Setting the next goal

Well it's definitely been too long since I've blogged, and if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that typing the words going through my head whether they make much sense or not tends to make me more accountable ... so here I go!

In my last post I'd registered for the 4 Bridges Half Marathon in Chattanooga! Well, my 2nd half marathon has come and gone, and I'm trying to figure out my next fitness goal! 

The 4 Bridges Half Marathon had its ups and downs! Fortunately my teammate, and now good friend, LeeAnn, signed on to walk this event with me. Actually it was all her idea! It was a beautiful fall weekend in Chattanooga, and most of the course really showcased the natural beauty of the Chattanooga area! 

The race started at Coolidge Park -- which is absolutely beautiful! This is where we picked up our packets the day before the race. 

Walking the race we were at the back of the pack most of the time, alternating with a hand cyclist. This meant that we had a police escort for most of the race. :)

We crossed the Tennessee River 4 times (ironically enough) during the race. Here's the view from two of the times.

Both of us had a lot more pain than usual during this race which really slowed us down. Unfortunately we both didn't do things exactly the way we had every other walk day, which really hurt our feet.

But, we made it!! One more medal to add to my collection! :) 

 I'm almost fully recovered from the half marathon ... read:  almost have a solid layer of skin on the bottoms of my feet! 

Yesterday was Thompson Cancer Survival Center's Buddy's Race Against Cancer. This is a great event! It allows folks to honor cancer survivors and raise funds for those who need assistance who are undergoing treatment for cancer. I was excited to walk yesterday for 2 very important reasons!

1. My friend and colleague Michael Holtz, who has been a huge inspiration to me in my career, as well as my fitness goals, asked me and LeeAnn to join his Buddy's team. Michael is truly an example of how much you can improve your health by doing things the "right way." Unfortunately this year Michael was diagnosed with cancer, and has been fighting his battle for some time! He's kicking major butt!   Team ACS/Michael's Warriors!

2. A year ago the Buddy's Race Against Cancer marked the beginning of my fitness journey. The race was the first athletic event that my teammates embarked on together. It truly has been a life changer for me! 

Here's a self portrait of me, LeeAnn, and Coach Missy Kane from yesterday! 

Here was our team at last year's Buddy's Race! 

Here's we are 1 year later! Me, Randy, LeeAnn, Julie (team before ours), Erin (this year's team), Arielle, Missy, and Beth (one of our team assistants). 

Here's another ones with some other past teammates, some of Missy's hiking pals, and one of this year's team members!

This was an awesome day of celebrating how far I've come on my personal fitness journey. I keep calling it a journey b/c I have no idea where exactly it's going ... just that I want it to keep on moving!

Including Buddy's Race last year -- here's the races I've participated in since then! In my 34 years prior to this one I hadn't participated in this many events combined!

Needless to say, I'm ready to make some new goals! Not quite sure what those are yet, but I'll let you know when I figure them out.

I'm so excited for the newest Biggest Winner team members! I've been in their place, and know they must be excited, nervous, and a little anxious about the journey that is ahead of them -- but I wish to convey to them that as long as they are true to themselves and use the tools they are given this experience can truly change their lives!

A little parting wisdom!

2 miles down ... many to go!

Just a quick update this morning about yesterday's kick-off walk at the Buddy's Race Against Cancer! First of all, what an amazing event hosted by Thompson Cancer Survival Center! So inspiring to see all of the cancer survivors receive their medals, and to see all of the teams walking in support of loved ones! Events like this make me truly proud to live in the community that I live in, and give me hope that people really do care about what's right.


Driving to yesterday's event I was nervous. Nervous about walking, nervous about getting injured, nervous about being held accountable, and not not living up to the expectations of my teammates, whom I'd just met a day earlier. I know it was just two miles. But, folks, the last time I walked a continuous two miles was probably in the mall at Christmastime, at the rate of a 50-minute mile. lol


Needless to say, most of my fears subsided as soon as I made it to World's Fair Park and my teammates started arriving. This part is going to sound sappy, and oh-so-very-Disney, but I feel like I've known these people forever. Here we are, a group of folks in all walks of our lives, thrown together by one common factor - our desire to get healthier, and build a better us! Yesterday was a day of laughter, sharing our fears and concerns about the walk yesterday and what we're up against in the next several months, and realizing that we're all going to make it. We're still learning each other's names, but I feel like we've got each other's backs!


And, our amazing Coach Missy! She made sure we were all comfortable yesterday, introduced us to people from last year's team, and other folks she's trained along the way, and truly encouraged us! I know she's going to be a huge part of our success!


Yes, I hurt a little this morning -- but it kind of feels good! Thanks to everyone for all of your encouraging words on yesterday's blog, and your encouragement in general. Most of you know how I am, if I want to do something I'm going to do it on my own -- that's just how I am! But this one task I know I'd be ridiculously stupid to try to tackle on my own!


Thanks to all of my awesome teammates for yesterday! It's truly the beginning I needed to build the inspiration inside of me! Lee Ann & Marie, thanks for talking & walking yesterday! I look forward to many more!