There's something to be said about feeding what some people see as a "good addiction." As far as I know, what I love to do isn't self-destructive, illegal or immoral yet gives me enormous amount of pleasure that I can repeat week after week.
I'm talking, of course, about starting another season of Team in Training. This will be my 12th season, but only my second as a participant. I spent 5 more seasons as a mentor, 1 as an assistant coach and the last 4 as a head coach. With the size of the East Bay walk team not enough to support a team on Bayside and Diablo Valley, Susan and I get to sit this season out and let Coaches Tisha and Teresa train the next group of walkers. There are a few other things going on in our lives that should firm up in a few weeks, but suffice to say, between time constraints and being 8 weeks post-op from ACL reconstruction, this was a good time to sit back and get better. Fundraising is going great. I was only $37 away from the Nike minimum at kickoff. I even have a shirt that I don't already own - Alumni.
TNT kickoff's are great for alumni. Not long after you pick up your check-in list and bagel, it turns into a half hour hugfest/reunion. It's great to catch up with my friends on the run teams and a few more who are trying different sports - cycling, triathlons, hike.
This season had some mixed updates on our honorees. Justin's cancer is back - stage three. He's optimistic like always. His sister Jessica is being typed to see if her bone marrow can be the 30% match to try the next treatment. We'll know if a few weeks. It was also great to see Mama Lisa, Coach from East Bay Run and the Ultramarathon team. Even with her recent diagnosis of breast cancer, she didn't show any signs that she was slowing down. Our walk team has two cancer survivors. I hope to learn more about them as the season goes on. Cancer doesn't care if you're young or old, rich or poor, weak or strong. Our job is to make sure we fight until we can't fight any more.
Training update:
With five weeks left before Rock n Roll Seattle, I was able to put in 10 miles on the Alameda Creek trail with cool temps, knocking down my average mile time to 13:24. I had a few twinges in my new knee and had some lower back pain after a couple miles of pushing under 13:00. My core strength needs some work after a long layoff. Susan did 9 miles on hills preparing for her longest training next week (22 miles). I see the doctor on Tuesday and hopefully I'll be cleared for hills next weekend to simulate a bit of the Seattle course.
With any luck, he'll clear me for bowling that night. I'm patient, but I'm tired of just sitting and eating fries and chicken fingers.
2 comments:
Doc has better clear you to eat chocolate cake and ice cream! =D
Sorry to hear about Justin's relapse. From what you have told I know he is a fighter. I'll keep him in my prayers.
I think I've been cleared to have chocolate cake and ice cream for a while. I need to take advantage of that more!
Justin is a great guy. He was a few days out of chemo last year at Nike and still came out - respirator and all - to walk some of our participants in from mile 9 to 13. We're all praying for good news.
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