There's a Hero In Everyone of Us

I am asking for your support in the fight against childhood cancer. In August of this year, I took a job in the Human Resources department at St. Jude. I feel so blessed to be a part of this mission. Every day, I get to see what a miraculous place St. Jude truly is. I had already registered to participate in the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon on December 6 but when I was approached to run it as a St. Jude Hero, I simply could not say no.

Did you know that no patient is ever turned away for their inability to pay? For more than 45 years, St. Jude protocols have benefited patients from all 50 states and around the world.

Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Consider sponsoring me and helping me to reach my fundraising goal of $1,000. You can donate online at my personal Web page, www.stjudeheroes.org/users/23085.

Thanks for helping me accomplish my dream of becoming a Hero to thousands of St. Jude kids.

Gotta run...

~Lisa

Out With the Old, In With the New

Out with the old..




In with the new...


Okay, so maybe the shoes at the top don't look so old but trust me, if you could see the tread on the bottom, you would agree that not only are they old but they should have been replaced a month ago. I have always loved Saucony and the model that "was perfect for me" just happens to be pink. This is or rather was my 2nd pair of Saucony's but I began to question whether they were perfect for me or not as rather they are new or old, I ALWAYS get blisters at any mileage above 3. But they are the most cushioned ride out there. UNTIL I tried on the shoes to the left. I've never worn Asics. Don't know why, just never have. No running store I've ever entered has ever put me in them. Today, I took my destiny into my own hands. Meet my new favorite running shoe - the Gel Cumulus 10. There is a reason Asics names there shoes after clouds - the second I put them on my feet, I felt like I was on a cloud. They are completely mesh across the toe, very flexible, lighter than I expected. When I got them home, I took them for a spin -- very smooth...SWEET!!!!! There is one tiny problem tho...they're red. I'm not a red person, I'm a pink person. This is one characteristic of this shoe that I'm just going to have to deal with. I guess you can't have everything. Ok, so that's a lot blah, blah, blah about running shoes, I know but then I realized that there is a lesson here. For me, anyway.





Just like my pretty pink Saucony's, I have tried to make a certain person/situation to be the way I want it to be. And all the wishing and hoping in the world won't make my Saucony's quit giving me blisters -- all the wishing and hoping in the world won't change "her" (if you know me, you know who "her" is -- we'll leave it at that) You see, I plan to keep the Saucony's. I'll wear them on Saturdays, for quick trips to the grocery store, etc but they won't help my running progress. And even tho the Asics are not quite my ideal (sorry, I can be superficial, I know) they are what's best for my running success. I can't and won't disown "her" -- and even tho I can't have the relationship I want & need, I'll have to go forward with what I've got. I can't change the past, I can't get it back but I can move forward. I can break free of what I think things should be and accept things the way they are. That's what's best for me. Who knew buying new running shoes could be so enlightening.





I'll hop down off my soap box for a moment to mention that it was another great run in the park this morning. I can't say it enough, I love this time of year for running -- it truly breathes new life into it for me. At one point today, I felt like I was coasting, I was really in the zone. I ran a mile with no walk breaks at right under 10 min. That may not be too impressive to some, but after a week of battling a viral infection and laryngitis, I was not expecting great things this morning. What a nice surprise! It shouldn't have been too much of a surprise tho -- I was running with 2 of the most inspirational and encouraging ladies I know, Norma and Susan. We are gearing up this week for Norma's 1st 10 miler next Saturday. I can hardly wait -- new shoes, a new accomplishment for Norma and a new attitude for me. I'm going to view all my upcoming runs as if I'm running TO something new rather than running FROM my past. But for now...





Gotta run...


~Lisa

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Well, the irony is certainly not lost on me. This morning, I cast my ballot -- I let my voice be heard. Funny thing is, I physically have no voice. I lost my voice Sat afternoon. It comes and goes but it is for the most part, it goes. I open my mouth to speak yet the sound that occassionally comes out is indistinguishable and downright not human. It causes Teddy to bark. Anyway, I hope my "voice" is heard loud & clear when the election results come pouring in.

If you're like me, you're ready for this election to be over. I don't care which candidate you support, you have to admit this campaign trail has been a long one. I understand the historical importance and I am proud to be a part of this in my life time. Whomever is chosen, history will be made. We will either have our 1st black president or our 1st female VP, who will pave the way for the 1st female president. Although I don't completely agree with either side and I have my "preferred" choice, I think I'll be happy either way. I hope I'm alive when America elects the 1st black female president tho!

So, this time tomorrow, we'll have a new president and hopefully, I'll have my voice back. And remember, if you don't vote, you lose your voice...

Gotta run...

~Lisa

YES!!!!!!!!

She arrived at the park fully armed -- water, apples w/peanut butter, gloves and a big smile. She says she was nervous. I believe her only because I remember my 1st 8 miler -- I was very nervous. By looking at her, you would never have known.

"Before"

I think I look more nervous than she does.

I woke up Sat morning still not feeling well. My fever broke around 3:30pm on Friday but Sat morning was the 1st time I'd been out of bed since I got home from work on Thursday. But Sat had absolutely nothing to do with me. I knew this run was going to be the deciding factor for Norma. Her decision to run St Jude in Dec would be based on her performance today.

"After"

Norma with Coach Susan

As you can see, Norma met her 8 mile goal. Seeing her face afterwards made me glad I got out of bed. Not only was it a great accomplishment for her but very inspirational for me. On November 24, 2007, I met Norma for the 1st time. She wanted to run 2 miles by her birthday. Almost a year later, she has an 8 miler under her belt! It just goest to show, you can do ANYTHING if you want it bad enough.

Well, it's time for my next dose of Advil Cold & Sinus.

Gotta run...back to bed...

~Lisa