Is anyone reading this?

Well, I have been slacking, on both this and my running, that last week or so. I did try to run the 8th after I got home in Michigan, and was supposed to do 6 miles. However, I only made it 3.5, maybe 4 miles before I couldn't run anymore. So, the right knee, which got the injection, was hurting and sore, but definitely not as bad as it had been. I was hoping it would be ok though; however then my left knee was bothering me, which I think comes from problems with my IT band.

I am starting class tomorrow, and hoping that I can work in runs/walking to my schedule. I have come to the realization that I will most likely end up walking the 26.2 miles, instead of running the 13.1 miles - but either one is one heck of an accomplishment, I think.

Any comments on what might help are welcome!

Hopefully I can get back on track...

I am going to Blue Ridge Orthopedic on Monday morning to get a cortisone injection for my infra-patellar bursitis....aka - my bursitis hasn't gone away and I need this to get through my training. Hopefully I'm not too far behind since I haven't been able to fully run for nearly a month. I know this injection is going to hurt, and will probably take a few days to kick in, or so the research says.

Alright, I've got to get to Lowe's to drop off a letter so we can do some fundraising there....

When the going gets tough...

...the tough get goin. I got through a 5 miler with Carin last saturday night and the knee pain was there, but didn't stop me. However, I'm still trying to get over my knee pain, but I'm thinking I will have to go back to the doctor. I got through a 4 miler with the run/walk method and a 3 miler too during the week but todays 6 miles just wasn't happening with my knee. I felt GREAT, but my knee disagreed. So, I think there will be a visit to the doc on friday.

I'm hoping I can get through my short runs this week, at least with the walk breaks.

Fundraising is slow, but steady. I am still ecstatic over what I have gotten so far, but still must press on. I'm hoping the fundraisers Carin and I are planning will pay off, literally.

YOU Can Help Save A Life

Hello Family and friends (and friends of friends)! I am glad you are here to read this. I have committed to raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This organization is close to my heart because my father passed away from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when I was very young. I have decided to run this half marathon in memory of him. If you could take a minute (or 5) to consider this, I would really appreciate it.

1. Gimme 5 minutes of your time- go to my website and learn more about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and my fundraising progress; read more about my training below in past postings.

2. Gimme 5 bucks- you can make a secure credit card donation online. You can rest assured that your money will go toward a great cause! If you would like to donate more, fantastic!

3. Gimme 5 friends- send this to five of your friends and help me spread the word about what I am doing!

4. Every 5 minutes, someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer- money for research is desperately needed so donate now

5. $5,000 - My Goal. Please, I cannot do this without your help.

Whoo-Hoooo!!!

So, I am super excited right now. I have reached the first $1,000 in my fundraising! Still a ways to go, but THANK YOU!

Carin and I went for a 4 miler on Sunday night. I ran about 2 of those miles before I thought my knee was literally going to give out. But, we finished out the other 2 miles walking - so I still did it after a week of nothing and it felt good.

Did a 3.5 mile power walk this week too....knee pain still hasn't gone down enough. I can take off another week to let it rest and then if I can't start running by then pain-free, I will have to go back to the doc and see what they can do. Carin re-assured me that taking this extra time off would not really hurt in the long run, and I would still have time to get enough training in. So, I'm listening to her. :)

Alrighty, that's it for now!!

one week of rest...

So, after not running all week - I'm feel like I'm going stir crazy.  I didn't think I would become addicted to running, but I think I have.  It makes it easier with a goal at the end of the road, though and I think that is where this addiction has come from.  Once I have a goal set in front of me, I'm not about to give up on it.  

Sundays are usually rest days but I think I will go for a walk tomorrow for the 5 miles that I was supposed to run today.  Give me the extra day of rest for my knee, but get me back into the swing of things a little bit. :)

Fundraising has started off well.  I will be sending in some more checks (THANKS FOR THOSE DONATIONS I HAVE RECEIVED ALREADY!!!) soon.  I definitely would not be able to do this without support from all of you!  

Carin got info on doing an equal exchange fundraiser selling coffee, tea and cocoa.  It's turning out well, and I think it's something different that people are interested in.  Not to mention the farmers get more out of it and its all such great product! If you would like something - drop me an email at madalynw23@gmail.com!

Some not so good news

Went to the doc yesterday because my knee pain was not going away and I was not so happy with what he told me.  I apparently have bursitis in my right knee and have to take at least a week off running and he gave me steroids to help take the inflammation down.  This is only going to a small set back, and I will hopefully be able to do some more cross training, swimming and strength training during the week, and be able to come back just as strong.  As long as it doesn't keep coming back, I will be ok.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!!