I ran for Bob Piercy Yesterday

Last Friday, I was checking my news feed on Facebook and I was sad to see that Team In Training patient honoree Bob Piercy passed away. If you ever went to a Chicago Team in Training Event you met or heard Bob speak. As one person put it, "Bob was nothing short of amazing and inspirational." Bob was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL. ALL is a form of leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells.
From Bob's energetic speeches to his updates on Facebook he was so positive he inspired you.
If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know I had to run 16 miles on a treadmill yesterday. Why I had to run 16 miles on a treadmill is a story for another time. The fact is that I needed to run my 16 miles for preparation for the Madison Marathon and getting on a treadmill was the only way it was going to happen this weekend.
When Bob spoke he always talked about how he heard about Team In Training. He was watching the Chicago Marathon one year and noticed all the people in purple. He always wanted to join the crowds of people running the streets but his heath would not let him. From then on he has been a big supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Even though his heath would not let him physically join us he was always with us in spirit. Yesterday's training for me was no different.
If you run on a treadmill you know it gets very boring and difficult. With any long distance part of your training is mental. With a tredmill you are not going anywhere, the room gets really hot, if you don't have a TV in front of you you're staring at a wall. I wanted to give up at mile 12. I thought about Bob, who was always there supporting everyone in Team. His positive energy flowing to everyone. So I said to myself this is for Bob and for all of those who can't run. I finished my 16 mile run.
I'm not fundraising this season for the LLS but I am coaching the participants of Team In fundraising Training this summer and fall train for the sold out Chicago Marathon who are fundrasing.
If you are interesting in tackling your first Marathon or your 9th and making a difference by helping find a cure for blood cancers you can attend one of our Information Sessions listed here.
Or help make a donation to people who are fundraing.
My friend Jo, who runs in memory of her mom and was my running buddy throughout last summer is trainining for Elkhart Lake Triathon this June. Click Here to see her story.
My friend Fish who runs in honor for his mother is training for Steelhead 70.3 Triatholon. Click here to see his story.

From Bobby on the Run

One Year Ago...Merry XMAS

This morning I went for a run. No surprise there I know. I was thinking where I was last Christmas Eve. I wasn't running, I was sitting in the waiting room at Lutheran General Hospital.  It was honestly the scariest Christmas Eve I have ever had. Today marks the one year anniversary of my Dad's Triple Bypass Surgery. There was no running that day. I was running on 2 hours of sleep and doing anything to keep awake and keep my mind busy. 
You know what happed 20 minutes ago? I just got off the phone with my Dad. Telling me he can't wait to meet my girlfriend for the first time tonight. All I can think that there is no gift is greater then still having my Dad in my life. It was the greatest gift in the world when I finished Steelhead70.3 this summer and seeing both of my parents waiting for me. I was so happy I cried in there arms. It wasn't the fact that I finished one of the hardest challenges in my life but the fact that my Dad and mom were there to help me celebrate it. 
I don't care what Santa brings me tomorrow, because I still have my Dad and no gift is greater. 

On a side note I am hoping for some winter running gear or a iPad.

Team in Training needs Volunteers at the Water Stops for our 18 & 20 miler

Team in Training needs people to man Water Stations for the 18 & 20 miler!

We need help one last time this season for our biggest and longest training yet. If you're not training right now come on out and support your fellow TEAM mates. If you are training, wouldn't you love to have your family and friends out there supporting you? Do you know any kids who need community service hours? We need help to support our Team in Training Athletes training for the Chicago and Nike Marathons! Helping them helps to save lives as they are raising funds to find a cure! We are looking for volunteers to man our waterstops for our longest trainings of the fall marathon season, not only to pass out water and gatorade but to cheer our participants on and make these trainings extra fun and special and to show everyone on these paths training that day thatTEAM in TRAINING Rocks! When and Where: Saturday, September 4 & Saturday, September 18 on the Chicago Lakefront Specific waterstops will be assigned when you sign up! Who: Anyone who would like to come out and support the TEAM! *We will sign letters for anyone who uses this opportunity to get community for service hours. *If you are training these days this is a great way for your friends and family to show their support for YOU! Time: Training starts at 7:00 am. Not everyone will have to begin at 7:00 am and no one will have to stay the entire training unless they want to. Shifts will be assigned when you sign up. What do volunteers have to bring and what do they have to do? We will provide coolers with water and gatorade, cups and sports nutrition (power gels and bars). We will also provide directions to water stop locations. Volunteers need to bring their enthusiasm and support and anything else they would like to bring to support our athletes (snacks, fruit, signs, cowbells). They will pass out water and gatorade to our athletes and cheer them on. They can set up whatever kind of fun cheer station they want! Interested? Contact Marie Jarrell at 708-359-1989 ormysunbow@yahoo.com