Sarah Moise Young's Team In Training Page
Racing to Save Lives
Scroll down to read my running journal.
Hi There, Friends, Family and Running Buddies,
As you may know, I’m a big fan of New Year's resolutions, not stopping with just one (lose five million pounds), but instead making about 100 goals that I think I can actually accomplish. If yours are like mine, they often involve getting in better shape, being more compassionate and generous, and taking strides to make the world more healthy, happy and whole. This year, I’ve decided to roll all of these things into one by working with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training, preparing for the San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon on June 1.
So many people close to me have been touched by these cancers, especially our friend, David Hewitt, whom we lost to myeloma this winter. I’m running this marathon in his memory, and I can think of no better tribute to him than by whipping cancer’s butt.
It’s not easy. Sometimes it rains. Sometimes my legs hurt. But when you meet cancer patients, you understand the bravery and spirit these people show each and every day. Their struggles motivate and inspire you to test the limits of your endurance and to cross the finish line. With your help, I’ll also have your support to push me across that line.
TNT provides its participants with coaching and training in exchange for raising money towards finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Last year, the society invested $66.5 million to support more than 396 researchers and projects, in addition to providing patient and family support. It has funded discoveries of new drugs (such as breakthrough treatment, Rituxan), vaccines and clinical trials.
Please make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for my race by clicking the Donate Now button on the left. If you’re interested in pledging per mile, here is a breakdown: $1 per mile is $26.20; $2 per mile is $52.40; $3 per mile is $78.60; $5 per mile is $131; $10 per mile is $262, etc. Remember, all donations are 100% tax deductible. Thank you for supporting me—and the search for the cure!
Sarah Moïse Young
Many thanks to Alexandria Acerni, Amber Adrian, Charles & Jackie Ailstock, Laura Beck, Erik Christoffersen, Cira Crowell, Meaghan & Charles Davant, Caroline & Jeff Fitzgerald, Sabrina Grogan, Batson Hewitt, Minh Hoang, Alec & Anne McLeod, Melissa McLeod, Anne & Ben Moise, Claire Moise & Bill Thorpe, Robert & Sissy Moise, Scott Moise, Warren & Lucie Moise, Kenton Morrison, Jay & Kathy Orvin, John Payne & Claire Slover, Henry & Kathy Ravenel, James Ravenel, Ainsley & Matt Tillman, Ann Meade Trahan, Amy & Brad Waring, Reed Woodard, Rutledge & Kathleen Young, and Rutledge & Molly Young for donating to the cause!
Updates
6/1/08 MARATHON DAY! We all struggled out to the shuttles at 4 a.m. to the starting line. The bands were amazing, and all the number of supporters and volunteers was incredible! It was a hot day, and a really difficult course, but all my mentees finished super strong, and were so unbelievably proud to be a part of it all. I started out fast, but once the sun came pounding down on us after the 13-mile mark, my pace slowed dramatically. I got nauseated between mile 17 and 24, but after my second (third, eighth?) wind kicked in, I finished at a sprint! It never occurred to me that I wouldn't finish, because I knew there were people out there who would give their eye teeth to be able to run half as far, and people whose suffering was going to last a lot longer than a mere 5 hours. I knew I was running because they couldn't. It made me proud to wear my medal at the end, and stagger around the other sweaty, tired runners in their purple Team In Training siglets. It's been an incredible season, and I can't wait to send our final group of runners of to their marathon in Anchorage!
5/31/08: We all made it to our hotel in one piece, thanks to the great staff support at the LLS. I think I'm still deaf from the warm/burning hot welcome we got at the Pasta Party! There were about 200 people outside, with noise sticks, cowbells, horns, and some strong runners' lungs cheering us on! We got to hear The Penguin do his comedy routine for first time runners, which had everyone in stitches. And everyone was incredibly inspired to see all of our team honorees on the big screens. We heard from one honoree who said that superheroes aren't just for kids; every person who steps on the course tomorrow gets to wear a superhero cape.
5/30/08: Wow! I can't believe I'm already packing for the team flight to San Diego tomorrow!
5/28/08 About to take off for a little 4.5-miler with Allison, who just got back from Hawaii. Hopefully I won't toss her off a pier!
5/27/08 Four miles with Jennifer this morning on our beautiful route under the Golden Gate Bridge. Got to hear all about her trip to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
5/26/08 The most successful day yet! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I got Simons to go on a four mile trail run with me in Lands End this morning.
5/25/08 Four or five mile run with former boot camp trainer, Jen, and our friend, Phil. I think Phil was trying to get even for the Lyon St stairs by taking us bushwhacking to the summit of the Berkeley Hills. I graciously declined to do it in doubletime.
5/24/08 Coach Run: Picked up Hsun-tzu and Katie at 6 a.m. for our run in Berkeley this morning, which was cold and foggy and rainy. Ick! At least the 20-milers won't be hot! Only six miles, since the race is only A WEEK AWAY!
5/22/08 SENDOFF!!! The team met at Enrico's last night for our send off party. Lots of beer flowing, and tasty hors d'oeuvres. The coaches did a whole song and dance number and gave us lots of advice. We also heard from some of our team honorees, who gave us some serious wind in our sails as far as why exactly we wake up early and run till we can't move anymore.
5/20/08: Appointment with Dr Dave, who said my high arches are causing my foot to have to flex more on push-off, which is causing more heat and friction...hence the blisters. He made a pseudo-insert for my insoles, which may or may not make my knees hurt. Hmmmm. Afterwards, met Gayle and Monique in Sausalito for a run along the waterfront. I was gasping keeping up with them for a hot, and extremely fast, 6-miler.
5/17/08 Mentor Run: Picked up Hsun-Tzu and headed down to Sports Basement for a run to Fort Point, through the Presidio and over the Golden Gate Bridge. There was a pretty awesome headwind coming back, and you wouldn't believe how hot it was! About 8 or 9 miles in all.
5/15/08 Track Workout: The track was closed for a soccer game when we got there, so we all had to run intervals around this grassy lot surrounded by park traffic. My blister split about a third of the way through, and Coach Leslie told me to go visit Dr Dave, a sports podiatrist right away.
5/14/08: Great 4-miler with my mentee, Allison. We ran along the marina and did some much needed stretching under the Golden Gate Bridge.
5/13/08 Core Fitness: Our last core fitness workout! I waited 25 mins for one of my mentees, but had to leave her, which made me feel like a bad mom...Boo. But made it to class only a few mins late, and Natazha had some really excellent stretches to help us recover from Saturday's 20-mile run.
5/10/08 Coach Run: Twenty miles! Whoo Hoo! Ran the whole way with Monique and Eunice and kept a great pace. Route took us out to Tennessee Valley and around Tiburon. Finished it feeling pretty strong, took an ice bath and ate about a ton of banana pudding!
5/7/08 In a lot of pain from falling on Sunday, plus apparently fell in a mass of poison oak, so went to see the doctor. He said my shoulder was infected and prescribed some antibiotics. He also said, "All athletes are idiots." The inflammation has gone down, but they make my stomach hurt quite a bit. Hopefully I'll be alright by Saturday.
5/5/08: Six miles this morning with Kristin. Saw Jen go jogging past too. Foggy morning. Still very sore from yesterday's fall. Realize I am at the 200-mile point in my training.
5/4/08: Eleven mile trail run on the Dipsea Trail today with "the fast girls." My fellow mentor, Gayle, and two first-time participants, Monique and Eunice, met at the foot of the Dipsea Trail (legendary trail race around these parts), climbed the 2000 steps to the top and then ran some serious hills around Mill Valley. Yours truly took a mighty spill at Mile 1, bounced and slid in the rocks...split knee, rashed shoulder, hands and scraped other knee. I've never seen the ground come up to meet me quite so quickly! Anyway, after another 4 miles, we found some water to splash the blood off with, although it made me take the Lord's name in vain in front of some Hikers for Jesus. Also, a word of advice: stay away from Nu-skin, because the label should say, "Apply to skin, where product will burn with the fire of a thousand suns."
5/2/08: Dawn run with Kristin at Fort Point. Feel like an old crippled, but it was great to hear about her half marathon and trip to Tenn. Six miles at a slow pace. Thanks for waking up so early, Kristin.
5/1/08: Track Workout Thank goodness Coach Joe was in a good mood today, and took it a little easy on us, because my legs were still tired from this morning's run. Lots of sprinting and alternating 400s from 10K to 5K pace. Probably another 4-5 miles total. Came home and iced my knees while Simons fed me supper...like a Victorian heroine!
5/1/08: Six mile, pre-dawn run with Jen from her place to Fort Point and back. I was really relieved to hear that her knee feels better and that she'll be seeing an orthopedist early next week. Great 6-mile run!
4/30/08: Had a good run with Allison this morning, and on the way under the Golden Gate Bridge, we ran into Jen, who was feeling at least 85% and having a good run. She joined us for the return. About 5 miles.
4/26/08 Coach's Run: Sixteen miles this morning, around Lake Merced, through the Sunset, around and through Golden Gate Park and back up Ocean Beach and the Great Highway. We had staggered starts, and I really think the faster runners got the short end of the stick, since it was HOT by the time we started. Jen's IT-band blew out at Mile 5, so we ran-walked til Mile 7 when it was clear she really needed to walk back. So the last 9 I ran by myself...not a whole lot of fun, but I'm glad to say that I did it. My mentees were so excited, since none of them had run so far before! A few of them are done with their training and are ready for the Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon next weekend. Go Sarah and Katie! Run fast! I spent a long time icing that afternoon and eating cupcakes at Prescott's house. Nothing speeds recovery like cupcakes!
4/24/08: Great 6-mile sunset run with my friend Jason in Richmond. Nice flat terrain and a good view! Looking forward to our first seriously long run this Saturday. Sixteen Miles!
4/22/08 Core Fitness: Lots of crunches tonight, and some good lunges for running those hills! Hsun-tzu was there, showing me up with her balancing exercises!
4/22/08: Six mile run doing 5K speed alternates. My allergies are so bad, I got super winded. Not a great run, plus Jen got sick and had to turn back.
4/18/08: Six miler at an 8.5-min/mile pace with Kristin this morning. Felt great to really stretch out!
4/16/08: Five-miler with mentee, Allison, this morning. It was great to catch up and hear about her upcoming Hawaii trip!
4/15/08: Six-miler this morning with my mentee, Jen. Much less windy than yesterday, thank goodness!
4/14/08: Chilly 6-mile run along Marina Green this morning with Kristin. The wind was howling, so it was a lot like running in water, thanks to a terrific headwind. Made fartleks a little hard, but at least the way home was a little easier. Got some new socks which seemed to help, but my feet are definitely in bad shape.
4/11/08 Coach Run: Picked up three of my mentees at 6:30 for a 7 a.m. run at Creekside Park. Sarah and I ran 13.5 miles, through some pretty wetlands in San Anselmo. Whoever thought to put peanut butter pretzels at the water stops is a GENIUS! I was completely starved 10 minutes into the run. The mileage was great, and I think I could have kept going for another 4 miles, especially since Sarah was such good company. My feet though, looked a lot like beef carpaccio when the run was over. Not sure if it's my shoes or my socks, but the tape definitely did not help. Iced my knees for a good hour while demolishing a stack of banana-blueberry pancakes afterwards!
4/9/08 Jennifer and I did a 6:30 run from her house down to Fort Point and through the fort to get in some hills. About 7.5 miles!
4/4/08 Mentored Run: Saw a few of my mentees down at Marina Green for the mentored run to Fort Point at back. Katie, Christine, Jennifer, awesome of you to rally for an early weekend run! We did about 7.5 miles, including a little detour through Fort Funston.
4/3/08 Track Workout: Windy day at track today, and not my best track run. I think my timing belt was off. Ended up only running half, and then joined the team for a fundraising pasta party at our honoree, Dottie's, house. Even got Simons to rally and come too!
4/2/08: Out on a six-mile run with Kristin again, and ran into June, Jen and Allison! Way to get out there, Ladies! Kristin and I finished in a sprint, which made me waaaay sore the next day...just in time for more sprinting at track.
4/1/08 Core Fitness: Why is my left side so much weaker than my right? We had to do crunches while balancing tennis balls on our abs, without having the tennis balls roll off...very hard stuff.
3/31/08 Six miles run this morning with my friend Kristin. Apparently I ran right by my mentee, Jennifer, without acknowledging her. This is because I am too cool for my running shorts. Sorry, Jen!
3/29/08 Coach Run: Wow! Ten miles this morning! I met my mentee, Hsun-tzu and took the bus down to Golden Gate Park to meet the team. One of our teammates had been called up this week from the bone marrow list to donate; how amazing is it to know you've saved someone's life? Tons of my mentees were there: Allison, June, Christine, Katie, Jen, Sarah... Everyone was running between 8 and 10 miles. Jen and I ran together the whole way and had a really great morning. The route was beautiful - through the park and out to the Great Highway along Ocean Beach. Kind of chilly and misty, which is perfect for running. I'm pretty sore now, so I think a little ice is in order to help cut my recovery time. All in all, it's awesome to know I ran a perfect 10 before most of my friends (husband) had breakfast!
3/27/08 Track: Three and one-half mile intervals of 10k and 5k speed. What an endorphin rush! Track is definitely my favorite part of training this season, maybe because I've never done anything like it before. Kept pace with another mentor, Gayle, who is much faster than I am, but it felt good to push a little harder. Looking forward to our first 10-mile run this Saturday!
3/26/08: Fantastic 6-mile run this morning along Marina Green. What an awesome morning!It's even better because I've just discovered that I am at 102% of my fundraising goal! Thanks so much everyone, and keep it coming!
3/24/08: Went for a run on the upper part of the Tennessee Valley Trail with my friend Kristin, which I hadn't realized was a 90-degree angle. Not an especially inspiring run, but we did make it about 6 miles, with me panting and gasping and collapsing.
3/23/08 Happy Easter!
3/22/08 Greek Independence Day Run: I was the lead volunteer for TNT's tent at this Oakland 5k and 10k run. We had a good turnout of volunteers, and had tons of people come by to spin the wheel and win some free swag. Got a few signups for next season's run, tri and cycling teams too!
3/19/08: Morning run with my mentee Allison. We went for a steady 4-mile run at Marina Green against a really hard headwind. Both pretty tired, so decided against running 6 as usual.
3/18/08 Core Fitness: Wow, amazing how stressing muscles you've never used before leaves you crippled and miserable...Biking has conquered me. Time to go home and take some geritol and slip into bed at noon.
3/17/08 Cross Training: Went biking with Prescott in the South Bay, and nearly died. The only bikes I've ever ridden were beach cruisers with cushy seats. What masochist designed these things?
3/16/08 Emerald Nuts 12K: Wow, what a race! My mentees, Hsun-tzu, Jen, Rhonda, Katie and I met in the dark, cold pre-dawn for the ride across the bay to Fort Baker. It was definitely cold, but we warmed up fast on the hill/mountain up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Beautiful views and a nice tailwind made for a great crossing, and it was all downhill from there (well, except for the last half mile). Jen and I finished strong, in about 1:12, with a sprint to the end! Yep, I made that race my bitch.
3/12/08: Fantastic four mile run with two of my mentees, Allison and June, this morning. We saw the sun rise behind the skyscrapers and surfers riding waves under the Golden Gate Bridge. Not a bad way to start the morning!
3/11/08 Core Fitness: I think I had more mentees than anyone at core fitness tonight! Nice going, girls! We did so many crunches and roller-lunges, I think I may have pulled something! Up next, Emerald Nuts race across the bay!
3/8/08 Mentor Run: I led the charge this morning on a run along the Tennessee Valley Trail out to the ocean and back...and there and back again. Somehow there was a headwind BOTH ways. How does THAT work? We had a great turnout, and I led the Level 2 and 3 runners with stretches and a 5-6 miles course. It was a beautiful route with gorgeous hills and views, but I was definitely not feeling it this morning, possibly because of Thursday's hardcore track workout. Afterwards, I met a few of my mentees for a brunch downtown and got to know them a bit better and to coach them with their fundraising. It's good to chat when we're not all huffing and puffing.
3/6/08 Track Workout: Wow, last night’s track workout about killed me. An 800m warmup, then six 400m hill sprints, followed by a 10k speed 400m then a 5k speed 400m and then another 5k 400m. Then an 800m cool down. I was seriously high on endorphins all night and nearly cut my hand off making dinner later. Loopy!
3/4/08: Met at Café Royale for a happy hour fundraiser for my mentee, Allison. Café Royale rocks the soju drinks! Allison made $600 for TNT! Way to go!
2/24/08 Coach Run: I went with the Level 3 runners for an 8-miler and was making tracks! Touched the elephant at the Sausalito waterfront park, which I’ve been told is tradition. On the way back, came across a runner who was having an asthma attack, so I slowed down to run with her and sent my friend and fellow mentor, Gayle, on ahead. Also ran with about 4 other people who looked like they needed some distraction…good thing I like to talk so much! Afterwards, I had to race home to meet up with Simons, since my mother in law was coming for an awesome weekend visit!
2/23/08 Mentor Run: Good turnout despite scary gale warnings. Headwind was pretty sketchy, and the skies were ominous…consequently, we all ran super fast and finished our 4 miles in about 30 minutes!
2/21/08: Had to miss the Track Workout, since one on my mentees was having a fundraiser. June did a happy hour at Northstar Pub in North Beach. It was pouring, so I don’t think the turnout was quite as high as she wanted, but she still made about $400 for the cause!
2/16/08 Coach Run: Today was one of the most incredible runs I’ve ever had. We met at the Beach Chalet at Ocean Beach and ran 6 miles of trails (very hilly and hard as hell) overlooking the Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio. It’s one of my favorite runs, but I never knew it was called Lands End. Met a bunch of great people, saw Robin Williams’ house (hideous pink spongepaint) and worked our legs big time!
2/12/08 Core Fitness: Would anyone be surprised if I told them I nearly killed myself from doing an accidental split at class tonight?
2/9/08 Mentor Run: The group met at Blackie’s Pasture in Tiburon this morning. Was feeling a little under the weather, so went with the Level 1 runners and had a blast. So many of them have never run AT ALL, and were out there just plugging away. Very motivating.
2/7/08 Track Workout: I’ve never run on a track before, and I couldn’t believe how much fun this was. I even managed to find the stadium in Golden Gate Park without getting lost on the Muni!
2/5/08 Core Fitness: It’s established. I have no core.
2/2/08 Coach Run: Met this morning at the Sports Basement in the freezing cold drizzle to learn about chi running and to do our first team run! So cool to see that we are 168 runners strong! Met lots of fun people, all smiles despite the chill. Ran 4 miles.
1/26/08 KICKOFF: I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in one room in my entire life! The San Francisco team is waaaay bigger than Charleston. Some of the coaches are former Olympians, which is awesome. I have 12 mentees this season, a lot more than I’ve had in the past. I’m basically their soccer mom, carpooling them around, nagging them about eating breakfast and wearing warm clothes, checking their homework…It’s amazing to see how motivated and also how nervous they are. Almost all of them have never run a race like this before, but they’re all so pumped to try and to help fight cancer. We heard from the team honorees, who are athletes themselves, but are fighting not just personal gravity but waging a war against cancer at the same time. Their stories were so inspiring. Go Team!
