training

I'm training for a half-marathon. There, I said it. I haven't really told anyone since I started the process 6 weeks ago. I think my lack of confidence that I would follow through held me back. But now I am commited and ready to spread the word. I have never been the "athlete" type and running never interested me. But after a long winter of sitting in my home office, I knew I needed to take action. So I signed up with Team in Training through the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I knew I would need lots of help and motivation if I was going to do it, and raising money for cancer has been the push I needed.

I have been getting ready to send out my fundraising letters, and wondered how I could put my personal spin on them. So I got out my camera and took a series of photos. The photo above is one that I will include in my letter to bring interest and personality to a piece of mail that many may want to throw away. I really wanted to grab their attention long enough to see what this means to me. I also added photos to my fundraising website, to encourage people to check back on my progress. My hope is that adding these photos will show people that I have invested myself in this endeavor and that I am commited to reaching my fundraising goal.

Comments

[holly]

Yay for you! I was never a runner until beginning training for my 1st half marathon in 2007 (SF Women's). It was an amazing experience - so empowering & challenging. There's something about confronting your own physical limitations that really changes your perspective. You go girl!

[vivienne]

Paige...thats so exciting! I'm so glad you proclaimed it here! I just finished a 'learn to run' class which has been a totally transformative experience, though just before I came to SS I was having a hard time convincing myself to run this morning. but here i go putting on my shoes and heading out the door...

[Kamana]

i have always wanted to run a marathon but have never trained or attempted one. its on my list of things to do before i turn 35, but as the day fast approaches, it looks like its one of those things that will remain unattained. good luck with yours!

[Jessie]

That is so awesome! I wish you much success and raise a boat load of money!

[kosenrufu mama]

wonderful idea!!! a marathon is a big deal!!!!
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/

[Holly]

Congrats on making the commitment! Good luck with your training. I think your photos will definitely capture interest as you seek fundraising--I like this one since I'm a Mizuno girl too (plus running shoes make me happy).

[kendall*micayla]

oh how exciting!! i need to start working out and getting better exercise! i know it will go very well, and the picture you added to your letters is perfect!

[Jennifer]

Congratulations on making the commitment and good luck with your training and the race.

I'm in Omaha too and have just gone to the TNT site and the Des Moines marathon site. You've given me something to think about...

[jag]

Way to go!! Here's wishing you all the best... I started running a few years ago after a lifetime of non-exercise. I'm currently training for a 15K race and figure the half-marathon will be my next major goal after that. Love the photo!! xox

[emily]

Yeah!!!! Good for you! I trained for and ran my first race ever a few years ago. It was a triathlon. I have since run 2 more, my last just a few weeks ago. I was never a runner, cyclist or a swimmer before I did the tri. And I will never forget the feeling of crossing the finish line that first time. I couldn't believe that I had a triathlon in me...much less 2 more after that, and then next year's race...

Good for you, Paige. Let us know how it goes.

[Alicia]

Good luck with the training! I've heard great things about it and you're supporting such a wonderful cause!

[Karyn]

Yay! I love training!!! And adding the pictures will SURELY get and keep interest. Good luck in your training and your fundraising!

[bleachusd]

Best of luck!! I chronicled my own TNT experience last year on my blog... I did an Olympic distance triathlon. It was incredible. THANK YOU for bettering yourself, SHARING your journey, and FIGHTING cancer.

[Ann]

I forgot to ask you how your training was going when we were together yesterday!!! Well, how is the training going???

[Becki Hansen]

Ok....WEIRD. I took a very similar pic of my running shoes last night (only without my feet in them) in a effort to blog about getting back to running after quitting in March. I have run two full marathons for LLS....Honolulu '05 and Nashville '07. Also have done several halfs (Des Moines included....on my 35th birthday in '05!!!), a ton of 10 and 5k's. You will be rewarded, proud and amazed like you never thought possible. It's so humbling to raise the money (and that's the EASY part, btw) and see that you CAN make a difference. YOU GO GIRL. My advice through training and race day: Just put one foot in front of the other and when you feel like stopping, DON'T....until you cross the finish.

WOOT WOOT!!!!

[Christy]

Have fun training!!! Running a half is one of the most fantastic feelings ever! Careful though it has a way of becoming addicting ;) Fantastic cause to be raising money for too. I have a good friend who for every race she does races with them, to help her dad. It makes me cry all the time.