Candy & Jennifer
First Training!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
VICTORY PARTY
That nap did not seem long enough!! Honestly, we weren't thrilled to go - we even took a cab instead of walking the cruel 10 blocks there. But once we got there - we were so glad. Most of our group made it, where we enjoyed a tasty little dinner, including well deserved ice cream! HA!
They already had a great slide show from the day! Then, came the dancing. Yes, you heard me right - dancing! They encourage you to dance to help keep the lactic acid moving in your body. We were at the back of the room (closer to the door), so we created our own dance floor! My grandmother, Honey joined several of us for the Electric Slide. I couldn't believe how right they are - dancing actually helped the pain. Speaking of pain, here's a great marathon saying, "Pain is weakness leaving your body!" AMEN!!
We decided to cut out early. We were asleep by 8:30pm! A well-deserved 8:30pm!!
They already had a great slide show from the day! Then, came the dancing. Yes, you heard me right - dancing! They encourage you to dance to help keep the lactic acid moving in your body. We were at the back of the room (closer to the door), so we created our own dance floor! My grandmother, Honey joined several of us for the Electric Slide. I couldn't believe how right they are - dancing actually helped the pain. Speaking of pain, here's a great marathon saying, "Pain is weakness leaving your body!" AMEN!!
We decided to cut out early. We were asleep by 8:30pm! A well-deserved 8:30pm!!
RACE DAY!!
It's here! It's really here!! By the way, this came VERY EARLY!! We were up at 3:15AM!! Our early start team met downstairs at 4:15am!! Honey, Sara & Janet even came down to wish us luck!!
Our team headed over the starting line & we got to be at the front! That was so cool! Let me tell you - it was rather dark & chilly! They had a girl lead us in some stretches - very helpful. A group from California spontaneously led us in "The Star Spangled Banner". That was very touching!! Then - the 10 second countdown to the start!!!
The adrenaline was pumping as we started - it was so neat to have people cheering us on that early in the morning! They had a calypso band at mile 1 and a gospel choir at mile 2!! Wonderful!! By the time we reached the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was coming up!! What a site! Then, the hills...nothing, I repeat nothing in Oklahoma can prepare you for this. The view however, from about mile 7.5...you can't touch that! The hills, the ocean - breathtaking!
Throughout the course, TNT staff and coaches are dressed up in theme costumes cheering you on. They had a group in 70's & 80's costume, there was Colonel Sanders, Richard Simmons, the Escape from Alcatraz group, and a possible Elvis sighting! The favorite for most people was the San Francisco Cheerleading Squad ( a very FABULOUS group of spirited guys!) We saw them at miles 3 & 23!!
We cannot begin to describe what it's like to have thousands upon thousands of strangers cheering you on!! It's like being in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade & being the feature float! Families watching from their windows. Lots of kids & dogs - so cute!! And the volunteers - WOW!! THOUSANDS of volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, cheering you on. The American Red Cross with first aid, the porta potties, the entertainment, AH - the list is ENDLESS! The chocolate, the socks, towels, all sorts of goodies handed out along way, but where do they expect you to put it? I gladly accepted the towel so I could wipe the salt of my face. Yes - maybe this is T.M.I, but I literally had salt (from the sweat) on my face! HA!
Perhaps the toughest part was going around Lake Merced. There weren't as many volunteers cheering you on, and it's mile 20-23 - at that point it takes all the mental strength you can muster! One final hill and then you see the incredible ocean view!! Mom & I were keeping up with each other via BlackBerry - she was about 1.5 miles ahead of me. Mom crossed the finish line & let me know where to look for her cheering me on. Sherry Furseth heard them announce Mom's name & got a picture of her! Oh yeah, that's another cool thing - is that they announce each person's name as you cross the finish line. I crossed the line with my co-worker Patty, her poor knees had hobbled her, but she did it!! I could see Janet & Sara as a crossed the finish line too.
Mom & I quickly found each other as I made my way through the finishers line (getting necklace, shirt, removing the timing chip). It was so fun to celebrate with mom, Honey, Janet & Sara!! WOW!! We really did it!! With all the thousands of people in this area, they really know how to manage this - it's all mapped out very well. Next, it's time to check in at the TNT tent where you get more "jewelry", you're 26.2 pin!! YEAH!! We were both moving a little slow at this point. Mom's knees were killing her & I knew I'd earned some fantastic blisters on the bottom of my feet around mile 20 or 21. We were anxious to get our cushiony flip flops!!
We also found Sherry Furseth amongst the crowd. She successfully completed the half-marathon!! I saw her parents, Gerry & Betty Ann as I approached the 12 mile marker & they waited for her to finish her race!
We gingerly walked to our shuttle - it felt like 3 more miles!! Once back at the room, it was time for a shower, ibuprofen, and a nap!!
Our team headed over the starting line & we got to be at the front! That was so cool! Let me tell you - it was rather dark & chilly! They had a girl lead us in some stretches - very helpful. A group from California spontaneously led us in "The Star Spangled Banner". That was very touching!! Then - the 10 second countdown to the start!!!
The adrenaline was pumping as we started - it was so neat to have people cheering us on that early in the morning! They had a calypso band at mile 1 and a gospel choir at mile 2!! Wonderful!! By the time we reached the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was coming up!! What a site! Then, the hills...nothing, I repeat nothing in Oklahoma can prepare you for this. The view however, from about mile 7.5...you can't touch that! The hills, the ocean - breathtaking!
Throughout the course, TNT staff and coaches are dressed up in theme costumes cheering you on. They had a group in 70's & 80's costume, there was Colonel Sanders, Richard Simmons, the Escape from Alcatraz group, and a possible Elvis sighting! The favorite for most people was the San Francisco Cheerleading Squad ( a very FABULOUS group of spirited guys!) We saw them at miles 3 & 23!!
We cannot begin to describe what it's like to have thousands upon thousands of strangers cheering you on!! It's like being in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade & being the feature float! Families watching from their windows. Lots of kids & dogs - so cute!! And the volunteers - WOW!! THOUSANDS of volunteers handing out water, Gatorade, cheering you on. The American Red Cross with first aid, the porta potties, the entertainment, AH - the list is ENDLESS! The chocolate, the socks, towels, all sorts of goodies handed out along way, but where do they expect you to put it? I gladly accepted the towel so I could wipe the salt of my face. Yes - maybe this is T.M.I, but I literally had salt (from the sweat) on my face! HA!
Perhaps the toughest part was going around Lake Merced. There weren't as many volunteers cheering you on, and it's mile 20-23 - at that point it takes all the mental strength you can muster! One final hill and then you see the incredible ocean view!! Mom & I were keeping up with each other via BlackBerry - she was about 1.5 miles ahead of me. Mom crossed the finish line & let me know where to look for her cheering me on. Sherry Furseth heard them announce Mom's name & got a picture of her! Oh yeah, that's another cool thing - is that they announce each person's name as you cross the finish line. I crossed the line with my co-worker Patty, her poor knees had hobbled her, but she did it!! I could see Janet & Sara as a crossed the finish line too.
Mom & I quickly found each other as I made my way through the finishers line (getting necklace, shirt, removing the timing chip). It was so fun to celebrate with mom, Honey, Janet & Sara!! WOW!! We really did it!! With all the thousands of people in this area, they really know how to manage this - it's all mapped out very well. Next, it's time to check in at the TNT tent where you get more "jewelry", you're 26.2 pin!! YEAH!! We were both moving a little slow at this point. Mom's knees were killing her & I knew I'd earned some fantastic blisters on the bottom of my feet around mile 20 or 21. We were anxious to get our cushiony flip flops!!
We also found Sherry Furseth amongst the crowd. She successfully completed the half-marathon!! I saw her parents, Gerry & Betty Ann as I approached the 12 mile marker & they waited for her to finish her race!
We gingerly walked to our shuttle - it felt like 3 more miles!! Once back at the room, it was time for a shower, ibuprofen, and a nap!!
Saturday - Shopping & Pasta Party!
Mom, Honey, and I enjoyed a "leisurely" morning (heading out for the shops around 11am!) We each a store or two that we wanted to hit! We kept commenting on the weather the whole day - it was BEAUTIFUL!! It was such fun seeing other marathoners throughout the city!! The big search was for this great needlepoint shop tucked high above the streets of SF. I thought mom was going to have a coronary when the elevator doors opened! It was a DARLING shop! The really know how to "finish" their products!
When we reached Macy's, we headed to the 4th floor where they had more Nike Women's Marathon merchandise! But the cool part was looking out the front window & taking pictures of the Nike Village. We couldn't get it all in 1 shot - it was that big.
PASTA PARTY - Sara & Janet joined us for this - it truly becomes emotional here!! As we walk into the Mascone Center for our 8000+ person pasta party, we are greeted by HUNDREDS of TNT staff & coaches. They're all cheering US on. It made every single individual person feel so lifted!!
The pasta party was for Team in Training participants and their guests only. There were 5300 TNT participants - add their guests, it brought our total to over 8000!! It was certainly the their largest pasta party ever!! While waiting for the program start, they played a slide show with each chapter's honorees - some survivors and some who'd lost their battle with leukemia or lymphoma. Each state would proudly cheer loudly for their honorees. I can't begin to describe the feeling of being in a room with several thousand people all fighting for the same cause...finding a cure for blood related cancers!!
When the program began, the emcee, John "the Penguin" a writer for Runner's magazine, began to share some amazing statistics. Since training began, we've each walked an estimated 600 miles and burned an estimated 60,000 calories. From it's inception 19 years ago, TNT has trained over 340,000 people who've helped raise over $800,000,000 for leukemia & lymphoma research!! For this year's race - the 5300 TNT participants have raised $18,500,000!!!! That's $700,000 per mile!! And we're a part of that!!!
The final speaker was Amy Bartlett, a recent leukemia survivor. This California native was just diagnosed in March. She carefully detailed her battle with this disease, including it's side effects...including the hair loss. For a girl, that's a tough issue, but she embraced it head on. She threw a party/fundraiser which included shaving not only her hair, but the heads of 18 male friends! And, they raised over $20,000 that night for leukemia & lymphoma research. Amy is a strong 35 year old woman who faced this journey with a strong sense of self, sense of humor, and a wonderful support system. She went into remission in May!! And, she'll be participating in the half-marathon tomorrow!!
It was a special night to share with Sara & Janet. We had our own tearful moment hugging each other. Janet thanking us for doing this in Stephen's honor and us thanking her for sharing their story with us. We truly have become new friends throughout this journey.
Next year, Sara, Janet, and Honey hope to join us for this event!!
When we reached Macy's, we headed to the 4th floor where they had more Nike Women's Marathon merchandise! But the cool part was looking out the front window & taking pictures of the Nike Village. We couldn't get it all in 1 shot - it was that big.
PASTA PARTY - Sara & Janet joined us for this - it truly becomes emotional here!! As we walk into the Mascone Center for our 8000+ person pasta party, we are greeted by HUNDREDS of TNT staff & coaches. They're all cheering US on. It made every single individual person feel so lifted!!
The pasta party was for Team in Training participants and their guests only. There were 5300 TNT participants - add their guests, it brought our total to over 8000!! It was certainly the their largest pasta party ever!! While waiting for the program start, they played a slide show with each chapter's honorees - some survivors and some who'd lost their battle with leukemia or lymphoma. Each state would proudly cheer loudly for their honorees. I can't begin to describe the feeling of being in a room with several thousand people all fighting for the same cause...finding a cure for blood related cancers!!
When the program began, the emcee, John "the Penguin" a writer for Runner's magazine, began to share some amazing statistics. Since training began, we've each walked an estimated 600 miles and burned an estimated 60,000 calories. From it's inception 19 years ago, TNT has trained over 340,000 people who've helped raise over $800,000,000 for leukemia & lymphoma research!! For this year's race - the 5300 TNT participants have raised $18,500,000!!!! That's $700,000 per mile!! And we're a part of that!!!
The final speaker was Amy Bartlett, a recent leukemia survivor. This California native was just diagnosed in March. She carefully detailed her battle with this disease, including it's side effects...including the hair loss. For a girl, that's a tough issue, but she embraced it head on. She threw a party/fundraiser which included shaving not only her hair, but the heads of 18 male friends! And, they raised over $20,000 that night for leukemia & lymphoma research. Amy is a strong 35 year old woman who faced this journey with a strong sense of self, sense of humor, and a wonderful support system. She went into remission in May!! And, she'll be participating in the half-marathon tomorrow!!
It was a special night to share with Sara & Janet. We had our own tearful moment hugging each other. Janet thanking us for doing this in Stephen's honor and us thanking her for sharing their story with us. We truly have become new friends throughout this journey.
Next year, Sara, Janet, and Honey hope to join us for this event!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
WE'RE HERE!!
Oh my gosh!! We're really here! Sorry we didn't blog yesterday - but it was NON-STOP! Mom arrived at the airport EARLY (carpooling with Sherry Furseth). Honey & I arrived later, we all caught an American Airlines flight out with 10 other TNT participants! We got to see Janet & Sara at the gate too! They flew in style - first class!! Thanks, mom for suffering in coach with us - HA!! Our flights were uneventful - yeah!! ALL OF OUR BAGS MADE IT!! Our rooms were ready upon arrival, upacked, and headed to lunch with Janet, Sara, Honey, Mom, and my co-worker Shea. Lunch was great, but the scenery...priceless!!
(See the picture above?!) This was the "scene" just outside Bloomingdale's. There were young dudes painted in gold, wearing very TINY gold Speedos, throwing "snow" in the air. It was quite a show.
After lunch, it was off to Nike Village/Expotique to check in & get our Bib #'s, race packets, etc. There was SO much going on! They've increased the number of runners, walkers etc. to 20,000...making this the WORLD'S LARGEST WOMEN'S MARATHON!! Then it was off to Niketown to check out all the fabulous Nike Marathon clothing - WONDERFUL!! The coolest part was the way Nike put EVERY PARTICIPANT'S name on a screen/film on the bottom floor window. Everyone has a blast looking for their name. Mom found hers - it was a little too high to get a close up, but she got a picture. For the 2nd year in a row, my last name was in the crease-ARG! It was crazy shopping with almost all the other participants (maybe not all, but it was PACKED).
We quickly headed back to the hotel to "gussy" up for Top Fundraiser VIP reception. Mom, Sherry Furseth & I were eligible for raising over $7500 each. It was in the Starlight Room of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Lovely setting, and if it weren't for the fog, we could have seen the whole city. They offered a nice dinner and a brief, but emotional program. A 35 year-old woman shared her recent battle with Leukemia (diagnosed in March, remission in May). It was so moving to hear her discuss her journey...and to hear her announce that she's in remission!!!
Then, the AMAZING news. The 140 Top Fundraisers in the room had raised $1.4 MILLION dollars this year!! WOW!! The Top Fundraiser raised $58,000!! The #2 fundraiser raised around $16,000 - but her company MATCHED her donation - bring her to $33,000! We were all curious to know what incredible company she worked for!! We had a great time, chatting with Sherry and her parents, Jerry and Betty Ann too. Then it was back to the hotel!
Mom & Honey headed up the room, while Sherry & I joined some of the team for the Tshirt decorating party. I think that's when I got a case of the "silly". Kristi Warren & I just became deliriously silly. Finally, it was time to get some rest. But it was only 10:30pm (pacific time).
This morning we slept in til all of 7am. Had some roomservice oatmeal - not bad. We're enjoying a leisurely morning, but we're about to head out for a little more sight seeing & window shopping. Back to Nike Village to get our iPods engraved!
We have our Pasta Party tonight - with all TNT participants. This is always very emotional. It's hard to believe that by this time tomorrow, we'll be close to the finish line!! WOW!! I don't mean to overuse that word - but WOW!!
Love to you all!
J & C
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Last minute errands & whatnot!!
Oh my goodness, so many last minute things to do. We're all SO excited - we leave in just hours!!! I can't believe it! Last night, decorated our singlets - I promise to post a picture later. I've got a conference I have to go to next week, so I've been getting everything ready for that (shipping our display, materials, getting my presentation ready, etc)!! Mom has been to get a manicure, taking Tom to the doctor, dental appointment, the list goes on!!
Thank you all so much for your thoughts & prayers!!
I promise to write more later tonight!
Thank you all so much for your thoughts & prayers!!
I promise to write more later tonight!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sinuses & Presents!
What a combo, eh? My sinus infection is clearing up! (THANK YOU LORD!!) Sweet Mom stayed up til the wee hours working on some presents for some of our teammates & our guests (Honey, Sara, and Janet!) AND - working on our ribbons that we'll wear with honorees names on them!!
Tonight, Team Oklahoma will get together for a Bon Voyage Party. We'll go over some last minute reminders AND decorate our singlets! Our 'singlets' are our raceday shirts. The Team in Training tradition is to put your name & your state on the front of your shirt so that volunteers can literally cheer YOU on. Add those pictures tomorrow!
I'm fervently trying to wrap up things at my office before heading out to San Francisco. (I'm in the office 1 day next week before flying to Pennsylvania for conference. OY!
We're so EXCITED - the big moment is FINALLY drawing near. We wish we could take everyone with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
Tonight, Team Oklahoma will get together for a Bon Voyage Party. We'll go over some last minute reminders AND decorate our singlets! Our 'singlets' are our raceday shirts. The Team in Training tradition is to put your name & your state on the front of your shirt so that volunteers can literally cheer YOU on. Add those pictures tomorrow!
I'm fervently trying to wrap up things at my office before heading out to San Francisco. (I'm in the office 1 day next week before flying to Pennsylvania for conference. OY!
We're so EXCITED - the big moment is FINALLY drawing near. We wish we could take everyone with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Weather reports, sinus infections & excitement!!!
Oh my goodness - where to begin? We leave in 3 days for San Francisco!! We are just 18 kinds of excited & ready for it to be here!! The most recent weather forecast showed a high of 59 on Sunday!! 59 - wow! That made us re-think our clothing for Sunday. We'll dress in layers for sure, but it brings a slight dilemma. We've trained in basically the same clothes we plan on wearing on race day so that your body knows who it will react (fun stuff like sweating, chaffing, breathable). Anywho - it was a great excuse to break down & buy this yummy Nike Dri-fit long sleeve shirt (with an iPod pocket on the sleeve)!
Thank you, parting gifts, etc: Mom & I worked like mad over the weekend to finish our October update (you'll get it any day). We've also been working on a fun thank you gift for EACH of our donors (over 200 of you!), by the time we leave, we'll have it ALMOST ready!!
Sinus infection - this lovely thing struck Friday night & kept me in a snotty fog (sorry to share) all weekend. My awesome doctor (Dr. Stephen Lindsey) was kind enough to see me yesterday at 5pm. Okay, so it was actually 6:30pm when he finally walked in to my room. Good thing I had my new iPod Classic (THANKS MOM) - I had downloaded episodes of Ugly Betty & Scrubs. So, I watched some tele, took about 3 naps & then saw the doc. He knows how important this weekend is!! However, he could only promise that by Friday, I'll be 75% and race day 95%. Seriously? I need to be 110%!!! But, hey, I'll take 95% & LOTS OF PRAYERS!!!
T-Mobile has got to love mom & I. We kind of talk to each other quite a bit. Especially right now, we keep thinking of last minute things we want to do for TEAM OKLAHOMA, or our guests, things we want to add to our update. It's never-ending, but WONDERFUL!!!
For those of you who really know Mom & I, you know we're pretty close (and close to our Honey). Working on this truly life changing event has brought us even closer! What could be better?!! Of course, I'm sure when this is over, Tom will be glad to have her focus on him just a wee bit more!!
Until tomorrow...
Thank you, parting gifts, etc: Mom & I worked like mad over the weekend to finish our October update (you'll get it any day). We've also been working on a fun thank you gift for EACH of our donors (over 200 of you!), by the time we leave, we'll have it ALMOST ready!!
Sinus infection - this lovely thing struck Friday night & kept me in a snotty fog (sorry to share) all weekend. My awesome doctor (Dr. Stephen Lindsey) was kind enough to see me yesterday at 5pm. Okay, so it was actually 6:30pm when he finally walked in to my room. Good thing I had my new iPod Classic (THANKS MOM) - I had downloaded episodes of Ugly Betty & Scrubs. So, I watched some tele, took about 3 naps & then saw the doc. He knows how important this weekend is!! However, he could only promise that by Friday, I'll be 75% and race day 95%. Seriously? I need to be 110%!!! But, hey, I'll take 95% & LOTS OF PRAYERS!!!
T-Mobile has got to love mom & I. We kind of talk to each other quite a bit. Especially right now, we keep thinking of last minute things we want to do for TEAM OKLAHOMA, or our guests, things we want to add to our update. It's never-ending, but WONDERFUL!!!
For those of you who really know Mom & I, you know we're pretty close (and close to our Honey). Working on this truly life changing event has brought us even closer! What could be better?!! Of course, I'm sure when this is over, Tom will be glad to have her focus on him just a wee bit more!!
Until tomorrow...
Friday, October 12, 2007
$15 and The Friday Paper!!
Oh my goodness!! What a big day!! Friends, supporters, and prayer warriors - we are $15 from our goal of $26, 200!! Just $15 to go - so yes, EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!!! How great is that?!! We're raising money for a cure - WITH YOUR HELP!! WE COULDN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!! And - RAISING AWARENESS!!
And - the wonderful Joy Richardson had some lovely things to say about us in the Nichols Hills Friday Paper today!! Check it out at http://www.okcfriday.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=79&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=2836&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1079&hn=okcfriday&he=.com
Thank you Joy for this free press!!
Team WillDu fans - we leave for San Francisco one week from today!! Our whole TEAM OKLAHOMA is so excited! We're all ready to do this!! Mom & I have a new motto - "Cross the finish line or take an ambulance ride!" We want to make our friends, family, donors, supporters, and most of all, our wonderful honoree, Stephen Swanner, Jr. so proud!!
We hope you've enjoyed going on this journey with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
And - the wonderful Joy Richardson had some lovely things to say about us in the Nichols Hills Friday Paper today!! Check it out at http://www.okcfriday.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=79&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=2836&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1079&hn=okcfriday&he=.com
Thank you Joy for this free press!!
Team WillDu fans - we leave for San Francisco one week from today!! Our whole TEAM OKLAHOMA is so excited! We're all ready to do this!! Mom & I have a new motto - "Cross the finish line or take an ambulance ride!" We want to make our friends, family, donors, supporters, and most of all, our wonderful honoree, Stephen Swanner, Jr. so proud!!
We hope you've enjoyed going on this journey with us!!
Love Jenn & Candy!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
LOTS O' STUFF
GAIL! This one is for you!! We walked 10 miles this morning. It was a tad humid, but bearable. It's OU/TX weekend & the runners, walkers, and bikers were showing their team spirit. Mom & I almost gagged when we saw a girl wearing a Texas longhorn jog bra. I seriously wanted to give her a gentle "shove" off the path. Is that wrong? (hehehe). Mom would have totally backed me up on it!
We were a little slow on our time today. Both of us acknowledged that we just weren't "feeling it" today. It's great to have that out of the way BEFORE San Francisco. I woke up with the beginnings of a cold, popped a Zicam, and sweat out a fever while we got our miles in. (Is this too much information? Sorry). We're just giving you the HIGHS and lows. We also opted not to walk the bridge/dam area. It was just TOO WINDY last week, we didn't want to feel like Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day...again! Plus - it can really smell up there! Anywho - it was fun to see some of the 'winter event' people today too. Winter events are Disney Marathon, PF Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon, and a bicycling event that I can't remember the name of right now.
I'm now showered, refreshed and about to start on some afternoon projects! One of them is a FUN thank you gift that we'll be sending our FABULOUS, PRECIOUS, AWESOME donors!! So, I'll work on that & a new knitting project while watching OU kick some Texas butt!!
Thanks for checking in (PS, we're at 92% of our new goal of $26,200!) Thank you for helping us kick some LEUKEMIA BUTT!!
We were a little slow on our time today. Both of us acknowledged that we just weren't "feeling it" today. It's great to have that out of the way BEFORE San Francisco. I woke up with the beginnings of a cold, popped a Zicam, and sweat out a fever while we got our miles in. (Is this too much information? Sorry). We're just giving you the HIGHS and lows. We also opted not to walk the bridge/dam area. It was just TOO WINDY last week, we didn't want to feel like Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day...again! Plus - it can really smell up there! Anywho - it was fun to see some of the 'winter event' people today too. Winter events are Disney Marathon, PF Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon, and a bicycling event that I can't remember the name of right now.
I'm now showered, refreshed and about to start on some afternoon projects! One of them is a FUN thank you gift that we'll be sending our FABULOUS, PRECIOUS, AWESOME donors!! So, I'll work on that & a new knitting project while watching OU kick some Texas butt!!
Thanks for checking in (PS, we're at 92% of our new goal of $26,200!) Thank you for helping us kick some LEUKEMIA BUTT!!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Touched by your support
Oh precious friends and Team WillDu supporters - although we've felt your support all along this journey, we have TRULY felt it today. We've had so much incredible feedback since our latest update (September) went out. Just today, we received 6 new donations - and 3 of those were REPEAT DONATIONS. One of our sweetest girlfriends sent her THIRD donation. How precious is that?! I wish you could understand the impact that we feel from your support. It truly leaves us speechless - and if you know us, you know that's practically impossible.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your financial support, your encouraging notes, and your amazing prayers. Thank you for your friendship, for your belief in us, in this cause, and most of all...in the support of this fight against Leukemia!!! WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!
I wish we could have you all at the finish line in San Francisco!! We couldn't have asked for better support. We're honored to represent such precious loved ones who've been touched by Leukemia. Thank you for your sharing your stories with us.
WE LOVE YOU!!! Love, Jennifer & Candy
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your financial support, your encouraging notes, and your amazing prayers. Thank you for your friendship, for your belief in us, in this cause, and most of all...in the support of this fight against Leukemia!!! WE CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU!!!
I wish we could have you all at the finish line in San Francisco!! We couldn't have asked for better support. We're honored to represent such precious loved ones who've been touched by Leukemia. Thank you for your sharing your stories with us.
WE LOVE YOU!!! Love, Jennifer & Candy
Thursday, September 27, 2007
TOP 25!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Friends, we are just weeks away from the BIG event! We just learned this week that TEAM WILLDU is among the Top 25 fundraisers in the COUNTRY for the Nike Women's Marathon!! Can you believe it? And, our friend Sherry is in the Top 25 too!!
We've got a BIG Saturday ahead of us! We're walking 22 miles this weekend - oh, mama!! I earned some fabulous blisters on our 20 mile walk 2 weeks ago - so, I'm better prepared for this training! The closer we get, the more excited we all are. We've been working on this so long, and you've been with us on this amazing journey!! We're ready to see (and CROSS) the finish line! YIPPEE!!
We've got a BIG Saturday ahead of us! We're walking 22 miles this weekend - oh, mama!! I earned some fabulous blisters on our 20 mile walk 2 weeks ago - so, I'm better prepared for this training! The closer we get, the more excited we all are. We've been working on this so long, and you've been with us on this amazing journey!! We're ready to see (and CROSS) the finish line! YIPPEE!!
Friday, September 14, 2007
GOAL, update, etc.
WOW! First of all, my apologies for going SO stinkin' long without an update! Needless to say, life has been a skosh crazy! Right after my last post, I headed to Michigan to see Mom, Tom, and the "girls" (Molly & Lily). The weather & scenery was sooooo incredible. What a fantastic place to walk!! Much prettier than the track at Lake Hefner. We spent A LOT of time working on our August letter. We hope you enjoyed it & gained some good insight into Leukemia stats!
Now we're both back in Oklahoma, still training, still raising money and trying to balance life! For me, work has been crazy - in a good way! Just honestly never been busier, cranking out contracts for new customers! YEAH!
Last week we hit a MAJOR milestone!!! We reached our $20,000 goal. I think we screamed for about 10 minutes that day! Seriously - we couldn't do this without each one of you!! Your generosity inspires us! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
We're already talking about next year! And the exciting thing is, so are some of you!! We are so thrilled that several of you are interested in walking next year!! We promise, it's addicting!
Now we're both back in Oklahoma, still training, still raising money and trying to balance life! For me, work has been crazy - in a good way! Just honestly never been busier, cranking out contracts for new customers! YEAH!
Last week we hit a MAJOR milestone!!! We reached our $20,000 goal. I think we screamed for about 10 minutes that day! Seriously - we couldn't do this without each one of you!! Your generosity inspires us! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
We're already talking about next year! And the exciting thing is, so are some of you!! We are so thrilled that several of you are interested in walking next year!! We promise, it's addicting!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
RECOMMITMENT!!!
No, we're not being "committed", but mom & I did fill "officially" recommit to the Nike Women's Marathon (an official part of the process). This is SO exciting!! It's so REAL now! We're thrilled that our "Honey" (my grandmother) is going with us. For those of you who are "in the know", you know that mom, Honey, and I are very close! We're blessed to have each other & it wouldn't be the same without there in San Francisco as we cross that finish line! We're also BEYOND pumped that our dear sweet friend Sara Swanner Northwood & her darling sister-in-law Janet Swanner (our honoree Stephen Swanner Jr.'s mom) will be coming to San Francisco to cheer us on! We cannot begin to tell you how much this means!!
If you're on our growing mailing list, you'll be getting an update letter from us next week. Mom wrote it (my apologies for the length - ha!). There truly is so much that we want to share with you (our gratitude, appreciation, VERY IMPORTANT stats about leukemia).
I can't believe that 2 months from now, we'll be finished!
Let me close this with 2 HUGE thank yous: First - THANK YOU to Stephen Swanner Jr. for being our honoree and allowing us to share his story and fight with this horrible disease with each of you. You are our HERO and INSPIRATION!
Second - to each and everyone of our friends and supporters! We couldn't do this without your financial support, emotional support, encouragement and prayers!
Thank you , thank you, thank you!
I'm about to board my last flight to Michigan! I finally get to visit Harbor Springs. Mom has enjoyed some fabulous weather while training for Nike. (Our Oklahoma team has had to battle the nasty Oklahoma weather - heat & humidity!). I'm looking forward to walking with mi madre (and playing with my "sisters" Molly & Lily (yorkies).
Blessings, Jennifer
If you're on our growing mailing list, you'll be getting an update letter from us next week. Mom wrote it (my apologies for the length - ha!). There truly is so much that we want to share with you (our gratitude, appreciation, VERY IMPORTANT stats about leukemia).
I can't believe that 2 months from now, we'll be finished!
Let me close this with 2 HUGE thank yous: First - THANK YOU to Stephen Swanner Jr. for being our honoree and allowing us to share his story and fight with this horrible disease with each of you. You are our HERO and INSPIRATION!
Second - to each and everyone of our friends and supporters! We couldn't do this without your financial support, emotional support, encouragement and prayers!
Thank you , thank you, thank you!
I'm about to board my last flight to Michigan! I finally get to visit Harbor Springs. Mom has enjoyed some fabulous weather while training for Nike. (Our Oklahoma team has had to battle the nasty Oklahoma weather - heat & humidity!). I'm looking forward to walking with mi madre (and playing with my "sisters" Molly & Lily (yorkies).
Blessings, Jennifer
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Oy with the heat already!
Wowzer - where did the heat come from? Mom is enjoying the 58 degree mornings in Harbor Springs - FABULOUS for training. While in Oklahoma...it's almost 80 by 6:30 in the morning. Oh well, to quote Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) from Vacation, "It's all part of the experience." I'm on the road again this week, so I get to try another hotel treadmill in the morning. Considering how small this town is, I'm just grateful they have a gym!
Yesterday we reached a huge milestone...81% of our fundraising goal!
We couldn't do it without all of our amazing friends & family. Thank you for helping us make a difference!!!
Yesterday we reached a huge milestone...81% of our fundraising goal!
We couldn't do it without all of our amazing friends & family. Thank you for helping us make a difference!!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Only 6 miles?
This Saturday at training, we'll walk 6 miles. Last week it was 12. Monday at work, two of my marathon teammates (Shea & Patty) & I were commenting on the fact that we're "only walking 6 miles" this Saturday. Then we laughed & thought back to our first day - 2 miles. Then we thought about the first time we walked 6 miles - now we're up to 12. Who knew 6 miles would feel like a cake-walk?!
We met with our CEO this week to ask for a corporate sponsorship. As we discussed the "who, what, when, why, where" of the marathon & the cause, I realized how committed & passionate the 3 of us were about this. We talked about our honorees and how fortunate we feel to have our own good health. Some days during those long runs/walks we focus on our honorees and the struggles they went through (chemotheraphy, bone marrow transplants, etc). That kind of battle puts a little blister on your foot or a pulled muscle all into perspective.
Thanks to research, the survival rate of children diagnosed with leukemia & lymphoma has increased almost 30%!! The money we raise for this event (and other Team in Training events) goes toward research. LIFE SAVING RESEARCH!! Thank you to all of our dear friends & family for your financial support, emotional support, and prayers. We couldn't fight for a cure without you!!!
We met with our CEO this week to ask for a corporate sponsorship. As we discussed the "who, what, when, why, where" of the marathon & the cause, I realized how committed & passionate the 3 of us were about this. We talked about our honorees and how fortunate we feel to have our own good health. Some days during those long runs/walks we focus on our honorees and the struggles they went through (chemotheraphy, bone marrow transplants, etc). That kind of battle puts a little blister on your foot or a pulled muscle all into perspective.
Thanks to research, the survival rate of children diagnosed with leukemia & lymphoma has increased almost 30%!! The money we raise for this event (and other Team in Training events) goes toward research. LIFE SAVING RESEARCH!! Thank you to all of our dear friends & family for your financial support, emotional support, and prayers. We couldn't fight for a cure without you!!!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Walking just got more fun!!!!!!!
Just a quick blurb today! Mom & I are both walking like crazy - of course, Mom gets the great Michigan weather & scenery right now. I'm trying to cram training in between work, church, life, etc. I must share with you the funny thing that happened last Saturday at training. Actually - I'll give you the nutshell version. A cute (and younger) man...all of 30 years old, began to follow me along the Lake Hefner Park trails while I was walking. This started at about mile 7 and continued until about mile 10.5 - that's when I finally talked to him. He had been smiling & waving at me. I thought he must be crazy because I was sweaty, no make-up, and hair in pig-tails! But, he told me I thought I was cute just "chicking along" while I walked. I'm just glad I wasn't belting out some song from my iPod!! We chatted for a few minutes (I couldn't stay long - I didn't want to lose my pace!), phone numbers were exchanged, so...we'll see. Nevertheless, it made my day!!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
New shoes, postcards, etc...
Sorry it's been a while since the last message! Lots going on! Mom (Candy) got out our "July Update" postcard! We just wanted to let everyone know how the fundraising & training is going! It's starting to warm up, so our Saturday trainings are starting early. Is it fun to get up at 5am to walk 12 miles? I'll admit, I (Jennifer) can be a little grouchy - after all, I have an "8am" rule. That is...I don't love to talk before 8am. I'm getting over that - I have to! Last Saturday, I walked with my teammate, Sherry Furseth. Mom recruited her & she's doing great! She is really raising some great $$ & awareness!
We're excited - we reached 60% of our fundraising goal this morning! Don't forget, you can still give! Either online, or you still mail it in!
One of the great benefits of participating is the support you get from TNT vendors. I was recently fitted for some new walking shoes & they ended up feeling like large clown shoes (not good). So, I went back to OK Runner (in Norman) where the wonderful owner, Gus helped fit me with some WONDERFUL new shoes! I mean this puppies really give me a new spring in my step! They're even cuter than the last pair! Don't get me wrong, you want the shoes to feel good, have the right support, etc - but it helps if they're cute! And they are! Check them out (see picture above left!)
As always, thank you for your AMAZING SUPPORT! We couldn't do this without all our friends!
Friday, July 13, 2007
6am is going to come early!!
Despite all the "glorious" rain - it's not very cool here in OK! So...in order to beat the heat, we'll start our 10 miles tomorrow morning at 6am!! So, by the time some of you drag out of bed on this peaceful Saturday morning, we'll be done walking 10 MILES!!! I (Jennifer) will be trying out some new gear tomorrow - hope it's wonderful!! With our new $20,000 goal, we're doing great at 57%, but still need your help! Let's fight for a cure!!
Monday, July 9, 2007
NEW FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE!!!!
WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! We may sound like a broken record - but we've been blown away by your giving spirits!! Our campaign & fight for a cure is going so well, that we have a NEW FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE. Our new goal is $20,000! That's an extra $5,000! We feel that this is something we can achieve - not without you of course! We've been able to do this mostly through our letter writing campaign, but we're throwing in a few little fundraisers in the next few weeks. We plan to have a Pampered Chef internet party (yeah!!! Shop online for your favorite kitchen gadgets & the proceeds go to Leukemia!). We're also working on a fun Girls Night Out at a wonderful local retail shop in OKC! Thank you again for your wonderful support!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The SUN is back!!
Yeah! The sun in shining again in Oklahoma! Fabulous! This will make training SOOO much more fun! Mom (Candy) is having a blast walking all over Harbor Springs right now where it's nice & brisk in the mornings!
We're unbelievably pumped to be at 67% of our fundraising goal! I call mom everyday when I get home to tell her about our latest donations! We are quite simply blown away & touched by everyone's generosity & encouraging notes! How can begin to thank you enough for helping us fight for a cure?!!
We're unbelievably pumped to be at 67% of our fundraising goal! I call mom everyday when I get home to tell her about our latest donations! We are quite simply blown away & touched by everyone's generosity & encouraging notes! How can begin to thank you enough for helping us fight for a cure?!!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Training with Ticks
This Oklahoma weather has made training quite interesting so far - but not bad. One Saturday while walking in downtown OKC, we had to cut it short. But last Saturday - at Lake Stanley Draper...we should earn a merit badge for that one! Don't get me wrong, we don't want to seem "high maintenance"...but...it was MUDDY, not paved, we saw deer, unidentifiable tracks, and AFTER I showered, I still found a tick in my hair! I guess you could say that I'm not much of a camper! Of course I will gladly treck 26.2 miles & sweat buckets if it brings us THATMUCH closer to finding cure!!
Meeting Stephen!!
Yeah! I got to meet Stephen Swanner, Jr., our honoree! He and his mom came to OKC for his monthly check-up. He was wearing his FAVORITE Texas Longhorns hat! I really debated whether or not to post those pictures, I mean...it's Texas for cryin' out loud!! But, he is our honoree - and he is DARLING!! It was so wonderful to meet his mom, Janet. And to see Sara! Mom & Tom (and the girls) were flying to Michigan this morning - hopefully Mom can meet Stephen on his next visit!
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