The Long Run

Just wanted to post a bit of an update on how things are going.

 To quickly summarize, I joined The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's local chapter of Team in Training last month. I chose an endurance event (The Shamrock Marathon here in Virginia Beach in March, 2012) and over the next few months I will attempt to train and raise money for the organization and run in honor of my late cousin, his family, and all of those who have been affected by this disease. And as extra incentive for support, I am offering to take portrait photographs in exchange for donations.

For those of you that know me, running has become a staple part of my life and it may seem not such a great feat to run another 26.2 miles when I have already managed to cross the finish line before. Perhaps it might seem to be "just another race" for me. I have a few people in my life who think running crazy long distances is just that... crazy.

Perhaps they are right... but I do have a little background story for those who are interested in how I became "crazy."

Just a few short years ago I was the very definition of the anti-runner. Besides having a history of hating running since my early days in high school (I even cried once during a one mile run and was ridiculed for my emotional breakdown), I was the typical run-down middle-aged person trying to juggle a demanding job, marriage, motherhood, and domestic needs... leaving very little time for anything else, especially exercise (or so I thought). Besides, who would want to do something that makes your body ache and brings you to tears? No way. Not for me.

But two things happened in 2008: my cousin became ill with leukemia and I realized I was unhealthy in my own way, and I had a choice while he didn't. I made the "crazy" and out-of-character decision to start training for a half marathon... not just a 5K or 8K to get my feet wet. I signed up for the Virginia Beach Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon with my sister, and we collectively raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was my way of coping with the circumstances.

Training was so hard. I struggled to breathe, it was hot outside, my legs ached and I never, ever felt a "runner's high"... but I made a commitment so I just did what I could. I started to see little bits of progress. I confess I never felt great. Running was still a struggle, but I started to see that I was starting to gain more endurance than I had in my teenage years. Who would have thought that possible? If that isn't motivation in of itself I don't know what is. 

But the biggest realization I made was that running was a fight for me. It symbolized a battle, and I refused to lose. I hated it, but I didn't want it to win. I thought of those who have REAL battles in their lives and they stay strong and refuse to give in to defeat and weakness. They get knocked down, but then they just get back up and fight on.

So I ran that half marathon. I sure didn't break any records, but I finished and the feeling of overcoming   that enormous belief that I was never capable of such a feat could not be put into words. 

And then I was hooked. I was ready to keep on fighting. Other things happened along the way... I became healthier in mind, body and spirit. My immunity improved, my fatigue became less and less, and I was just in a better mood. I started to realize that this journey has put me on a better path. I started raising the bar for myself, believing that even though I am getting older, I still can get better. It's never too late to fight for wellness and strength, however you can achieve it.

When my cousin lost his battle to leukemia earlier this year, running has never meant more to me. He was one of the biggest reasons that I started this journey, and I often think of him and his AMAZING attitude during the height of his illness. When I am at a low point during my run and my body feels weak, his face appears in my mind and I remind myself that there is strength within if you refuse to give in to the voice that tells you to quit. 

So...

Last weekend I was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, running my second full marathon.

Here we are, approaching the Wright's Memorial with the rising sun in the background...

 And being that I considered this "just a training run" for my performance at the Shamrock, I was so proud to wear that Team in Training shirt for the first time.

Because, Shamrock will be different, and not "just another race." This time I will officially wear the jersey and make this the strongest performance I can possibly do. I'm going to give it all I can.

Any donations towards the fight against blood cancers is sincerely appreciated. Some of us run, but running isn't for everybody and we all have our own ways of "not giving up." There's a cure... an answer out there somewhere that can end this disease and secure a brighter future for those fighting it.

Thanks for reading this and if you're inclined to support my efforts, then come and visit my fundraising page.

The Wind Blown Look

Haven't had any "official" portrait sessions in the past week or two, but my camera's been getting a workout nonetheless. We attempted our annual campout this past weekend on the shore of North Landing River with friends and neighbors, and the weather was a little more than we bargained for. Cold wind gusts of up to 40 mph can really put a damper on things... but we put on our best faces and went into survival mode.

This spot is always so pretty. Without the overcast cloud cover, we usually see a magnificent sunset from the shore. Not this time.

And despite the wind kicking up sparks and embers that had us occasionally running for cover, the fire provided some much needed heat!

Thank goodness for delicious warmed, spiced wine for the adults and hot chocolate for the kiddos.

Hot chocolate makes everything mo' bettah.

Just some "here and there" shots of some of the kiddos. I wanted this picture of my son to demonstrate his lack of ability to drink a beverage cleanly. You should see him with Kool Aid. Almost a teenager and the table manners of a toddler... anyone have a napkin?

A friend from school, who came along for the first time this year. Wonder if he will show up next fall?

And a shot of my neighbor with his son on the shore. Yeah we missed the gorgeous orange sunset this year, but little rays of light poked down through the clouds and gave this image a pretty cool effect.

So... I attended my first Team in Training social/"meet and greet" last week. Seems like a great group of people. I have my training schedule all worked out, and once Thanksgiving is over, it's time to kick things into high gear. Updates on my progress to follow (for those who are interested).

Again, I want to thank those who have been so generous and donated to my fundraising effort. I am already a little over 50% towards my goal, and I am just so honored. This truly means the world to me. If you are interested in donating to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of my young cousin's battle please visit my fundraising page. And if I can take some portraits for you in exchange for your donation, please contact me and I will be happy to set a time up.

And thanks so those who have asked me to take family portraits for their holiday cards! More images to share soon...