Team in Training Update / Blog #3

Hi all! Yet another update on the marathon training. The past two weeks have been interesting. I hit a bit of a training bump. Last Saturday, I ran 9 miles with a fellow Team in Training member (and not with the group) and had a rather unfortunate bout of heat exhaustion. Basically, it laid me up for almost an entire week and prevented me from doing any sort of training. I’m fine now but having experienced heat exhaustion in high school, I learned that my now older body is not capable of bouncing back nearly as quickly as it used to. I did a 10 mile run today without a problem, but I did “tone it down” a notch just to make sure that I finished in one piece.

This bump in the road made me realize that training for the marathon is a science! Everything in your body need to be in perfect order. As a first-time marathoner, I am learning exactly how my body need to be treated, and unfortunately it has been a trial and error experience. Subsequently, I originally wanted to try and complete it in under 4 hours 30 minutes, but now, I really just want to finish. The thought of crossing the finish line in one piece is enough of an accomplishment for me.

Fundraising update: I am happy to say that I have crossed my original goal of $1700! However, since I hit my original goal so early, I have decided to try for the second fundraising incentive for Team in Training. The Mission 2015 Challenge is an opportunity to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society reach its national goal to cure or at least make blood cancers manageable by the year 2015. This second incentive means raising $2500 for the organization. If I am able to reach the second goal, there are perks involved for me (like a Nordstrom’s beauty day) and ALL of the extra money will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So, if you have not yet donated, please consider doing so! You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntcoh/MNarui

I made the decision to try for the 2^nd incentive because I am finding this experience to be so worthwhile. Reaching the first goal means I do not have to drop out of the race; therefore, by helping me reach this next goal, you are further showing your support for the cause and my run.

Coming up: In the coming weeks, I have a couple of vacations planned. I will be in Boulder, CO this coming weekend. (During which I think the altitude change will be enough of a workout! It’s a “rest” week, meaning I am scheduled to only run 6 miles.) The following weekend I will be in Chicago to attend a wedding. This means that my running shoes and other equipment will be traveling with me as I land in various parts of the country. I am hoping that these coming weeks will go smoothly and that I will not longer hit any more training "bumps.".

Hope this e-mail finds you all healthy and well.

Mitsu

Team in Training Update / Blgo #2

Well, another few weeks have flown by with training! Things are progressing well. I am up to running 8 miles on the weekend (which I did this morning), and running 4 miles during the week. Of course, as the summer months have progressed, it has gotten very hot and humid. This weather makes the evening runs particularly torturous. Next week, the weekly runs will become 5 miles and I will be up to running 10 miles on weekends

A few reflections on how things have gone during the past couple of weeks. First, remarkably, my body has decided to hold up during the process. I still have many an ache and pain, but for the most part, I have held up quite nicely. I am also eating constantly (every 3 to 4 hours!) and find myself craving carbohydrates like I never have before, and trying to lift weights during the cross training days, which I am sure is part of the reason I have remained healthy during the process. (Oh and the totally awesome running shoes are certainly helping!) My knowledge as a physical therapist certainly helps and comes in handy when training for an endurance event like this marathon.

Secondly, it has been refreshing to think how meaningful this experience has become. What has been refreshing and heartwarming is that many of your are donating because you have been directly affected by leukemia or lymphoma, either individually or with a friend or family member. These notes that you have included with the donations have touched me and are an additional motivation during the training.

A few other updates: I recently participated in my first group fundraising event. This involved serving beer for 5 hours at Red, White and Boom (the Columbus fireworks show for those not from the area). I managed to make over $220 for my efforts. Still leaving me a ways from my final goal, but it will go a long way to getting there. After serving beer and wine for that long, I learned a few things. First, you really crave beer after you serve it for hours. Also, as the beer runs out, picture a scene from The Night of the Living Dead. Finally, when drunk, men of all ages will come up with the craziest pick up lines. (The crazy pick up lines and the fact I was serving alcohol are undoubtedly related.)

Which brings to my final plea. For those of your who have donated, THANK YOU! For those of you who have not, it’s not too late! I committed to raising $1700 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If I don’t make that minimum, I will have to make up the difference or else drop out of the team (which is NOT an option for me). So, if you want to avoid having me dip into my school savings, please consider contributing to a great cause. There are two ways to contribute. You can donate online at http://www.active.com/donate/tntcoh/MNarui

Well that all for the updates for now. I have remained true to the weekly training schedule so on Tuesday and Thursdays at around 6pm, when you think about how hot it is outside, you can remember that I will be outside running 5 miles. The weekend runs are on Saturday or Sunday and are a 8am. (Early, but at least not as hot.)

Hope all is well with everyone and that you are enjoying your summer. Please feel free to e-mail me any questions or comments you might want me to address in future blog entries.

Mitsu