4/28 - 18 Mile Run Lake Hodges

Today I have to say was a rough day... It started out being a perfect day to run 18 miles in Escondido along the trails but the sun decided to come out and make it tough on me. We ran three courses today and the first one was running along Highway 15 and under it to the run along the lake... it's a nice out and back to the trail head. I am in charge of taking pictures for our team and I took about 114 over the course of the 18 miles... Yes, I know it's a lot of photo's but you know there are a lot of newbies out here making memories with each mile and I love capturing them.

Ok, back to my run... So did the 3 mile out and back and was back at the trail head for the next somewhat out and back... this is the part that was tough... The trails are so much nicer to run on but harder to train on... make sense? Probably not but to us runners we know there is a difference in how your body is reacting to the trail opposed to the streets... I took several pictures along the way.. of runners, signs, a rock and somemore people... it's funny I think I am distracted during the run with taking pictures that I sometimes think the run goes by quicker.

I am just about to head back on the third section of the run which we head out towards our coaches house which we conveniently have an aid station. By this time, I am struggling as I feel two HUGE blisters in each of my shoes... One isn't feeling so hot but I try to ignore it... Mile 13 is looking rough but I trug on and manage to finish the last 5 miles with some very bad feeling feet. I know it's the small things that I sacrifice to train, fundraise and run the marathons in honor of the people who are unable too...

After 18 miles, two blisters and a nice little sun tan I completed another training run and it's just getting closer to marathon day.

Keep checking back for more updates... I have a 12 mile run this weekend and then on May 12th I will be completing my longest run of the season; 21 miles.

4/21 - 11 mile training run

Our Saturday run was located at Miramar Lake...and today I was sweep. Sweep duties are basically you have to be the last person back in... We had teammates running 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 miles out here... I had to be the last one... I only ran 11 miles today due to some major stomach issues but I managed to help my teammates along the way... I ran with several people this day but mainly stayed with Gary the Brit... It was more likely that he stayed with me since I lost my breakfast half way through the run... It was a tough run but I was running for a cause and we had some bad news with one of our honored teammates that he has relapsed and his chances of survival is 15%.

4/18 - Track, Track, Track

Ok, so I know everyone knows this but I really do not like the track... But, I did it anyways! I ran in circles last night chasing the finish line... Coach had a great work out of 12 - 400's doing relay's with someone else on the team... It was Fun... Jennifer and I teamed up and had a great work out... My calves were cramping but it felt good... I wish I could say the same thing about my stomach but I can't! We all had a good time though and that is what this is all about... Running for a great cause and helping others that are unable too.

The Train Run - 16 Miles

What a day!!! I can't even begin to tell you how exciting this run is... How many times do you get the chance to ride up on the Coaster from Solana Beach to Oceanside and run back to Oceanside with 300 other runners?? Only with the TEAM do you get this experience!

We started out the run from Oceanside at 7:30 and it was almost a perfect day for a run if you just take out the sun portion of it... David and I ran together the whole way and we always tell eachother that we will stick together... And this time we did!!! Along the way, we talked and chatted and then there were those moments of be quiet I am in pain... SO don't feel like talking... But, we both got through it... Even with David pushing me up the hill into Solana Beach. :-)

I actually cut this run short of the 18 that I was supposed to do due to my IT Band being inflammed but I managed to get it massaged and work it out to where it somewhat feels normal... I was a little disappointed in myself but I knew I was doing the right thing...

Be looking for more... This weekend we are only running 10 miles... and then our next big run of 18-20 will be on 4/28!!! So excited!!!

Dear Friends,

On Thursday April 5th, 2007; my Grandpa lost one of his younger brothers (my tio) to an infection while fighting Leukemia; his name was Frank Medina and he was 67 years young.

September 4, 1939 - April 5, 2007

Today I am asking for all your support in helping me fundraise for my Tio Frank and to put a little extra towards helping fund the research for blood cancers. One day, we will find a cure. As I continue on my training schedule I have 56 days worth of training left until I take my very own venture through a 26.2 mile course in San Diego for the Rock N Roll Marathon. I have a closer purpose to a great cause that I have been involved with for the last two and a half years and I will run this one for my Tio Frank and all the honorees' that have been affected by this blood related cancer.My Tio Franks funeral is today and I was told that his rosary was very touching yesterday... So I am looking for donations in honor of him as he was a great MAN!!

FOR ONLINE DONATIONSwww.active.com/donate/tntsdh/RunDeborahRun

4/7 - 15 Mile Run Torrey Pines to Encintas and back.

Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday as I prepared for my 15 mile journey I had a much closer purpose for running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. On Thursday, my Grandpa lost one of his younger brothers to an infection while fighting Leukemia; his name was Frank Medina and he was 67 years young. The one thing that really touches me about him is that he knew his time was coming... In talking with my mom the day he passed away she was telling me that the weekend prior that he wanted to go see all his brother's and sisters. So with his wife at hand they took this journey, even dispite being weak and not in the best of health. He went one by one to visit everyone and especially my grandpa as he always worried about him the most. On Wednesday, he was admitted into the hospital around 10pm and from my knowledge he was given meds to help fight the infection... My mom went to visit him around 2pm the next day and she told me the first thing out of his mouth was not of his own health but he was asking how my grandpa was doing? In his weakest moment, he wasn't concerned about himself but he was concerned of those around him. He had accepted this fight and fought to the end. He lost his battle around 4pm on Thursday afternoon. He was a good man and will be greatly missed! So yesterday, I shared this story with the 80+ teammates and gave them another connection of completing their journey of 13,14 and 15 miles! His spirit got me through the difficult miles and kept me pushing hard.

Today I am asking for all your support in helping me fundraise for my Tio Frank and to put a little extra towards helping fund the research for blood cancers. One day, we will find a cure. As I continue on my training schedule I have 64 days worth of training left until I take my very own venture through a 26.2 mile course in San Diego for the Rock N Roll Marathon. I have a closer purpose to a great cause that I have been involved with for the last two and a half years and I will run this one for my Tio Frank and all the honorees' that have been affected by this blood related cancer.

My Tio Franks funeral will be on Tuesday April 10th so I am looking for donations in honor of him.

Happy Easter, everyone!!!

***Pictures to come.

4/1/07 - Carlsbad5000 5k Race

Today along with majority of my teammates we competed in the fastest 5k in the world. We all started in different gender/age groups which was nice as we got to see a lot of our teammates complete this race. I finished the 5k in 24:45 which was an improvement from last year but not the improvement that I was looking for. I didn't make it in the top 250 of my age group that I wanted but I did my best and that is all I can ask for. ~ Deborah