.com/</a>) and they sent me 4 Bands to give away! All 4 are very awesome-one is Boston specific, one is marathon specific and the other 2 are just gorgeous patterns. Spidey looks awesome sporting the Boston one.</div><br /><div>The motto of Bondi Band is "No slip, no drip." They are stretchy, breathable headbands that fit every head size, al<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Ucl3nRnj7cwbSlvNGMOEzEfrLtHhzvh2LLpT8vLsUyJm-aLtiN5TArX_FVm2NIrusgl9NOkm849TgEkt4q0Qo8aVAIjrAt2NE1oH19h_el1OVzrqHB4CoPlv2dLF-fgVyx395WlfT6o/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551841570888991186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4Ucl3nRnj7cwbSlvNGMOEzEfrLtHhzvh2LLpT8vLsUyJm-aLtiN5TArX_FVm2NIrusgl9NOkm849TgEkt4q0Qo8aVAIjrAt2NE1oH19h_el1OVzrqHB4CoPlv2dLF-fgVyx395WlfT6o/s200/photo.JPG" /></a>l while helping to prevent that nasty, salty sweat from dripping right into your eyes when you run. And they look so great! I own 2 of them and my 7 year old loves to wear them as regular headbands to school as well.</div><br /><div>So..anyone who makes a donation between 12/17-12/24 will be eligible to win the one of the 4 Bondi Bands pictured. Doesn't matter the donation size either!</div><br /><div>Winner will be picked at random from all donations (on and off line) and will be posted here next week. To make a donation, please go to: <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman">www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman</a></div><div> </div><div>Please feel free to share with your friends!</div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-3447536330077351442010-12-14T13:41:00.002-05:002010-12-14T13:45:43.037-05:00So Much Going On!Wow, you would have thought I would have learned last year NOT to try to jump right into fundraising in the middle of trying to get ready for Christmas. BUT I did-and I have been receiving so many wonderful items to raffle off! I cannot believe the generosity of companies-especially running related ones. So each week, I plan to offer one of the donated items to a lucky winner. How do you enter? Great question! Any donation made to my page (<a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman">www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman</a>), no matter how small, will be entered into the drawing. I hope to start this week-I will post a picture of the item that will be available. And of course, if you could spread the news via Facebook or Twitter, that would be appreciated too!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-36477380840393943732010-11-30T10:40:00.003-05:002010-11-30T11:00:19.653-05:00Oops, I Did It AgainYes, I am running the Boston Marathon-<em>again</em>. I know, I know-I said over and over how hard fundraising was. I said it was easier to train for 26.2 miles than to raise money. So then, why the heck am I doing it again? Here's why:<br /><br />I haven't stopped thinking about the marathon. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the entire experience-the expo, the race itself, the crowds, the feeling of complete and utter accomplishment. I also think about how I asked a volunteer if I could sit down in the wheelchair for <em>just a minute</em> because I hadn't sat for 5 hours. But I quickly stop thinking about that.<br /><br />My marathon jacket hangs on the back of the chair I sit in every day. The background on my work computer is a collage of marathon pictures. And since my basement is not finished yet (going on 8 years, but who's counting?), I have no place to hang my shadowbox filled with my bib, my medal and my timing chip-so every day, someone inevitably knocks it over and I yell, "Be careful! That's important to me!"<br /><br />I was on the fence for signing up just because of the stress of fundraising. I had exhausted my friend's bank accounts, and I'm pretty sure at least 20 people "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">defriended</span>" me on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> because they were tired of hearing about it. But when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> post came that read, "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">GoKids</span> Boston team is full" my heart sank. This is the last year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">GoKids</span> Boston is eligible to be a charity for the marathon and I really thought I lost my last chance. I decided to apply just in case there was an opening, figuring this would be a sign that it was meant to be-and sure enough it came through!!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, so now that I am running again, I've committed to raising $3700. I completely understand I have tapped out all of my friends last time. But I also know many people have asked if there are other ways to help. So in conjunction with some friends and family members, we have brainstormed a list of ways people can help, if a direct donation is not possible. And remember, brainstorming is a judgement free zone, so no poo-pooing any of the suggestions!<br /><br />1. Show support! Ask me how training is going, how much money I have raised, etc. If you have a fundraising idea, I want to hear it! This little step is what got me through last time. When you are tired and overwhelmed, having someone ask about what is going on is often just what you need to get your spring back in your step. To know people are thinking about me and my journey is important to me. So please send well wishes!<br />2. Attend events. Sure you are still spending $, but you are getting a direct benefit from it, such as a tasty dinner or a Pampered Chef item. If you are going to dine out or buy cooking supplies anyway, you can do it through me AND support my charity!<br />3. Provide any leads you may have. Do you work somewhere that might be willing to donate merchandise or a gift certificate for me to raffle off? Do you know of a restaurant owner who would help me hold a fundraiser? Are you a business owner and would like to provide me with something to raffle off? All of this is SUPER helpful!<br />4. Showcase your talents! Are you crafty? Do you knit, make jewelry or can stamp 50 greeting cards in less than 5 minutes? (is that even physically possible?) All of these things make GREAT raffle items and I'd love anything to raffle off. I especially like them because I love homemade stuff myself :) (Wait, I'm not going to keep the stuff myself, I swear.)<br />5. Spread the world about my fundraising. I'm sure many strangers aren't going to be overwhelmed by my story and donate to my cause. But if you post on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">FB</span> there is a fundraiser at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Friendly's</span> Monday night, someone who may already be planning a night out may choose this restaurant over another.<br />6. Hold a party and donate the hostess credit. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, this one's a stretch, but you never know. Many at-home parties are willing to give the hostess money towards a charity verses hostess dollars or rewards. I know Pampered Chef does it, as well as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Silpada</span>. Don't like having the actual party at your house? Host a catalog party! I'm also happy to "give back" so if you or a friend works for an at-home party catalog, contact me! I'd rather use a consultant I "know" verses someone I don't. <br />7. Make a direct donation. I know, I said this was a list about NOT making a direct donation, but when it comes down to it, it's easy and involves little work on the part of the donor. So for those of you that can directly donate, I thank you!<br /><br />Once again, I really, really appreciate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">everyone's</span> support. I keep reminding myself its not the destination, but the journey!<br />Keep the fundraising ideas coming!!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-74349836763928235742010-05-04T21:26:00.022-04:002010-05-04T21:54:10.602-04:00Boston Marathon 2010First, I cannot thank you everyone enough who donated and supported me in running t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv9dk7oqSCcIzp23S0v0n-uyO32N9rAl6rcJeCw3dxsjfH5Zh9UNs5dNEpDnTvExVE1ghR1n8eqSigQN2FmIwjDSy8QjsDhu8YOonEbmusWND0WiR0zmoWd99cII12B90co7Btq5G7nPC/s1600/poster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467593725490773714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifv9dk7oqSCcIzp23S0v0n-uyO32N9rAl6rcJeCw3dxsjfH5Zh9UNs5dNEpDnTvExVE1ghR1n8eqSigQN2FmIwjDSy8QjsDhu8YOonEbmusWND0WiR0zmoWd99cII12B90co7Btq5G7nPC/s200/poster.jpg" border="0" /></a>he 2010 Boston Marathon to benefit GoKids Boston. All 20 of my team mates completed the marathon and raised over $95,000 for this wonderful cause! I personally raised over $3700, which exceeded my fundraising goal!!<br /><br />I have put off writing my Boston Marathon Road Report for many reasons. First, I'm being lazy. Second, I feel like once I do this, its really over. I just got around to sending out my last round of thank you cards, so its about time I write this and close the chapter on my favorite race EVER!<br /><br />I went to the Expo on Saturday with Christy, as after reading the message boards, they advise you to not walk around the expo the day before the race, which makes sense. I bought my Boston Marathon Jacket here. I made up my own rules about the jacket. I could try it on and buy it-but that was the only time I could wear it prior to finishing the race. No pictures of it, no mention of it, nothing. I felt I would completely jinx myself if I wore it, but I was clearly the only one who held this believe, as everyone was wearing them all over Boston.<br /><br />Josh and I headed down to Boston again on Sunday. I chose a hotel "close" to the finish line (your definition of close changes when you have to walk back to the hotel after running 26.2 miles) and definitely paid for that "luxury." Well, I'm only doing this race once, I might as well do it up right!<br /><br />What to eat that night was a serious source of stress for me. I lack the iron stomach gene my Grandpa Cavaiuolo had-instead, I inherited the nervous stomach of my Grandmother. I was very concerned about eating something that would land me in the port-o-potty for much of the race. I chose a real basic meal of salmon with vegetables, and filled up on bread to make sure I got that carb element. Of course, Josh stopped and got cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory on the way back to the hotel, so I may have had a bite or 2 of that. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchrGdVs_RbDuYCQ3Q2CsYRwWmF-oMbfXWVwhBTxnWrWSFvuNyNKJ-KhXYo_tejvP6TPu48QGPXmeNgWLA9yywbduRm7buHTVQm4jNidq9kRgDNbtHTis_Rt-vNwNC6PPBVhj21MqlxqFX/s1600/hotel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467593870947762882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchrGdVs_RbDuYCQ3Q2CsYRwWmF-oMbfXWVwhBTxnWrWSFvuNyNKJ-KhXYo_tejvP6TPu48QGPXmeNgWLA9yywbduRm7buHTVQm4jNidq9kRgDNbtHTis_Rt-vNwNC6PPBVhj21MqlxqFX/s200/hotel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I slept surprisingly well-I wouldn't say it was an award winning night of sleep but it wasn't as terrible as I envisioned. I was up by 5:15, and headed down to the lobby to walk with some other charity runners to the buses, which drive you to the start line.<br />I am terrible with directions, especially in a city, so I was happy to be walking with a bunch of people, including Susan Hurley, who runs the charity program. She was in charge of 6 charities this time, as well as raising money and running the marathon herself. She is the MOST enthusiastic person you could ever meet, along with being very funny and a great supporter of everything you do during the training. But she walks fast. How do I know this? Well, we had to follow her to the buses and honestly, her fast walk pace is probably my marathon running pace. By the time I got to the bus, which was maybe a ten minute "walk", I was sweating-a lot. And I wasn't even at the start line. It was a good warm up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPAnzSuCXyCvy651kuBMZFmi_kHyDbTNtSS5KXthD8AvbTW1oDzVFFDZkOFjyvYPLZGeHxuU0ggeKzSi4gmeljudw0gv5-zGm3S1PCyPUgi6W_gyD9nxYShm1YlId4sZ9TRAA7YOHvH5V/s1600/hopki.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467593996385445154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPAnzSuCXyCvy651kuBMZFmi_kHyDbTNtSS5KXthD8AvbTW1oDzVFFDZkOFjyvYPLZGeHxuU0ggeKzSi4gmeljudw0gv5-zGm3S1PCyPUgi6W_gyD9nxYShm1YlId4sZ9TRAA7YOHvH5V/s200/hopki.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We all rode buses to the start line-our buses had the luxury of a bathroom, which I stupidly sat near to be with my fellow teammates. Sure, it was fine at first, but after there was no air on the bus and the bathroom got its own workout, it was not pleasant. We made our own fun, covering ourselves with fake tattoos and writing our names with sharpies, so people could cheer for us.<br /><br />You arrive at the start and there is just a sea of people. Most people are loungin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCObXSLslI7XAtLfUFg9eCP4idmIg3PEv46QBBn0SbYivEzuBY9er3uwclL2lhyphenhyphenq0HIDyHMX4Xv6uU44wWcDVWFxcyTDV-juPKghW-LsdnyhEnqbS13N43yseUbY4ojvqws_yTDU4CPc4N/s1600/waiting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467594202024413570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCObXSLslI7XAtLfUFg9eCP4idmIg3PEv46QBBn0SbYivEzuBY9er3uwclL2lhyphenhyphenq0HIDyHMX4Xv6uU44wWcDVWFxcyTDV-juPKghW-LsdnyhEnqbS13N43yseUbY4ojvqws_yTDU4CPc4N/s200/waiting.jpg" border="0" /></a>g around, sitting on the ground, enjoying the view. Some people were actually sleeping, which I cannot imagine. With so many people, the Marathon has to be organized, and they are. We were given bags that we could put our belongings in, of item that we wanted at the finish line. These bags are put on buses that drive to the end of the marathon. Very efficient. I had started the day out with a sweatshirt and sweatpants (its cool at 5am), but was warming up at this point (my wave of runners didn't start until 10:30am), so I added those to my bag. I could have tossed them on the side of the road as well, as all discarded clothing is donated to charity. But I kind of like my pants.<br /><br />We all waited around for about an hour, until we were ready to go to the start line. And I must say, port-o-potties galore. They even had a bunch RIGHT at the start line. That's my kind of race.<br /><br />The walk to the start line is rather far-I could be completely off, but I would say it was probably a half mile. Or at least it felt that way. As I stood there, all you can see are people-<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLRNUOMK31MW5OOAe2Y_2_8E4f-M8ND3YGsKYxR4ZwDZnjM6rKdBbcHqNq1mnluu-XD-sTTZO-a2MDbnKF3vNVaC44LM3mFET6k7GzRZ5DeWaGOInqAHT5s55RzMMxUZH8yP0j8aXu_pR/s1600/start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467595171963319202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLRNUOMK31MW5OOAe2Y_2_8E4f-M8ND3YGsKYxR4ZwDZnjM6rKdBbcHqNq1mnluu-XD-sTTZO-a2MDbnKF3vNVaC44LM3mFET6k7GzRZ5DeWaGOInqAHT5s55RzMMxUZH8yP0j8aXu_pR/s200/start.jpg" border="0" /></a>in front of you, in back of you-what seems like miles and miles of runners and spectators. Its hard not to get pumped up. I start taking pictures with my iPhone and the guy next to me says,"You're not going to spend the race blogging are you?"<br /><br />"Ah, no", I reply, acting as though that was the most ridiculous thought. What I really wanted to say was, "Yes I am, jerk boy." But that's just bad karma and I didn't need to start my race out that way.<br /><br />Knowing that my back still wasn’t at 100%, I decided to have a few goals for the marathon-1. Finish! 2. Finish under 6 hours (if you don’t finish under 6 hours, you are not considered a marathon finisher and you don’t get a medal) 3. Enjoy every step of the way, knowing this will probably be my only chance to run the Boston Marathon.<br /><br />Once we were off, it's really hard to pull back and not go out fast (a relative term). There are just so, so many spectators, you cannot believe it. I don't think there was one spot that there weren't people cheering you on. You see a lot of characters,not only running but on the side of the road. I ran with two men dressed up like Elvis, carrying a ipod and speakers blaring Elvis music and shouting,"Thank you,Thank you very much." I also saw a muscular man with a dress a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FxalqHE2jSz3gmU_ED_sT1QawLhYIpkqqzb_WJn7zAgtNuWV-BRLVFdV8l2UtSHs5hZiDtaOkcgC3IDCKT1-nf9pM5_GiwPr04fg8Hk-jt8npiMf9i9ZEa8KEKGKzWblzzhinwQDr6Cs/s1600/elvis.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467595328483361746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FxalqHE2jSz3gmU_ED_sT1QawLhYIpkqqzb_WJn7zAgtNuWV-BRLVFdV8l2UtSHs5hZiDtaOkcgC3IDCKT1-nf9pM5_GiwPr04fg8Hk-jt8npiMf9i9ZEa8KEKGKzWblzzhinwQDr6Cs/s200/elvis.jpg" border="0" /></a>nd a green wig. I was passed by a hot dog and french fries, which doesn't fair well for the ego. On the side of the road, I saw a big bosumed women who was very drunk at 11am, jumping up and down, spilling her beer everywhere. There were 2 more drunk ladies riding a motorized cooler. And there was also the drunk guy on the roof of the house, to whom I yelled, "Please go inside you are making me nervous."<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUbYHbChlzoJAqxEqy6WTA83zx9QJZmjTfYuETNFXKb0GWk6dpZGvvWYSyVCQUReI8rxQlTRXSc2i6YeuAqUIDo3LBbduY2o8evyINyUI69yCxhr75UdZ3_1M7g-39inQX-HBTt1nwHKZ/s1600/wells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467596525708992354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUbYHbChlzoJAqxEqy6WTA83zx9QJZmjTfYuETNFXKb0GWk6dpZGvvWYSyVCQUReI8rxQlTRXSc2i6YeuAqUIDo3LBbduY2o8evyINyUI69yCxhr75UdZ3_1M7g-39inQX-HBTt1nwHKZ/s200/wells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wellesley Girls-what can I say,other than you can hear their high pitched scream before you even see them. They are holding signs saying, "Kiss me, I'm a first year student. "(I guess freshman is no longer politically correct?) "Kiss me, I'm missing an exam to cheer you on." Its very fun to run by all of them.<br /><br />But.... <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_9cqP7GmEnciixjBX-oJwRTdWRCPHREZBkwsGb96Ckc2KxRXnMKhFR5h0GC6SksTPsTJ9xAcpRQ3ysxZ50lueh9HqSMSTwEHuZ5coDNu6FiD4EwIwjPpg6jSKgvpsUT2N31Bzxj_2IvS/s1600/bc.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467595486038422562" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_9cqP7GmEnciixjBX-oJwRTdWRCPHREZBkwsGb96Ckc2KxRXnMKhFR5h0GC6SksTPsTJ9xAcpRQ3ysxZ50lueh9HqSMSTwEHuZ5coDNu6FiD4EwIwjPpg6jSKgvpsUT2N31Bzxj_2IvS/s200/bc.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Boston College kids were more than just loud screams-they were high fiving, holding up signs, offering beers, calling for you by name. They won my heart.<br /><br />And people aren't just cheering for you, they are giving you water, food, anything you need. Tissues,orange slices, Popsicles, bananas, and wet wipes were all things I took from strangers, even though I could hear my mother's voice,"Don't take food from strangers" ringing in the back of my head. I don't care-that was the BEST orange Popsicle of my life.<br /><br />Ok, the actual running (as though that's what the marathon is about). I did really well, with no major issues until about mile 18-near where the hills start. I had run the first 17 miles and the last 17 miles on the course during the months prior so I knew what to expect. I started run/walking at this point,as I was starting to get tired. My legs cant keep up with my lungs,they give out first. I vowed to myself that I would run up the Newton Hills, including Heartbreak Hill. So when the hills started, I geared up my iPod to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" then "The Climb" (an souped-up aerobic version with a great beat. Yes, its sung originally by Miley Cyrus, but how can you not tear up a little when you hear, "Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side, it's the climb.") I ran all of the hills.<br /><br />Both Mike and Christy Thomas were volunteering, so I got to give them big hugs around mile 22 (I should apologize, I was sweaty). It was also something to look forward to that kept me moving.<br /><br />My only real "physical"complaint wasn't my back. And this may verge on TMI. I think my bladder doesn't like being shook like a polaroid picture for 26 miles. By mile 18 it started to feel like I had to pee constantly. We all know what it feels like to try to do anything when you have that sensation. Needless to say, I'm sure the 5 bathroom breaks didn't do well for my net finishing time.<br /><br />I met up with Amy, who was a charity runner for another one of Susan's teams, and she was struggling with a knee injury . To keep us motivated, I used the "Let's run to that sign "approach, but before long,I had gone ahead. This is the worst part of the race. You just want to walk, but you know walking will make it take even longer and you just want to be DONE. My Garmin watch got messed up from having to stop to pee so many times, so I had no idea where I was or how much was left. Once I saw the mile 23 sign, I decided to just go and not stop, no matter what. They started to let traffic by and I got worried. Did this mean I was close to the 6 hour mark and I wasn't going to get my medal?? This stupid medal was all I cared about. My sister (who I love with all my heart) said to me, "Who cares if you don't get a medal-if you finish the marathon, no one can take that away from you!" And she is right. But emotionally, I needed it.<br /><br />I saw the Citgo sign and I knew there was one mile left. i was still surrounded by people, and despite the late hour, there were still people cheering you on! Towards the end I was really disoriented by not having my watch and I couldn't gauge how far into the last mile I was. I asked some elderly gentleman who was running how far was left, and he replied, "I don't even think I know what city I am in anymore."<br /><br />And then there it was-Hereford. The magnet that hangs on my garage door-'Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston." Those are really the 2 last turns in the marathon and when I saw it, I knew I was so close to the end. I turned right, then left and I could see the finish line. Its a mirage though-you are running and running and its just not getting any closer. You want to sprint to the end, but it just feels like it is never coming. But at the same time, you want it not to be over, because its the most fun you could ever imagine. I was so, so worried about there being no one at the finish line. I am sure its crazy around the 2-3 hour finishing mark. But it was still amazing to see so many people still out there cheering you on. Josh was near the finish (you can't get to the actual finish line as a spectator) and I was able to see him and wave. I looked at the clock-5:41. I would get my medal.<br /><br />On a side note, when I finished the camera crews were swarming around me. yes, I know I am famous, but come on now. I tried to remain cool and went up to a volunteer and asked, "Who the heck is behind me?" Ray Allen of the Celtic's mom ran, and finished right after me-so it was the 2 of them. That added another fun element to the finish!<br /><br />I kept walking and walking, trying to find the medals. I did not see them. In a panic, I asked, "Are there still medals??" I was pointed to the "Medal Lady." I went up to her, took a very deep breathe and said, "I did it. I'm ready for my medal now." And yes, I was crying.<br /><br />Sure, my time is nothing to brag about by any means. But honestly, other than being under the 6 hour mark, I didn't care what my time was. I took my time, enjoyed every step, and made sure to “high 5” as many little kids as I could.<br /><br />Every picture of me from the marathon, I am grinning from ear to ear.<br /><br />What a life changing experience! I will never be fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon, and being a charity runner was the only way I could ever get the chance to experience this amazing race. So for every one who donated-not only did your donation help me to run the most amazing marathon I could ever imagine, you have helped thousands of kids have a chance at fighting childhood obesity!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgKh7X9rfwRFqCG7bXWcD8WSBkN0hiQCEET9y9edZtpp9ZcdvqIU592w0m9_zGbwhi5rJ2ik-2g-iPr8EMG7DssHLzPBz0K-xKtz2gUgnk1bXqKghjLPGo2S0hv75Xd-01_pUxyGfufqO/s1600/IMG_5988.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467595736654252706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgKh7X9rfwRFqCG7bXWcD8WSBkN0hiQCEET9y9edZtpp9ZcdvqIU592w0m9_zGbwhi5rJ2ik-2g-iPr8EMG7DssHLzPBz0K-xKtz2gUgnk1bXqKghjLPGo2S0hv75Xd-01_pUxyGfufqO/s200/IMG_5988.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sad its over. After training so hard, fundraising, and talking about it non stop, it feel like something is missing. I'm not sure any other race will be able to live up to this one either. But I am so grateful for everything this race gave me. I met some amazing runners on my team, as well as on the other charity teams. Every day I marveled at people's generosity when I'd see my donation page. I had unbelievable support from family, friends and co-workers. I learned I can really do anything I put my mind to, including running one of the most prestigious marathons in the world!!!<br />With this, I am proud to say I am a 2010 BOSTON MARATHON FINISHER!!!!!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-17721443315552200662010-04-08T21:09:00.002-04:002010-04-08T21:10:14.747-04:00Where to DonateMy little widget seems to be MIA SOOOOOO<br />www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman<br /><br />Only 11 days left to donate and get me to my fundraising GOAL!!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-27261791491226439102010-04-05T11:55:00.001-04:002010-04-05T11:57:23.382-04:00I'm Selling my Body for CharityYes, that's right folks, I'm selling my body for charity. Obviously, not in the "traditional" sense (please, I'd make about a quarter if I was). But I am willing to "sell" you a body part the day of the marathon, on which I will write whatever* you wish.<br /><br />Note my little asterisk? Here's the rules:<br /><br />1. This offer is valid on new donations only. The point is to raise MORE money. Sorry, those who have already donated. I still love you-and appreciate the money you have already given me. <br /><br />2. It has to be concise. Yeah, I've got some surface area on this body, but I'm not looking to write the Declaration of Independence or the lyrics to "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" on my thigh.<br /><br />3. Keep it rated G to PG. And nothing mean, derogatory, etc. Its not sportmans-like. And it's just not nice. But I doubt I'm friends with you if you are mean anyway.<br /><br />4. I will not write anything about a sports team UNLESS the team is Boston based-and POSITIVE things ONLY. Come on people, I'm going to have enough trouble running this thing, I don't need to run with a black eye for writing "Yankees Rule, Red Sox Suck" on my upper arm. <br /><br />That's it, not too hard. Anyone who is interested, my body is for sale for a minimum donation of $26.20 (or MORE obviously)<br /><br /><br /><br />You want to advertise your company? Use my calf.<br /><br />You want to ask your girlfriend to marry you? I've got a nice shin at your disposal.<br /><br />Do you need a more "lucrative" body part? Oh yeah, let's negotiate....Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-37665885570662845172010-03-01T16:32:00.001-05:002010-03-01T16:32:18.130-05:00Are We Fueling Our Preschoolers with the Right Food? | Lisa H. Corman, MS, RD, LD | Sprout for Parents<a href=http://www.sproutforparents.com/sprout/parentsplace/article_detail.aspx?id=6b3af9ef-4c3f-4136-af96-9d280084f48e>Are We Fueling Our Preschoolers with the Right Food? | Lisa H. Corman, MS, RD, LD | Sprout for Parents</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-62887375851977450572010-02-16T13:23:00.007-05:002010-02-16T17:01:35.701-05:00Positive AccountabilityI help to run a weight management class at UNH through the Center for Health Enhancement. My role is more of overseeing students, but also to impart them with the counseling experience that I have gained through the years.<br />One of the topics I plan to discuss, with not only the students but with the clients of CHE, is what I am calling "Positive Accountability". <br />This concept is not new, but I thought that by putting it into my blog, it would give me a chance to not only practice what points I would like to make to the students, but also give others the benefit of this concept.<br />When we decide to change something about ourselves-whether its to lose weight, begin to eat better, or to exercise, the first rule is that to be successful, we need to make the changes in our lives for us, NOT because someone else thinks we should-whether it be a spouse, loved one, or even our physicians. We need to decide to make the change for us. <br />That being said, some people need more than just internal motivation to get to the gym or to cut back on sweets. Some of us thrive on being held accountable to others. In my opinion, there are two types of accountability. First, there is negative accountability. This is when the people around us, in order to "support" our efforts, decide it is their role to police our behaviors. Its the spouse that thinks saying "should you be eating that?" is a way of being helpful. This negative accountability is not something that is helpful. It makes us feel bad about ourselves and our action, and potentially can cause us to fail at our efforts.<br />Positive accountability is when we are accountable to others, no matter if we succeed or fail. Its being able to share our successes with others and receive praise AND being able to share our failure and have positive encouragement not to give up.<br />For those of us that need this positive accountability, how can we achieve this? First, many of us do these things already, but don't realize it. Social media is a great way to start. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, start by telling people what you are doing. If you are trying to get on a workout regimen, tell people this. Post when you do finish a workout and feel great-but also post when you don't want to go. You may not have the internal motivation to get to the gym, but the encouragement of other may be the push that you need. It makes you feel accountable to others, as though others are "counting" on you to meet your goals!<br />Another thought is to sign up for an event, such as a bike race or a 5K. Not only are you accountable to other (by telling them you are going to do this), you are also adding an element of fiscal responsibility. Money can rank up there as a high motivator.<br />Another way is through the use of a blog. My sister-in-law, Erin, has been so successful at not only losing weight and exercising but blog writing as well!<br />(www.cormarama-is-losing-it-too.blogspot.com) When I asked her if she felt her blog was integral to her weight loss , she felt it was a huge part of her success. Not only is it a way for her to be accountable to others, its also a way for friends, family and loved ones to be up-to-date on the happening in her life. She is someone who needs the positive encouragement and reinforcement to be successful-and it has worked!<br />I know this accountability is not for everyone, and I respect that. And I know that some people feel the use of twitter, facebook and blogs has turned us into a society of self-absorbed, egomaniacs. These are the people who cannot relate to the positive accountability concept. And most of us don't need their "support" anyway! <br />So go ahead-tell everyone you know what positive changes you are trying to make in your life-you'll be surprised at the positive encouragement you will receive!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-3241538732926805892010-02-04T20:38:00.002-05:002010-02-04T20:38:52.935-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U0gfT0xVNtSuAP5-SYoHXIIB5hFYNndKQeEZwS76B4FapC7wRb5iUtJO7NiKaTDG42_GO_-6fr9hGVyPmcYq_ksxDoERFhZyyZ2JHgpMpbvo5V6LOQweIoqUYPFsK1o2qOWhp6J86VWE/s1600-h/sig2.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U0gfT0xVNtSuAP5-SYoHXIIB5hFYNndKQeEZwS76B4FapC7wRb5iUtJO7NiKaTDG42_GO_-6fr9hGVyPmcYq_ksxDoERFhZyyZ2JHgpMpbvo5V6LOQweIoqUYPFsK1o2qOWhp6J86VWE/s400/sig2.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434567795939070082" /></a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-62275459425629171512010-02-01T10:49:00.002-05:002010-02-01T10:53:42.873-05:00Uno's Fundraiser-Feb 18thI am attempting another fundraiser at the Dover, NH Uno's on Feb 18th. 20% of all purchases made will go to my fundraising efforts-however, you MUST bring this beautiful flyer with you!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem7M2YPUaP5ePI_YRluikxkOIwbmkJqY024nNdNjMn72AC_Ed_riKsI44iz733od2J6-bupMBQehlZbr7HSCOI9o5NWquiYBVSkZvWQd0ZA0fkyI01tfGa6vogExPnWZQvRPss9rlRxcX/s1600-h/doughone.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem7M2YPUaP5ePI_YRluikxkOIwbmkJqY024nNdNjMn72AC_Ed_riKsI44iz733od2J6-bupMBQehlZbr7HSCOI9o5NWquiYBVSkZvWQd0ZA0fkyI01tfGa6vogExPnWZQvRPss9rlRxcX/s400/doughone.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433303395806752594" /></a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-54059358881614791662010-01-10T19:59:00.003-05:002010-01-10T20:10:11.748-05:00Flatbread Company FundraiserI am not lucky. My sister is, though. She's the kind of person who finds $20 in her old coats. I am the one who loses $20 because I have a hole in my old coat. But this time, I was lucky.<br />Starting to get a bit more panicky about my fundraising, I decided to get my butt in gear. (or as I have been known to say, "get on the mother.") I went to Margaritas to discuss having one of their "Blue Moon Madness" fundraising events, but I guess I needed to be a visionary and booked this ahead of time, as they are booking well into 2012.<br />I know the Flatbread Company (which I think everyone calls Flatbread Pizza, even though it isn't really the name) holds benefit nights, as the New Hampshire Dietetic Association holds one yearly. I decide to call.<br />Once the perky young lass answers the phone, I explain my situation and seem already apologetic by saying to her, "and I'm sure you are probably already booked up." <br />"Well, today is your lucky day! Jan 19th we happen to have an opening as someone backed out." (mind you, I am thinking, "Who backs out of a fundraiser?!?") <br />"SOLD! I will take it!!!"<br />Miracles do happen. Of course, so do fires. I did find out today that there was a fire in the building on Saturday. According to the paper, they are to re-open this week. Let's hope my lucky streak continues.<br />As it stands, you should get your pizza loving family to Flatbread Company in Portsmouth on Jan 19th between 5 and 9pm and order pizza (take out counts!) No flyer needed, just come with your family and friends and have a good time. I'm going to be scrambling this week to get items to raffle to try to raise some more money as well. If you have anything to raffle-whether its an item or a service-please let me know!!<br />As always, I thank you!Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-38147046725233246372010-01-10T19:47:00.002-05:002010-01-10T19:59:24.917-05:00Status UpdateLet's see, now where were we?<br />Ability to stay on top of updating my blog: Very Bad<br />Ability to stay on top of the ever growing pile of laundry: Terrible<br />Ability to stick to my Boston Marathon training program: Excellent<br /><br />At least I can do something right. And laundry gets done when I've exhausted my supply of sports bras. However, I have also been known to just go and buy more, because its easier.<br /><br />Boy, lots has happened since my last post. I am officially running the Boston Marathon as part of the GoKids Boston group-aptly titled-the Motley Crew. I just finished week 6 of my 20 week training period and I haven't missed a run yet. I've also taken it up a notch, really adding hills into my training because I dont want to look like an asshat in Boston. I've named myself Hills Hetrick, in a poor, poor attempt to motivate myself to include hills in most workouts. So far, so good. I think this extra kick in the pants is what lead me to finishing a 10K that I ran on Jan 1st in 58 minutes, the first time I've ever cracked a hour.<br /><br />I've been to 2 GoKids meeting so far and they have been great. Too bad my sense of direction isn't, causing me to be a half hour late to the first meeting. The first one focused on fundraising and this last one focused on injury prevention. I don't stretch, its a well known fact. But this meeting did sway me into buying a foam roller to help with injury prevention-almost like a self massage (dont be gross, get your head out of the gutter). My sciatica is thanking me for this purchase.<br /><br />One of the most stress-inducing part of this process hasn't been the training. It has been the fundraising. I sent out a "hey I'm running the Boston Marathon, please oh please send me money" letter with my Christmas cards, and I was completely overwhelmed by the response. I raised over $1000 alone from just this (I have awesome friends and family). Ok, still have $2500 to go. I've got some ideas, but if anyone who reads this is a man (or woman) with a plan, I am all ears.<br /><br />Other than that its sleep, eat, run, beg for money, repeat.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-90808232275803592992009-11-06T20:56:00.000-05:002009-11-06T20:58:06.627-05:00<a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman" alt="Firstgiving - Sponsor me!" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.firstgiving.com/design/1/images/badges/firstgiving_badge10.gif" border="0" width="270" height="50"></a>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-89212390506694217932009-10-22T13:59:00.000-04:002009-10-22T14:00:56.241-04:00I’ve Applied for the Boston MarathonI just sent in my application to be a charity runner for the 2010 Boston Marathon. Yes, I know, I go from one thing to another. I’m aware, my mother has told me this for the past 33 years. It’s how I get by-always looking for what’s next.<br />I was pretty upset when Komen for the Cure informed me they had no bibs. I had to write a very sad email to the Remember Betty Foundation, letting them know that I was not going to be able to run in memory of Danny Wood’s mom. I received a reply asking if there was another foundation that supported breast cancer research, but alas, there wasn’t.<br />That being said, I started to look at other charities. I kind of felt like a flip-flopper at first. Hey, you don’t have any bib? Well then I’ll just move onto the next foundation that does! But when I began looking, I didn’t feel any connection to the charities. I mean, its a good thing that I don’t know anyone with leukemia. <br />One of the last charities I looked at was GoKids Boston. Per their website (http://www.gokids-boston.org/index.html), their mission statement is: “We are driven to improve the health, wellness, and overall outlook for adolescents, pre-teens and teens.<br />We provide kids personalized instruction and support to become more physically active, improve fitness, eat nutritiously, and gain self-confidence.”<br /><strong>SCORE</strong>!!<br />Kids + physical activity +nutrition=a charity that I would be passionate about!!<br />The more I looked into this group, the more I fell in love. Education about positive body image in young women? Check. Partnership with UMass Nutrition Extension Program. Check. Research in the area of physical activity and nutrition in school aged children? Check.<br />Not only does this sound like a great charity, it also sounds like a great job.<br />And me being the pain that I am, I have already emailed the woman in charge of selecting the Team members, plus added her to my Linkedin connection list. I opted out of asking her to be my friend on facebook –that’s just a little over the top. For now.<br />Back to waiting…good thing I have a half marathon in November to occupy my time until I hear back. See, always looking at what's next on the horizon.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-72037429662961481052009-10-15T12:10:00.001-04:002009-10-15T12:11:08.784-04:00And the Wind Has Been Taken Out of My SailGreat-received this email today<br /><br />Hi Lisa,<br /><br />I was going to email you today actually. Unfortunately we did not receive any entries to the 2010 Boston Marathon. Thank you so much for your interest and please check back with us next year!<br /><br />Susan G. Komen for the Cure®<br /><br />BOOOOOOO! Now what do I do?!?Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-66045694736323881352009-10-15T11:49:00.004-04:002009-10-15T12:06:28.783-04:00Hartford Marathon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14eqe07qn5P2edJv_phaAADT2FqTn9gNyKqjTOkA8jpPbaI7gJ74W7EYI4dMJFxbGNhhHxdj8uwLMBkAJ1jIPNGyceXRrILxwYwDfq1TP73Gh3ymaN7PV-CHnJIYlo2nWKOMhi9-UAJnn/s1600-h/shirt.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392858720909523170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14eqe07qn5P2edJv_phaAADT2FqTn9gNyKqjTOkA8jpPbaI7gJ74W7EYI4dMJFxbGNhhHxdj8uwLMBkAJ1jIPNGyceXRrILxwYwDfq1TP73Gh3ymaN7PV-CHnJIYlo2nWKOMhi9-UAJnn/s320/shirt.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This blog probably won’t read very well, as I want it to serve my own purpose of remembering the events of my first marathon.<br />I picked up my bib on Friday night at the Expo, and had the family tag along. They had shirts for sale that said, "26.2 Hartford I Did It!" Who the heck would buy that the night BEFORE the marathon? Talk about jinxing yourself. Honestly, I thought the Expo and getting my bib was going to be more magical than it was. Kind of a let down, but maybe it had something to do with just having driven 3 hours in a car with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a stressball husband. Just a thought.<br />I went to bed shortly before 10pm and had very little trouble sleeping, which surprised me. As it got closer to the 5:45am mark, I was more anxious, but still managed to get some sleep. I got up prior to my alarm, got ready and ate about a half of a bagel before the vomit sensation set in. My mom got up to take my picture, just like the first day of school. She asked me what you say to wish a runner good luck, and I informed her that it wasn’t the same thing you say to an actor prior to going on stage.<br />It was still dark as I left for Hartford. It was about an hour drive from my parent’s house, and I foolishly took the back roads, which had either drivers who were going off to work at an ungodly hour on the weekend or people who were staggering home from a night out-neither one left me feeling very secure. Once I got to Hartford, it was pure chaos. I was going to follow the map and park in the designated lots, but I saw some guy who was letting you park in his lot for $8-I was sold. The walk wasn’t too bad (foreshadowing) and I promptly got into the port-o-potty line. The first woman I spoke with was running her first 5K (they have a 5K, half marathon and marathon all at the same time). She seemed very relaxed and she helped to keep my nerves at bay. After going to the bathroom, I promptly move to a port-o-potty line closer to the start. It’s a given-I’m going to have to pee twice prior to running, so I always get right back in line once I get out.<br />The next line I was in, I starting talking to another woman who was also running her first marathon. She told me she lost 200 pounds over the past year and couldn’t believe she was here!<br />I finally headed to the start line and decided I would try to join the 5 hour pace group. I didn’t catch the leader’s name, so I called him Sparky. I met Kelly, who decided she would run with me. She was a spunky little thing who was also running her first marathon. There was also some smelly guy in the group-lucky me. He was going to be rather ripe after 26 miles if he smelled like that at the starting line.<br />The race started and it was a good 6 minutes before we crossed the starting line. Sparky seemed to be shot out of a cannon, so I decided that following Sparky wasn’t the greatest of ideas. Kelly and I ran and chatted a bit, and she was a bit of a heckler (just my style), so she was shouting stuff at people in the crowd and on the bridge. One of the first signs I saw read “Mind, Heart, Guts” I loved it! Around mile 2, I see a lone cow bell-rining person-its Christy! She had driven down from NH THAT MORNING (aka left at 5am) so she could cheer me on, as well as run the end of the race with me. I was so happy to see her that I ran up to her and flung my arms around her. What a nice surprise so early in the race! I met up with Christy again around mile 5 or so, and she ran a bit with me then, until I dropped her off where we would meet at mile 17.<br />Kelly had to pee at some point, so we stopped running together, although she somehow caught up with me later on, then zipped past me. There was also a woman with a note on her back that read, “Please don’t touch me, I have broken ribs.” I told her that running with bronchitis didn’t seem so bad. I continued on, doing whatever I could to occupy my time, such as telling the frowning cops to smile (most didn’t think it was funny) or chatting with random people. I met a guy who is a news anchor in CT (I later found this, as I didn’t know who he was <a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/other/hc-loganmarathon1011.artoct11,0,5669699.story">http://www.courant.com/sports/other/hc-loganmarathon1011.artoct11,0,5669699.story</a>) He was funny and entertaining.<br />I saw Sparky, the 5 hour pacer once in awhile through mile 6, but then he was gone, which meant my goal of 5 hours was also. I finished mile ten in 1:57:11, an 11:44 pace. Around mile 11 or 12 (its all a blur) you turn around and loop back the other direction, which was somewhat refreshing to be able to see all of the people who were running behind you (or a mental boost thinking “I’m not last”) On the loop around, I met Larry. He is 64 and has run a marathon in every state-I think he said he has run over 200 in total. Larry was another perky soul, who would cheer on everyone coming in the opposite direction. His favorite phrase was, “Here comes the fast women-I love fast women.” I also met a gentleman named Cliff (I think?) He randomly came up to me and started chatting. He told me he ran his first marathon in 1978 (I informed him I was 2 then) and that no marathon has meant more to him than that one. He encouraged me to write down every detail of the day, as he wishes he could remember everything about his first marathon. He also quoted scripture, telling me “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” Meaningful, although I don’t think it applies to marathons. He introduced me to another guy wearing a Wonder Bread shirt. This gentleman was a pharmacist from Dallas, so we talked about Swine Flu vaccines (He STRONGLY encouraged me to get them for the kids) He talked about all of the different marathons he’s run, including one that he ran in 4 hours, 2 minutes, which he claims he couldn’t do again if he tried.<br />I find being a middle/end of the pack kind of runner has this comradery that the elite runners don’t get. Whenever I see the first female runner, I always cheer and shout for her. Nothing. Not an acknowledgement or anything. Same with the guys. Maybe they are just so focused they can’t spend any energy into acknowledgements. Not that I even have the ability to be an elite athlete, but I would take the cheering and encouragement from others verses the isolation any day.<br />Another exciting thing that happened was that my sister (Josh helped) had recorded encouraging MP3 from friends and family, and even some of my favorite Fitness personalities. This was so helpful. Everyone’s messages were a reflection of them as a person. Most were funny, some were serious and really reminded me of why I was doing this. I had messages from Petra Kolber, Cathe Friedrich, and Charlene Prickett. Charlene starred in “It Figures”, which was the first aerobics show I watched and exercised to back when I was 13 and started exercising. So nice to have come full circle and have these wonderful, inspiring messages!! I love my sister. And everyone who took the time to do this for me-it really helped me through!<br />I had a shirt made that said "This 26.2 is for all of the girls picked last in gym class." EVERYONE came up to me while running and commented on how much they loved my shirt. So many said they were picked last. One gentleman ran up to me and said, 'There is no way YOU were picked last." If you are a gym teacher, please oh please don't have kids pick teams. Cleary we are all scarred adults from this matter. Thank you.<br />By mile 13, I started to feel like I had a brick on my chest. I was happy I had made it past mile 10, since the Dr. said I wouldn’t, but at this point, the backlash from the 3 weeks of coughing was setting in. I was at the halfway point at 2:36:56, an 11:59 mile. I figured this wasn’t so bad, since there was a 6 minute lag time and I usually finish my half marathons around 2:20. By mile 15, I was walking/running, and by mile 17, when I saw Christy, it was mainly walking.<br />I felt bad because I knew that Christy was using these last 9 miles as part of her training run for her upcoming half marathon. But I just had no gas left in my tank. Whenever I would run, the pressure would start in my chest-it felt like I had a TV set on it at this point. I would pick a random spot ahead and slowly jog to it, then walk again. I must say, the last 9 miles are somewhat of a blur. By this point, there were fewer and fewer people on the course, and they were opening the course up to traffic (my biggest fear, as it meant I wasn’t meeting the time guidelines). I had vowed that I wasn’t going to stop to go to the bathroom, but at this point, I really had to pee, and I figured, who cares about my time. Of course, my legs weren’t aware of this fact and I lost my balance and landed on the port-o-potty seat. Excellent. At least I got to sit for a second.<br />Christy was a wonderful running (term "running" used loosely at this point) buddy. She kept my mind engaged and made sure I was doing ok and that we were on the right path. We jogged through a bunch of spectators and she made them all cheer my name. She took pictures of everything, which is great, since I had no clue of where I was or what I was doing. The end of the race had some interesting features-running by the CT river, running down a flight of stairs, running across a bride, and over railroad tracks. And a fair amount of hills. Towards the end, my mouth was so dry, yet all of the fluid was sloshing around in my stomach. I tried to eat a piece of cereal (hey, ,it had been HOURS since real food) and I no longer was producing saliva. Couldn’t swallow it, yet when I tried to spit it out, it dribbled down my chin. I passed the 20 mile mark at 4:28:43, now a 13:27 mile. I didn’t care though, at this point, I just wanted to finish.<br />Those last miles seemed to take forever, probably because I was going so slowly. Christy was “pretending” to jog with me, but when I told her it was ok to just walk when I jogged, I could see just how slowly I really was going. I was surrounded by people dropping out left and right. We passed a gentleman who had something wrong with his calf. He said he was going to kill his son once he finished because his son made him do this on a bet. We passed a girl in her 20’s who had to drop out-the poor thing was sitting on the curb, crying. At least 3 ambulances were on the course. The van that drives non-finishers to the finish line seemed to be circling me like a vulture.<br />Last side note-if you ever want to run for a charity, it appears the Team in Training is the way to go. All runners for the Team had someone with them for most of the race, running with them, keeping them company, and encouraging them. They had a tent with real food and drinks midway for the Team runners as well. And they had people on bikes riding the course, so you knew where to go and always had someone near you. Wow.<br />Thank God Christy was with me-when I was all alone towards the end, there would have been no way I could have finished-mentally, I would have just given up and gotten in that van. I cannot thank her enough for sacrificing her entire day to help me out.<br />Right before we hit the 25 mile mark, I saw a man on crutches who appeared to have just had his leg amputated. When I saw him, I thought, “Lisa, quit your complaining –be thankful you have 2 good legs!” At this, I decided to jog the remainder of the race. I could hear the announcer at the finish line and Josh and Erika were there at the 26 mile marker to cheer me on. At this point, I was about to go under the arch, so I bid a fond farewell to Christy. Running under the arch was really magical. (<a href="http://www.bushnellpark.org/Content/Soldiers_and_Sailors_Memorial_Arch.asp">http://www.bushnellpark.org/Content/Soldiers_and_Sailors_Memorial_Arch.asp</a>) Partially because of its size and mainly because you know that once you run under it, its just a few more steps!! Another perk to being end of the pack is that you get all of the attention. I saw my girls, my parents, Josh, Christy and Erika (yes, they really had to gun it to get there in time) and I knew this was the end! The girls had made great posters for me that read “Go Mommy Go” and were signed with their full names. Gotta love it. The announcer was probably sleeping and was thrilled to have something to announce, since it had been hours since someone crossed the finish line. I heard my name being called, and I threw my arms up in a victorious manner! I was DONE! I rather handsome man put my medal around my neck (I later learned his job was “body catcher” and he hold people who collapse when they cross the finish line) I started to cry, mainly because I had finished, but because I no longer had to move! My final time was 6:14:47, a 14:18 mile pace. Obviously I was disappointed with my time, since I thought I could finish around 5 hours, but seeing as though the prediction was that I would crap out at mile 10, I was just really thankful I finished.<br />I must say walking to the car sucked. Now I was wishing I parked closer. But I have never been happier to see my POS car because I knew that this would be the first time I could sit down since 7am.<br />I have to say that I didn’t feel as bad physically as I thought I would, and actually ran an easy 3 miles 2 days later.<br />I read that running a marathon is like childbirth. You think its terrible while you are going through it, but the outcome is so great, you forget all of the pain. I can’t wait to run my next one.</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-55836597802316997512009-10-13T13:10:00.000-04:002009-10-13T13:11:31.335-04:00Not the B Word-Yes, Dear, BronchitisMy blog has a think layer of dust on it-similar to my table due to my lack of time to do anything but train for a marathon. I went MIA for 3 weeks mainly because I got sick. I completed my last (and farthest) long run of 20 miles and literally stepped off the treadmill sneezing. That was the beginning. I was able to keep up with my training the next week, but struggled through my runs. Then the bronchitis set in. Week 2 of being sick, I went to the doctor begging for a cure. She gave me antibiotics, but they did nothing. I spent the week resting lots and trying to take it easy. I did the bare minimum for my running, but when it came to my 10 mile run, it just wasn’t going to happen. A week before the marathon and I’m unable to run 10 miles? Not a good sign.<br />I went back to the doctor 6 days before the marathon in tears, hoping he could give me a miracle drug. He agreed to give me a different antibiotic, although he was convinced it was viral in nature. I asked the BIG questions, “If I run the marathon will I die-or end up in the hospital?” Nope, but he said it would be a miracle if I made it past mile 10-my lung capacity was so diminished at this point, he thought it would be impossible to finish. Wow, how inspirational.<br />Each day, I felt a little better, but still continued to sound like I had been smoking 17 packs of cigarettes a day for my entire life. Luckily, since I was tapering for the marathon, I barely had to run at all. But even the short easy runs were tough. I’d come home and Josh would ask how my run went. I’d lie and sputter out an “Ok” as I was trying not to cough up my liver.<br />I spent most of that week in tears, thinking that I just needed to give up on trying to run the marathon. I looked into alternative ones that I could run in the next few weeks, but there weren’t any. By Wednesday, I need to decide. People were waiting on me to make their plans and I needed to mentally decide to dedicate myself to doing this or to just say “Maybe next time”. The more I thought about it, the more I realized there will always be a reason not to run. Whether its sickness, time of year, weather, etc. there could and would always be an excuse. I decided that I would run, not care about my time and just hope to prove the doctor wrong.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-25351582676070986122009-09-17T12:40:00.000-04:002009-09-17T12:41:04.996-04:00Polly Perky and the 5 Mile RunI love the title of this post. The title sounds like it could be from one of the many “made up” stories my dad would tell us as kids (of which, my sister and I would think everyone knew of the story/song and we would go to school and be met with empty stares from our classmates. Ever hear of Fast Mary? Exactly.) And the story would start like this, “There once was a girl named Polly Perky. And Polly loved to run…”<br /><br />I met the real life Polly Perky. And yes, I called her Polly Perky to her face. Repeatedly. <br /><br />Bit o’ background-last Friday, I started out on my long run of 18 miles. And failed miserably. By mile 14, I was dying, and by mile 15, I was walking. I pooped out at 15 miles, went home and promptly became ill, not knowing if I was going to puke or pass out. I was seeing stars, knew I needed to get my blood sugar back up, but couldn’t even stomach anything. I think 2 main factors contributed to it-1. I ran about 30-45 seconds faster than I normally do on my long runs 2. I think I had some sort of crazy virus, as I’ve never had a reaction to running like that before. Despite these “excuses” I was crushed. I have 3 weeks left, not many long runs to complete, and I just couldn’t do it. I was defeated and I just wanted to cry in the corner and have a big old pity party that included lots of chips and ice cream.<br /><br />On Saturday, I was signed up for the Fox Point 5 mile race, as part of the Seacoast Series. This was the 6th and last run I needed to complete to get my Seacoast Series jacket. I had talked with my best running partner, Christy, about taking it easy on Saturday, since I would have (or was suppose to have) run 18 miles the day before. Being the great, easy going person she is, she agreed. <br /><br />It was raining, the race was at 5pm, and I was still pouting over the previous day’s events. We start the race and at mile one, we’re running a 8:48 minute mile-which is relatively fast for us, especially when we are suppose to be taking it easy. I feel pretty good though, or at least better than I thought I would. Our next mile is a bit slower, but still running relatively fast. By mile 3, which we did even faster than mile 2, I hear something. It’s breathing. And footsteps. And weird snorting sounds from some old dude next to me. Oh my goodness, my own breathing is so quiet, I CAN ACTUALLY HEAR OTHER PEOPLE BREATHING. Normally, I am so winded, I can’t hear anything but the Darth Vader sounds I am producing. I am thrilled at this, as it makes me feel like I have made true fitness progress.<br /><br />Once mile three begins, so do the hills. Since I can actually hear people talking, I hear a woman next to me shout “I love this hill!” I look over to see a woman, mid forties, sporting pigtails and smiling as we approach this hill. Sarcastically, I say, “Wow, Polly Perky, that’s a good attitude towards hills.” Polly responds with, “Oh I love this hill. I love running it. I love all hills.”<br />Um, ok, you are a little too enthusiastic about this, lady. But it’s hard not to be a little inspired by a 40 year old in pigtails. At the top of the hill, she spouts some other words of wisdom, and I kiddingly say, “I want to run with Polly Perky.”<br />“Come on, we’ll run together and get through these hills!”<br />Prior to this, Christy had given me the high sign to go on ahead, as her knees had been bothering her. So off I went with Polly. Polly asks me about my running, and we chat about various topics. At one point, she says “Keep your chin up.” <br />“I’m trying to, but sometimes this running thing gets me down.”<br />“No, I mean literally keep your chin up, it helps with your body alignment on the hills.”<br /><br />Not only is Polly a philosopher, she an expert in biomechanics. <br /><br />She continuously checks on my status-“You doing ok? Feeling alright?” I tell Polly I think she needs to be a pacer in a marathon.<br />“Yeah, a slow pacer. Well, not that you are slow.”<br />Ooh, Polly IS human, and opened mouth, inserted foot.<br />I inform her I am completely aware of my slowness, and I’m ok with that.<br /><br />At the end, Polly tries to push me for a fast finish, but I am spent-I am happy just running at my current pace and making it over the finish line without needing a medic. 46:01, best time ever for a 5 miler. Thank you, Polly Perky.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-43589774317338061542009-09-10T13:50:00.000-04:002009-09-10T13:51:00.582-04:0018 MilesLast week, I completed my first 18 mile run. Let’s start with the positive: I didn’t die. That’s about all the positive things I can say.<br />The dread started earlier in the week when I realized I really couldn’t run 18 miles in my neighborhood. It would be rather tedious, and as my other post mentioned, the neighbors are started to comment (Side note: during my shorter run yesterday, the aforementioned neighbor yelled, “Keep it up!” out the window) . I tossed around the idea of running at UNH, but quickly thought better of it because I wouldn’t have access to fluids and a bathroom as easily as I do when I’m near home. And I wondered if the college kids would care about my comatosed body on the sidewalk, if God forbid, anything happened to me.<br />So I could run up and down excessively in the ’hood, or I could do it at the gym. I chose the latter.<br />This had its pros and cons as well. Pros-access to fluids and bathroom as much as I wanted. Lots of people to call 911 as needed. Cons-Staring at the same wall space for almost 4 hours, feeling like a hamster on my hamster wheel.<br />I decided to play mental mind games to get me through. I mentally broke the run down into three, 6 mile increments. I was thinking the most ridiculous things, such as “Only 3 more hours to go!” or “Wow, 15 miles left, I can do this!” After the 1st 6 miles, I was doing rather well. And at 12 miles, I was still happy and smiling. I was so happy that I decided I would break to go to the bathroom, then get right back on and finish out the last 6 miles strong. WRONG. When you have been moving nonstop for 2+ hours, then decide to stop for a minute, its not so easy to get back in the groove. My legs didn’t want to restart, my arms wanted to swing all willy-nilly, and honestly, I just wanted to sit down. I decided I needed a change of scenery, so I decided I would do the last 5 miles (as I somehow got one more done) on the indoor track. Of course, my Garmin foot pod really needs to be recalibrated, so I couldn’t count on it for mileage. I needed to count 18.5 laps in my head, 5 times. Yeah, that was fun.<br />Then I started to get rather light headed. I was trying my best to drink and get in enough carbs to sustain my energy. I clearly did not succeed. These last 5 miles took what felt like FOREVER. The last few laps, I regained my mental and physical composure, and ran them fast and strong-and I even ran a victory lap, while “raising the roof.” Who cares, no one was around. And hell, I had already been there for half a day, people think I’m weird anyway.<br />Tomorrow is my 2nd to last long run before the marathon. 18 tomorrow, then in 2 weeks, 20 miles. Tomorrow I may convince myself I need to run just 2 miles-and do that 9 times. Hey whatever works.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-28003069396061867672009-09-02T14:25:00.003-04:002009-09-02T14:28:09.319-04:00Quick Glimpse Inside My Neighbor's MindI ran 10 miles today around my neighborhood. The area is not very big so I have the run up and down (and up and down) the same streets over and over. I see a gentleman outside of his house at his mailbox and I say "Hi". <br />"I have a question for you-how far are you running and how many times are you going to run by my house? I just saw you a bunch of times in the past half hour."<br /><br />I think I need a new running route.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4465283151419857819.post-65952523605867274082009-08-31T13:31:00.002-04:002009-08-31T13:32:22.541-04:00Marathon Training Stopped By a Bug Bite-Please Don't Let This Be My HeadlineI am in week 12 of my marathon training. Up to this point, so far, so good. Nothing too terrible to report. Yes, the 16 mile run last week stunk and I was mentally and physically all over the place during it, but at mile 10, I somehow was able to focus and finish up rather strong, or as strong as I could in the given situation.<br />Finally going to hit over 30 miles a week and the schedule has upped the training to running 5 days a week. Looking forward to a long run on Sunday. All good right? Then this past Saturday came. I wake up with this really itchy leg. I look and it appears I have been attacked by 100 giant mosquito. As a child, whenever I got bit, the bite would swell and become red and hot. Haven’t really had this issue in awhile though, but didn’t think much of it. My 6 year old promptly treated me with the bug bite pen and I was good to go.<br />Now, to back track a little, about 10 days ago, I was mowing the lawn (push style) and got stung or bit by some evil creature. After hoping around on one foot, yelling a string of profanities, and applying a baking soda/water concoction to help ease the pain, I didn’t think much of this incident.<br />As the day progressed, the pain in my leg got worse. My foot and calf became very tight-as though my skin was being stretched. I look down and now my ankle and foot have gotten into the mix. And the red mark on my leg is spreading. I opt to not wait it out, being 5pm on a Saturday and decide to head to the walk in clinic before they close at 6pm.<br />Sure enough, my leg is infected. Cellulitis, for all you medical gurus. The PA draws a circle around the mark so we can see if it continues to grow. He contorts my leg in an odd fashion to be able to get the entire perimeter and asks me if I think I can hold this odd position for long.<br />“Sure, I can. I’m training for a marathon.”<br />“A marathon? Wow, I just starting running a year ago. I’m training for the Seacoast Half…”<br />And this is how the conversation went for the next 20 minutes. Poor Josh had his head so far buried into People Magazine.<br />I get a prescription for antibiotics and Josh asks the question I did not dare to ask. “Can she still run?”<br />I look at the PA, deep into his eyes. <br />“Think LONG AND HARD before you answer that question.”<br />Luckily he said that I could run, but he thought with the swelling it would be difficult to do. He also warned me that even though I started the antibiotics, my leg might get worse for the first 24 hours, and that if by Tuesday it wasn’t better, I needed to come back.<br />Stupid me, ran 10 miles yesterday. And then my ankle and foot looked like it belonged to a 500 pound man. Did plenty of soaks and elevated it yesterday, which helped. Today, it is not as red, it has stopped spreading, and now looks like it belongs to a 300 pound man.<br />So here’s to hoping I am on the mend-because if I really have to say I had to quit 12 weeks into marathon training because of a bug bit, I am not going to be a happy camper.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16564105612225438909noreply@blogger.com0