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)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Introducing...

This is my husband and love of my life, Bill.  He'll hate that I'm putting this in my blog, but I figure people get tired of reading only about me.  I mentioned in another post that he took up hand-cycling late last year.  He was in a motorcycle accident about 17 years ago, which left him paralyzed from about the chest down.  That generally doesn't stop him from doing what he wants, though.  Since I've met him, I've come to love four-wheeling, camping, kayaking, and, occasionally, shooting.  One of the things I love about him is he doesn't let anything dictate how he's going to live his life.  He was looking for a way to get in better shape and discovered hand-cycling.  He is now a member of Achilles International, whose mission, as stated on their website is:

He will be participating in the Rock 'n Roll San Diego Marathon on June 5 as a member of the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.  How awesome is that?!?  I couldn't be more proud of him, and am so excited to cheer him on.  

This is a picture of the entire hand-cycle.  Pretty cool, I think.  Since I have no upper body strength whatsoever (and biking isn't really my thing), I am in awe that someone could propel this forward with just their arms. 
 

Brief running updates (because I have to talk about me a little bit, right?)

Yesterday (Friday) - 4 miles - Average pace.....wait for it.....9:57/mi!!!! What?  How did that happen?
Today - 9 miles - was hoping to average 11:00/mi.  In reality, 10:50/mi.  Very pleased.  I had to force myself to slow down in some spots (and no emergency bathroom stops, which always helps).  

And, now, a quote to put things in perspective.
"The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals." (Hal Higdon)

Wow!  Doesn't that make you just want to go out and train for a marathon?!


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7 comments:

  1. JuliaMay 21, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Wow!!! Good luck to your husband! That sounds amazing! And awesome job on your runs this week...It sounds like things are going so well for you.

    EEEK about that quote. Roasted over hot coals??? haha.

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  2. UnknownMay 22, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    that is the coolest! I am so impressed with your husband, and for you, nice speed!

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  3. JennMay 24, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Wow, I just read an article about a guy who finished the Fargo marathon this weekend on a handcycle. So interesting! Congrats to your hubby-hope he rocks it in San Diego!! Nice job on the runs and I LOVE that quote!

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  4. KitteeMay 25, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Awesome! Good Luck to your Hubby..

    Looks like you had a great run too..

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  5. Jess @ Blonde PonytailMay 25, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Wow. What a touching post and good luck to your husband.

    Yes, you do need to talk about you! Keep up the great job running!

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  6. Michela FamilyMay 28, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    Very cool about Bill! I know I wouldn't have the upper body strength to do that ! So awesome that is doing the San Diego race! Oh, btw, that quote does not make me want to run a marathon--haha :)

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  7. SupermomE13May 30, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    It is awesome that your husband is involved with the Achilles Foundation and is doing a marathon! I always cry when I see the handcycles and am so inspired. My youngest has cerebral palsy and may never be able to run but I know there are other options for him if he wants them. Thanks for sharing!

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