20 days until the big day. 20 days. wow. It has been an amazing journey. It has been difficult, painful, yet inspiring, and wonderful.
I didn't finish all 22 miles on Saturday. But I came as close as I could, about 20.5. It was painful to say the least. The big toe on my right foot started hurting at the first water stop. I headed to Fox Bay first so I could get it out of the way while I was still "sleep". Great idea. The toe was hurting and the pain went all along my foot. I thought about stopping but I was too far from my car, and my stubborn self wouldn't let me stop.
I walked for a while, to "stretch" them (if that's even possible). It hurt less when I ran, so I kept doing the intervals. I don't think it's the running that made my toe hurt, it was aching on Thursday. It is back to normal now.
Thanks to George, who did the last miles with me, I was able to make it. I was so ready to ask Robin for a ride at the last water stop. If it hadn't been for George, I wouldn't have pushed myself to finish. Thanks George!
I went home and sat in a tub of ice water for a while. Took a 30 min nap while the twins slept. Then we headed to Walmart, and finally went to bed around 8:30. I had a restless night of sleep, I think I was overly tired and just didn't sleep well.
I am nervous and excited, and so ready to get to Chicago.
Monday, September 17
Monday, August 27
Just keep going, just keep going...
One down, not many more to go.
My training last week was decent. Ran in the afternoon, it was hot but I think it helped me deal with the heat on Saturday morning.
Friday, I spent with a sick child. Candace has bronchitis and a throat infection, so I took her to the dr, and spent the day with her at home. Went to bed at 9 and was up at 3 AM. As I told Vickie, we are a bit crazy for getting up so early, knowing what waiting for us. ha. But we are proud to be crazy, aren't we?
I was feeling pretty good Saturday. My pace was slower than usual, and I did 1:1 intervals instead of my usual 2:1. I knew it was hot, and also knew it had been a while since my last "long" run. I felt pretty good overall, I didn't want to pass the 5 hr mark, so ended up turning around at the last water stop. I looked at Mark's direction, and that means I did about 18.5 miles. Not too shabby, I ended up walking back to Lakeshore. If I had had a granola bar I probably would have been able to run back, I was starving!
Overall, I felt pretty confident out there. I ran some 2:1 intervals when I felt like it and felt pretty strong. Those times when I thought I couldn't go any further, I thought of my niece Lillian, of all the CFC kids who can't walk, or eat, or talk, of the parents, and of my own kids, who have blessed me and are blessed with good health. Believe me, there is no stronger motivator.
I went home, took the required cold bath, 2 advils and finally took a nap around 4. Back to normal on Sunday, somewhat. My knees and feet feel great (thanks to new shoes) but my butt muscles hurt! LOL
Looking forward to Chicago. Like Cheryl said, I'm going to miss my Saturday runs.
My training last week was decent. Ran in the afternoon, it was hot but I think it helped me deal with the heat on Saturday morning.
Friday, I spent with a sick child. Candace has bronchitis and a throat infection, so I took her to the dr, and spent the day with her at home. Went to bed at 9 and was up at 3 AM. As I told Vickie, we are a bit crazy for getting up so early, knowing what waiting for us. ha. But we are proud to be crazy, aren't we?
I was feeling pretty good Saturday. My pace was slower than usual, and I did 1:1 intervals instead of my usual 2:1. I knew it was hot, and also knew it had been a while since my last "long" run. I felt pretty good overall, I didn't want to pass the 5 hr mark, so ended up turning around at the last water stop. I looked at Mark's direction, and that means I did about 18.5 miles. Not too shabby, I ended up walking back to Lakeshore. If I had had a granola bar I probably would have been able to run back, I was starving!
Overall, I felt pretty confident out there. I ran some 2:1 intervals when I felt like it and felt pretty strong. Those times when I thought I couldn't go any further, I thought of my niece Lillian, of all the CFC kids who can't walk, or eat, or talk, of the parents, and of my own kids, who have blessed me and are blessed with good health. Believe me, there is no stronger motivator.
I went home, took the required cold bath, 2 advils and finally took a nap around 4. Back to normal on Sunday, somewhat. My knees and feet feel great (thanks to new shoes) but my butt muscles hurt! LOL
Looking forward to Chicago. Like Cheryl said, I'm going to miss my Saturday runs.
Tuesday, August 21
In need of your help
As many of you know, I am using this marathon experience to help raise funds for CFC International. Following is the letter I will be sending out. So this is shameless plug, asking for your help too. Every little bit helps, and it would mean a lot to me. Thank you.
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
Dear Family and Friends:
On October 7, 2007, I will be facing one of the biggest challenges of my life, the Chicago Marathon!
The training I have endured will help me complete all 26.2 miles, but it has been my commitment to run this race in honor of my niece Lillian that has kept me training, albeit the heat, the rain, and the physical pain.
Lillian was born on April 22, 2004 by cesarean section after 24 hours of labor, and spent the first 10 days of her life in NICU, unable to breathe room oxygen. The doctors did not know why, and although there were plenty of "signs," only a physician who regularly encountered patients with a rare genetic disorder would have noticed them. There were also feeding problems, and obvious developmental delays. After being misdiagnosed at age 1, she was correctly diagnosed at age 2 with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous Syndrome.
CFC syndrome is a rare genetic condition that typically affects the heart (cardio-), facial features (facio-) and skin (cutaneous). There is no cure to treat all of the symptoms of CFC syndrome. However, with proper management and early intervention, much can be done to improve the health of children with CFC. At present, treatment ultimately depends on the unique characteristics of each individual.
Because CFC is so rare (fewer than 300 documented cases of CFC worldwide), there were no "obvious" prenatal signs during Glenda’s pregnancy that a typical ultrasound at the obstetric clinic would pick up, and at the time, a genetic test for CFC was not available. Lillian’s diagnosis came only two months after a test for CFC was made available to parents like Glenda and Kevin. CFC International was instrumental in the development of this test.
CFC International is the only nonprofit organization that serves CFC children and their families from all regions of the world. Their mission is to help families deal with the challenges of raising a child with a rare and often medically involved disorder, and to educate the general public and the medical community regarding this condition.
Lillian’s case is mild in the scope of severity of this disorder. Still, the challenges she has faced in her life have been plentiful. Lillian did not roll over until she was 1, and finally walked at 27 months. Now at 3 yrs old, she is still trying to catch up, with the help of a team of physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapists. She continues to make progress, under the watchful eyes of her parents. Glenda and Kevin are thankful to God that allowed them to know a definite diagnosis to Lillian’s problems, and grateful for CFC International and the help they provide families like theirs. Nonetheless, her parents understand that only God knows what the outcome of Lillian's life will be and they will continue to "run with patience the race that is set before [them] . . ."(Hebrews 12: 1)
As I run the marathon thru the streets of Chicago, it will be Lillian and other CFC children around the world who will be on my mind and in my heart. The challenges they face and the courage they show amidst it all will be my motivation through those 26.2 miles.
CFC International relies on the support of individuals, families, corporations and foundations to fund its programs and research initiatives. I am asking for your tax-deductible contribution to help CFC International continue their efforts. A donation of $1 per every mile I will run would help greatly, but anything you can contribute will make a difference. CFC International is a nonprofit 501c (3) organization, so all your donations are 100% tax deductible. Please make checks payable to CFC International.
If you would like to learn more about CFC syndrome and the efforts of CFC International, please visit their website at www.cfcsyndrome.org.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity. If you want to make a donation, email me at panama10@gmail.com for more information, or mail your donation to:
Kayra Johnson
109 Longie Dale Lane, Hazlehurst MS 39083
Checks payable to CFC International
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