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

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