Archive for March, 2010

One mile at a time, I’m swimming, biking, and running my way to my fitness goal, living out the mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

DC heat is wicked!

T = Train   E = Endure   A = Achieve  M = Matter I make this my mantra as I swim lap after lap after lap, training for endurance and speed, envisioning the long swim in Tampa Bay at St. Anthony’s Triathlon next month.   I’m biking outside almost exclusively now, serenaded by loud peepers as I ride past their swampy habitats!!  A group ride to the New River last Saturday tested our legs as we climbed familiar hills.  Running  requires the least preparation….lace up the shoes and go!  That’s when I encounter self-doubt, and the mantra becomes mental exercise.  Eight years ago,  husband Mike asked why I needed to do a full marathon…. I answered, “Because I can.”  Well,  I’m still repeating those words:  I’m doing this because I can.   As you well know, training and participating in events is only part of the story – the most compelling story is that the funds we raise as Team in Training support the most advanced cancer research anywhere.   Education and family services give families hope for diseases that have no permanent cure.   Please know that YOU are making a difference when you donate to this cause. It’s always win-win when we give something away.  We get it back many times over.  Thanks for being part of my TEAM!!!  If you prefer to send a check, make it to LLS and send to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA  24060.

DC heat is wicked!

If you’re anything like me, you’re ready for signs of Spring!  I heard the first peepers on Saturday as I cycled in the countryside…a sure sign!  A pair of bluebirds  graces our yard,  crocus are popping up, and the streams are full and rushing like they have a purpose.  My purpose is twofold:  to fine-tune my readiness for St. Anthony’s Triathlon by intense and intentional training, and to raise more than the minimum funds for this event.   I’ve nearly reached my fundraising goal of $4700 for St. A’s, but with your help, I can become a “Rock Star,” someone who raises $1000 over the minimum.  I will celebrate my 61st birthday the week of St. Anthony’s – so let’s celebrate by exceeding and excelling!  As I train, I visualize all who are helped by the funds raised for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to pay for research, education, and family services.  Won’t you help me be a Rock Star???  YOU make all the difference.  Just go to DONATE or make a check to LLS and mail to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA  24060. Thanks and Happy Spring to you!  Jan

What are your afternoon delights?  A decadent snack with a cup of tea?  Snatching a half hour to read or relax?  Watching a baby nap?  Going out on errands without a jacket, hat, and gloves?  Noticing a pair of bluebirds flying in your yard, crocus popping up from the ground, melting snow, sheets dried on the clothesline?   Today I am especially grateful that J.D. Stahl (pictured here with his amazing, smiling eyes)  is managing his treatments well in spite of a recent bout of pneumonia.   For the past 8 years, J.D. has been my Team Honoree for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  For the better part of a decade, he has lived with CLL, a chronic form of leukemia.  For the better part of a decade, he has delighted in his family, his work, his church, his friends and neighbors…just as he always has.  For the better part of a decade, I’ve been inspired by him….to reach training and fundraising goals I never thought possible.   This year, I’m training for my 20th Team in Training event, St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg, FL.  Dare I hope to raise $20,000 for my 20th event?  Will you help me reach that lofty goal?  Just go to the Donate button and the rest is easy.  If you prefer to write a check, make it to LLS and send to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA. Thank you, thank you for your help in funding research, education, and family service grants for folks like J.D.  Jan

Jan & Mike

On February 28, 1970, we began life together as very young adults.  We’ve had many blessings and challenges, and we’ve always had each other.  Physical fitness has always played a part in our lives, but only in my 50′s did I discover Team in Training, a cause that would inspire me to train for my first marathon and raise significant funds for research.  St. Anthony’s Triathlon in April will be #20, so it’s kind of a milestone event for me.  As you know, I do this in memory of some dear friends and in honor of all who struggle just to live normal lives with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins, or myeloma.  The best way to help us celebrate 40 years of marriage is to join me in helping others.  Just go to the Donate button and it’ll take you right to my fundraising page.    Thanks so much!