TweetTeam in Training has been a part of my life for 10 years…where has the time gone?  A better question might be, what’s been accomplished in those 10 years? New protocols for treatment, new drugs to treat blood cancers, better education and support for patients and their families.  The survival rate for patients has increased [...]

Team in Training has been a part of my life for 10 years...where has the time gone?  A better question might be, what's been accomplished in those 10 years? New protocols for treatment, new drugs to treat blood cancers, better education and support for patients and their families.  The survival rate for patients has increased for all but the most aggressive blood cancers.  More average folks attempting their first endurance events and succeeding!  Half a million TNT participants have been trained...over a $billion raised...what accomplishments! I hope you'll watch my video celebrating my ten years with Team in Training, and I hope you'll help me raise $10K this year for the cause.  I need for my funds to be "in the bank" by the first of May - so please share my blogs with friends and help me reach my goal!  YOU make such a difference.  Thank you! Donate now...just hit the donate button! [caption id="attachment_337" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Team in Training"][/caption]

TweetLast night’s hard rain suggested trails might be muddy and messy today…friends suggested I use my hilly bike route for today’s 4 hour hike.   This morning’s clouds gave way to bright sunshine and 50 degrees, so off I went to explore the “Seven Sisters,” wishing I could be out on the AT (Appalachian Trail).   I was using a Camelback water [...]

Last night's hard rain suggested trails might be muddy and messy today...friends suggested I use my hilly bike route for today's 4 hour hike.   This morning's clouds gave way to bright sunshine and 50 degrees, so off I went to explore the "Seven Sisters," wishing I could be out on the AT (Appalachian Trail).   I was using a Camelback water supply for the first time, left the pedometer on my desk, stuck in my ear buds to listen to podcasts I never have time for.  It was a solo hike, so I was my own entertainment.  What struck me today was how many small, tucked away waterfalls there are among these hills, not before noticed on my bike rides.   Water rushing over rocks is a soulful sound for me, and it inevitably makes me happy to hear and see it.  At this time of year, I think often of my "Team Honorees," in whose honor I've done these 21 endurance events, in whose honor I raise funds for research and family services.  Six of my seven honorees are now gone from my life.  But they wouldn't have been with me as long as they were without the treatment they received for their blood cancers.  And they wouldn't have had the best treatments available if it weren't for the funds raised through Team in Training.   I never visited one of these friends without leaving happier than when I arrived.  I tended to brood about their circumstances....maybe I did it for them!  Because they were always about life and living it to the fullest.  I miss them.  But I smile when I think of them, and they are always part of my "rocks of ages" waterfalls.   If you love life and want to help our Team Honorees, donate today.  Help me to give them the best that science can offer.  If you prefer sending a paper check, make it out to LLS and send to me at 305 Country Club Dr., SE, Blacksburg, VA  24060.  Otherwise, click on the donate button and it will take you to my Team in Training Fundraising Page.  Happy Trails!  Jan

TweetA couple weeks ago I received some good news.  In an e-mail, the staff at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society asked if I was sitting down. Then, they told me I’ve raised a total of $101,789 in less than 10 years. I was happy, even a little weepy as the little tape recorder in my [...]

A couple weeks ago I received some good news.  In an e-mail, the staff at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society asked if I was sitting down. Then, they told me I've raised a total of $101,789 in less than 10 years. I was happy, even a little weepy as the little tape recorder in my head began to spin this way and that, remembering people, places, events, and the many hundreds of miles I've trained preparing for marathons, century rides, triathlons, and this year, a three-day hike in the Grand Canyon. I've written letters and you've written checks.  I've sold a few things, and you've bought them.  I've run a dunking booth, and you showed up to throw balls and cheer in 95 degree heat.  I've created a web site and you've visited and commented and purchased Healing Harp Melodies:  Classical Tunes & Loveabyes (still for sale!) My way of saying thank you is a little funky...but I know you'll go along for the ride.  My way of saying thank you is to ask you to continue supporting my Team in Training obsession to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It's true that $10K is just a click away. One mile at a time, I run, bike, swim, and hike to find a cure for blood cancers.  One dollar at a time, you can cheer me on for the next ten years and the next $100,000.  That's $10K per year.  We can do this!  GO TEAM!!!

TweetBella is really excited….while she is was at East Coasters for her tune-up, she decided to go for it and had a little make-over….new handlebar tape in purple!!!  GO TEAM IN TRAINING!!! As soon as I could get changed, we were off to see the mill, the rushing stream, birds of the air and critters [...]

[caption id="attachment_638" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Bella's promotes Team in Training"][/caption] Bella is really excited....while she is was at East Coasters for her tune-up, she decided to go for it and had a little make-over....new handlebar tape in purple!!!  GO TEAM IN TRAINING!!! As soon as I could get changed, we were off to see the mill, the rushing stream, birds of the air and critters of the field.  We ignored the road kill.  Just a few miles out, Bella's back tire felt funny and sure enough, it was flat as a pancake.  You'd never know there was a tube inside!  I was just a few paces past Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church, so we walked to the side of the church where I could prop her against the fence while I phoned home for help.  I try not to change my own tires...they are tight and my thumbs are weak.  Mike reminded me he'd have to ride his bike home to get a car to come fetch me. Just as I resigned myself to a long wait, a black farm truck appeared just behind me, the driver asking if I could use a ride to town.   Turns out, Gene lives next door to the church and saw me walking by.  He knew it was 5 miles back to town.  I pointed to the church and said, "I preach here sometimes."  He said, "I know who you are.  Let's get you to town to get that tire fixed."  We had a delightful visit, and soon I was deposited at East Coasters.  Gene is my hero today.  Thanks, Gene!  The moral of the story is, it pays to preach in the country. The East Coasters gang was amazed at my swift appearance, and Kirby set about changing my tire.  I started out again, and got in 25 miles...Bella was so inspired...wanting to show off her purple handlebars. Bella and I are preparing for the big ride around Lake Tahoe in just less than three weeks.  We have more miles to ride to be ready...working up to 85 miles before Bella is fetched for the long truck ride to Nevada. So far, I've raised $8500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I really, really want to raise $10K.  Let's do it!  Just click on the donate button and it'll take you to my Team in Training page.  Bella and I are grateful for your interest and support!  Jan