A Small Breakthrough

After a great run Tuesday night, for some reason my knees really started hurting. So much that I was awakened in the middle of the night by the pain! I'm not exactly sure what happened. I didn't think I overdid it on Tuesday. But any setback to my running just opens the door for working on my cycling ... and swimming.

We went to the gym last night, cycled for a while then hopped into the pool. Well, Dan hopped  I oozed. First the legs, then up to the hips, the waist, chest and finally shoulders. Brr.

This week I also purchased new goggles and a nose plug. The goggles are less than ideal, but I think that nose plug has helped me make some major progress. Last night I swam several pool lengths without stopping.  Not consecutively, but considering about three strokes was my maximum prior to yesterday I feel pretty good about the small victory! There was significantly less gasping, choking and snorting of pool water. I still feel like my lungs are in a vise at the end of one length, but we'll work on that next time.

So, I'm making progress. It will be no small miracle to get me swimming in just five months.

I hope you will join my efforts by clicking on the fundraising website to the right. This is all to help fund research for better treatments and ultimately a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers!

-- JAM 

Lyndsay

Just a few weeks ago, my son's friend was diagnosed with leukemia. Lyndsay, a young, beautiful, talented college student, was rushed into immediate chemotherapy the day after she found out she had AML. I've been reading her Caring Bridge site and have been so struck by her positive attitude and heart for God. She reminds me a lot of my mom. At this point, Lyndsay is responding very well to her treatments and is looking forward to going home in just a few days. She will be in and out of the hospital continuing with treatments over the next few months and I am praying daily that she will be cured and not have to face this disease again! I am thankful for the research that has been done up until now that has given Lyndsay such a good chance for successful treatment. In addition to honoring my mom's memory, I will be biking, running and (hopefully) swimming with Team in Training in Lyndsay's honor and I will keep this blog updated on her progress. Fight, Lyndsay!

-- JAM

Here We Go Again!

On Thursday, January 12^th, Dan and I decided to take on the challenge of a triathlon with Team in Training. Our event will be during the Pacific Crest Weekend Sports Festival on June 25^th in Sunriver, Oregon. That gives me just over 5 months to somehow learn to swim…

I’ve tried many times before. From childhood swim lessons, to a college freshman Learn to Swim class, to my most recent lessons in the spring of 2009, I’ve tried and tried to learn to swim. It has been a complete flop each time.

Dan and I have been to the gym twice this week to work on our swimming skills. Dan of course can glide effortlessly through the water, lap after lap. I can get in about 3 strokes and then begins the gasping, choking and sputtering. So, we have a LOT of work to do.

Fortunately Team in Training is the largest endurance training program in the world. Their coaches, mentors and staff work together to prepare participants for full and half marathons, century rides and triathlons all while raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I’m counting on some serious coaching to get me swimming by June!

Please take a moment to visit our fundraising websites - the links are listed on the right. Dan and I each need to raise $3200 (yep, a total of $6400) for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for this event. We ask for your sacrifice of whatever financial contribution you can give, while we sacrifice our time and energy training to complete our event.

-- JAM