"Here's Where the Story Ends...."

That song by the Sundays played on my ipod this morning. Seems appropriate...

I will miss China after a very productive trip.

Another 3 miles before leaving Beijing this morning. Very crowded today, dodging tons of people, cars and bikes, but glad I got the run in. Now off to San Fransisco for a wedding and a couple of personal days off before heading out to Vegas next week.




Thank you for your support!
PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDColethank you for you support!
Total 2007 Training Weeks: 18.5
Total 2007 Training Miles: 251
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 984

3 miles in Beijing

Recovered from Saturday's 15 and did a quick 3 from Beijing again early this morning before another full day of appointments. I have not eaten since luch yesterday. Something is not agreeing with me here.

Beautiful morning in Beijing!



Thank you for your support!
PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDColethank you for you support!
Total 2007 Training Weeks: 18.4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 248
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 981

15 Miles from Beijing...

"See China Right in Front of you..." Lyrics from one of U2's greatest: "Its a Beautiful day." I actually sanng that out loud during mile five of a 15 mile run through the streets of Beijing today, Saturday, September 22, 2007.

I had not planned on running 15 miles, but I ended up doing so. I left my hotel which is located near many of the big embassies here in Beijing, and headed West (I think it was West) towards Tieneman Square. I arrived at the square and ran right past the Portrait of Chairman Mao. I had knocked off 2.5 miles and felt great. My garmin GPS watch worked perfectly here. I hit 5 miles and felt great. Another 2 and I was fine. I had run 7 miles. I passed the CCTV (Chinese Telvision) High Rise and finally crossed over the street and headed in the opposite direction at mile 7.15. I had been buying bottled water every 2 miles and had finished 4 by then. Only 30 cents for what would have cost $2.00 easy in the states. I hit 10 miles and at 11.5 miles arrived back at Tieneman Square. I made my way through the square as I made a right.

They are getting ready for the Chinese National Holiday next week so they were building magnificante garden sculptures mostly doing with the Olympics. Beijing and China are no doubt thrilled about hostin the games next year. In the square, I truly started to tire. I broke a cardinal rule which says I am not supposed to do a long run like this for at least 2 weeks. I just had done 20 miles last Saturday. I walked quite a bit before finally arriving at the hotel having completed 15 miles.

It was a great day today:

*Tons of people out on the streets
*I kept singing out loud, they could care less. Did not even turn around
*Beijing goes on for miles and miles and miles.
*It was a beautiful day...Sunny and about 85 degrees, low humidity.

We went to an awesome dinner with customers tonight and here I am updating the blog!

Only a little over a month to go for the marathon!

YOUR DONATIONS NOW TOTAL OVER $17,500!

Thanks So much To:

Gary Shapiro
Jeff Calore
Marcia Grand
Nicole Samulka


Thank you for your support!
PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDColethank you for you support!
Total 2007 Training Weeks: 18.1
Total 2007 Training Miles: 245
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 978

Hong Kong: 3 milkes from 8,000 miles a way.

Here I am in China after a brief visit to Taipei. A typhoon just grazed Taiwan and spared Shanghai. It never really did anything here in Hong Kong where I arrived after a very cramped flight from Taipei.

This was really the first day I could get a run in on this trip which started Sunday, the day after my 20 mile run. I ran this morning up Nathan Street and back down to Kowloon Park which is a really nice walled in venue pictured on the right.

Along the way I walked along very typical Hong Kong Streets like the one to the left. In fact, that is exactly how it looked this morning.

It's pretty muggy here, but I am glad I got a run in.

Jet lag has not really been a problem as we try to visit as many customers as we are able to in fairly short trip. I go to Shenzen tomorrow and the next day head for Beijing for 5 days and lots of meetings.

Will report from there on next run!



Thank you for your support!
PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDColethank you for you support!
Total 2007 Training Weeks: 17.5
Total 2007 Training Miles: 230
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 963

20 Miles

20

Today was probably my best run ever. It was certainly the longest yet and we were scheduled fo 18 miles. We met at 6.30 am and were out on the W&OD trail by 7am. We headed West for five miles. I started
very slow for the first mile and this was key. It was very good that I paced myself as such. After 5 miles I turned back West for the next 15. This time I ran alot more. For one of the miles I ran the whole way. For 2 of the miles I ran 7 min, walked 1:30 mn. Eventually, I settled on a 4 min run, 1:30 min walk. I did this for 10 miles straight. I finished the 18, but since I wont be here for the 20 mile run I ran another two for a total of 20 miles.

Pacing is the key. I also hydrated all week long. I ate a good amount of carbs for dinner last night and also this morning. Definitely helped.

My only issue seems to be a very tight and sore hamstring and my knees for the first time ever are sore.

Other than that, it was great! I ran 6 miles before the long run, so I am happy that I got in 26 miles for the week, ever the more closer to the 1,000 mile mark which started last May


Donations this week put me over $16,000.

Thank you for your support!


PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole
thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 17
Total 2007 Training Miles: 227
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 960

I can only Imagine

One of my favorite all time songs is sung by a group called Mercy Me.
It's called: "I can only Imagine" As I listened to this song under sparkling sunlight, it made the run one of the best I have ever done. No humidity and cooler temperatures made it all the more comfortable.

The song also makes me think of team Hoyt. If you have never heard or read about them, you can watch a great video of them at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

The video is enhanced by the song. Paste the address above into your browser, and watch...you will be inspired.

Things are going well, at least better than last Saturday. I have another 3 miler tomorrow and then a big 18 mile run on Saturday.

Thanks to you contributions are now over $16,000!

Thank you for your supprt!

LEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 16.4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 201
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 934

Way to Go Tira!

Congratulations to Tira Gordon who ran the Virginia Beach Rock-n-Roll Half-Marathon. This was her first!

She is continuing to train for the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of next month.

As for me, I had 2 runs of three miles during the week, and a 12 mile run today through Vienna. This was not a fun one. After mile 2 it seemed that I was wiped out. It could have something to do with a very busy travel schedule through LA and Denver this past week. Anyway, it was not a fun experience. Still another 18 miles down on my approach to 1000 miles since beginning training last year.

Thank you for all of your support!

LEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 16
Total 2007 Training Miles: 198
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 931

Keeping Pace

3 miles through the neighborhood this morning. A bit more hot.


Thanks to all who have donated recently. We have surpassed $15,000!!!

Al and Barbie Lutz

Anjta Kalov

Anonymous

Allie Carney

Allyson Pahmer

Brian and Belle Moon

Gaiya Sims and Fiance Kevin

Helena Fellows

Jace Wieser

Jason and Molly Stookey

Laurie Rucker

Liz and Pete Tardif

Sarah Szabo

Tom and Martie Omberg

Tony Stanley

LEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 15.2
Total 2007 Training Miles: 185
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 916

Sparkling 10 miles

10 miles on a superb morning. Temperature just right and the run was excllent. Very good pace. I ran up to Algonkian parkway, crossed route 7, went to Whiele, turned left and turned around at 5 miles, and completed the 5 miles back.

Great, great run

Thanks to all who have donated recently. We have surpassed $15,000!!!

Al and Barbie Lutz

Anjta Kalov

Anonymous

Allie Carney

Allyson Pahmer

Brian and Belle Moon

Gaiya Sims and Fiance Kevin

Helena Fellows

Jace Wieser

Jason and Molly Stookey

Laurie Rucker

Liz and Pete Tardif

Sarah Szabo

Tom and Martie Omberg

Tony Stanley

LEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 15
Total 2007 Training Miles: 182
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 913

Today is for You Matt

3 years ago today I lost one of my best friends. Matt Meyer was 35 years old and developed a brain tumor at the age of 32. I remember my wife calling me and telling me that Matt was down in Baltimore on a business trip, had passed out and was in a city hospital. I had been on my way to work and simply continued driving to Baltimore.

I was in the room when he and Doris received the news. The X-Rays showed an early stage brain tumor. Needless to say, we were all devastated, and that night started a 3 year fight that showed me what's really important in life. Matt fought valiently. He and Doris went down to Duke University almost every week for treatment. Sometimes I went with them. Sometimes, he hitched "Angel rides," from local pilots flying south, who would transfer him from plane to plane until he and Doris arrived.

I remember when local sportcaster Glenn Brenner died of a brain tumor and how Gordon Peterson said that it would be a lie to say that Glenn did not suffer. He did. But he did so with grace. Same with Matt. How frightening it must have been to face leaving his family and this world. But he faced it with grace and dignity and a sense of humor too. I remember the levity in the air as all 3 of us talked about his funeral plans.

And then, 3 years ago today, I got a message from Doris. And later that week, we said goodbye to Matt.

I said Goodbye to a dear friend
My son said goodbye to his Godfather
Doris and the boys said goodbye to a dad and husband
June said goodbye to her son
and the world said goodbye to a real hero.

There has not been a day that has passed that I have not thought of Matt. I find pennies constantly. Doris said he always talked about "pennies from heaven." I know that they are from Matt.


My run was in tribute and memory to you Matt. You can pay him tribute today by your kindness to others and in remembering your loved ones that have made your life special.

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 14.5
Total 2007 Training Miles: 172
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 903
ONE DAY AT A TIME

900 Miles

Wow.

I am so grateful for all the support that I have received in the past year and 4 months. I would have never dreamed of going a distance of 900 miles since then let alone 10! I am most pleased that this achievement is part of a bigger one objective: helping fight the diseases of AIDS and Leukemia and Lymphoma.

I plan on continuing until I cant do it anymore!

Thank you for your support!

Please consider a donation at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 1.4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 169
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 900

I'm resigned

My fellow Americans, I am resigned to the fact that giving to help fight the terrible diseases of Leukemia and Lymphoma is good thing.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go tell "Dubya" about this resignation. In the meantime, be resigned like me! Consider a donation at:P

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Great 3 miles this morning. A bit cooler and it felt great! Pace improving nicely. I am looking forward to fall temperatures!

Thank you for your support!

Please consider a donation at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Thank you for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 14
Total 2007 Training Miles: 166
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 897

Long Run of 15 miles

Whew, that was a long run I just completed around the wyatt howse...Ma fellow amuricans, I hope yer havin' a good summer. I just got back from visitin' my mama and daddy up in Maine. They asked me to remind you to donate to a real good charity:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

I've been very concerned about being behind in all my training. I've missed several long runs. I am thrilled to report that all changed today. It cooled down signifigantly here at the beach this afternoon as I set out to run 10 miles. I ended up running 15, and feeling like I could do another 5. It felt terrific. I am now 6 miles away from breaking 900 miles since last May. My path took me through the Northern Outer Banks to where they road actually ends and beach acess begins. The sand is actually considered a continuation of Highway 12. I ran out of water after 8 miles and stopped at a convenience store and filled up (Camelback holds about 25 ounces). It was the best run I can remember in a long long time.

Thanks to Liz Tardif and Sarah Szabo for donating. Please consider a donation at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Thank you for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 13.4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 163
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 894

It's Hot Hot Hot....

That's right it's hot hot hot.....everybody...join in...hot hot hot, donate now and feel real hot, hot hot hot...

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Way too hot today....Brutal. 3 miles nonentheless. Only 2 months to the marathon and the longest run I have completed is 12 miles about a month ago. I have missed the 14 miler and will miss the 16 miler this upcoming Saturday. But, I have remained consistent on the 3 milers. I am getting with the program coaches to figure out my plan for the next 60 days.

Thanks for your support!

LEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 13
Total 2007 Training Miles: 148
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 879

5 Pircint....

"That's right...this here darlin', the luv of mah life, is giving 5% of all the cash that she and that feller git for gittin' hitched. Yessir, she's summin special."

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole


7 straight days of exercise and I am tired. Slow 3 miles today, mostly walking. 2 days break now and I will be back.

Thank you for your support!


PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12.5

Total 2007 Training Miles: 145

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 876

Rainy Day Trinds

"Now, here I'mma showin yas the upward trinds of Dan Cole's fundraisin'. If yer looka over here, you can see that my embrella reaches fare and low at the bottom and goes up. Great trinds, I'll tell yer that much...Its spactackular....please give wontcha?"

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Sometimes the rain feels awesome. It did so today. Was able to get in three around the neighborhood and the rain helped alot. Great pace. Feeling good.


I am still having a good time.

Thanks for your support





PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12.4

Total 2007 Training Miles: 142

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 873

You Tell Him George...

"Justa dough-nayshun Karl, that's all Ima askin"

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Another run in Old Town Alexandria today with significantly less humidity. It felt great. Everything feels great. My only concern is that I have missed 2 long runs now: 8 miles last Saturday and 14 miles the week before. I will miss the 16 mile run this Saturday and the 8 mile recovery run next week. I plan to make it all up though, and as I do, it will bring me up around the 900 mile mark since last May.

Thanks for your donation Allyson!!!

Back on Thursday...


PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12.2

Total 2007 Training Miles: 139

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 870

Bridging the Gap ( between what, I dont know)

A very hot 3 miles today in Old Town Alexandria. Ran all the way to the Wilson Bridge. I remember the year they started work on the bridge, that very day, I ran there and saw the TV reporters covering it. 6 years later, there was still some construction going on there.

Happy to have another 3 miles down.

Thannks Jace, Allison and Tony for your donations this morning!

PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12.1

Total 2007 Training Miles: 136

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 867

"Summer Runnin',,,had me a blast..."

Another night run. I enjoy these. Very quiet, very calming. Very, very hot tonight.

Another 3 miles down...

Thank you to all who continue to support the cause. I think of you and the cause as I run.



PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12.1

Total 2007 Training Miles: 133

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 864

See It If you Have Not

Watched this movie on the plane this week. It was excellent.



3 miles tonight. It felt really good. I was jut not able to work out this week except for Wednesday. My pace was strong and the heat was not a factor.

I look forward to more training runs this week. We leave for the beach next Saturday....



PLEASE DONATE TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA at:

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

thank you for you support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 12

Total 2007 Training Miles: 130

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 861