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)

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Beginning of School / Family Accomplishments

This past Wednesday, my son began school!  This is much earlier than what we are used to.  Usually, school starts the week before Labor Day, but my son's charter school decided on a different schedule to give more time off at Christmas and spring break.  They'll also end earlier, but it sure made for a short summer this year.  He is a sophomore in high school!!  How did that happen?  I still remember tearfully dropping him off for his first day of Kindergarten.  I have enjoyed every single moment of being his mother and, each day, I become more and more impressed at the fine young man he is becoming. 
I have been negligent in bragging about some recent accomplishments by members of my family.  First of all, a few weeks ago, my dad and brother completed a bike ride called RAGBRAI.  It is a ride across the entire state of Iowa!  It takes 6 or 7 days (I can't remember which), and they ride anywhere from 56 - 75 miles PER DAY!  I will not lie...I am not a fan of biking.  I'm not sure why...I would rather just lace up my shoes and run.  And, my butt hurts just thinking about riding this many miles for that many days.  SO AMAZED and in awe of my dad and brother for completing this!
Rock stars in my book
 Another huge event that I can't believe I haven't mentioned yet...my nephew Caleb's little league team won the CHAMPIONSHIP!!  I love this little guy (not so little anymore), and could not be more proud!!

What a sweetie
First week of marathon training in the books.  No extremely memorable runs.  However, I am VERY sad that the days where I have some daylight in my runs seem to be over (except for my long runs on Saturdays).  The other four early morning runs during the week are now almost completely in darkness again(sigh).  Back to gripping my "jogger fogger" (pepper spray) even more tightly and at the ready.  When I began Friday's run, I didn't feel like music for some reason, so I left it at home.  I've said it before, but, when I run with music, I can imagine myself running swiftly and silently down the street...just a passing shadow that nobody could notice - even if they were awake at that time.  The reality is that my feet are pounding heavily on the asphalt and the sound of my labored breathing would surely notify anyone within 1/2 mile of my presence.  I like living in ignorance, so it was back to music yesterday for my long run.  All in all, a good solid week, and my 12-miler yesterday felt strong.

I know there are strong opinions on this, so - all of you runners (or other athletes out there on the road) - do you listen to music?
  
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6 comments:

  1. JuliaAugust 14, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    your fam is amazing!!!! congrats on all their accomplishments...seriously just awesome!

    and congrats to you on a successful 12 miler :) I am so sad that the days are getting shorter again! i am usually big on music but sometimes I can do half with music and half without...it honestly just depends on the day and the "effort" that running feels like at that moment in time. when I am running with others I can normally run without and just enjoy the conversation though!

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  2. NikkiAugust 16, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Congrats on such amazing accomplishments. Every school year I am reminded about how time flies and my kids are growing up before my eyes! Craziness!!

    I love listening to music but mostly because I hate to hear myself breathing so hard and when I hear the sound of my feet I think someone is coming up behind me! Haha!

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  3. Cory ReeseAugust 16, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    I don't mind no music during a race just to be part of the whole event, but while I'm training I prefer to have music keep me focused.

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  4. AprilAugust 17, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I almost cried reading about your son. Mine just started back to school on Monday...it is amazing how fast they grow!
    Looks like you are surrounded by champions. Your dad and brother are such an inspiration!

    I had to bring my light with me for the first time this past weekend on an early morning run.
    I only listen to music on my short, easy, runs.

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  5. UnknownAugust 18, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    wow, that is early to start. And I can't believe all the family accomplishments. I would be so proud! BRAG AWAY!!!

    p.s.
    I dont run outside with an ipod. I like to hear my surroundings just in case.

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  6. JennAugust 20, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    Congrats to your family!!!

    I always listen to music in training. ALWAYS. I often don't race with my IPOD but in training I NEED it!! The mornings are definitely getting shorter....Bummer. Pretty soon they'll be getting COLDER here too!

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