Reflection

Today is my fourth wedding anniversary. Four years ago on a beautiful autumn afternoon my husband and I tied the knot. It was a beautiful wedding! We started dated over 10 years ago. I was a young college student and he was a fresh college grad deciding what he wanted to do next. Now we have a beautiful little boy, own a home, both have great (stressful) careers and have a great extended family. A lot has changed in 10 years.

While reflecting on all of this I realized that I was also about 60 lbs lighter when we first started dating. I was about 160 a wore a size 12. I am currently in the 220's (ouch!!) and I wear a 18. Hubby has gained too, but not nearly as much. He was even commenting on some old pictures about how young we looked and how much thinner we were. He was actually so thin at one point during the academy that he was underweight and sickly looking. We just got to comfortable with a lazy lifestyle and now we are paying the price - especially me! We are both trying to better ourselves now so that we have more energy for our crazy little man and so that we can live to see our grandchildren.

This weekend will hopefully mark the start the effort of both of us a couple embarking on a lifetime of fitness. We are doing the EyeQ half-marathon together. This will be my second half and his first. I hope he gets bit by the race bug and want to train for more events in the future. I really need to company out on the trails and I hope this will encourage him to join me.

Pics from Marathon

Here is a link to flickr where I have upload the pics I took during the Nike Marathon weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8392824@N04/2980165168/in/set-72157608287276027/

Enjoy!

I did it!!

I finished the Nike Women's Half Marathon!! It was awesome and I will definately do it again. Being there with Team in Training was amazing - just when you think you can't go on someone in purple is cheering you on. Complete strangers come and run with you to support you and guide you. Seeing the survivors there on the sidelines and in the race is also awesome - if they can beat cancer then you can finish a race!! My whole experience was amazing- meeting a great new friend (ANNE YOU ROCK!), seeing our honoree's mom on the sidelines cheering is on, walking into a room with 5000 other TNT members, our amazing Mentors and Coaches for guiding us, my dear friend Jennie for doing this race with me and not thinking I was crazy, my husband and son for putting up with all training sessions and fundraisers! To everyone who helped me along the way - THANK YOU!!

Here are a few pics from the event:

Me pointing to the finish line:

My awesome friend Jennie:My son giving me a good luck hug:

The Finisher's Necklace:

On a great note: I am totally addicted to running! I will be doing my next Half Marathon on 11/9/08 here is Fresno. I am also planning to do the Century Ride with TNT next spring - so be ready for some more fundraisers!!

Changes

Why is it so hard to change? I have been trying to lose weight for years now and yet I am still stuck. I try to change my habits but no - I slip right back where I was. Why is that?

Anyways, I have recommited to Weight Watchers and so far I am doing well this week. I have been tracking all my points and I have stayed in my point range as well. This is really good for me - I just hope it shows at the scale.

Running has been so so. My family does not seem to realize that I have to actually leave the house to run. There is always something that prevents me from getting out. It is killing me!! My husband is cracking jokes that I can always finish the race in a wheelchair or crawling. It is driving me crazy. I am less than two weeks out and terrified! I know that the last 3 or 4 miles are going to kick my butt!!! BUT I WILL FINISH!! I have to - I can't let myself down again! I set goals for myself and never meet them. I always justify a way out. Not this time!! I will do it and I will be proud! Then I will do it again when I do the Trail of Two Cities Half Marathon on Nov. 9.

Fundraising is Done!

Yeah - my fundraising is done!! I met my goal of $2800 and went above it! THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS AWESOME CAUSE!! YOU HAVE HELPED TO SAVE LIVES! Now I just have to get ready for the race. Due to injury and training issues I am only doing the half-marathon. 13.1 miles is still going to be a major challenge considering I never seriously did any running until I started training in May. I am so excited but super nervous too. I know our coach has prepare us well but it is still such a daunting task.

Well, I need to head to bed so that I can get some rest to go run in the morning.

Back in Town!

Well, I am finally back from Hawaii!! It was a awesome trip. Two weeks in paradise. I only go a short run in, but I think my body needed the rest. Now, I have to get a few miles in before the race - I don't want to die at mile 10!!

Fundraising is almost done. I am only $43.09 from my goal of $2800. I am so close!! Just a month ago I didn't think I would even come close to reaching my goal - but here I am, just a heartbeat way from reaching my goal of $2800!!!

WHO CAN HELP ME - I HAVE TO THIS LAST $43 BY FRIDAY OCT 3, 2008.JUST A QUICK $5 or $10 donated at my website http://pages. teamintraining. org/cca/nikesf08/cdolliver will help me reach the goal!!! YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTABLE AND WILL HELP SAVE LIVES!

10 People - CONTEST!

Hey Everyone!
Okay, I am $200 dollars away from reaching my $2800 goal for fundraising for Team in Training!! I need 10 people to donate $20!! And I will be done!! WooHoo!!! I know there are a few of you out there who want to help and have been waiting - now is your chance I am so close and YOU can make the difference!!!

In order to encourage you all to make that donation the FIRST PERSON WHO DONATES WILL WIN A $10 STARBUCKS CARD!!! If you are not local I will mail the card to you!!

The race is on go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/cdolliver and make your donation today!
Love ya!! Chandra

Getting Closer

I am finally with in stiking distance of my goal!! As of right now - 9/9/08 at 11:30 am I am $350 from my final goal of $2800. This fundraising has been a test if patience!! I have learned so much about people in this process and I have also learned alot about myself.

As for training - I am finally back on course. I did a short run this morning, 2 miles and I will try to get out again tomorrow, but who knows if I will make it. We are leaving for LA on Thurs and then Hawaii on Saturday and I still need to pack! I will definately get a hills workout in on Friday at my inlaws and then I will be doing some long runs in paradise while we are gone for two weeks!!

I am so excited about everything!!

Good News!!

I am so happy to report that I DON'T HAVE A STRESS FRACTURE!!! I have been dealing with some serious pain in my right shin the last couple of weeks and my docs though it might be fractured which would have ended my training. The CT scan came back and I am good to go. Apparently it is just some isolated "shin splints". It still hurts but it is manageable. WooHoo!!! San Fran here I come!!!

Getting closer!

Okay - my yardsale was AWESOME!!! - I made $700!!! This weekend I have a boutique with Jennie and I hope it is just as good. Here are the details on that:

Training has been minimal as I have been dealing with some serious pain in my shin and the doc has asked that I take it easy. I am going to get new shoes - so hopefully they will help with the pain.

YARDSALE

I am having a big yardsale this Saturday starting at 6:00 a.m to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That's right 100% of the proceeds will go to charity to help find a cure for cancer. Your purchases are even tax deductable!! There are lots of kids clothes, women's clothes, toys, some household goods, furniture and other great items. Please come out and help me - I still need to raise $1600 for my goal. I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP!

Address: 5928 W. Rialto Avenue, Fresno - Cross Streets: Shaw/Hayes

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

- CHANDRA

P.S. You can also donate by going to: http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/cdolliver

Update

Okay, last weekend I did a little over 7 miles. It was a pretty good run - just some issues with my hips and lower back. During the week I have gotten in about 5 miles so tomorrows 8 miler at Shaver will probably kick my butt!! At least it will be nice and cool for the run - actually it will only be it the 40's when we start out! WOW! My hubby and baby boy are coming up with me to help run a aid station so that will be fun. Tonight we have dinner with our coach - so that will be fun too!

Fundraising still sucks!! I still need to raise $1800 and no one seems to want to help. I am at a total lost on how to proceed.

I do have two more events planned. On Sat 8/30/08 I have a charity yard sale - people have been nice enough to donate their stuff to me to sale - so I hope it goes well and I make lots and lots of money!!! On 9/6/08 I have a boutique planned with a friend and I hope lots of people come out and buy our stuff (cookies, jams, toys, and bows)! On 9/11/08 I leave for LA for two weeks in Hawaii and when I get back there will only be 4 days until the deadline of Oct. 3, 2008 to have all our fundraising money in.

I NEED HELP PEOPLE - JUST $10 WILL MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE!!!!! http://pages.teamintraining.org/cca/nikesf08/cdolliver

STUCK!

I am seriously stuck in my fundraising. It is all I think about and I cannot seem to come up with any ideas that will work. I need to raise the money (I can't afford to pay it myself) and I just can't seem to do it. I am so frustrated!!

Training is going okay. I have been able to get in some shorter (3-4 mile ) runs a couple of times a week, but between being out of town, sick or having a sick kid I have not been able to make it out to the long Saturday runs. That sucks! I have also been having a little pain in my lower back and that scares me. I have three herniated disks and I don't to be down again with them. (I was down for 2 months last year). I am sure it is because I have been slacking off on my ab work. I did a schedule this morning with a plan to run, do yoga, ab work and some weight training for my arms. I hope my family will let me do it!! I feel like I have the desire it it everyone else's schedule or needs that keeps getting me off track.

On a exciting note - just 31 days till I leave for Hawaii for two weeks!!

Rough Week!

Okay, since my last post I have been dealing with a horrible sinus infection!! I could bearly breath much less run!! Having a illness in the summer sucks.
We went to LA on Thursday night. It was a good trip - spent a lot of time in the pool which seems to finally get the infection moving out!! I did a short run on Sunday, still coughing a lot but it was better.

Tonight I am going to yoga class and I will do some weight training for my arms. I have also resolved to get back on track with my Weight Watchers. I have been majorly slacking and as a result I feel like crap. I know that coach doesn't want us dieting - but eating the way I have been the past month is NOT GOOD!! He would probably smack me around for eating as much fast food as I have!

Fundraising - This is getting ridiculous!! I am working my butt off to raise money and NOTHING!!! I am not getting anywhere. HELP PLEASE!!!

Upcoming Fundraisers:

July 30, 2008 - Tastefully Simple Party
Time: 6:30 pm
RSVP at 559-284-4770
Consultant: April Magnone

August 2, 2008 - Yoga at Perfect Balance Yoga
Time: 2 pm
RSVP at 559-284-4770 by July 31, 2008
Suggested donation is $15.00 - I need 20 people to attend or it will be cancelled!

August 6, 2008 - Hot Dog on a Stick - Fashion Fair Mall
Time: 5 -7 pm
Stop in and buy something good to eat!! 15% of proceeds go towards my fundraising goal!

Decision Made!

I am going to recommit!! How can I walk away from the awesome support that TNT provides or the amazing training that I am receiving. Fundraising is really hard, but I will dig my heels in and get it done!! REMINDER I HAVE A BUNCO FUNDRAISER TOMORROW AND THERE ARE SLOTS STILL OPEN!!!

The run today was awesome - it is a great location and great for major muscle conditioning and the mental game as well. We ran up at Millerton Lake - on the roads down to the trail that heads out to Winchell Cove. Lots of hills and the trail worked every muscle in my legs to keep me from falling down. Since I am so slow and even slower today because of the lingering knee issue and spend a lot of time running by myself that is where the mental game comes in. I have to keep myself going and keep telling myself that I can do it even when I hit the wall! Which I hit today with 2 miles left. I was exhausted!! I have not figured what will settle well in my tummy before training (so far everything I have tried has made me sick about a mile in) and I forgot to bring any gels with me today. I was just totally wiped out. My legs were sore from the trail and I had no energy. The last two miles were really tough - I finished them but I had to dig really deep to do it.

After the run today I felt really strong and I am proud of myself. I have come a long way in the past year!! I was a athlete in high school, but in my first year of collage (after a stress fracture that ended my Lacrosse hopes) I stopped working out. As a result I gained a lot of weight and got to the point that I could barely walk to the end of the street. When I was pregnant with my little boy and started doing a little yoga and walking. After I had him I started working out with a mom's fitness group - it was great and helped me tremendously. I also starting walking with the mom's in my playgroup (Jennie is one of my teammates now on TNT) and that was great too! So I slowly starting losing weight and bringing my fitness level back and I even became a certified group fitness instructor (anyone want to hire me?). I then injured my back and was down for a couple of months with PT. When I was released from PT I joined a mom's fitness challenge and lost another 20 or so pounds and got even stronger!! (I won the challenge by the way!!) While finishing that up is when I decided that I wanted to do a marathon - so I signed up with Team in Training and here I am today - finishing 7. 2 miles when just over a year ago I could barely walk around my neighborhood.

How do they do it?

How do people do Team in Training season after season? I can barely reach $700 (recommitment) when there are people who have already met their goals for season!! This is so hard - I have planned what I thought would be really great fundraisers and I can't even get people to attend. I sent out 120 letters to family and friends and I have had 11 people (mostly friends) respond! Talk about a slap in the face - my own family doesn't even support me!!

I guess I need to make a decision this weekend as to if I will continue or not.

BUNCO!!

BUNCO!!!

DETAILS:
SUNDAY JULY 20, 2008
TIMES: 3:00 PM & 6:00 P.M.
SUGGESTED BUY IN - $20.00
(OR MORE IF YOU LIKE)
WHERE: 1244 E. STUART AVENUE
FRESNO, CA 93710
RSVP BY JULY 18, 2008
JENNIE: 559-708-8940 –
csutwirl@yahoo.com
CHANDRA 559-284-4770 –
cmdolliver@yahoo.com
FIND THOSE LUCKY CHARMS AND RSVP TO JOIN US AS WE ROLL OUR WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE LUEKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY TEAM IN TRAINING. THIS EVENT IS PERFECT THE BEGINNING BUNCO PLAYER – NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED,
JUST THE ABILITY TO COUNT LITTLE DOTS!
WE GUARANTEE GOOD TIMES, GREAT FOOD AND FUN FOR ALL. THERE WILL ALSO BE GREAT PRIZES TO WIN – WHICH INCLUDE LIA SOPHIA JEWELRY, AVON, STARBUCKS AND MORE! 100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT TEAM IN TRAINING!
CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO RSVP!!

Today!

So this morning I get up and head to Fig Garden Village to run in the Rotary 5k race. Well everything was fine until mile 1.5 - I dodged a little dog that ran at me and slipped on a plastic cup one of the other runners had discarded on the path. I ended up banging my right knee against a retaining wall which resulted in me basically walking the balance of the race. IT SUCKED and now my knee is super sore. Otherwise the race would have been pretty good.

This afternoon I had my Body Shop Fundraiser. It was nice. I had about 5 orders so I will make a little cash for my fundraising goal. The consultant was a sweethart. The biggest surprise of the day was a $50 check I recieved from my neighbor. I am glad that I prepared flyer packets with coverletter about want I am doing and enclosing copies of flyers for all the events I have planned that my sister, her husband and my bother distributed through the neighborhoods around me.

The next event I will be concentrating on is BUNCO!!! This is going to be so much fun and will greatly help my dear friend Jennie and myself raise some much needed funds.

BODY SHOP FUNDRAISER - THIS SATURDAY

I am hosting a open house for the Body Shop at Home! This is the same company that has the stores in the malls that sell the excellent body butters and other products. MY DOORS WILL BE OPEN TO EVERYONE TO COME IN FROM THE HEAT AND ENJOY A SPA HAND TREATMENT, SHOP THE GREAT PRODUCTS AND ENJOY A REFRESHING DRINK!! PLEASE STOP BY!! PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS.
I have used their Tea Tree Oil for everything for years - I love it!! I will receive directly to my fund-raising effort 25% of the sales for the day! This is a awesome opportunity to help me reach my goal, to help LLS raise money for patient services and research and for you to get some great products (which many are part of their community trade efforts to help underprivileged regions of the world)! THIS IS A WIN WIN SITUATION!

Here are the details:Sat. July 12, 2008 - from 1 pm - 5 pm at my house. 5928 W. Rialto Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722.Here is a link to a website if you want to place a online order: www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/alysons. Make sure you list me as the hostess.

WEAR SUNSCREEN!

I just returned from my doctor's office where they cut out two moles on my upper arm. The doc is pretty sure that one of them is cancerous (It is a mole that had scabbed over and would not heal.) I now have two holes with 4 stitches each. I am only 30 and this is the second time I have had moles removed (the last one was a Melanoma).

I just wanted to share this with you all and remind you to WEAR SUNCREEN!!! The higher the SPF the better! and remember that you are supposed to use a shot glass full every 3 hours at least!!!!

Last night we did a gel tasting at Sierra Running Company - very interesting. Most of the favors were pretty vile in my opinion but I think I found some I could live with. I will be trying them out on my next long run.

Tonight I have a yoga class and then I will do a 4 mile run tomorrow and then another 4 mile on Friday. Greg will be home to watch Logan, so I can actually get my runs in. On saturday I am supposed to be doing another 5k race for the Rotary here in town. Which means I need to do more running on Sunday. I also have a fundraiser this weekend and I will post the details next.

Update

Okay, I have been really busy the last couple of weeks. I have been trying to get my runs in, but it has been hard and it has been hot. On the 4th of July, my friend Jennie and I ran in the Lemoore/Navy 5k. It was fun, but it kicked my butt because I had slacked off on my training. I was shocked how easily your body can revert back to being a couch potato. After the race we spent the day hosting a fundraising booth. It was a lot of fun and Jennie raised a good amount of money, but I was not so successful. Thank goodness for the Navy Cycling Team guys that were there, if they hadn't stopped buy to inquire about our training I wouldn't have made any money.

I went to the coached training on Saturday and my knee hurt!!! I was supposed to do 7 miles and I was only able to do 4. The path from the race on the 4th was a little slanted so I think I put some stress on my knee and has taken a couple of days to recover from. Last night I did a yoga class and it kicked my butt! My legs have gotten so tight, particularly my calfs. I thought I would die each time we did downward facing dog. After class I felt great - I will definately be going to yoga twice a week now.

Fundraising is hard!!! I am trying to raise as much of the money as I can before I go to Hawaii in September but I am struggling. If anyone has any ideas - PLEASE SHARE THEM!

Some people are mean!

I just don't understand why some people are so mean. Somebody who is support to be a support for me is just mean. I really don't care for this person and it is pretty obvious that they don't like me either. Honestly, I am doing this marathon to help others to get myself in shape, but to be told that I can't do it!! That just hurts!!!

Longest Run Yet!

Okay, Saturday morning I get up at 5 am, get ready and leave by 5:30 to go to Woodward Park. I am there by 5:50 and I realize and am one of the few people in all of Fresno awake at this time on a Saturday morning. WOW!! So then we get our route and we head out. Today is it a 6 mile run. I did it! I ran 6.2 miles!!! It was amazing. I felt great (except for the blister on my foot I endured for the last miles)!

I also organized a fundraising event too! I will be hosting a open house for a local Body Shop at home representative. She will be setting up samples of the products for everyone to try. I will then get 25% of the sales towards my fundraising goal. I am very excited about this! Mark your calendars for July 12, 2008 from 1 -4 pm.

Fundraising

I just drop the first of the checks I have received towards my fundraising goal in the mail. I have received 5 donations today for a total of $282.40. It is going to be a long hard journey raising the money - but I will do it! I am off to work on some letters to businesses asking for donations. If anyone has any other ides for fundraising please share them!

BTW - tonight is a 4 mile run!

5 miles

I ran 5 miles today!!! After a bad week - I wasn't able to make any of the trainings, so much going on at home, I went to training this morning at 6 am and ran 5 miles!! I am tired and a little sore but totally stoked that I was able to do it. This is the furthest distance I have every run! YEAH ME!

As for fundraising - I am totally stressed!! If anyone has any idea please share them with me!

MARATHON DATE

I JUST REALIZED THAT THE DATE IS WRONG FOR THE NIKE WOMENS MARATHON. THE RACE IS ACTUALLY ON OCTOBER 19, 2008 NOT THE 18TH.

3 miles at 5:45 in the morning!

This morning I got up at 5:30 and did 3 miles. I live out on the edge of town, so it was a great - traffic free run. I really enjoyed the quietness and nice cool air. I did the 3 miles in 40 minutes, which is a great improvement on my mile times. Slowly, but surely I will get better and go farther. I am looking forward to my run on Sunday which is to be 4 miles.

Training on 6/3/08

Well Tuesday night was a real treat! We got to do hills training. We ran about 3 miles which included some sprints, high knees and two times up a steep hill. Then for fun we went up the hill backwards too. My legs are sore today. It is a good soreness - but still sore. I definatly need to step up the cross training, I have to get my arms strong so that I can use them to pump my way up the hills. My next training should be a easy 3 mile run - now just to find the time. (I have huge wedding this weekend and it is majorly messing with my training schedule!)

I also need to work on my fundraising. Letters have gone out, but I need to plan some events and do some business solicitation letters too. I am actually getting a little freaked out about the amount of money I have to raise.

till later....

First Couple of Weeks of Training

First a little background about me - I have not ran in about 12 years. I used to run 2-4 mile every other day for soccer, but that was back in high school. I have been working out pretty regularly for the past year - but running was not part of that. So part of my reasoning behind doing this event is to get in shape as well. I actually have three herniated disks in my lower back and my doctor and physical therapist both told me that I need to become a "ultra" athlete in order to make it through my daily life especially as a get older. Well to become "ultra" anything I need to lose about 60 lbs. Anyways, on to my training.

Okay, so I started training on May 17, 2008. It was already hot at 7 am! We met a Woodward Park and the coach proceeded to have us run a "warm up" mile. Not too bad! I was able to run the first half mile with little difficultly and then I did intervals for the last half. We then did our timed mile. This was supposed to be our fasted effort - yeah right, I was already tired from the first mile. So I completed it in 15.35 - yeah that is a really long time considering that majority of the runners came in under 10 minutes. So I was determined that I am a level 1 runner and that I needed to do intervals in order to train my body to run.

Tues - May 20 - We met at a local high school track. It was super windy! I ran the first half mile, then basically died. I could not catch my breath. I was coughing so hard I started puking! YUCK!! Was able to pull it together long enough to run for the coach to check my form - which is great! I left practice with instructions to see my doctor regarding the breathing issues.

Thurs - May 22 - We met at Woodward again and did two miles. I was still having some issues breathing but it was getting better. Shin splints are kicking in! OUCH!!

Sat - May 24 - We met at Woodward Lakes at 7 am in the RAIN!! We did 2.2 miles. I did pretty good, feel better because it was a lot cooler and the interval training is helping me stay focused on improvement. I still can't believe I was willingly running in the rain!

Had a couple of days of walking in here - was moving offices at work so I could quite get everything on the same schedule!

Thurs - May 29 - Met at Woodward again. Did 2 miles and shaved about a minute off of my mile time!!! The intervals are really helping me.

Sat - May 31 - Met at Woodward Lakes again and did another 2.2 miles. Great run this morning. Had a fastest mile of 13.22 this morning!! I will slowly improve! We also had out injury prevention clinic. Learned some great stretches and exercises for my back and hips. I also spoke to the trainer about my shins and I guess I am one of the few that is genetically predisposed to have shin splints!! THAT SUCKS!! I have to basically keep stretching and massaging them and to just deal with the pain.

More to come - next practice is tonight at 6 pm!

Craziness!!

Okay here it is - I am crazy but I am driven !! I am going to run the Nike Women's Marathon on October 18, 2008. My goal is to complete 26.2 miles along the most scenic section of the San Francisco coastline. In order to reach this goal I have joined the most amazing organization. TEAM IN TRAINING!!! The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training is a awesome group that trains participants for endurance events while the participates raise money for cancer research and patient outreach. I can not think of a better way to help other and reach a amazing goal. I will be raising $2,800 dollars to help find a cure! I also have a wonderful friend who has joined me in this adventure - THANKS JENNIE!! My training started May 17, 2008 and I will be keeping everyone posted on my training.

Why am I doing this? First, my extended family has been touched many times by cancer (several family members have lost the fight) and I feel I need to do something to help find a cure. Second, I am blessed to have a happy and healthy little boy and wonderful husband. Lastly, I have had some very difficult personal issues recently and feel a need to prove to myself that I am better than what people give me credit for. I need to kick this depression and get myself on track!