Running for Anna

On December 12, 2010 our family was devastated by the loss of my niece, Anna Rogotzke, on her fourth birthday, to a rare cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. On December 4, 2011, I ran in the California International Marathon to raise money for the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, a leader in the fight against sarcomas. This blog is created to update those interested in my journey and progress as I train for this event and events thereafter.

....And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Friday, April 29, 2011

Brr....!

This is me messing around diligently working in my office.  What's the first thing you notice (besides the weirdness that always comes with taking your own picture)?  That's right! I'm wearing a turtleneck sweater on April 29!  We had a little front move through starting yesterday, and it was cold today!  It didn't get above 50 degrees, and I had to dodge frozen puddles (from the automatic sprinklers everyone couldn't wait to turn on) during my run this morning.  Not fun!  It's supposed to warm up and be in the 70's by next week, and I have to say I'm looking forward to it.  

In better news, I have a new nephew!  David Zachary Smith was born today to my sister, Katie, and her husband, Matt, in Milwaukee, weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz.  He's super cute, but, unfortunately, I can't figure out how to post a photo from facebook.  :(  Welcome to the world, David!  Can't wait to meet you!

As for running, it's going well.  I've been meeting my mileage goals, and my paces are still strangely better than expected.  I met with someone at work today who's had experience fund raising by running a marathon.  She had a lot of great ideas and things seem to really be coming together.  Look for your opportunity to help soon! 

Here's a pic from this morning when I finished my run....it's starting to actually get light while I'm running (that's exciting for me).  It's weird to think that, during this training period, I'll train through the longest days of the year and then back almost to the shortest day of the year.  On second thought, I better not dwell on that too much.  I'm trying to find some races to run while I'm training to break up the routine a little bit.  If anyone hears of some good ones in the Northern NV/CA area, let me know.   

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4 comments:

  1. JuliaMay 4, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Jennifer! Thanks so much for commenting on my blog. I am so happy you did and I am so excited to follow you :) I was sorry to read about your niece but am so inspired by your motivation to blog and run for such a great cause! I am definitely excited to follow your journey :)

    I understand the crazy weather. Snow this past weekend and then high 60s today!?! haha!
    have a good day!

    OH! and congrats on your new nephew :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 4, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    your niece had a cotnagious smile, wow! I am so sorry about your loss and I pray that she is singing with angels right now.

    Thank you for creating this blog because of her!
    Cheers!
    LC

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jen @ Run for AnnaMay 4, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    Thank you both. I can't tell you how inspiring and motivational it's been to find your blogs! Makes me feel a little less alone knowing that you and other runners/athletes face some of the same challenges I do.

    ReplyDelete
  4. chris mcpeakeMay 4, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    I given up expecting the weather to be normal ever again

    ReplyDelete

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