June 15, 2003: Well folks, I think this is it. My TNT journey is complete and I'm on pace to be back in the race real soon sans pain. I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I have. Heather and Shelly and Maureen are friends for life, and we plan to keep raising money for LLS and training together. I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks so much for coming along with me. It was... well, it just was. Best wishes and keep Rink and all the other folks out there dealing with cancer in your thoughts and prayers.

June 14, 2003: Post-surgery Update: on the mend. It still hurts to walk and is still swollen, but I think we're on the way to wellness. Dr. Moore says walking and weights start after 6 weeks, then running after 10. Looks like the Labor Day weekend half marathon is out, but still gonna plan to run the half at the Marine Corps in October.

June 14, 2003: Post-race Update: surgery. And here we go. Had knee arthroscopy today and rumor has it it went well. All I know is it hurts like hell. WAY worse than race pain. Hope this was the right thing to do...

June 4, 2003: WE DID IT. It's over and I cannot believe we did it. Did I mention WE DID IT??????? OMG. We ran 26.2 miles. It was the most painful, torturous thing I've been through. Ever. But we finished. And my knees held out. They weren't even the part of me that hurt the worst, if you can believe it. My abs nearly died from holding me up so long. I took 4 salt packs, 4 power gels, a Naproxen, 4 Tylenol 8, and 8 Motrin, and about a MILLION GALLONS of water and Gatorade. But I did it. It's a wonder I didn't pass out from drug overdose. We did it. Finished in 6 hours, 22 minutes. I have to say, it was an experience. Amazing. Highlights: watching all the folks along the way - it's amazing the different people doing it...seeing Heather and Shelly go by about mile 5...seeing Maureen about mile 8...peeing behind a bush at mile 15 next to the Sea World research center...beginning to hate bystanders about mile 17 and laughing hysterically about it...the frufru chick at mile 22 worried about not having toilet paper in the port-a-potty (who FREAKING CARES by then?)...breaking into a run mile 25 believing those folks who said IT'S JUST AROUND THE CORNER....CROSSING THE FINISH LINE!!!!! GETTING OUR MEDAL!!! SEEING THE GIRLS AFTER THE RACE!!! Lowlights: TWO WORDS: MILE 13. I can't believe it's over. We couldn't walk for two days afterwards, and didn't see a single bit of San Diego, but we did it. I just can't believe it. Just can't. After all this time, all this effort. We did it. And here's the best part. This race raised 12 MILLION DOLLARS. THAT'S HALF A MILLION A MILE. I'm so, so, so proud. What a feeling. Nothing like it in the world, not ever.

May 27, 2003: Last chance for a shorty. Did about 2, and we won't run again until race day. Cannot, cannot, cannot believe it's here. Heaven help us now.

May 26, 2003: Ran on the beach again today. We didn't run this weekend, as we headed to DC for the weekend. Robin sold her script! It's gonna be a movie in a few months and she gets to be in it, too! Awesome. We got to have dinner with her producer / agent, and brainstorm about who can play the leads. Robin's a Hollywood movie star now. What a year it's been so far.

May 21, 2003: Two today. Probably won't have much chance the rest of the week. We're not doing as good with keeping up with the miles during the week, but Shelly says it's okay. She says that the 20 was the big hurdle and now is just maintenance until The Day. Hope she's right... Still feel like I need 6 more weeks to train.

May 19, 2003: Today just a mile or 2. The knee holds out pretty good for low miles. I'm planning my attack on drugs for race day. Figure I'll need a Naproxen to start, then motrin at miles 8, 16, 22 and maybe 24. Taking it fairly easy and focusing on speed and condition.

May 17, 2003: Did a short 10-miler in Jacksonville today. It wasn't too bad. Had some pain, but the Naproxen keeps things down to a dull roar. Next week is Memorial Weekend and we're off to DC to sell Robin's script, so it's a by week. Then the next weekend is IT. Just can't believe it. Almost there...

May 15, 2003: Another shorty, just a couple. Kevin ran with us for some needed variety! The countdown is started...

May 14, 2003: Needed some days off after the long run. Did a short one today, just a couple of miles. We're gonna focus the next few weeks on short and fast, trying to get back in shape and speed up a little. Robin and I both are still so psyched about the 20...

May 10, 2003: Happy Birthday Joal! Today was the 20. I can't believe it. WE FREAKING DID IT. 20 FREAKING MILES. IN 90+ DEGREE HEAT. The first ten were awesome. Ran almost the whole way, not much knee pain, took a Naproxen before we started. About mile 12, though, on the way back, I thought I'd die it started hurting so bad. Whipped into a mini-mart and bought some Motrin. Thank Heavens for Shelly for reminding us to carry some cash... Otherwise, I believe I would've traded sexual favors for some drugs. Low point. Took 4 (no sense in playing about it) and pressed on. Miles 13-15 are a blur of pain and semi-dragging my knee behind me. Finally the drugs kicked in and we ran the rest of the way. By that time it was like 11:30 and the sun was boiling down on us. We knew we were getting burned, but pressed on anyway. Who remembers sunscreen at 6:30 am? Finished in 5.5 hours. Get that? We FINISHED!!! Several layers of epidermis were singed off, and my drugs were keeping me afloat, but we finished. Holy smokes. I'm so proud and so GLAD that's behind us... Celebrated Joal's birthday with a trip to Greenville. Never been so sore in my life. What an awesome day!.

May 7, 2003: Robin and I did about 3 on the island. It was perfect weather, and low touron level. Did a little beach running and about half road running. Was great. My knee appreciates the rest it's had, but still hurts. But much better on the low miles.

May 3, 2003: With the low down, I'm back in the race. Ran Saturday a short one, like 10 miles. Hurt like a beee-atch but gonna have to learn to control the pain with drugs. All's well with the rest of the girls. I'm in such bad shape again - gonna take a while to get back up to speed and the 20 is on the 10th. I have no idea how I'm gonna do it. Robin and I are FREAKING.

May 1, 2003: Results are here. Drumroll please... I have a tear in my medial meniscal cartilage. Dr. Moore says it isn't bad, and I can run on it without making it worse, but it won't heal by itself. Cartilage apparently has poor blood supply, making it impossible for it to repair itself. So, arthroscopy is the only solution. I thought about it a minute, and told him I'd like to run through it until the race if it won't injure it further, and then have the surgery after the race. I want to keep running. He was all for it, said to have at it. Scheduled the surgery for June 11. Ugh. Talked to the girls about it, and they said they'd drag, push, or carry me over the finish line if that's what it takes. Love these folks...

April 28, 2003: Had my MRI this morning. It wasn't bad at all - didn't have to go all the way in the tube, so I was able to keep a grip. Results should be in on Thursday. No running for me in the meantime. Robin's still keeping up...

April 26, 2003: Golf tournament day!! YAH!!! It was SO FUN!!! All the teams seemed to have a great time, the weather was absolutely PERFECT. Bill H. came and cooked the pig, and Joal worked like a dog to get everything set up. Heather decorated a club cart with cut outs from bear cartons and went and got a Cinco de Mayo balloon from a convenience store. The Fiesta Beer Cart was born! We made neato goody bags and collected cash for mulligans and raffle prizes. All went out in good order and we drove around and watched some. It looked like everybody was having a great time. Pig was ready when everybody came in, and my dad made potatoes and brought slaw. I picked up some hushpuppies and the eatin' was on! It was DELICIOUS. After everybody ate, Shelly did a speech about LLS and what we're up to, and then we gave away the prizes. First place went to our only unsolicited team (folks who weren't friends) and they seemed really happy. Joal donated some GREAT plaques for the winners and they got some great gifts. The raffle items were a huge hit and everybody left really happy. It was a tiring but awesome day. Some players were asking if we'd do a Fall tournament! Next year, it's gonna be HUGE. We made about $2000 which isn't a lot, but look at the start we had. I'm so stoked. Rink came, which was a huge treat, and ate some pig with us, and he looked awesome. It was a fantabulous day...

April 25, 2003: Visited the orthopedist, Dr. Moore. He said since time was short, there was no sense in trying lots of different drug combinations. He recommended going straight for the MRI... I'm all for it. Terrified of the little tube, but anything for the run, right? Meanwhile, Robin's keeping up...

April 21, 2003: Well, went to the doc and got the referral. He put me on more, stronger NSAIDS and told me an orthopedist is in order. Based on my current description of pain and the feeling of not being able to support my weight, he said it might be a tear to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. From what I've been reading, that's bad. Real bad. I don't really understand how that could've happened, as that's typically an injury caused by an event, like a blow to the side of the leg or something. Common in football / basketball players. I don't know. I'm waiting for the orthopedist. Wish me luck.

April 19, 2003: Maureen loaned me Kate's bike to try today for the 18 miler. Robin and I did about 15. She was having some quadricep pain, so we cut it a little short. I did fine until the way back, then the pain in my knee came back in force. I was really disappointed and it kinda blows my Runner's Knee theory. I don't know. I took all week off again and it's just not doing any good. I'm getting really worried. My dad said to go get a referral to an orthopedist. I guess that's what I'll do. Robin's been doing good, running during the week. She even ran on the beach. Forgot water or water stops though, and got all bad off from dehydration. Never do that! Anyway, Happy Easter!

April 18, 2003:Special: My friend from February's entries contacted me again. His father finishes radiation therapy next week, but the doctors have said his is one of the most aggressive brain cancers they have seen, that it is terminal, and have told the family there are hard decisions ahead regarding more invasive surgery or other treatments. My friend says his father is faithful that it will be ok, but the family is struggling greatly right now with the weight of the situation. Cancer affects everyone involved in some way, not just the person who has it. I'm praying for my friend and hope he finds some peace. James, I'm pulling for your family.

April 14, 2003: Did just a little light walking, then went to the club and did weights. I researched the knee and have concluded it's typical Runner's Knee. The remedy is rest and strengthening the leg muscles, so I'll be concentrating on building those muscles I guess. That and swimming. I'm looking for a bike now so I can do the 18 this weekend with the girls. Got some rollerblades, and doing the best I can to stay in shape. It'll be hard, but I WILL do this...

April 13, 2003: Today was 10 miles. A short one. Since it had been two weeks without running and I had finished the medicine, I tried again. Did fine about half a mile, then the pain came back. All I could manage was about 5 before I felt crippled all over again. It got to the point where I couldn't hardly hold my weight with that knee. Ended up having to walk the last 4 or 5. Some days there just aren't enough rocks.

April 12, 2003: Happy Fundraising Day! We had our yard sale this morning and raised $439 and then the dance generated $596! I'm so happy! Woo hoo! It was a wonderful (but tiring) day. How exciting!!! Almost there! Adding some pics to the site for the dance.

April 10, 2003: Okay, so a long stretch of nothing. We had a nutrition clinic on Monday, dancing on Tuesday, a trip to Raleigh on Wednesday. Today was the first day I've done anything. Lifted weights and swam again. I've concentrated the weights on the upper body, but the swimming works the legs pretty good. Nobody was at the club and I got to take my time and enjoy. In the interim, Robin's still keeping up her schedule. She's kicking ass. I'm having my ass kicked.

April 5, 2003:Got all ready to go, met the girls for a 16 miler. I went about 50 yards and my knee hurt so bad I had to stop. Robin went ahead and did the 16. I went straight to the club, swam and worked out with some weights. Afterwards, I headed over to the doctor. Another overuse injury, need to quit running, blah blah blah. He gave me Motrin 800 though, so that's all I really wanted. Told me to stay off it a week. So I guess it's more swimming. DAMMIT.

April 3, 2003:Went swimming tonight since my knee still hurts. Robin did her usual 4 or so and is doing fine. Can't believe I'm hurting again. Unbelievable. On a good note, the ankle's fine. Sigh.

April 2, 2003:My knee is killing me. Dag nabbit. I tried to run but couldn't take more than a couple of steps without intense pain. Just tried to walk a bit instead. I guess I better take it easy this week...

March 29, 2003:Today was the big Cherry Point half marathon. Holy smokes but we did it! 13.1 miles! Robin and I came in dead last out of a pack of about 50 folks, and finished in 2 hours and a half. The whole way we brought up the rear and stayed about 2 steps in front of the ambulance. It was really pretty funny. We tried to be cool and run through the water stops and drink along the way, but ended up with water all over our faces and down our shirts, so after the first one, we walked through the stops. Note to self, practice that! We kept thinking we'd catch the old man ahead of us, but we never could catch the bastard. We kept laughing, how slow are we running? Anyway, by mile 13 we were damn near giddy and couldn't stop laughing. I think we were the only ones there who thought anything was funny - and that just made everything funnier. It was a hoot and we had a good time, but DAMN it was a hard run. Never thought I'd make it. Both our knees were hurting the last few miles. We've decided we need to incorporate some strength training in the week. We've got some SERIOUS work to do to be ready for 26 in 9 weeks. The best part of the run was that it rained almost the whole time - we're new fans of rain running. 16 next Saturday... I may croak.

March 27, 2003: Happy Birthday to me! No running today...

March 26, 2003: Had good intentions of running on EI today, but we did some stomping around for the golf tourney and didn't have time. Damn. and it was a GORGEOUS day... Just did some walking at mom's instead. I tried to run, but kept having stomach pains and was generally too low on fuel to have any success. Not a good week so far.

March 25, 2003: Dancing night, so not enough time to do much running. I think we might've eeked out 2 miles. Sigh. There just isn't enough time in a day. Still, no ankle pain, so maybe I'm healed up permanent.

March 24, 2003: I'm happy to report no ankle soreness whatsoever. All's well. I'm so happy. Did some walking tonight, but not much running. Wrong shoes, no time, etc. Maybe tomorrow.

March 22, 2003: Well, I ran. Robin did about 12, and I pulled it short at a little less than 8. Went really well. At first I was a little hesitant and scarey, but got more confident and ended up enjoying the last 4 immensely. I didn't tackle the Emerald Isle bridge like Robin and the other girls, but maybe next time! I was VERY excited and thrilled nothing was hurting, even when I got finished. WOO HOO!!!

March 20, 2003: Running plans were foiled by torrential rain and storms! We made it out early for a few passes walking, but the lightening got too close, so we went in. The good news is that everything felt fine for that little bit. Hoping for a good run soon...

March 19, 2003: Went swimming tonight and Robin did various machines at the club. I did 30 and it was somehow very slow and painful. So I wasn't fast, but I got them done. Ankle's still feeling good. Robin said she did fine on the machines, but her knees are still sore. Tomorrow we plan to try to run. Wish me luck!

March 18, 2003: Tonight was dancing so we just walked. I walked successfully without pain. The only thing that hurt was those awful shoes I bought at first. Had those on instead of my newer New Balance. Those first ones I bought are so hard in the heel they just kill me. I hate them. Don't know what I was thinking. We didn't keep track of laps, just walked til we ran out of time. Tomorrow night, we'll hit the club and I'll try maybe the elliptical trainer or a treadmill in addition to swimming. One more day of NSAIDs and I'm supposed to be officially well...

March 17, 2003: Robin and I went to the club tonight. She did an elliptical machine with good results and I swam. Kicked 30 laps. By the time I was done, the pool was completely empty so I ran around and around the shallow end. No pain! Outstanding progress. I'm so pleased.

March 16, 2003: Well the ankle seems better today. Robin said she was sore, so we just did some walking. I kept up pretty good and it didn't really hurt the way it has. Hopefully it's finally on the mend. We gotta decide what to do about recommitment tonight. Ugh. Much to think on...

March 15, 2003: The team did 12 today. Robin said she hung in there and ran almost the whole thing, even in the rain. I stayed home and sulked. Still limping. I tried to walk today but it still hurts...

March 13, 2003: Robin's keeping up, did about 4 again tonight. Says her knees are a little squirrely, so she's going to consider swimming with me every now and then. I had big plans to go swim tonight, but never made it. Ankle still hurts, but doing better.

March 12, 2003: Robin ran 4 tonight. Ran the first two straight. She was feeling good. I tried to walk a little, but there's still this gross popping that creeps me out. Did some stretching though and went to the club. Swam 30 and did 10 laps pool jogging. That's the first time I've been able to even do that, so maybe there's progress. I hope so. Trying hard to keep the faith, but I admit to having a pretty crappy attitude right about now...

March 11, 2003: We've both been taking a little time off. Robin's done some walk/running at mom's, and I've missed swimming since Friday. Finished the steroid and have started taking Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It's like magic. Works like a dream. I can go up on my toes standing still without pain, it just hurts a little to push off on my toe to walk. If this keeps up though, I might be able to walk by Saturday. I'm tentatively optimistic and signed up for the half marathon on the 29th...

March 8, 2003: I'm a slug, but Robin ran 10-11 today. She ran with tunes and said it went really well. Said the days off helped her knees some so that's good. The ankle isn't much better. Sigh.

March 7, 2003: Tonight I swam 30 laps. Tried to do some pool jogging but it just still hurts too much. I'm very frustrated that healing is so slow. I still can't even walk normally. I hate it. Robin's keeping up with her running schedule, but we both wish we could get back to normal.

March 6, 2003: Swam 20 laps tonight. My ankle's still very sore. Robin ran her 5. I'm hating not running. I've been concentrating on maintaining my leg strength and stamina. Hopefully I won't be back at square one when I get well enough to run...

March 5, 2003: Robin did 5 tonight. Her report is that running by yourself really sucks. Frustratingly, my ankle is really sore today. Trying to start walking normally, but haven't been able to yet. Going to the club to do some swimming after supper. Hoping that will help me feel better. I miss running...

March 3, 2003: OK, I went to the doctor today and the diagnosis is acute Achilles bursitis. This is actually good news. The tendon is healthy and in tact - it's the bursa sacs around my ankle bones that are swollen and hurt. He said the lining around the tendon is a little inflamed and that's why it's doing that horrible popping. Otherwise, it should clear up within a week or two. The doc told me not to walk until I could go up on my toes without pain and to not run until I had no pain at all. He put me on cortisone and an anti-inflammatory. So I guess I'm out of commission at least this week and maybe part of next. I went swimming instead and that felt pretty good, so I guess I'll be swimming and lifting weights in the meantime. Big fat ugh. At least the cold is a tiny bit better.

March 2, 2003: Today isn't much better. Got online and starting doing some research. My best guess is acute Achilles tendonitis. Very common. That squirrely feeling I had was the warning signs. Who knew. Comes from changes in terrain (base has lots of hills) and too much mileage too soon. Absolutely nothing I can do except rest, ice, wrap and elevate it. Turns out the worst thing you can do is run through it. Oh boy. I did all those things today, but not much improvement. Most sites say I can keep running once I can go up on my toes without pain. That seems like no time in the near future. I'm so upset. To seal the deal, my cold is much, much worse...

March 1, 2003: LATER... OK, I'm really hurt. I went to Greenville on a pre-planned trip to visit my inlaws and by the time I got there, I could hardly walk. I can put weight on my heel, but pressure on my toe is excruciating. Bill taped it and massaged it, but it's still incredibly painful. Not good...

March 1, 2003: Well, hell. First, I did it. I ran all 11.5-12 of them. We went on base this time, just Shelly and me and Heather and Scott. It was really cold, but I bundled up and took some medicine and lots of Kleenex. My right ankle has been squirrely for a while, but it hasn't felt like joint pain so I didn't worry too much. By about mile 6, it was really starting to stiffen up. Felt better to run than to walk. By the time we stopped to pee about mile 10, it was really, really sore. In retrospect, I should've stopped. But I wanted to finish. So I did. And it was a great feeling to run it all the way in.

February 28, 2003: I feel generally under the weather but still walked a mile or so, trying to stay warm. I hate thinking about running 12 on cold legs.

February 27, 2003: Did some light walking, but Robin was getting ready to go to Florida, so we didn't have time for much. Cold is really kicking my butt, too. Hopefully I'll be feeling better by this weekend.

February 26, 2003: Five pretty miles tonight! We ran just about all of it. The rain held out and we did it in about an hour. Robin's got sore knees and I have sore ankles, so we're a pair. Still, every day I feel more like I can call myself a runner...

February 25, 2003: Tonight we were sort of slow getting to mom's and Robin had forgotten her shoes, so we just walked a couple. I guess it's okay to take it easy on some nights!

February 24, 2003: Thanks to echinacea, vitamin C, Zinc and Zicam, I'm feeling better. Just did 3 to take it easy. But at least it was 3 pretty miles. We ran nearly all of it and had no pains or problems. Excellent! The checks are coming in pretty good. Thanks to everyone!

February 23, 2003: I'm SICK. As a dog. Skipped tonight.

February 22, 2003: Did our 10 again. This time we didn't run on base, but ran around the Commons and down Western, over to Gum Branch, and back up Henderson. The route was really sucky. Too much traffic to run on the road and the shoulder sloped, so just succeeded in making my ankles sore. Robin and I hadn't been able to sleep Friday night, so neither of us were in very good form. Still, it may not have been pretty, but we finished the 10. Next week is 11 and Robin will be gone to a conference. It'll be a real test of fortitude to run it by myself...

February 20, 2003: Did 4 tonight. I was late getting home, so we had to take it a little easier than we would normally. So far, so good. Robin's having a little ankle and knee pain and suits up with lots of braces before we start, but it's at least working pretty good. Hopefully we'll stay injury free. Keeping my fingers crossed.

February 19, 2003: We ran 5 miles tonight, running nearly all of it. It felt good, though that first four are still the hardest. I think we've definitely plateaued, so we're trying hard to do things like sprint and run past our tired point and stuff like that to push through. Saturday was great because we had some hills, so we could push ourselves up those and get a little variation in our pace. Hopefully we'll be back on base this weekend for 10 more and we can do it again. I'm continuing to learn things like how it's important to pre-load on water and a good meal the night before a big run. Who knew all these little details? The golf tourney is slooooowly coming together. Hope to have the flier done and marketing starting hot and heavy by the end of this week and weekend.

February 18, 2003: Dancing night and Robin had a sore ankle, so we kept it to 2 miles walking tonight. Some donations are coming in, but the response is not to impressive yet. Hopefully it'll pick up.

February 17, 2003: We got rained out on Sunday, so did our 4 tonight. We were pretty stiff, but I'm amazingly not sore from my 10. The front of my shins were a little tender for a day, but no biggie and by Sunday I was fine. I've added Glucosamine to my vitamin regimen and it seems to be helping my knees and ankles. So far, so good!

February 15, 2003: Ran 10 miles on base today! The weather turned out to be perfect. It was about 65 degrees and no rain in sight. Cloudy, but dry. We ran the entire thing, stopping only for water breaks. There was a great trail and, aside from a little polution from so many cars, it was a terrific run. We even kept up with Maureen this time! The last two miles were tough, but we ran them anyway. Yahoo!!!

February 14, 2003: Happy Valentines Day! Just walked 3 tonight for some crosstraining. Feeling a little apprehensive about 10 tomorrow. They're forecasting rain - sure hope it doesn't!

February 12, 2003: Did 4 last night. Went pretty well. Kind of an unremarkable night. It still amazes me how it takes 4 good miles for me to warm up. Once I hit that plateau I feel like I could keep running indefinitely. Good news! My friend called and told me his father had surgery this morning and it went really well. They removed an egg-sized tumor from an area behind his right eye, above his right ear. He was talking and feeling okay by mid-morning and can possibly go home by Monday. They are recommending radiation treatment to finish wiping out the cancer and the prognosis looks good. My friend was so relieved. I'm happy for what appears to be a good ending. I've sent him info on gamma knife radiation. Keeping him in my prayers...

February 11, 2003: Running on Tuesday nights just plain sucks. It's our square dancing night, so it's a day without any rest. But last night we spent the evening planning our golf tournament, so it couldn't be helped. So tonight we did 3 miles and it was no picnic. Seems to me that the lower mileage is a lot more difficult than the longer runs. I can't seem to get in a groove until the 3rd mile. Still, we got the mileage done and are ready to go again tomorrow.

February 9, 2003: Robin left her running shoes in Kevin's car, so we just did some fast walking with a few running laps tonight. 4 miles. Seems like a piece of cake at this point. Still, that 2nd and 3rd mile don't get any easier seems like. My friend called and said his dad was having surgery on Monday. They were going to do a biopsy, but noticed growth in the few days he's been in the hospital. That's a pretty sure sign it's cancer, so he's having it removed ASAP. Hoping for a successful surgery and wrote his name on my arm band. On a positive note, Rosalie reports Rink says he "feels like a bug in a bug zapper" but has successfully finished his radiation treatments. YAY!!!! He's planning a vacation getaway to the Biltmore in a couple of weeks.

February 8, 2003: It wasn't fun, and it wasn't pretty, but we did 8 miles today! Woo HOOO! The shoes did great. No excessive knee or foot pains and the weather was actually pretty nice. Can't believe we did it. On a sad note, a friend called and told me his father was in the hospital with a possible brain tumor. Praying for good news...

February 6, 2003: Well I went to Just for Feet in Raleigh today and complained LOUDLY about my aching feet. The guy there told me I had the wrong shoes. He also said some people just couldn't wear inserts and I sound like one of those people. So, I plunked down a lot of money and bought a new pair of sneaks. Robin and I ran 4 last night and it was much better. It was raining, so we got wet inside and out this time. Still, wasn't so cold so it was okay. My feet were still sore from the day before, but no pain up the shins or anything weird like that. We ran about 90% and will do a little more tonight. Trying to get our mindset ready for 8 on Saturday...

February 5, 2003: Note to self: NEVER skip more than one day during training. Oh -- my --- gosh. We were both so stiff and sore tonight it took 4 miles to get comfortable. I felt like I'd never run before. Who knew I could forget how in two days? We pressed on and did our 5, running about half of it. Tomorrow we're gonna try to run 5 and walk a 6th. Then we'll do a little on Friday. Because Saturday, we're doing 8. Not liking my inserts too much so far. I think my foot muscles have atrophied from sitting at a desk for so long. I never knew I could hurt in so many places at one time...

February 4, 2003: We ended up having to skip Sunday and Monday because we were working on finishing up our fund raising letters and getting them in the mail. Whew. It was good to rest my knees, but missed it just the same. Tonight we just walked 2. Robin wasn't feeling well and I wanted to build up again before taking off on a sore knee. Bought some orthopedic inserts as Bill suggested, and they worked great. Approached Silver Creek golf course about hosting a golf tournament to raise funds, and talked to my square dance club about a dance for the same purpose. Random observation: So far, folks who hear about what we're doing look at me like I've sprouted a couple more heads. Know what's worse to me than cancer? Living in a world that's so jaded that doing something like this is regarded as odd or incomprehensible. Feeling sort of sad today...

LATER February 1, 2003: OK, took a nap when I got home and when I woke up I was so sore from head to toe that I could hardly walk. Packed both knees with frozen vegetables, propped up and didn't move the rest of the day. Holy cow. This is for Rink, this is for Rink, this is for Rink...

February 1, 2003: Today we did 6 miles with the team! We ran almost the entire thing. Bill from Wilmington came with us and gave us some pointers on shoe inserts and where to train. The weather was much warmer and more pleasant. We're so proud!! 6 MILES!! Bill was like Tigger. He bounced from the front to the back of the pack and never seemed to break a sweat. Told us he was headed out to run 12 more after he left us. Whoa.

January 30, 2003: 5 miles again today! It was warmer, and a lot more pleasant. We ran the first one and last one non-stop, and alternated two passes running, one walking on the miles in between. Robin and I agree that it's somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd miles that's the hardest part. Still, FIVE miles today!! Woo HOO!!! Making some progress. Now we just have to get our letters out by Monday...

January 29, 2003: Alright, well tonight was just plain hard. Not getting enough sleep at night, and that hit me about mile 2. Whew! Robin was feeling jiggy though, so she kept us going. Did our 4, ran most of it - even did one 12 minute stint, which was really encouraging. I keep telling myself, I'm running for Rink, running for Rink, running for Rink...

January 28, 2003: Running conditions most unfavorable! Our track was slick with ice tonight even though it's warming up. We had to trek along in the ditch to keep from slipping on the icy mud. Did more walking than running for safety, but got in 3 UGLY miles.

January 26, 2003: We were good and tired today, but we did our 4. Ran and walked down 24 in Swansboro. Mixed it up a little based on our feelings. Sometimes we ran 4 walked 2, and at least twice we ran 8 walked 2. We did 4 miles in the same time that we did 3 before, so we know we're getting better. Might take tomorrow off...

January 25, 2003: Ugh! Now I know I'm crazy. Up and at 'em at 6:00 this morning to do our first team run. It was a whopping 9 degrees. That's right, 9 DEGREES. Ran 5 miles with 3 other participants. My eyelashes froze. THAT was a new experience. We were the slow ones in the group, bringing up the rear, but we ran about 95% of the course - our best effort yet. Way to go for our first team effort!!!

January 24, 2003: Our road was so snowy and slick, we stuck to 3 miles today. Did a lot of walking and some running, but got in our mileage. Waiting for everything to thaw out...

January 23, 2003: Snowed under! No running today... Check it out!

January 22, 2003: Did 4 miles today! Mixed it up with 4 minutes running, 2 walking. Bad weather forecasted tonight. We'll see how it goes...

January 20, 2003: Three more miles today. And we're so sore, Robin's going down her stairs backwards. :-) It was sooooo cooooold today - windy and awful. Walked 5, ran 5, down 24 in Swansboro. Getting hard on our knees, so we're thinking we need to run on dirt once in a while and in a more sheltered place...

January 19, 2003: Our first day! BOY was it hard! We walked/ran 3 miles down 24 in Swansboro. Walked 5 minutes, ran 5 minutes. Or at least we tried to. It was cold and painful. This is gonna be hard. This is for Rink, this is for Rink, this is for Rink, this is for Rink...