Leaving on a jet plane (hopefully with no birds in the way...)

It's go time. See you all on the other side! Track our race chips at http://www.rnraz.com/home.html!

~RSF

3 Days

What seemed like forever away, is now 3 days away. Unfortunately, my hip still hurts when I run, so this is going to be a real challenge. I'm going to get acupuncture tonight--hopefully the needles work their magic. I'm also taking Arnica pills, Aleve, and using Topricin (a special cream highly recommended for soft tissue injuries.)

But the good news is, I have now raised over $5,000 for LLS, and whatever pain I feel getting through the 26.2 miles is really nothing compared to going through cancer. Hopefully, our efforts in this marathoning and fundraising will be part of eventually curing blood cancers once and for all.

It's just a dream.

I had a nightmare last night that we missed our races.

What if I just can't take one more step?

I'm totally freaking out so much about the race itself right now that I can't even talk about it. (What to pack for 70 degree weather in January? Do I need to bring my race-day breakfast? What if I lose a sock? Is my bullet-proof bra really as good as I think it is? Will my Ipod hold a charge for 3 hours? What if I get lost? What if I'm delirious after the race and can't find a shuttle back to the hotel? What if I choke on a jelly bean? What if... see what I mean?)

What I CAN talk about is the fact that Casey and I did not, in fact, raise $7,600 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We raised over $8,800!!!! And we did it because of you. So at mile 13 (as well as mile 3, 5, 8, 9, 10...) I will be powering each (undoubtedly painful) step by thinking of all of you, and the faith you've shown in us.

~RSF

Quick Update One Week Out

So Becky and I have now both reached and exceeded our fundraising minimums. Yay! We are one week out from the race and the anxiety has officially set in.

1) I haven't run for a week now, since I pulled a muscle in my hip last Saturday at the group run (through the snow).

2) I'm starting to think that I may forget how to run by the time we get to the race, since I am only allowed to run once this week.

3) I had a sports massage last week with someone I would highly recommend, Paul Jensen, who is also a holistic health counselor. However, it felt more like torture than a massage. Anything to fix the hip, though...

4) I can't believe I'm actually going to go out and run 26 miles. Is this even possible?

5) I'm going out today to buy the following things that Norris recommended we consume this week: pretzels, pickles, potatos, sports drinks, and dark chocolate (I already have bananas, which was also on his list.)

6) I'm getting nervous about what to pack (even though I have most of my stuff already put aside), forgetting something, and if my sports bra is going to fall apart during the race (1 of the straps is 50% detached from the rest of the bra. But they tell you not to try anything new for the race, and this is the bra I've been wearing thus far.)

7) Did I mention I can't believe I'm actually going to make it for 26 miles?

Please send lots of thoughts, prayers, and good vibes our way on the 18th! And thank you to everyone who has made a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of this effort.