Thank you to all of those who are supporting my efforts by contributing to LSA!
This event has become such an important part of my life.

I have raised $1,115.80 to date. I am half way there. Fund raising is becoming more of a challenge as I continue to exhaust sources.

There’s still time to contribute! All you need to do is print out the sponsor form and send it to me along with a check or your credit card info at 113 El Carmelo Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Spread the word! Ask a friend, colleague or relative to contribute as well.

February 26, 1998

This week has been a tough week in terms of training. I am running 5 miles 3-4 times a week. I am planning to increase to 6 mile runs this weekend. My mentor, Karen has been very supportive. We run together for the Tuesday and Thursday buddy runs and on the Saturday regional runs.

Last Saturday we ran a timed 5K course. I ran it in 30:58 minutes. Pretty good for a struggling asthmatic. My asthma continutes to be a challenge and this week brought more bad news. My left foot was going numb after 3 miles on my runs. A trip to the podiatrist and an expensive pair of orthodics solved my numbness problem, but I learned that there are other problems yet to surface. An X-ray of my reconstructed left ankle revealed arthritis and bone spurs. The podiatrist’s bleek outlook lead to a depressing evening. I trugged through my 5 mile run, meet a group of runners at the local sports bar for some H20 and eats, then headed home. Jamey is out of town so I knew that words of encouragment would have to wait until the weekend. As I sat at home tonight, I thought of the physical challenges I will face in training for this marathon. I know that the road ahead will not be easy, but I will never loose faith. I know that I can do this and I will!

I was thinking about Will tonight as I sunk into an evening of self pity. I thought of all that Will must have gone through last year during his treatment. I may experience some disappointment and pain along the way, but nothing compares to what those with Leukemia must face everyday. I was so devastated today when I was told that I did not have a runner’s ankle. I thought to myself, how dare they tell me what I can and cannot do. I know I can do whatever I set my mind to despite my physical challenges. I am determined now more than ever to complete this marathon for Will and others with Leukemia and related cancers.

I am also doing this for me and for every person who finally finds salvation in running. For so long I have lacked balance in my life. It has either been all work or all school and there has never been anytime to do something that I enjoy. I am meeting great people through TNT and the honored patients have more courage than most people I know, including me. There is so much we can learn from their strength and their struggles. I look forward to the fund-raising and hope to continue with TNT for the next season. I know that I am making a difference and you can too! Until next month.........Love Always,  Anne
 

March 1998

San Jose Mercury News 10K

I ran my very first 10K race on Sunday, March 15th . Go to the photo album menu to see pictures of me at the finish line! I completed the race in just over an hour (1:07:34 to be exact).

It was a hot and humid morning, but I was so excited to be running my first race. This would come to be the first of many more. I struggled through the first half of the race and by the end of the third mile I had blisters on both feet. I decided to take two 60 second walk breaks in the 4th and 5th mile. That was just what I needed to keep me going strong. Even with the walk breaks, I beat my usual time for a 10K!
 

This month has been pretty much the same as last. I am feeling slightly stronger, but I continue to struggle in the first 30 minutes of my runs. My asthma has been very discouraging. My doctor is trying yet another medication regime this week. Hopefully, some improvement will come in the next few weeks.
 
My confidence level is slowly building. It is hard to believe that in a few months I will be running 26.2 miles. My longest run was two weeks ago on Saturday. I completed 8 miles in about 1:40 minutes.

Jamey has been running with me! We invested in a new pair of running shoes for him this week.