Beeds Lake Half Marathon

On the training schedule for yesterday was a 12 mile run.  Last week I was talking to someone and they said they were going to run the 1/2 marathon at Beeds Lake in Hampton.  I ran that race last year and really enjoyed it, so I decided to sign up for it as it would be good for my training.  I also recruited a few of my fellow Team Love Shack members to join.

The course this year was different than last year.  They loaded us on a bus and hauled us over to the start of the race at a nearby town.  From there we ran on the new bike trail that was covered in crushed gravel.  I was not happy about that at first, but the trail was actually really nice to run on.  From there we turned on to the blacktop where we did a loop and ended up back at the lake for the finish line.

It was a little different than most races because it seemed like most of the race I was running by myself.  I seem to run a lot better when I am surrounded by people.  My time was not the best, but I was treating it as a training run and I got through it, so it was a success.  As I got close to the finish line I kept thinking to myself that in October, that finish line would be my halfway point.  It is somewhat scary when I think of it, but I am looking forward to the challenge and running in honor of Matthew and other cancer patients and survivors.

Team Love Shack represented the race well.  We had 5 1/2 team members race (1 member is still a half because he is still in Love Shack initiation and he only ran the 10K, but he did place 2nd, so maybe should be 3/4).  We even had one teammate who finished his first 1/2 marathon ever and he had very minimal training.  It is always fun to go to these events as a team knowing that when you cross the finish line you have people there cheering you on.

As I always mention, keep up the thoughts and prayers.  Thanks for the support.  Thanks also to everyone who has donated to the cause.  There is still time to help out.  Contact me or visit my fundraising page for more details.  Any donation of any amount is appreciated and goes to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and their efforts to treat and cure.

Prayers Needed

Matthew's mother posted this on the Miracle For Matthew Facebook page:

"An update on Matthew:
Matthew finished his last chemotherapy treatment for Interim Maintenance I and will have a few weeks off. On September 7 he begins Delayed Intensification and it will be a rough 8 weeks just in time for school starting. This phase will be intense and will cause nausea, low blood counts, and risk of fevers and infections. It is very possible that he will end up in the hospital and will have to have blood transfusions. So, keep us in your prayers that he will get through it."

 

Please continue to pray for Matthew and his family as well as anyone else who is suffering.  Also remember the families who are suffering because of a loss of a loved one.  Death of a loved one is never easy and a little prayer or kind words can go along way.   

Thanks to everyone for the support and prayers.  Keep it up and have a good rest of the week. 

Panther Pride Triathlon

I can now check off another thing off my bucket list.  I finished my first triathlon Saturday.  I participated in the Panther Pride Triathlon at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls.  The swim was very tough as expected, but surprisingly my time was a little better than I expected.  The bike ride went well aside from having to stop for a leg cramp.  I am actually a little disappointed with the time of my run, but I finished it and had a blast doing it.  I think it is safe to say that is not the only tri I will do. 

When I got back, I decided to meet up with the riders doing the Sweet Corn Ride.  I left my house to try and meet up with them in Redfield.  I got about halfway between Adel and Redfield and that is where I found the crew.  I had a good time and put on another 50 miles.  I rode back home about 20 miles in the dark and, for once, did not get lost :)  Maybe I am finally starting to get familiar with the trails around here. 

Since I did the tri yesterday, I had to postpone my weekend training run until today.  On the agenda is a 16 mile run.  My legs are a little sore from yesterday, but I am going to try and fight through it.  I'm just glad it is somewhat cool today. 

Hope everyone else had a good weekend.  Make this coming week a good one.  As always, please remember to keep the people suffering in your thoughts and prayers. 

Golf Tournament and Training Run

Another weekend has passed.  In my last post, I said I was going to attend the Treye Blythe Golf Tournament.  That was on Friday and what a great day that was.  The event, as always, was a great success.  The tournament raised great money that was donated to many local organizations.  It is just awesome to see so many people come together for this every year.  It was also great to see people I don't get to see very often. 

Saturday, I was scheduled to run 12 miles for my training run.  I got a late start and got soaked by rain.  My friend Kevin saw me and gave me a ride at about mile 8.  Later on, I went swimming with my friend Ben, who is going to be doing the same triathalon as me this coming weekend.  I really struggle with swimming, but I think I can get through it. 

Sunday, I relaxed most of the day and later in the evening, I decided I should go for another run since I did not get my run finished on Saturday.  I contemplated just resting, but anytime I get those thoughts in my head, I remember why I am running the marathon in October.  My run felt pretty good and I was glad I talked myself into doing it. 

This week will be a lot of getting ready for the triathalon on Saturday and I will have to plan my weekly long run for Sunday again. 

I hope everyone has a good week and please remember to keep those being affected by cancer or other illnesses in your thoughts and prayers. 

Also, a big thank you to anyone who has donated so far.  If you have not donated yet and are able to, please visit my page.  Any donation is appreciated by the LLS. 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ia/nikesf12/anederhoff

  

Good News

I am taking my lunch and noticed a post on Facebook, so I wanted to get a quick post in. 

 

This is a post from Matthew's Mom's Facebook page:

 

"It looks like Matthew will be going home this morning. They took him off his pain meds and food supply. He is now eating small portions, but nevertheless eating. They admininstered his chemo treatment of Vincristine and Methotrexate this afternoon that he should have gotten Monday, but they gave him 2 hours of fluids before and 4 hours afterwards. They wanted to do it in the hospital to make sure he can still take the chemo without another mouth sore outbreak. His counts all look good. His blood pressure is still high at times, so he will remain on BP meds for awhile. He was feeling his spunky self today and is ready to be home. We all are ready to be home! Thanks everyone for your prayers and good thoughts!!"

 

I signed my recommittment papers and registration for the marathon in October, so I am officially all in.  I also ordered an orange Nike bandana yesterday that I will be customizing to honor Matthew while I run.  

 

I also let some people talk me into registering for something I have never done before, a sprint triathlon.  I am not worried about the biking and running, but I haven't been in a pool in years.  So, I went and swam a few laps yesterday and the swim is going to be a struggle to say the least.  But, you never want to miss an opportunity to try something new :)  

 

Tomorrow is the annual Treye Blythe golf tournament in Ackley.  I am excited to go back to see people I have not seen in a while.  This is a big event that always raises great money for local charities.  My parents will also be hosting the family they got to know on their mission trip to the Dominican Republic, so I look forward to meeting them as well.  

 

Hope everyone has a good weekend.  Please remember to keep Matthew and his family in your thoughts and prayers.