Dear sadly neglected blog readers,
Today you're going to learn a truth that you might already know, even if you may already be aware of it.
You see, back in high school when I foolishly refused to miss school unless I was contagious, bleeding, or broken, I jam-packed my days with classes, clubs, sports, homework, volunteering and even being in the spring musical my Senior year (insert your guffaws here). I was involved in so many things that my over-achiever-ness was hitting all-time highs. I had a very smart, very competitive class all striving for scholarships and outstanding GPA's. My motto at the time was, "I'll rest when I'm dead."
After my over-achiever self got herself a scholarship to college and charged ahead into the major of her choice and without ever wavering. I did it again. I was in clubs, on student government, played intramural sports, had three internships, traveled, held a job and helped organize the senior farewell reception. Oh yeah, and I remained grade-anal so I could wear the special tassels and get that shiny stamp on my diploma.
Fortunately, while this makes me sound like some crazed, teen-movie do-gooder (which I probably was), I got a full time, benefits-providing job within 3 months of graduation. Whoo hoo! Unfortunately, I didn't learn that it's OK to NOT pack your life full of activities and whatnot landing my 23-year-old butt on my parents' couch with mono. I went from running 5Ks to napping on the landing a measly nine steps up from the first floor. Let me point out that prior to this, I hadn't taken a nap since I had a 12-day hospital stay and 5 surgeries at the age of 10.
Lessons learned: humility, patience and napping.
One kicker here: I sometimes have to relearn those post-mono lessons. Take last week as an example. I managed to get a bazillion things done including being able to show up for the Halloween party dressed as Betty Crocker complete with three dessert options for the other ghouls.
Why am I telling you all this? First, because I apologize for not writing sooner and this is my explanation. Second, because it's my blog and I can. Third, because I have two races coming up this weekend and I want to tell you about them.
I can just imagine you intelligent reader thinking, "Woman, did you not learn anything from the previous paragraphs? Do we need to remind you about the stairs?" Well, I can tell you that I'm running on Saturday and walking on Sunday, so no worries that I'm trying to pull a two-fer.
The first is the Warrior 5K: This 5K and 2.5 mile walk, which serves as a fundraiser and community outreach for the WLC cross country teams. It begins at 10 a.m. at Greenfield Park.
The second is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis: This event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Milwaukee County Zoo to benefit the 1.1 million people in Wisconsin who are affected by arthritis or one of it's 100 related diseases.
So, once again, I apologize for neglecting you, my readers, but I hope you'll forgive me and stay tuned for adventures in guitar lessons and my last races of the year!
Thanks
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Coming from behind
Ok, so except for those few times that I'm running late, ahem, I'm usually on top of the ball. I've got a handle on life, usually. Then I sit down at my laptop after a very productive day (you should see my apartment sparkle!), and read a post from my friend Kalie who blogs from Texas and I realize that I'm behind. I haven't been consistent lately with running or posting.
Fail.
So here's an update, and hopefully something to think about. My last run was the Blazer Race, and sadly, I got lost once again and missed the start. I had to sit in my car and watch as the runners took off at the sound of the gun. The police officer, who I realize was only doing his job, would not let me through so that I could start the race. Instead, I got my number and my t-shirt and walked the two miles with the other walkers (which I had to run to catch up with) in the rain.
Fortunately, being a part of that race helped support Bethlehem Lutheran School and the Menomonee Falls Fire Department. While I joked about how hot firefighters are in a previous post (and they are), it was a little different running that day. You see, that race was on September 11.
In 2001, I was going to my AP Literature class and thinking about the quiz I had to take. Then I heard Billy G. say something about a bomb and I thought how dumb he was to talk about that in a school. I sat down in my normal spot still thinking about myself and that quiz. Then Carl came in and told Mrs. B. that we HAD to turn on the TV. I saw the second plane hit the tower. We were all stunned. We barely moved. Jessie S. started crying because her dad was supposed to go to DC that day (he ended up being safe and sound). We still had to take that stupid quiz. I think Mrs. B. ended up throwing them out.
In 2010, I obeyed a police office and ran for a local fire department. Somehow that didn't seem like much considering how they put their lives on the line for us all the time.
As with all New Year's resolutions, this one needs a kick in the pants. I think Kalie's post and remembering that every race I run is for a very good cause is a nice swift kick in the behind.
Fail.
So here's an update, and hopefully something to think about. My last run was the Blazer Race, and sadly, I got lost once again and missed the start. I had to sit in my car and watch as the runners took off at the sound of the gun. The police officer, who I realize was only doing his job, would not let me through so that I could start the race. Instead, I got my number and my t-shirt and walked the two miles with the other walkers (which I had to run to catch up with) in the rain.
Fortunately, being a part of that race helped support Bethlehem Lutheran School and the Menomonee Falls Fire Department. While I joked about how hot firefighters are in a previous post (and they are), it was a little different running that day. You see, that race was on September 11.
In 2001, I was going to my AP Literature class and thinking about the quiz I had to take. Then I heard Billy G. say something about a bomb and I thought how dumb he was to talk about that in a school. I sat down in my normal spot still thinking about myself and that quiz. Then Carl came in and told Mrs. B. that we HAD to turn on the TV. I saw the second plane hit the tower. We were all stunned. We barely moved. Jessie S. started crying because her dad was supposed to go to DC that day (he ended up being safe and sound). We still had to take that stupid quiz. I think Mrs. B. ended up throwing them out.
In 2010, I obeyed a police office and ran for a local fire department. Somehow that didn't seem like much considering how they put their lives on the line for us all the time.
As with all New Year's resolutions, this one needs a kick in the pants. I think Kalie's post and remembering that every race I run is for a very good cause is a nice swift kick in the behind.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Running for Lung Health, Education, Firefighters, Children's Hospital, etc.
Hi all!
If I can swing it I'll be running like a crazy person for a while.
Wait, I just realized what I wrote. While I would normally ask that the peanut gallery please keep their mouths shut, I do love when you all write comments, so bring on the crazy jokes!
Now, down to business.
Here are the runs that I'm planning on doing for the next foreseeable future:
1. My good friend Rulena pointed out the 3rd annual Free to Breathe® 5K Run/Walk in Southern Wisconsin. The event provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support to fight this disease. 100% of the net proceeds from this event will benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs.
When: August 29, 2010, 7:00 a.m. - Event day registration opens, 8:30 a.m. - Run/Walk begins
Where: Veteran's Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $20 Online (closes Wednesday, August 25), $25 Event day on August 29, 2010
WHY: Lung health is essential to all-around health. If you can't breathe, it can lead to cardiovascular injury, brain damage and death. Lung cancer is deadly! If I can swing this race between my co-worker's wedding the night before and a wedding shower Sunday afternoon, I'm going to do it. I'm all for supporting anything anti-cancer!
2. My friend and fellow committee member, Lisa, pointed this race out to me: The Blazer Race is a fun, community event to raise dollars for the Germantown Fire Department Auxiliary and the Education Fund at Bethlehem Lutheran School. This will help fund the Survive Alive House, equipment for firefighters and education materials for the GFD. It will also support tuition assistance, teacher training, technology and special events for Bethlehem Lutheran School.
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran School at N108 W14290 Bel Aire Lane in Germantown.
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $15 for adults by September 6, $20 walk-up registrations on September 11, 2010 (Children are $10 no matter what)
WHY: I want to help this race get off the ground, so you should all come run or walk! Also, as a person who was TERRIFIED of fire as a child, I really want to help kids learn about fire safety. Firefighters are also wonderful people who risk their lives for the safety of others. They're also usually very attractive. Bethlehem Lutheran School really needs support too to give children the best education possible based on Christian principles and Gospel truths.
3. I've walked for Brigg's and Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital a number of times and I'm excited to run it this year! This run/walk has raised more than $11 million dollars with the help of outstanding community support. This makes it possible for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) to provide medical care for more than 325,000 patient visits each year. Note: for runners, this is an 8K option only.
When: Saturday, October 9, 2010, runners' mass start at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Marquette University Campus (the pretty lawn outside the Student Union building on Wisconsin Ave)
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $25 for adults online before the race ($5 chip timing for 8K runners), $35 day of for runners, $30 for walkers (Children rates are different) NOTE: If you register online, your stuff will be shipped to you for $3.50. If you want to avoid that, then you should register at one of the registration sites.
WHY: As a 10-year-old child, I spent 12 days living at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (5th floor!) because I had osteomyelitis (bone infection) in the growth joint of the big toe on my left foot. Seven surgeries, two casts, a wheelchair, a CVL line, crutches, nine months in two bledsoe boots, two months of missed 4th grade, a bajillion dreaded needles, tears, balloons, and relearning how to walk... Long story short, THANK YOU to the wonderful care of my parents, the doctors (most of them), nurses (I still love Janelle), and the PT crew, I can run. I hope I never take this for granted. Now, I'm going to run for the other kids who need all the care and love that they can get!
Pick a race and run with me!
If I can swing it I'll be running like a crazy person for a while.
Wait, I just realized what I wrote. While I would normally ask that the peanut gallery please keep their mouths shut, I do love when you all write comments, so bring on the crazy jokes!
Now, down to business.
Here are the runs that I'm planning on doing for the next foreseeable future:
1. My good friend Rulena pointed out the 3rd annual Free to Breathe® 5K Run/Walk in Southern Wisconsin. The event provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support to fight this disease. 100% of the net proceeds from this event will benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs.
When: August 29, 2010, 7:00 a.m. - Event day registration opens, 8:30 a.m. - Run/Walk begins
Where: Veteran's Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $20 Online (closes Wednesday, August 25), $25 Event day on August 29, 2010
WHY: Lung health is essential to all-around health. If you can't breathe, it can lead to cardiovascular injury, brain damage and death. Lung cancer is deadly! If I can swing this race between my co-worker's wedding the night before and a wedding shower Sunday afternoon, I'm going to do it. I'm all for supporting anything anti-cancer!
2. My friend and fellow committee member, Lisa, pointed this race out to me: The Blazer Race is a fun, community event to raise dollars for the Germantown Fire Department Auxiliary and the Education Fund at Bethlehem Lutheran School. This will help fund the Survive Alive House, equipment for firefighters and education materials for the GFD. It will also support tuition assistance, teacher training, technology and special events for Bethlehem Lutheran School.
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where: Bethlehem Lutheran School at N108 W14290 Bel Aire Lane in Germantown.
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $15 for adults by September 6, $20 walk-up registrations on September 11, 2010 (Children are $10 no matter what)
WHY: I want to help this race get off the ground, so you should all come run or walk! Also, as a person who was TERRIFIED of fire as a child, I really want to help kids learn about fire safety. Firefighters are also wonderful people who risk their lives for the safety of others. They're also usually very attractive. Bethlehem Lutheran School really needs support too to give children the best education possible based on Christian principles and Gospel truths.
3. I've walked for Brigg's and Al's Run & Walk for Children's Hospital a number of times and I'm excited to run it this year! This run/walk has raised more than $11 million dollars with the help of outstanding community support. This makes it possible for Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) to provide medical care for more than 325,000 patient visits each year. Note: for runners, this is an 8K option only.
When: Saturday, October 9, 2010, runners' mass start at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Marquette University Campus (the pretty lawn outside the Student Union building on Wisconsin Ave)
Registration Fees/Deadlines: $25 for adults online before the race ($5 chip timing for 8K runners), $35 day of for runners, $30 for walkers (Children rates are different) NOTE: If you register online, your stuff will be shipped to you for $3.50. If you want to avoid that, then you should register at one of the registration sites.
WHY: As a 10-year-old child, I spent 12 days living at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (5th floor!) because I had osteomyelitis (bone infection) in the growth joint of the big toe on my left foot. Seven surgeries, two casts, a wheelchair, a CVL line, crutches, nine months in two bledsoe boots, two months of missed 4th grade, a bajillion dreaded needles, tears, balloons, and relearning how to walk... Long story short, THANK YOU to the wonderful care of my parents, the doctors (most of them), nurses (I still love Janelle), and the PT crew, I can run. I hope I never take this for granted. Now, I'm going to run for the other kids who need all the care and love that they can get!
Pick a race and run with me!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Check out the lovely people at CBS 58 who covered the Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest and caught one of my team members in this clip:
http://www.cbs58.com/index.php?aid=13705
How awesome is that?
http://www.cbs58.com/index.php?aid=13705
How awesome is that?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest packet pick up
REMINDER!!
If you would like to pick-up your race packet prior to the event on Saturday,
you can come to the pre-event packet pick-up on Thursday, August 19! However, participants will still need to get their timing chips and Irish Fest wristbands at the event on Saturday, we are not allowed to give those out ahead of time. Yes, you can pick up shirts for other people.
WHAT: Pre-Race Packet Pick-up
(You can get your event t-shirt & goody bag before the race)
WHERE: Arthritis Foundation offices
1650 S. 108th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
WHEN: Thursday, August 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(pre-race packet pick-up was originally scheduled for August 17,
but we had a problem with the event t-shirts and had to change
it to August 19. We apologize for the inconvenience!)
If you would like to pick-up your race packet prior to the event on Saturday,
you can come to the pre-event packet pick-up on Thursday, August 19! However, participants will still need to get their timing chips and Irish Fest wristbands at the event on Saturday, we are not allowed to give those out ahead of time. Yes, you can pick up shirts for other people.
WHAT: Pre-Race Packet Pick-up
(You can get your event t-shirt & goody bag before the race)
WHERE: Arthritis Foundation offices
1650 S. 108th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
WHEN: Thursday, August 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(pre-race packet pick-up was originally scheduled for August 17,
but we had a problem with the event t-shirts and had to change
it to August 19. We apologize for the inconvenience!)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
You rock!
That's right. You heard me. I'll say it again.
You rock!
Cruise Elroy has 13 team members. 13! WAY TO GO!
Your t-shirts will be available from the Foundation on Thursday, August 19 (Happy birthday mom!). We had a slight mishap with the t-shirt printing, so the t-shirts are coming in a little later than expected. However, because you (you fabulous people!) joined a (the coolest) team, you get a spiffy draw-string bag and coupons too. The people who only registered as individuals (who I still love and appreciate), get plastic bags.
If I happen to get the t-shirts early (because I've got connections), I will let you know and you can have your shirts earlier than most people. Aren't we lucky?
Let me know if you want me to make a drop off early. We can plan something. We can even have a secret code like "the eagle flies at midnight", but not that one because everyone will know!
Until then...
GO TEAM!
You rock!
Cruise Elroy has 13 team members. 13! WAY TO GO!
Your t-shirts will be available from the Foundation on Thursday, August 19 (Happy birthday mom!). We had a slight mishap with the t-shirt printing, so the t-shirts are coming in a little later than expected. However, because you (you fabulous people!) joined a (the coolest) team, you get a spiffy draw-string bag and coupons too. The people who only registered as individuals (who I still love and appreciate), get plastic bags.
If I happen to get the t-shirts early (because I've got connections), I will let you know and you can have your shirts earlier than most people. Aren't we lucky?
Let me know if you want me to make a drop off early. We can plan something. We can even have a secret code like "the eagle flies at midnight", but not that one because everyone will know!
Until then...
GO TEAM!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Open Letter [read: plea] to my Friends Both Runners and Walkers
Hi All!
Here is a reminder that the Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest is coming up and Team Cruise Elroy still needs some more team members! I got approval from the bosses that I get to actually run the race this year instead of just working the event (that's right, I work for the Arthritis Foundation)! I'm stoked :D
All you need to do is follow these easy instructions to sign up online at http://runwalktoirishfest.kintera.org.
1. Click on the "Register Today" button on the left side of the page.
2. Click on the "Register Here" green button in the middle of the page.
3. Select "Join a Team"
4. Select "Cruise Elroy" from the drop down menu.
5. Fill in all the needed information. When you get to "Fees" section, you can either pick the $20 fun run/walk option or if you want to be officially timed, then you select the $25 chip timing option.
6. Set up your fundraising page.
7. YOU"RE DONE! There will be a t-shirt pick up day ahead of time, or you can contact me and I'll get your shirt to you!
If you're getting this e-mail and you've already signed up, THANK YOU! Please feel free to pass this along to other people who want to join our team!
THANKS,
Jen and 1.1 million men, women and children in Wisconsin who are affected by arthritis (and the other 45 million people across the US who have it too)
P.S. I'll be writing about other fabulous philanthropic options that you can sign up for including the Blazer Run in September and the WLC Golf Outing at the end of August at the Broadlands.
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