Jennifer Sadler's Team In Training Page
Racing to Save Lives
I am a cancer survivor.
When I was first diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and began treatment, it was hard for me to think of myself as a survivor. In my mind "survivor" described a person who overcame obstacles and endured through rough times. I was just beginning treatment, so I did not see myself as a survivor but as a cancer patient. As I proceeded through my journey, I realized that "survivor" was the perfect word to describe all of us who are going through cancer treatments as well as for those who have completed treatments. I gained strength not only from within but mostly from my family, friends and co-workers. Everyone lent a hand to lift me up as I moved through my journey.
Now that I have completed treatment, I decided to give back to an organization that was my greatest resource as a survivor. In raising money for research to help fight blood cancers, I feel like I'm lending a hand to future survivors, as well.
I am training to participate in the Nashville Country Music 1/2 Marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I'm completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!
Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance the Society's mission.
I hope you'll visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!
RUNNING BLOG--LET'S GET STARTED!!!
April 28, 2008: I DID IT!!! On Saturday, April 26th I ran my FIRST 1/2 marathon. This has been one of my greatest accomplishments, and I couldn't have done it without everyone's support. Nashville was beautiful and the weather was perfect (aside from the rain before the race). The race started at 7 am but I didn't cross the starting line until 8 am due to the wave start system. I finished the 1/2 marathon (or as a Louisville woman I met called it the "mini") in just under 3 hours!!!
I ran with my name on the front of my purple Team in Training jersey, so I heard my name in many cheers throughout the race. I ran with the words Hodgkins Survivor on my back, and I met two 30 year Hodgkins survivors along the route. I cried when I met them and was honored to be able to give them a hug knowing that would be me someday. My experience with Team in Training and their support during my cancer journey and my race to the finish line has always exceeded my expectations. They have gone above and beyond to help me and other people on the Team. I wish everyone could experience what Jeff K and I experienced as members of Team in Training.
Thank you again. Without everyone's love and support, I wouldn't be able to say that I AM OFFICIALLY A HALF-MARATHONER!!! I will be posting a picture from the race as soon as I can (I've been spending the last couple of days trying to stretch these sore muscles ;)
April 2, 2008: In case you have been wondering, I am still running. Lately it seems like that's all I do anymore (running 4 days a week). Last Saturday I ran 8 miles!!! That's the farthest I've run in over 1 year. I have changed my strategy on the treadmill where I run 3/4 of a mile and walk a lap (1/4). I feel good being able to run most of the way. Don't get me wrong...it's still tiring. But I feel great meeting my goals and exceeding my expectations. This Saturday I'll be running 7 miles and the Saturday after that I'll be running 10 miles!
March 17, 2008: I have amazing news to share...my twin, Melody, has had her 2nd baby!!! This explains why I haven't updated my running blog for a while. She was born last Wednesday, and she's beautiful. Jeff K should be very, very proud (he's a world class baby maker ;)
I ran 6 miles this morning. I have come up with a strategy where I walk 1/2 a mile and run the next 1/2 mile. I feel pretty good with this strategy. I'm pushing myself while also giving myself time to rest in between. In a couple of Saturdays, our long run will be 8 miles. Please keep sending happy thoughts!
March 6, 2008: I am so thrilled to report that, with your generous support, I HAVE MET MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!!! At first, the task seemed difficult and far away, but in a matter of 5 weeks, you have helped me raise $1900.
I will continue to collect donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, so if you wish to donate, please feel free. Every donation counts! Please check back frequently as I will continue to blog my progress as I move closer and closer to 13.1 miles!
Also, please check out my brother-in-law's Team in Training site at http://www.active.com/donate/tntmida/tntmidajkessin . Jeff Kessinger is also training for the Nashville Country Music 1/2 Marathon, and will continue to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
March 3, 2008: I ran 5 miles on the hotel treadmill on Saturday morning (started at 5:25 am). I have to admit that I felt very tired the rest of the day, but I felt so accomplished! I haven't ran 5 miles in well over a year, so meeting that goal felt great. I feel good about moving forward and making progress towards my goal of running 13.1 miles on April 26th. I know I can do it!!!
February 27, 2008: This weekend is a big one for me! I will be taking my winter guard to an important regional on Saturday...but not before putting in 5 miles. This will be the farthest distance in our training, and we keep increasing from here. Send me happy thoughts, oh, at about 5 am :)
I want to say congrats to my Team in Training partner in crime, Jeff, for moving over the $1,000 mark. At our pace and with the love and support everyone is so generously giving, we are bound to meet our fundraising goals. Thanks again to everyone for your help in finding a cure and fighting this fight!
February 22, 2008: I can't believe the weather we've had in Springfield in the past two weeks. Ice, sleet, freezing rain, snow...you name it, we've had it. I guess Sunday it is going to get close to 50 degrees!
My training is going well. I went 3 miles last night and will go 3 miles on Saturday. I love being active and getting outside when I can. I keep invisioning Nashville in April--I bet it's going to be beautiful!
I don't want you to think I've forgotten about the drawing. I'm working on the details for video taping the drawing, etc. I will post results and a video as soon as I can!
February 14, 2008: Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone is surrounded with as much love as I am. My first valentine's card I received today was from my "Secret Admirer" aka my daughter. She was so excited to give me her handmade card and I was thrilled to accept her hugs and kisses!
On another note, I'm happy to say that WE REACHED AND EXCEEDED OUR ONLINE FUNDRAISING INCENTIVE YESTERDAY!!! I will be holding an "official" drawing for the $50 gift card soon, so please stay posted and watch for the winner via video. Also, stay tuned for additional incentives and exciting prizes as we continue to reach the $1,900 goal.
February 8, 2008: First, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jeff...woohoo!!! Let's celebrate!!!
Next, I want to say how excited I am that we are so close to the $750 mark. I know that by February 13th, we will hit that $750 mark and I will draw a name/couple from the list of contributors for a $50 gift card. Thanks so much for your help...and good luck! BTW-I will be posting a video of the drawing so everyone knows it's legit! How fun!!!
February 5, 2008: Jeff K and I are adding one more person to our running group--Lori. So, today the three of us plan to run a 2 mile loop. Send happy thoughts our way! I am also so thrilled to see so many of my friends donating in support of my goal.
All of us on the TnT team are striving towards an online fundraising incentive. By raising $750 by FEBRUARY 13th, I will earn a TnT dri-fit t-shirt and a $50 gift card. Here's my pledge to you: WHEN (notice I didn't say IF) I meet the $750 goal by February 13th, I will draw a name from the pool of online contributors and that person/couple will win the $50 gift card. Now doesn't that sound like a bargain?!? Check back frequently (and definately by February 13th) to see who wins the $50 gift card!
February 2, 2008: Jeff and I ran our first of many long runs with TnT this morning. The weather was invigorating (in the 30s!). We ran 3 miles and the final leg of our run was on a gradual hill (a very sneaky hill, as I put it ;) I feel great! As Jeff reminded me, "We are 3 miles stronger today."
