Turkey Trot?

I've been running for a few weeks now, finally feeling better after a really bad flare of my ulcerative colitis that had me not running or doing anything active for a couple months. I'm so glad to be healthy now, it feels really good to be running again. I ran four miles today, and it was pretty easy...I was surprised to get back to my cruising speed so quickly, doing roughly a ten minute mile on what felt like a leisurely run.

While I'm planning on doing a half marathon next year, hopefully in February, I was looking forward to something a little closer...the Turkey Trot with my brothers this Thursday. But I just found out that's not going to happen, unless I run it by myself. I was really excited about doing a Turkey Trot again this year; I ran one last year with my little brother Matt, and I had so much fun that I was hoping we could keep the tradition going. Last year Matt ran the 5K and I did the 10K, since his area of expertise is speed and mine is endurance. This year, it's a different race in a different location, and it's just a 10K, so I was hoping to beat both of my brothers by using my (I hoped) superior endurance. But my big brother isn't going to be in Gainesville for Thanksgiving, and my little brother hurt his knee...So I guess it's just going to be me, all by my lonesome. I hope next year turns out a little better...

Sit down, settle in and get comfortable...this is going to be a long one...

I'm sitting here on the couch, finding it hard to believe that the big day is only TWO DAYS AWAY! I can barely remember how all of this started...

Way back in the middle of last year, I first heard about Team Challenge while volunteering for CCFA in Georgia at the camp for kids. I met a few people who had already run for Team Challenge and CCFA the year before, and I heard a lot about the race while I was in Georgia at camp. I didn't immediately think about doing the race myself...it sort of just went from a little seed planted somewhere in my head that week to an idea that gradually grew into a desire and a passion. I thought about it for several weeks after camp, wondering if I could actually do it. While I've always been active and mostly fit, I've never thought of myself as possessing the endurance to run 13.1 miles...but I just couldn't seem to let go of the idea...so I did some research, checked out some training schedules, did a few short practice runs...and decided to go for it.

From there, it was a lot of training, and a WHOLE LOT MORE fundraising...The training part went fairly well over the next several months, with a few little hiccups, the fundraising...not as well as I'd hoped. I needed just under $4000 in order to make it to Vegas for the big run with Team Challenge. I raised just under half of that, to a grand total of $1902...I was, of course, disappointed and devastated that I would not be able to join my teammates in Vegas, but...in the long run, I was still wildly elated that I managed to raise almost $2000 for CCFA...

I was still trying to get over my disappointment at not being able to run the race when, a couple weeks later, a co-worker mentioned to me that, "Ya know, you could always just run the 1/2 marathon in Gainesville two months from now..." And so I began to put my energy towards that goal instead...I took a couple weeks off training...Well, it was more like a month. With all the holidays and food and chilly weather, it wasn't difficult to postpone things...When I finally got back on the road, it was January...

But in the end, here I am, two days away from race day, and I can hardly believe it...time really does fly. I'm as ready as I'll ever be, and there's really nothing I can do from this point to be any more prepared. I just have to show up at 7:00 A.M. on Sunday morning, and do what I've been working toward for so long.

On a side note, I rather like the significance of the race being on Valentine's Day...I've never been a big fan of all the hoop-lah that revolves around this holiday (and I'm not just saying that because I'm single), and I really can't think of a more genuine way to spend Valentine's Day then running a race to help people that need it...and to help people that I know and love, by raising funds and raising awareness for a cause that is so close to my "heart".

I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who donated your time, money, encouragement, criticism, wisdom and support...This was truly a work of art in that so many, many people surprised me with their incredible generosity. With that in mind, I'd like to dedicate my 13.1 miles to a few special people that went so far above and beyond what I could ever have imagined...I am so very blessed to know all of you.

1. The first mile is for my mother, who is easily the most amazing person I know. Her spirit of generosity is like no other, and whether she knows it or not, she was probably the biggest influence in my decision to run this race. For as long as I can remember, my mother has been putting others before herself, always taking care of those around her, and giving much more than she received. I can only credit her example for the fit of inspiration that drove me to sign up to run a 1/2 marathon for charity. Throughout this several month process, she has given more of her time to help me reach my goals for this race than anyone else. She emailed friends, family and neighbors to help with fundraising, passed out pamphlets, sent follow-up emails, gave me ideas, and encouraged me when I needed it. She spent countless hours helping with the garage sale fundraiser, putting in even more hours than I did to make it happen...and I'm sure she's put in many hours of worrying about me as well. That's just the kind of person she is...and I could not have done any of this without her, not even close. I love you so much Mom, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I can't wait to see you at the finish line.

2. The second mile is for my dad. Like Mom, he's always been there for me, with words of encouragement. I'm sure the perseverance (read: stubbornness) that I needed to get to this point, and the perseverance that I'll need to finish the race, is inherited from my dad...My dad has always "made it work", never gave up, and refused to fail...that's just the kind of person HE is...and I'd like to think that some of that rubbed off on me. Thank you for your example Daddy, I love you very much, and I'll see you in 13.1 miles.

3. I'll be running this third mile for my sister...One day I hope that I'll be running it with her, too! Even though Melanie won't be running the race with me this time, she'll be in my thoughts. She's an amazing sister, and she's supported me in my decision to do this race, called to check on how my training's going, comforted me when I didn't make it to Vegas, and even almost made it up here for race weekend. I know you won't be there at the end Mel, but I'll imagine you there with your "Team Jules" t-shirt, and it'll be almost as good...and there will be plenty more opportunities for fabulous times together in the future anyway, I'm sure. I love you and miss you.

4. The fourth mile is for all of the friends (read: family) that I've met through Camp Oasis. I can hardly believe that it's been five years since the first time I came to the Georgia camp as a counselor. I can't congratulate myself enough for deciding to volunteer in another state, with tons of people whom I'd never met before, in a place I'd never seen before...one of the best decisions I've ever made. I have gotten so much back from camp than I ever gave to it, because that's just how camp is...Of course, only you guys would understand how this actually works. This whole idea of me running this race started at camp, and I was still on my camp "high" when I signed up for it...I'm sure you can all relate to that. Camp is so inspirational, and every year after camp I take away something with me, something intangible, that carries me through the rest of the year...And every one of you is a part of that, from the young campers I had the very first year (that are now grown up and in senior and LIT cabins this year!!), the teenagers from my second year (some of who were counselors last year!!), the crazy LITs from last year, and all my co-counselors...all of you have inspired me, and I am so lucky and blessed to have met each of you. Can't wait to see you again this year, and when the race gets tough, I'll just picture all of you singing "World's Greatest."

5. This fifth mile is for a relative and fellow "Crohnie", John Riley. Uncle John, thanks to you and your family so very much for very generously supporting me with your donation, and for the emailed words of encouragement. See you in June!

6. The sixth mile is for Orrin and Lucas, two of my co-workers that played a big part in helping me get to this race. Thank you for your patience as I badgered you with millions of questions during my training, pestered you into helping me with my running form, and nagged you until you "fixed" me every time I had knee pain...and ankle pain...and toe pain...and hip pain. Thanks especially to Lucas, for offering to help with fundraising, handing out fliers, badgering a few local businesses, and emailing David Garrard. Thanks Orrin, for telling me about the Gainesville race, and I'll see you at the starting line (I'll wave as you breeze right past me)!

7. Seventh mile, more than halfway done now...This one is for Reina, who talked me into running in my first 5K, and who finished the race, then ran back to find me so she could help me finish the race. You rock...and I still owe you an inner tube.

8. The eighth mile is for Chase, another fellow "Crohnie", who I met my first year at Camp Oasis Georgia. Even though I've only seen you twice in five years, we can still talk like we're old friends. Thanks for all the late night chats and "deep" conversations, you're kind of nuts (not as nuts as you think you are), but I guess you're alright anyway. I'll see you at camp...no ifs, ands or butts (pun intended)!!

9. Mile number nine is for Dr. Christopher Jolley and nurse Marcia Cross...My pediatrician and nurse growing up, and they don't come any better than you two...I still haven't found any adult doctors or nurses that can hold a candle to you. Thanks to Marcia for telling my parents about camp when I was kid, and for flying me all the way to Texas for my very first camp experience. Thanks to Dr. Jolley, for leaving Texas and coming to Florida, and for taking me to camp my second year...you're the best pediatrician ever!

10. The tenth mile is for Clayton, who was the very first person to donate to my cause. Thanks for being the first person to believe in me...Just so you know, it's going to be in the 30's on race morning, so it's almost like I'm running in Montana!

11. The eleventh mile will be for anyone else I didn't already mention, for everybody else who supported me and who helped in some way. Like I said before, I was overwhelmed with your generosity and support, some of whom gave so much when they had so little; it's meant more to me than words can say. I'm going to try to at least list all of you by name, but if I forget anyone, please forgive me...there's just so very many people I have to remember to thank, my memory is bound to fail me at some point...Cathy Crump, Gail Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Gaylyn Henderson, Stan and Geri Schuham, Ginny McLeod, Jack and Ginny Riley, Jim and Ginny Johnson, Art and Linda Godina, Marisa Gopaul, Meredith Bauer, Nondy Smith, Beverly Ellington, James and Kathy O'Boyle...Thank you, thank you, thank you!

12. Only two more miles to go! At this point, I'll know that I've pretty much got it in the bag, so this mile will be for anyone who ever doubted me, and also for the part of me that doubted myself. I'll show you all!!

13.1 This last mile is for me, Julianne Johnson, finisher of the 1/2 marathon! Only one more mile to go, so many behind me. Thanks to myself for putting in all the long hours, for getting up at ungodly hours of the morning, in freezing cold, in 100% humidity, for working through the physical and emotional stress, for not letting me talk myself into quitting, and for finally getting myself to the starting line...it's all downhill from here, right?

Change of plans

I wish I was posting this from my Las Vegas hotel room at the MGM Grand, hours before the beginning of the race...but I'm not. In spite of all my hard work (and that of many others whose help was invaluable), I was unable to raise enough money to participate in the Team Challenge Half Marathon this weekend. I found this out right before Thanksgiving, but just didn't have the heart to talk/post about it until now. I was initially pretty upset, and still very saddened that I will not be running with my national teammates and fellow IBD sufferers tomorrow morning, but I have come to terms with it.

Once I had the chance to digest this news, I realized that I have already come so far, and even though I did not meet my financial goal, or make it to the race in Vegas, I have already accomplished so much more than I thought was possible. To date, I have raised $1902 for CCFA, and have run in three races, including two 5Ks, and one 10K which I completed on Thanksgiving morning. I have a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which are the family and friends who have helped me get this far, whether it be financial or moral support that you have given me. I could not have done this without you all, and I am more overwhelmed and grateful than I can express with words.

I initially felt as though I were letting all of you down, and myself as well, by not making it to Las Vegas. However, I have the chance to make good on my promise to run a half marathon for CCFA...I have decided instead to run in a half marathon in February, right here in my hometown. I also plan to continue to fundraise, and I believe my fundraising website will still be up til January. Please continue to support me as I raise money for CCFA, and also please continue to offer encouragement and advice, as I have another ten weeks of training ahead now...

Tape doesn't really fix everything...

Training is going fairly, not getting up to where I was as quickly as I'd like, but overall I've been doing well. Ran five miles a few minutes ago, wanted to do more, but decided not to push it too much, since I have reduced, but not eliminated, my knee pain. Taped my feet until they almost didn't fit into my shoes, it's helping, but I can't get the tape to stay on for more than a few miles. I can feel it loosening, and that's about the same time my knee starts hurting. I'm going to look into some inserts this week, as well as some new shoes, if my wallet can handle it.

I tell you what though, I am really enjoying being able to run again. There's this feeling that comes over me, I feel so empowered, like I can accomplish anything. All the doubts about the race, about fundraising, even non-marathon related issues I've had this week, they all seem so much smaller, so insignificant when I'm running. I love that feeling, and it lasts for awhile even after the run is over, until life settles in again. I am so thankful to have my health back, what a precious, precious thing it is, and I will never, ever take it for granted.

Come to think of it, that's why I'm doing this whole thing anyway...Because there are so many people out there with IBD, people that haven't been as lucky as me. They struggle every day with their health, and I know personally that it's mentally and physically exhausting. If by running and raising money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, I can help fund research for medicine and a cure that can help all these people, many of whom I know personally, then I can't give up now. Even though I'm having some struggles of my own, trying to keep up with training and fundraising, it's nothing compared to what some people have to go through on a daily basis. So basically right now I'm feeling inspired, energized and excited.

On another note, I decided that I'm going to dedicate every mile of the 13.1 mile race to someone that I know. It may be someone that has helped me financially, morally, just inspired me, or all of the above. I have a few people in mind already, and I'll post the final list, with someone corresponding to each mile I run, sometime closer to race day...which is in 4 weeks!!!

Tape fixes everything!

I've done two runs since the last time I posted an entry to the blog. I started my training up this week, with two strength workouts, and my first run on Tuesday morning. I decided to try for an easy four miles, since it was my first run in a month...unfortunately my body did not think four miles was easy. I did fine with endurance, which was my only concern until now. Somewhere in the second mile my right knee started hurting, and by the middle of the third mile I couldn't run anymore because of the pain. I had to walk the last one and a half miles home. I wasn't about to let that get me down though. I enlisted the help of a very kind, knowledgeable and helpful co-worker and physical therapist. Lucas spent his lunch hour watching me run on the treadmill, correcting my form and taping my feet. I was encouraged by the information I received, and decided to test it all out today with a short run.
I decided not to pre-determine the distance and to just let my body tell me when I should stop. I taped my feet, and hit the road. Unfortunately, my knee pain returned after the first mile...and I was a mile away from home. I remembered some of the things Lucas had told me to work on to improve my form, and managed to make it back home without walking and without making the knee pain worse. When I took my shoes off, I saw that my tape job was sub-par and had come loose, which I hope is the reason I had knee pain so early on in the run. I am a little discouraged at this point; it does seem like everything that could go wrong right now is happening. But I knew this race would not be easy, and there is no way I'm giving up. I will be at that starting line on December 6th, nothing will stop me. It would just be nice to catch a break for once, have something go well.
I have five weeks left to prepare, and I'll be hitting the road again Tuesday morning, hopefully with a better tape job this time. Wish me luck!

Back in the saddle again...

So much has happened since my last post...I have not been updating my blog, because I have not trained since the beginning of October. Unfortunately, I got sick with the flu at that time, and then had a colitis flare-up. I nearly dropped out of the race, but the support of family, friends, and my trainers has inspired me to stick with it. I am recovering well, and should be back in training next week.
I officially committed to the race this week, turned in all of my paperwork for travel, etc. At this point, I cannot turn back (really, they have my credit card number now). I'm eager to get back to running...I'm also stepping up my fundraising game, as this seems to be the area I am struggling most in. With less than one month til the fundraising deadline, I have met only about 10% of my goal. I have some plans in the works to help bring this number up, but please help me by forwarding my blog and fundraising links to everyone you know. Over one million Americans are affected by IBD, so you never know who may be sympathetic and in a position to help.
Less than six weeks until Race Day!!

Another 5K...

Yes, it's been a couple weeks since my last post. Not much has changed...I'm still dealing with ankle issues, trying to figure out what works best for it. I tried taking it easy for a couple weeks, but it seems that my ankle actually looks and feels better when I'm running. This week, I've run twice, with plans to do the long run this evening...I did run a 5K this weekend, always love those...this one was tougher than the last one, lots of hills, and my time wasn't what I hoped it would be. I'll post the official time once the official race results have been tallied, but it's about 30:30. It was still fun, and it really helped to inspire me to keep going. I've been a little down about training since my ankle started acting up...but this race helped me to remember why I'm doing this, that it's all worth it, and my ankle has been doing a lot better recently, so...I'm back in the game!
In other news, found out that someone in the same area is training for the same 1/2 marathon in Vegas! I'm excited to meet one of my national teammates in person, hopefully in the next couple weeks.
My training is definitely on track at this point, I'm excited about that part of it. Seems the difficult part for me will be the fundraising. I'm not excited about my progress to this point...it's mostly my fault, I've only posted the website address and handed out a few flyers. I'm going to try to do some catch-up this weekend, with some emails and letters, hopefully I can pull it together. Wish me luck!