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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!

Sunrise on our town

From Isaiah 40:31   “but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

On Saturday, the sun came out, and it felt like God was shining and smiling over all creation.  I couldn’t wait to lace up my running shoes and head out for a run with our son’s dog, Gabby.  Last weekend, seven strong women enthusiastically headed to Myrtle Beach for the Bi-Lo Marathon and Metric Cycle events. It was exciting to drive south, out of the snow and into dry countryside.  Little did we know the snow would reappear that night, surprising everyone…first time snow has fallen on Myrtle Beach in a decade.  6600 disappointed runners took in the news that the marathon/half-marathon was canceled for Saturday.  Many took to the streets next morning to run their own events, unsupported but undeterred. On Sunday the skies were sunny and the wind was sharp, with temperatures in the low 40’s.  We decided to adjust our plans and ride 33 miles instead of 63.  It was a good decision.  Winter training has been a challenge here in Blacksburg – but then I just remember what a challenge it is to deal with the roller coaster life of a cancer patient, and I decide to dig deeper – to at least attempt to “run and not be weary.” So – our weekend didn’t go as planned, but we all benefited from extra rest, good food, and fellowship.  We came home refreshed, ready to take on our Spring goals with new energy, no matter the weather.  We are asked to be patient and wait upon the Lord, renewing our strength so we might rise to the occasion when it matters most.  Thanks to your generosity, I’ve raised 62% of my fundraising goal for the St. Anthony’s Triathlon – without sending out paper letters.  That is good stewardship of our resources and I give thanks for each of you.  Please share this web site with your friends, and encourage them to support my efforts to raise $5,000 for this  event.  Just click on the donate button above! or, checks can be made to LLS and sent to me at 305 Country Club Dr., Blacksburg, VA  24060.  Peace be with you this day, and may you run and not be weary.  Jan

 

Myrtle Beach Bums

Here we go again!

We’re fleeing the deep freeze and heading south to run, ride, eat, and shop in Myrtle Beach this weekend. 
This is strictly a chick weekend….the culmination of our holiday and winter training, and a measuring stick for our Spring goals.

On Saturday, I’ll run a half marathon, and on Sunday, I’ll ride a metric century ride of 63 miles.
It may be flat, but it’s always windy at Myrtle Beach.  After running 13.1 miles on Saturday, the ride is a bit daunting
with tired legs.  It can be humbling!

But it’s a good reminder of why I do this…
to train for my Team in Training event, St. Anthony’s Triathlon in April,
and to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

I’m half way to my goal – won’t you help? 
Just hit the donate button and make your on-line donation today!

I

In these gray winter days, grandson Connor brightens any day.  In the church nursery, he’s known as the President of the Chubby Cheeks Club.  Who knew that reaching age 60 would bring this incredible blessing to our lives?  Because of Connor, I want to stay in shape so I can introduce him to all the things I love – swimming, biking, running, hiking.  As I raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, I think of the photos I’ve seen of little ones dealing with blood cancers….and how much I want resources for research and treatment for toddlers, teens, mid-lifers, and the more mature…  I know you’d feel the same way.  As we prepare to celebrate Connor’s first birthday next month, I will thank God for his good health, his smiling eyes, his clapping, waving hands as he says “Cheers!”  Let’s work toward a giant celebration that marks the end of cancer as we know it.  Contribute now to this worthy cause.  Thanks, Jan

Had he lived, Dad would have been 88 yrs. old today. Dad was diagnosed at age 61 with acute multiple myeloma. Fortunately, he responded well to treatment, and lived another 12 years with good quality of life. While he was in remission, we made a trip to Great Britain to see where he was stationed during WWII. It was a great time together, and I’m so grateful we were able to go. He would be so proud of so many things! Proud of me, proud of his family, proud of our country and all the advances in technology intended for good in the world. He was always keen on supporting cancer research and would be so amazed at the advances made in blood cancer treatment and research in the years since his death. We all miss him…he would be saying “Cheers!” to toast another day on this earth, with a glass of milk! Help me celebrate Dad’s life with a contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Sunrise on our town

The sun rises on Blacksburg as I leave Rambo training.  The day begins at 5:30 with an hour of strength/endurance training.  It’s fun and challenging, and by 7 AM, I’m greeted by this beautiful sky and God’s promise to be with me throughout the day.   There are days I want to ignore the alarm…and God’s call…but inevitably I get up and show up, knowing that I’m expected.  As we consider our goals for the New Year, may be begin with a commitment to get up and show up.  Before we end this year of 2009, please consider a contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Through Dec. 31 your gift will be matched by an anonymous donor.  Let’s double our dollars for the cause!!!

Stair repeats at Lane Stadium, VT

It’s 6 AM on a clear, breezy morning at Lane Stadium at VA Tech.  A dozen women (and one guy!) turn out for Rambo, which is a boot camp for strength, coordination, balance, and aerobic exercise.   It builds our endurance…and I believe, keeps us healthy.  It feels great to be out there once you’re up…especially if you’ve gotten to bed on time for a 5:30 AM wake-up call.   As I hustled and bustled, my team honoree for the last 8 yrs., J.D. Stahl was resting at our local hospital where he’s beginning a new treatment for his CLL (a chronic form of leukemia).  For J.D. and so many others, I get up and train.  For J.D., I raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I make no bones about it – my hand is always out for a donation to this worthy cause.  Won’t you join me in this race for life?

Seagull Century 2009

We had a great day riding the Seagull Century ride on October 10.  There were so many poignant stories shared about Team Honorees, family members, and friends.  I count each of these folks as friend.

Hey everyone, the Seagull Century Century Ride on October 10 was one of a kind:  First, it was BIG!   8,000 riders showed up to ride on a warm, rainy, windy Saturday.  About 200 of them were Team in Training participants, who raised $500,000+ for this event.   Way to go TNT!!!  I loved rooming with Susie Q from Richmond, a good friend and great competitor.  As always, the Virginia team rocked.  This was my 19th Team in Training event…I guess that makes me a TNT Junkie.  My next goal is to get through the holidays without weight gain and to stick to a workout routine.  Then it’s down to serious training for St. Anthony’s Triathlon in April, with a new fundraising goal of $5000.     Help me to thank God for the many blessings of this amazing year…help me to make a difference in the lives of folks dealing with blood cancers.  Just hit the Donate button!  Thanks!