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