3 Miles with Some Heroes

3 miles inside again today since I have the kids. I ran on the treadmill while watching "Heroes" which I downloaded onto my iPod. Not the easiest thing to do while you run, but it made the time go by faster. I love this show and I am through 3 episodes. Great plot. Reminds me of LOST

This week will once again be a a tough one to manage training.

Monday will most likely be out in the morning since I have to take one child to camp in the early am on the way to work.

Tuesday I work out with a trainer.

Wednesday, I should be able to run

Thursday I am out

Friday I am out

Saturday is a training run of 14 miles which I do not know if I can make. So a very iffy week for me.

I plan to find a way though. I'll just have to make the time!



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: 11.1

Total 2007 Training Miles: 127

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 858

Just Me and the Kids.....2 miles from the Gym Today

Unable to make group training today because I am watching the kids while the wife is out of town. 2 miles inside at the gym accompanied by weights. At this point, I am planning on doing another 3 miles from the gym again tomorrow. If I am able I will do the 8 mile recovery run from home at 5am on Monday. Not sure I will be able to or not.



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: 11

Total 2007 Training Miles: 124

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 855

Starry Starry Night

With credit to Vincent VanGogh...

I missed the team run early this morning courtesy of a great night out with Craig Ridley and his new startup: Bluechipz.com...check it out, it's a very cool idea launching in August! And thanks for the O's Tix Craig, it was good to see them beat up on the pretty boys of New York last night.

Having missed the early run, I set out tonight to run 12 miles. I got back home around 10:30 pm having run mostly in the dark. The run was fine, but I am definitely sore tonight! I headed up Algonkian Parkway North until it curved around to Dulles Town Center at Route 7 miles(5.3 miles) and turned back. I ran extra at the end to make sure I got in the full 12. My GPS watch says I did.

That is the most I have run (walked as well) since the half marathon in Vegas last year.

I will have to miss next week's group run (I believe it is 8 miles) which I will do on my own from here as well.

Tonight it was definitely hot. Then it rained, and after it stopped it became a bit cooler.

I am happy to be done and look forward to 2 runs of 3 miles this week and then the long run of 8 sometime next weekend.

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: 10

Total 2007 Training Miles: 122

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 853

3 miles in Old Town This Morning

Pictured above: Hannah Macneal and her brother courtesy of the good people at the the Make A Wish Foundation. Hannah is now in remission from Leukemia.



If you are interested in a forming a foursome for a golf tourney this fall (October 22), please feel free to contact Hannah's Mom, Heidi at Heidi_McNeal@MSN.COM.

The tournement will be held at Domion Golf Course in Gainsville Virgia.

Thank you for your support

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 9.5

Total 2007 Training Miles: 110

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 841

3 more miles

3 miles on the treadmill yestderday.

Thank you to Sharyn Collinson and Deb Kasoff for their donations!

I mentioned that for the next several entries, I am going to share a remarkable young lady who is in remission from Leukemia.

The picture above is of Hannah McNeal 1 month after treatment started.

Make sure you visit http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=hannahgracemcneal to learn more about Hannah

If you are interested in a forming a foursome for a golf tourney this fall (October 22), please feel free to contact Hannah's Mom, Heidi at Heidi_McNeal@MSN.COM.

The tournement will be held at Domion Golf Course in Gainsville Virgia.

Thank you for your support

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 9.3

Total 2007 Training Miles: 107

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 838

8 Miles for Hannah

I had a terrible, tiring, aweful 8 mile run today. After going to bed at 1.30 am after my son got home from "Harry Potter Night" I embarked on 8 miles. I suffered the entire way. But I have no problems, and most likely, neither do you if you compare your troubles to the courage and spirit of Hannah McNeal. I learned about Hannah from my good friend Sharyn Collinson who introduced me to her mom, Heidi. Heidi was gracious enough to send me several pictures of Hannah, before and during her treatment for Leukemia. I thought of Hannah this morning as I silently complained about my run. Then I stopped complaining.

Thankfully, Hannah is in remission, but the journey has not been easy. But Hannah is truly an inspiration.

I am going to use this blog to share her story along with the pictures from Heidi.

I am reminded why I am doing this 2nd Marathon. I am raising money for girls, boys, men and women all over the country who suffer from Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Please consider donating to the cause at:

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

Your donation goes directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help those like Hannah fight and beat dreadful diseases.

We start with Heidi's description of Hannah's diagnosis:



"Up to this point in her life, Hannah had been a healthy child and for the most part had only visited the doctors for her "well" visits... (read story)

But on 10/25/05, we took her to the dr after we noticed that she had been bruising more than we thought was normal for her. At the drs they found blood in her urine & an enlarged spleen and liver. The dr sent us directly to the hospital where she was admitted.


Within minutes of the dr looking at her, he told us that he needed to run more tests, but was almost positive she had leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells (WBC). It was a completely surreal moment - especially when the response we were expecting was that she had a minor problem but that she was fine.

The ensuing days were spent trying to come to terms with the situation plus dealing with more bad news. On 10/26 we received a "good news/bad news" story. The story was Hannah didn't require the bone marrow test, but the reason was they found the answer from her blood test and knew from her high counts that her marrow was filled with the cancer cells. Her WBC count was 300,000 (normal range is 4,000-11,000). That night she received a "central line" (a catheter) in her chest, where she would receive the majority of her chemo treatment and for blood tests.

She had a very difficult time coming out of anesthesia from her surgery and maintaining proper oxygen levels on her own - it was a very scary thing to witness. On 10/27 they typed her with an aggressive form, Acute T Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Once diagnosed, they began chemo treatment immediately and she also had her first spinal tap..."


You can read this excerpt and find other informatinon at Hannah's website:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=hannahgracemcneal

Please donate to help beat Leukemia and Lymphoma!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 9

Total 2007 Training Miles: 104

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 835

42 Years Ago Today

The French president, Charles de Gaulle, and the Italian President, Giuseppe Saragat inaugerated the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Hot, hot run this morning through the neighborhood, but another 3 miles down.

There is no way you can run out there without a steady water supply and that is what I continue to do. My feet are feeling great. No shin splints. I have been wearing an insert during the day and I believe that helps.

If any of you are experiencing leg or foot pain, Dr. Petko is at the THE SOLE DOCTOR is the man to see. Great doctor.

Thank you for your financial and moral support!

Please go to www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncaDCole

in order to donate.

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 82

Total 2007 Training Miles: 96

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 827

10 x 10 (am)

A very good 10 miles today along the W&OD trail in Reston.

This week I made sure to stay hydrated throughout the week and I believe it paid off. My pace was solid except the last 2 miles were a bit tough given the very hot sun. I ran out of water about mile 8.5 and could not refill until 9.25, so my energy was really suffering. After filling up, I felt great. Also, I am going back to the "goo" gel packs for long runs, because the cliff bars are just hard to get down and not to appetizing in the middle of a run.

I had a great week of fundraising this week and now am passed $12,600 on my way to $13K. I really appreciate your moral and financial support.

Also, as I have said in my emails, I would be happy and honored to post the names of anyone you know that is linked with either Leukemia and or Lymphoma. I have dedicated my training to their honor in addtion to three people I knew quite well.

Please consider a donation and see those who have donated by logging into:

www.active.com/donate/tntnca04/tntncadcole


and feel free to pass along your friends' or loved ones' name to me.

Thank you for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 8

Total 2007 Training Miles: 93

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 824

3 miles from the Big Apple

A very rainy evening here in New York City. I went to the gym and logged 3 miles on the treadmill. Downloaded the TV series "Heroes" on my Ipod and that makes the time go much faster watching it while running.

I will most likely not run until Saturday, which will be a recovery run.

Donations are knocking on the door of $13,000!

Thank you for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 7.4

Total 2007 Training Miles: 83

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 814

Pieces of 8 Miles

For all you young people out there, the picture above is from Styx's "Pieces of 8" album from way back when. I dont expect many of you to even know who they are...but they were one of my favorites growing up.

A very early, and a very hot 8 mile run from home today.

Got up at 5 am in order to beat the heat and complete 8 miles from home this morning. I missed my training run this weekend with the team, but was priveleged to attend Brian and Belle Moon's Wedding instead!

The run this morning went well for 2 miles. The next 1.5 miles were terrible. My allergies kicked in and I was badly winded. The next 2 miles were on the high school track and the final 3 miles were better.

The heat for early in the morning was bad. I remember last year writing about how fun it is to run in the Summer Heat.

But all in all, I am happy to have finished and look forward to another 2 runs of 3 miles this week and a recovery run this Saturday.

Donations have been phenominal once more as I have surpassed $11,500 and am on my way to $12,000.

Thank you again for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 7.2

Total 2007 Training Miles: 80

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 811

1776

I am reading 1776 by David McCollugh. Fascinating. Proud to be an American.

God Bless our Country and our Men and Woman in the Armed Forces.


Hot run today, but a good run.

3 miles from home.

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 6.4

Total 2007 Training Miles: 72

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 803

800 Miles

This morning's 3 miler marks exactly my 800th training mile since beginning last May. That is roughly (off by 14 miles) the distance from my house in Sterling, VA to Daytona Beach FL.

I am very pleased with this progress. Certainly, conditioned runners can do this amount in a matter of 4 months, but I am very proud nonetheless.

Thank you for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 6.2

Total 2007 Training Miles: 69

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 800

Major Delays

They say you have some good weeks and you have some "off "weks. This was certainly an off week for me.

I had two business trips this weeks and although the business was good, getting to and from was not.

I took Monday off from running because I had run 7 miles the day before. On Tuesday, I left at 5.30 am for the airport and then was off to St. Louis for what turned out to be a great meeting. The fun started thereafter. Storms had wreaked havoc across the country, my flight to Dulles got indefinitely delayed and I ended up getting on a very late flight to Reagan National finally arriving home after midnight. I had to go pick up my car at Dulles the next day so no running on Wednesday. One long, hot ordeal.

Thursday it was 6 am again in the cab on the way to Reagan once again and then off to New York (after a one hour delay) for a round of meetings. Our flight was scheduled to leave LaGuardia at 8pm. We did not leave until Midnight arriving at National at 1.15 am due to extreme weather along the mid-Atlantic. National has lifted the noise abatement rule for some aircraft, allowing us to land. 5 hours sleep

Friday up again for an early 8am doctors appt.

Therefore no training runs this week.

I just completed 5 on the W&OD this morning. I will not lie and say that I ran most of the way. To the contrary. It was hot, I was exhausted (6am again today) and not into it.

The moral of the story is that rest is important. I should not have even gone this morning.

There are some bright spots to the week including:

• The many donors that contributed this week


• My Dad's (Jerry Cole) 66th birthday today. Happy Birthday Dad!


• My next run will cross 800 miles since I began training last May

Thanks for your support!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 6

Total 2007 Training Miles: 66

Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 797

While Moon Sleeps Off the Crown...

An awesome 7 mile run on my own today through cascades. I woke up with a nasty sore throat thanks to smoking patrons of the 1st bar we hit in celebration of Moon's bachelor party. I left the crew around 9.30 and they continued on at least until 3 am.

I am not the young man I used to be. At least I managed to get my 7 in though.

Up Lowes Island Boulevard 1 mile, another 2.5 miles on Algonkian Parkway and back for 7 miles total. Weather was some of the best in weeks: 70's and sparkling.

I went to the foot doctor this week to check on the never ending pain I have had on the sides of both calves and also below my right foot. This guy was good. 1 hour and 45 minutes later he had given me solid diagnosis and prognosis:

1. The pain had nothing to do with my weight

2. I over pronate on my feet, meaning that on the downstep they are turning sideways and my feet are very unstable

3. The shoes I have: Brooks Beasts, are the very best for stability

4. That my calves were extremely tight and being overworked and that they had to be stretched 3 minutes each, 2x a day

5. The pain on the sides of my calves were most likely shin splints. There was a slight possibility of stress fractures, but not likely.

6. He wants me to ice at least 20 minutes daily

So that is that. Seems I doing pretty well, and just need some extra precautionary measures.

I will be in St. Louis Tuesday, and Long Island Thursday, so it looks like Wednesday will be my only day for training before our 8 miles next week.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS AND SUPPORT!

PLEASE DONATE TO A VERY IMPORTANT CAUSE (THE LINK IS ON THE RIGHT)


Total 2007 Training Weeks: 5.1
Total 2007 Training Miles: 61
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 792

Hot and Humid Approaching Reagan National

3 miles early this a.m. along the Potomac River on the Departures Flight Path of Reagan National Airport this morning. Very humid. Very sluggish. Hopefully improvements by Wednesday when I will either run from there or from home.

See you then!



Total 2007 Training Weeks: 4.2
Total 2007 Training Miles: 54
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 785

6 miles Along the Capitol Crescent

Back at my old training grounds from last year. Today, the entire region inclduding groups from DC, Maryland and Virginia met at Fletchers' Boat House for a Group Picnic and 6 mile run along the C&O Canal's Capitol Crescent Trail. Seemed like old times, for this is where I trained from May-October last year.

The run was good, but I was rusty again.

After the run I ran into fellow staff and teammate Tira Gordon who triumphantly finished as well. Way to go Tira!

I'll be doing next week's long run of 7 miles on my own due to scheduling conflicts. It will be interesting!

2 training runs from home in the meantime.

See you then!

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 51
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 782

Ho Hum

A ho-hum day today. 3 miles, but mostly walking. First 2 miles were good. Last one was walking. My ankles were hurting today. It was fairly hot, but not too hot.
Probably one more run for 3 tomorrow and then 6 miles from Fletcher's boat house along the C&O canal!

thank you for your support in the fight against Leukemia!



Did You Know?

Someone is diagnosed with leukemia and/or lymphoma every 5 minutes.

Leukemia accounts for about 30% of cancer cases in children ages 0-14.

LETS WORK TOGETHER TO STOMP IT OUT!


thank you for your support in the fight against Leukemia!


Total 2007 Training Weeks: 3.4
Total 2007 Training Miles: 45
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 776

An All Time Great Helping to Fight Blood Cancers

Very good run from home very this early this morning.

Warmed up more extensively, and that helped. Stuck to a 2/2 pace and that helped.
Here is a Redskin Hero devoting his time to fighting Leukemia!

"2007 Honorary Chair

BRIAN MITCHELL JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINS BLOOD CANCER!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is pleased to announce that Brian Mitchell will serve as Honorary Chair, once again for the 2007 Light The Night Walks. Brian joined Light The Night in 2006 and served as an avid advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Light The Night Walk. We are thrilled to have Brian back this year to continue in the fight against blood cancer.

At the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Brian Mitchell became the first quarterback in NCAA history to pass for more than 5,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000. He also held the NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (47). As a senior, Mitchell rushed for 1,311 yards, passed for 1,966 yards, and scored 25 touchdowns (6 passing, 19 rushing). After setting numerous college records, he entered the NFL in the 5th round of the 1990 draft as a Washington Redskin.

Mitchell spent the first 10 years of his career with the Redskins as a running back, but he was most famous for his kick-off returns. He was a member of Washington's 1991 Superbowl Championship team. Known on the team as a leader, he was also adored by Redskin fans for his devotion to the team and his success on the field.

Following his record-breaking career with the Skins, Brian joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000 as an unrestricted free agent. He played three seasons for the Eagles and then played his last NFL season with the Giants in 2003. In February of 2005, he signed a one-day contract with the Redskins allowing him to retire from the NFL after 14 seasons as a Washington Redskin. In retirement, Mitchell was reunited with his former Redskin Coach, Joe Gibbs at Redskins Park.

Brian Mitchell currently holds 16 NFL regular- and post-season records for kick-off return yardage. He is #1 in NFL history for kick-off and punt return yardage and he holds the record for combined kick-return touchdowns, including 9 on punt returns and 4 on kickoff returns. Brian ranks 2nd all-time in the NFL with all-purpose yards behind legendary wide-receiver Jerry Rice. In 2002, he was named as one of the 70 greatest Washington Redskins. His stats speak for themselves and suggest that he would be a likely candidate for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Brian lives in Centreville, VA with his wife Monica and his three daughters and one son. He has not missed a beat since his retirement from the NFL and can be seen on several weekly sports shows. Look for him on Comcast Sportsnet's Redskins Post Game Show, SportsPlus WUSA Channel 9 on Sunday nights during the Washington Redskin season, and on his new show, The Brian Mitchell Show on Sportstalk 980am. He also has a busy speaking schedule -- motivating others with his experience in leadership and success. His records boast his great talent and his compassion for others is the mark of this true champion."

--From the National Capitol Area's Light the Night Website




Total 2007 Training Weeks: 3.2
Total 2007 Training Miles: 42
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 773

My Favorite New Trail

5 miles along the Burke lake trail today. What a perfect place to run! The run was mostly all shade and really pretty. Tons of geese and one snake slithering its way across my path.

This run was much, much better. I took a claritan before I left, and I think that helped alot. I did not tire like I did the past 2 runs. Pace was solid, but I would like to see it improve.

Another great week of fundraising, past th $8000 mark!
Thanks to all that donated!

Claire Green
Dan Phelan
Ellen Savage
Gary Zgorski
Gus Bougdanos
Jerry Cole
Ken Levine
Robin Raskin
Siri Tyler



This week, I'll 2 or 3 from home, preparing for 6 miles from the good 'ole Capitol Crescent Trail...memories from last year!
Total 2007 Training Weeks: 3
Total 2007 Training Miles: 39
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 770

A Very Fine Place to Start...

Had the pleasure of running today starting at our beautiful new building in Crystal City. We moved in on Monday to a sparkling brand new office that will make anyone associated with CEA proud. The place is pure class and I feel priveleged.

It was a cool 95 degrees today, and once again, my run was not all that great. I ended up walking most of the way. I have got to get it into gear. My last 3 runs have not been good. I still have eeked out 10 miles since Saturday, so not bad...

We train tomorrow as a group at Burke Lake, where we'll go for 5 miles on a beautiful course. Will be arising early in the morn.

See you tomorrow.

Total 2007 Training Weeks: 2.6
Total 2007 Training Miles: 34
Total Miles since beginning training in May, 2006: 765