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!

Meet my good friend (see photo below), Jane Thibault – a long-time friend and colleague who has devoted her career to the field of aging, spirituality, and the limiting effects of dementia among elders.  She knew of my passion for training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but it wasn’t real for her until now.  Jane had trouble shaking a respiratory problem in the Spring…but further tests revealed Stage 4, Type B Lymphoma.  I was able to visit Jane in July, and she shared with me her journey with illness.  Her smile has not faded, her spirit is intact…but her new mantra is all about “staying alive.”  She will endure as many as 8 rounds of a chemo coctail designed to put her in remission.   I learned Jane’s story that day, and she heard with new interest, my story and passion for training and raising research funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.   As I train for the Seagull Century.  I need only $500 to reach my fundraising goal for this event.  Please click on “donate” and it’ll take you to my Team in Training page.  Thanks and blessings all around!

Jan and Jane at Jane's house

We’re moving into a new season – Fall is arriving at lightening speed!  This morning’s bike ride felt different, looked different, and smelled different, and it seemingly happened overnight!  As I train for the Seagull Century Ride for Team in Training, I am asking that “each one, reach one.”  I’m in the final stretch of training and of fundraising for this year…just $1000 more and the honor of riding yet another century ride for the cause…that’s just $10/mile X 100…please say you can help by making a donation or by sharing my website with another person.  Thanks to all who have contributed this year in  memory of Kaye Kriz, or in honor of  J.D. Stahl, Jane Thibault, or someone you know and love.   It has been phenomenal.  Together, we’ve raised nearly $17,000….help me to help others by making a difference today.   Note that the very cool Titus mountain bike is for sale and half the proceeds will be added to my fundraising total for the Seagull Century event. Thanks and blessings abundant this beautiful Fall day.  Jan

The Titus Mountain Bike is now for sale@$2,000.  It’s worth $3,000 – so let me know if you’re interested!  Specs listed beneath the photo:

2008 Titus ML 1 Medium

Features

6061 aluminum front triangle with triple-butted hydro-formed downtube.

Custom-tuned Fox RP2

Four sealed bearing main pivot

Dual rate/dual travel rear suspension allows for 4” or 5” of rear wheel travel

Compression molded carbon fiber rocker

Components

Fork – Fox Talas R

Rear Shock – Fox RP2

Wheels – Mavic Crossride

Tires- Kenda Kinetics

Crank – Turvativ Firex

Chain – Shimano HG53

Cassette – SRAM 11-34

Bottom Bracket – Shimano Deore

Front Derailleur – Shimano LX

Rear Derailleur  – Sram X7

Shifters Sram X7 Trigger

Handlebars -  Maxm 6061 Riser

Stem – Maxm

Headset WTB Momentum

Brakeset -  Avid Juicy 3

Saddle WTB Rocket Comp

Seat Post Maxm Al

Msrp $2799.99

Geometry

Under Factory warranty which is two years on the frame and swingarm. All original paperwork and manuals included. Bike has been test ridden on pavement only.