New Season, New Team, New Kicks

[[Team in Training Mugshot]]

Yesterday was the Team in Training fundraising and winter apparel clinic and I got to meet many of the team members and one of the coaches for the first time. It feels great to be  a part of a team again. The camaraderie, the joint insanity, and the passion. Everyone has so. much. passion. Passion for life, passion for others, passion of a specific cause, and of course a passion for running. I've already been inspired by the 40-50 members of the team that were there yesterday. Everyone has a story and I think as more stories are revealed, it's going to be an amazingly emotional journey. As we were all sitting around listening to a Marathon Sports representative preaching about how easy it is to run in 20 degree weather with the proper gear (yikes! - hopefully my new wool running socks will keep my feet warms!), I looked around the room and realized the mix of people: survivors; recent patients; family members; friends; and loyal supporters, all brought together for a specific missions - to run to kill cancer. 

While I have somehow (thanks so much to all so far who have donated!) already reached my initial fundraising goal of $5,000.00 I have become inspired to keep going. I'm going to keep going until April 16th when I will keep running through that finish line. This endeavor isn't about stopping, its about persistence. 

As the official training season kick off approaches (December 3rd), please let me know if you would like me to dedicate any of the long runs to a loved one who has suffered from or who is currently suffering from cancer. I've realized that while marathon day is the ultimate, every run building up to the marathon is equally as important. I will put the name of the person I am running for on my shirt for runs that begin to exceed 8 miles.

But on a bit of a lighter note, I'm all suited up. Got me some new kicks (above) -- fitted right to my feet at Marathon Sports. I have sort of moved away from the minimalist shoes for the moment as my feet have been hurting me and I think I need more support on longer runs. We'll give it a shot... This is the greatest store - everyone is so knowledgeable and you are able to run outside on the streets in the shoes before choosing the pair that's best for you. Got some winter gear, like a face mask --- no big deal. I could probably rob a bank on my runs now, I'm so disguised :). But for now, I'm looking forward to starting off this season on the RIGHT FOOT. (ha!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you're running a Turkey Trot in your local community, have fun!