6-11-08
Angel on my shoulder
Last night I headed to bed feeling pretty defeated. Earlier in the day Ian and I went out to solicited businesses in the area for donations and we didn't get any bites. I do think some will pan out in the end but most managers were curt and uncaring. It was just an eye opening and depressing experience. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. So last night I prayed for the first time in a while. I actually pray a lot but it's more thanking God than a true prayer. I am not at all religious but very spiritual. I rarely ask for anything in my prayers mainly because I figure other people need his help more than I do LOL! In fact if I do ask it's about other people and their pain. My own infertility was the last thing I ask help with regarding only me. But last night I asked him to motivate me and help me not lose faith in all this. I felt really overwhelmed at this chore of the fundraising. I think it's just taking a toll on my body and mainly my soul.
I actually slept pretty well last night for the first time in weeks. This morning I headed to the gym to renew my membership that expired last month. I have enough equipment at home so I wasn't going to renew but I need the pool there so I headed in do the renewal and do some lap swimming. I headed to the pool and there were already four people in this very small lap pool. The distance is fine but it really only has four lanes across. SO I shared a lane and it was going ok.
I suck at swimming and each time I try to think about form it's a loud reminder of how I have never really known how to truly swim efficiently or with speed. Anyway, it was hard sharing lanes but I managed for about 10 minutes when two other ladies entered the pool. So now it was really crowded and I couldn't figure out how to do my laps. I stood at one end of the pool and tried to come up with a plan. I decided I would just head home to my pool and work on kicking and do the best I could. I wasn't upset just kinda thinking and observing for a few minutes. Then the older of the two ladies started "swimming" but was crossing the lap lanes sideways. I was trying to figure out what she was doing because it looked weird when she gasped "help." I rushed to her and lifted her to her feet right before she got to the rope divider. Apparently she lost her balance and couldn't stand up! She said now she knew what people who drowned felt like. Kinda scary but not too dramatic thankfully. The rest of the swimmers stopped to see if she was ok and she thankfully was. Then the conversation kinda went like this:
The lady- "I used to know how to swim but I haven't been able to since I got cancer."
Me- "Oh really? That's kind of ironic because I am here training for a triathlon for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and raising funds for blood cancer."
The lady- "I had Lymphoma actually. When is you event?"
It was like a script. So bizarre! I then proceeded to fill her in on the info and she said she wanted to sponsor me! Then she said the other woman she was with was a cancer survivor too. The other lady also offered support too! The older lady (I am bad with names.. I remember her last name but I am not going to share that info) told me her story about how she almost died twice and had to have three blood transfusions. All of this happened last year. It was such a reminder of why the heck I am doing this!!!
I got out the pool shortly after our conversation and came back to drop off a card with my info. Ironically I had Sam print them up last night 'just in case'. I told them I would be having a raffle too with theme park tickets. Then the younger woman asked how many Gilroy Garden tickets I had. I told her I have 2 right now because I volunteer there and I am using the credits for that. Well it turns out she is a docent too and on the docent panel! LOL! How cool is that? She knows Ian (my best friend)! She said she volunteers on Friday and will see how many hours she has and will donate her tickets to Roaring Camp for the raffle!! How cool is that?!?
It's weird, I have no doubt in my faith. I know there is a God or Gods. But when things like this happen where it's so up in my face it sends shock throughout me. It was like I was being lead by the hand. I an not sure I would even believe it if it didn't happen to *me*. Today I just have this excited yet calm feeling. And for the first time in my life I can use this word correctly- I had an AWESOME day. Thank you God, I heard loud and clear ;)
6-09-08
I need help again!
Well the garage sale was such a success but also a slap in the face that I nee to be organized for the Garlic Festival booth thingy or else I'm screwed! LOL!
So basically I'm asking that you reply if/when you can help
After talking with a few people we think shifts would be good and two people on a shift. Morning shift would be 9:30am-1:30pm and they will set up. The afternoon shift would be 1:30pm-5:30pm and they would break down.
So it's the 26th, 27th & 28th- Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
So who's gonna show some love and is in for a shift?
5-31-08
I need your junk!
So oy!!!
I have been trying to plan the garage sale dates but haven't gotten all my dates yet for birthdays (SO many birthdays in June! WTH?) so I didn't set a date yet. Also I have the training to consider! Got my schedule for that this morning (will write about that later...)
Well Ian called and Las Madres is having it's annual sale next weekend NEXT DOOR to him and Karli's house... Well Karli's (THANK YOU!!!) offered the front of her house to do a sale at that same time since the foot traffic is insane for that sale!! Becca did it last year at her house and it was CRAZY! People were standing in line to get in! It's very popular here and I would kick myself if I didn't throw everything together and do one. We are not 100% sure of the location and dates yet but pretty sure.
Plus I have some added pressure but I will write more about then when i am allowed to Soooooo if you have sellable junk you can drop off to me on Thursday or at karli's on Friday I will love you forever! And any help would be so awesome! I have to train Saturday morning and Ian said he would run the sale for me until I get back :) I plan on doing it All day Friday and Saturday (I hope to be back at noon). Free pizza for those who come LOL! Come on! It's for a good cause!
5-30-08
butterflies
My stomach is in knots right now... The kick off for training is tomorrow. I meet all the people on our team and get some questions I've been dying to know finally answered. But I hate large groups and honestly I hate meeting new people because I am shy. During most first encounters I come across as shy or a bitch. There is no middle ground and I have yet to figure out how to counteract it. I swing either one way or the other. I wish I was more like Sam.
I already met the coach and he was really helpful and nice. I haven't met my mentor yet though. The mentor is a past (and current) participant (like me) that holds newbies hands through this. They are the ones who really keep track of you and help you out. It's the first step to answers and they will ask whomever they need to in order to get them. Pretty cool IMO. One problem though- I thought I met who would be my mentor at the information meeting but I guess I was mistaken. Wish me luck!
5-27-08
Seeking support! PLEASE READ! (long!)
So I have told a few people about this but now I am ready to share with the world. Often I am the one who has others lean on me. I am the one who cheers others on and pushes other forward. That is exactly how I like it and set it up. I hate asking for advice or help. It's just not my nature. I like to do everything on my own and for myself. Those who really know me know exactly what I am talking about. But today I am asking those who really care about me to please support me in this. Fake it you have to! I have never asked for much but I am seriously begging you to please at least seem excited about this for my sake and do what you can ok? On Sept 13th I am going to be doing my first triathlon! Not only that but while I train I am going to be raising money of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. What is Teaming Training (TNT)? Here's a wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_in_Training and a link to the home page of TNT: http://www.teamintraining.org/ "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century (100-mile) bike rides. Since 1988, more than 360,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $850 million." Basically they train me and I fundraise in return. It's quite a bit of money but what a freaking awesome cause!! I am so excited for a variety of reasons! But mainly I really have been looking for something to make a difference in other's lives and honestly I have been lead here. As many of you know I love to run. I also love the training and racing part of it too. I know for many there isn't much difference between a 10K a half marathon or a full marathon but let me assure you there is! Not only are the distances and time extremely different (6.2 miles, 13.1 miles & 26.2 miles) but the training is quite different too! I have yet to successfully train for a FULL marathon (even though I ran it anyway). I have however trained successfully for a half marathon. Not to sound cocky but there are a few people who think I can do anything LOL! And nothing could be further from the truth! LOL! My running has been hard and I have a lot of failures with it. Times I have been in tears and felt like I couldn't do any more. It really has been blood sweat and tears and most certainly NOT something that comes naturally to me . I am very athletic now but I am not by nature. I work my ass for every bit of it and nothing has come easily. And even with all that this (a triathlon) is so very different than anything I have done in the past. It will defiantly challenge me in every possible way (ways I have yet to even comprehend at this point I am sure!).
I haven't really swum in years and I hated doing laps. And did I mention I will be ocean swimming? Can you just shoot me now?!? As far as cycling I am ok with it but hate it when it goes beyond the Sunday leisure ride. I also have a crappy bike (hoping if I meet my minimum fundraising expectation I can then use my own money to get a road bike. But until I know I have all my funds set, that money has to be kept aside in case I have to put it to the fundraising.) So with a crappy Costco bike it will also be tough. It weights a ton!! As far as the running I haven't really been doing much. My shins are still an issue and I haven't been able to train at all. I have a 10K in July (Wharf to Wharf) but don't plan on doing it seriously- more for fun. At this point even my fall back sport is going to be difficult for me to pick back up. On top of that I have to do all of these sports back to back which blows my mind! ! ! In the past I have run for hours but the idea of swimming, then biking and then running for hours?? That should be a trip. I wonder how my muscles will handle that. I have no doubt I can do it but just not sure how well at this point! It would be ugly for sure! LOL! Hopefully with training that will change but it is going to be a challenge and a lot of hard work over the next few months. I chose kinda the mid-grade Triathlon distance- the Olympic Distance. There are many distances for triathlons but these seem to be the most popular:
(Swim/Bike/Run distances)
Sprint .5miles/12.4miles/3.1miles
Olympic .93miles/24.8miles/6.2miles
Iroman 2,4miles/112miles/26.2miles
There are also half iromans (half the distance) and I would one day love to train for one of those if I like triathlons.
Normally people start with Sprints but I am not sure when I will have this kind of training again so I want to really push myself and take full advantage of the coaches advice. I think I would be disappointed with the Sprint distance in the end and wished I went with something longer. That's how I felt after my first half marathon LOL! The Olympic distance excites me and that's what I need
Now for the fundraising side. I find it so ironic that the fundraising part was what I most dreaded and feared and now it's what I am looking forward to the most! Don't get me wrong- I am scared as hell to raise this much money but it's a challenge and I LOVE that part of it. And like I said before- I needed "something" and this is most certainly it. I feel it so deeply. So very hard to explain and put into words but I am meant to do this and it will lead to bigger things.
It was important to me that I didn't put this financial burden on my friends and family. In fact that is what kept me from even looking into this. Don't get me wrong- I would LOVE donations! BUT I don't want anyone to feel obligated or pressured to donate money when it's not something they really want to do. I also understand how hard people in this area work just to make it here and don't want to take hard earned money unless you really won't miss it. Anyway, it wasn't until I realized I can EARN the money with a lot of hard work that I decided to just do it! I am going to really try my best to earn as much as I can. That doesn't mean I won't send out donation requests but it will be clear that you really don't have to donate if you don't want to ;)
Another reason I really want to earn a lot of this is because 25% goes to the expenses of the actual training and race fees. 75% goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in all honesty that is a good % for a charity. But even so I want to make sure I earn at the VERY least that 25% so that if people directly donate money the full donation amount will all go to the charity if that makes sense. That is really important to me and if I have to put in 25% of my own money I will in order to make sure that happens. Not that I feel others doing TNT should do this- it's just something I need to do.
So how am I planning on earning this money???? Anyway I can basically! LOL! Get your head out of the gutter! LOL! Ok maybe I need to get my head out of the gutter?? LOL! I am thinking of quite a few things actually and ALL proceeds go to TNT…
*First I was thinking about taking pictures. I really would eventually like to go back to school for photography so that when the kids are older I can perhaps open my own business. I love taking photos. A few people have asked me to do portraits of their kids and offered to pay me. I could never take money from anyone but I think this is worth me asking in this case. A few people have already said they are planning on me doing this for the cause! So I was thinking I could take photos and if the person likes them they can then pay me for the CD in form of a donation to TNT (tax deductible!). I can edit a few of the chosen photos and direct them where to print the photos. Not sure of my fees but I am thinking VERY reasonable and if they don't like the photos they don't have to pay me anything! Suggestions on fees are welcome ;) I also can do hair and makeup for the photos but that dips into profit because I would have to buy tools to keep it safe. I don't know just yet.
*I actually got this idea from the TNT info meeting. I am going to use my powers for good instead of evil- I am thinking of cleaning and decluttering houses for an hourly donation. This one I am pretty set on $25 an hour. Steep but I really don't want to be cleaning other people's homes unless it's worth it! LOL! Again they would get a clean home AND a tax deduction! :D
*I am thinking of babysitting. Now I know I can do this! Again I never charge for this but I think it's worth asking!! Not sure of the rate on this one since it varies with kids y/k?
* Every year people set up a water and soda booth around Gilroy during Garlic Festival. People have told me I should do the same because of my location but I think it's kinda weird and really??? I don't need money that badly! But this year I am doing it! LOL! I am going to my sister's house and setting up a booth to sell water, sodas and fans. (She has more walking traffic) All proceeds will go to TNT and again it's a tax deduction for them! LOL!
*The idea of a garage sale has never appealed to me once I became an adult. Guess I'm a snob but I think my time is worth more so I NEVER do them. I donate everything. Well ladies and gentlemen I am doing a garage sale for the first time and I am not ashamed to ask for your old crap too! Yep, if I can sell it- I want it! LOL! I may do a couple of them. Not sure just yet. I also plan on selling baked goods because some site said that was a good idea during a garage sale. If there's one thing is can do its bake:
*I may or may not do children's murals in people's homes. Those are so time intensive I am not sure they would at all work for this. But who knows. I am pretty open to anything at this point. *I am not sure what else just yet. This is still really new and in the planning stage. There may or may not be the following: A raffle, a swim/pizza party, food sales and perhaps a restaurant fundraising dinner. Not sure yet and need to do more research. I have always had a lot of ideas to make money but never cared enough to test anything out. I haven't really needed money so I never tried. This is worth it to me though.
So can you help?
So I am really hoping for help from those who care about me and/or this issue. I never really ask for help from anyone. In fact I have such a hard time with that because in my twisted head it's a sign of weakness I guess. On top of that I think I fear rejection or being let down. That's another reason I needed to do this. I needed to be able to ask others for help. Its one thing to do things for yourself but quite another when you take it to extremes and people begin to think you never need them, never fall or you are too OCD to accept how others do things! LMAO !. I need to open myself up to this and I am hoping I don't regret it! LOL! J I also have issues calling attention to myself. Believe it or not I was quite a shy child and that child still lurks in there. This will draw attention and I will have to approach people and bring people to me. Actually it's scary stuff for me in some ways but again therapeutic also.
If you have a passion for blood cancer issues then it should be easy to find a way to support this. By helping me you will be helping support those with blood cancers as well as helping find a cure.
If this isn't really your cause but you just wanna help me because you love me , I will take that too! If you want to donate money, great! Thank you so much! When I get my web page through TNT you can do it there online or you can give it to me directly. But let me make this perfectly clear- DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT feel pressured to donate $! I completely understand and don't expect ANYONE to do so! But that doesn't mean you can't help me instead! And go ahead and feel pressured to do so! LMAO! If you don't want to (or can't) give money I could use the help mostly! *Like help running the garage sale with me or Garlic Festival (7/25 7/26 & 7/27) thing! Sheesh the company alone would be great if you can handle the heat! LOL!
*I could also use any items you want to donate to the garage sales if you are already planning on donating them! *Anyone have a canopy I could use? Or a truck I could borrow to haul items?
*Also if you know anyone who needs pictures taken, house cleaned or kid's watched let me know and spread the word! I plan on getting my web site up soon (thanks Juju) and it will have more info www.kdspath.com I also want to get some fliers made to put up too.
*Know of any business that would donate items for a raffle?
*Brainstorming other fundraising items would be a big help too!! This is all new to me so if you have wisdom SHARE!
*For those who run, swim or bike you could always train with me Sam sometimes rides his bike while I run Just the support would be cool!
*And lastly the triathlon is in Pacific Grove (Monterey basically) and I invite you to watch if you want on 9/13. I have never invited people to any of my races (see explanation of asking for help for my reasons basically! LOL!) But I would love to have the support there. I am planning on having the kids there so they can see it and hopefully one day do something like this themselves. http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/PG2008-main.htm So I think that's it for now. If you read this whole thing you are such a gem! Really!! This is still in its infancy and I am working things out in my blog while I do so in my head so if you have any questions please let me know! You can post here or message me!
Expect lots of updates and such and me gushing about this for quite a while!
Thanks for reading and the support!
PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): Unable to load dynamic library './ext\php_mysql.dll' - The specified procedure could not be found. in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0
free polls
Angel on my shoulder
Last night I headed to bed feeling pretty defeated. Earlier in the day Ian and I went out to solicited businesses in the area for donations and we didn't get any bites. I do think some will pan out in the end but most managers were curt and uncaring. It was just an eye opening and depressing experience. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. So last night I prayed for the first time in a while. I actually pray a lot but it's more thanking God than a true prayer. I am not at all religious but very spiritual. I rarely ask for anything in my prayers mainly because I figure other people need his help more than I do LOL! In fact if I do ask it's about other people and their pain. My own infertility was the last thing I ask help with regarding only me. But last night I asked him to motivate me and help me not lose faith in all this. I felt really overwhelmed at this chore of the fundraising. I think it's just taking a toll on my body and mainly my soul.
I actually slept pretty well last night for the first time in weeks. This morning I headed to the gym to renew my membership that expired last month. I have enough equipment at home so I wasn't going to renew but I need the pool there so I headed in do the renewal and do some lap swimming. I headed to the pool and there were already four people in this very small lap pool. The distance is fine but it really only has four lanes across. SO I shared a lane and it was going ok.
I suck at swimming and each time I try to think about form it's a loud reminder of how I have never really known how to truly swim efficiently or with speed. Anyway, it was hard sharing lanes but I managed for about 10 minutes when two other ladies entered the pool. So now it was really crowded and I couldn't figure out how to do my laps. I stood at one end of the pool and tried to come up with a plan. I decided I would just head home to my pool and work on kicking and do the best I could. I wasn't upset just kinda thinking and observing for a few minutes. Then the older of the two ladies started "swimming" but was crossing the lap lanes sideways. I was trying to figure out what she was doing because it looked weird when she gasped "help." I rushed to her and lifted her to her feet right before she got to the rope divider. Apparently she lost her balance and couldn't stand up! She said now she knew what people who drowned felt like. Kinda scary but not too dramatic thankfully. The rest of the swimmers stopped to see if she was ok and she thankfully was. Then the conversation kinda went like this:
The lady- "I used to know how to swim but I haven't been able to since I got cancer."
Me- "Oh really? That's kind of ironic because I am here training for a triathlon for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and raising funds for blood cancer."
The lady- "I had Lymphoma actually. When is you event?"
It was like a script. So bizarre! I then proceeded to fill her in on the info and she said she wanted to sponsor me! Then she said the other woman she was with was a cancer survivor too. The other lady also offered support too! The older lady (I am bad with names.. I remember her last name but I am not going to share that info) told me her story about how she almost died twice and had to have three blood transfusions. All of this happened last year. It was such a reminder of why the heck I am doing this!!!
I got out the pool shortly after our conversation and came back to drop off a card with my info. Ironically I had Sam print them up last night 'just in case'. I told them I would be having a raffle too with theme park tickets. Then the younger woman asked how many Gilroy Garden tickets I had. I told her I have 2 right now because I volunteer there and I am using the credits for that. Well it turns out she is a docent too and on the docent panel! LOL! How cool is that? She knows Ian (my best friend)! She said she volunteers on Friday and will see how many hours she has and will donate her tickets to Roaring Camp for the raffle!! How cool is that?!?
It's weird, I have no doubt in my faith. I know there is a God or Gods. But when things like this happen where it's so up in my face it sends shock throughout me. It was like I was being lead by the hand. I an not sure I would even believe it if it didn't happen to *me*. Today I just have this excited yet calm feeling. And for the first time in my life I can use this word correctly- I had an AWESOME day. Thank you God, I heard loud and clear ;)
6-09-08
I need help again!
Well the garage sale was such a success but also a slap in the face that I nee to be organized for the Garlic Festival booth thingy or else I'm screwed! LOL!
So basically I'm asking that you reply if/when you can help
After talking with a few people we think shifts would be good and two people on a shift. Morning shift would be 9:30am-1:30pm and they will set up. The afternoon shift would be 1:30pm-5:30pm and they would break down.
So it's the 26th, 27th & 28th- Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
So who's gonna show some love and is in for a shift?
5-31-08
I need your junk!
So oy!!!
I have been trying to plan the garage sale dates but haven't gotten all my dates yet for birthdays (SO many birthdays in June! WTH?) so I didn't set a date yet. Also I have the training to consider! Got my schedule for that this morning (will write about that later...)
Well Ian called and Las Madres is having it's annual sale next weekend NEXT DOOR to him and Karli's house... Well Karli's (THANK YOU!!!) offered the front of her house to do a sale at that same time since the foot traffic is insane for that sale!! Becca did it last year at her house and it was CRAZY! People were standing in line to get in! It's very popular here and I would kick myself if I didn't throw everything together and do one. We are not 100% sure of the location and dates yet but pretty sure.
Plus I have some added pressure but I will write more about then when i am allowed to Soooooo if you have sellable junk you can drop off to me on Thursday or at karli's on Friday I will love you forever! And any help would be so awesome! I have to train Saturday morning and Ian said he would run the sale for me until I get back :) I plan on doing it All day Friday and Saturday (I hope to be back at noon). Free pizza for those who come LOL! Come on! It's for a good cause!
5-30-08
butterflies
My stomach is in knots right now... The kick off for training is tomorrow. I meet all the people on our team and get some questions I've been dying to know finally answered. But I hate large groups and honestly I hate meeting new people because I am shy. During most first encounters I come across as shy or a bitch. There is no middle ground and I have yet to figure out how to counteract it. I swing either one way or the other. I wish I was more like Sam.
I already met the coach and he was really helpful and nice. I haven't met my mentor yet though. The mentor is a past (and current) participant (like me) that holds newbies hands through this. They are the ones who really keep track of you and help you out. It's the first step to answers and they will ask whomever they need to in order to get them. Pretty cool IMO. One problem though- I thought I met who would be my mentor at the information meeting but I guess I was mistaken. Wish me luck!
5-27-08
Seeking support! PLEASE READ! (long!)
So I have told a few people about this but now I am ready to share with the world. Often I am the one who has others lean on me. I am the one who cheers others on and pushes other forward. That is exactly how I like it and set it up. I hate asking for advice or help. It's just not my nature. I like to do everything on my own and for myself. Those who really know me know exactly what I am talking about. But today I am asking those who really care about me to please support me in this. Fake it you have to! I have never asked for much but I am seriously begging you to please at least seem excited about this for my sake and do what you can ok? On Sept 13th I am going to be doing my first triathlon! Not only that but while I train I am going to be raising money of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. What is Teaming Training (TNT)? Here's a wiki link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_in_Training and a link to the home page of TNT: http://www.teamintraining.org/ "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century (100-mile) bike rides. Since 1988, more than 360,000 volunteer participants have helped raise more than $850 million." Basically they train me and I fundraise in return. It's quite a bit of money but what a freaking awesome cause!! I am so excited for a variety of reasons! But mainly I really have been looking for something to make a difference in other's lives and honestly I have been lead here. As many of you know I love to run. I also love the training and racing part of it too. I know for many there isn't much difference between a 10K a half marathon or a full marathon but let me assure you there is! Not only are the distances and time extremely different (6.2 miles, 13.1 miles & 26.2 miles) but the training is quite different too! I have yet to successfully train for a FULL marathon (even though I ran it anyway). I have however trained successfully for a half marathon. Not to sound cocky but there are a few people who think I can do anything LOL! And nothing could be further from the truth! LOL! My running has been hard and I have a lot of failures with it. Times I have been in tears and felt like I couldn't do any more. It really has been blood sweat and tears and most certainly NOT something that comes naturally to me . I am very athletic now but I am not by nature. I work my ass for every bit of it and nothing has come easily. And even with all that this (a triathlon) is so very different than anything I have done in the past. It will defiantly challenge me in every possible way (ways I have yet to even comprehend at this point I am sure!).
I haven't really swum in years and I hated doing laps. And did I mention I will be ocean swimming? Can you just shoot me now?!? As far as cycling I am ok with it but hate it when it goes beyond the Sunday leisure ride. I also have a crappy bike (hoping if I meet my minimum fundraising expectation I can then use my own money to get a road bike. But until I know I have all my funds set, that money has to be kept aside in case I have to put it to the fundraising.) So with a crappy Costco bike it will also be tough. It weights a ton!! As far as the running I haven't really been doing much. My shins are still an issue and I haven't been able to train at all. I have a 10K in July (Wharf to Wharf) but don't plan on doing it seriously- more for fun. At this point even my fall back sport is going to be difficult for me to pick back up. On top of that I have to do all of these sports back to back which blows my mind! ! ! In the past I have run for hours but the idea of swimming, then biking and then running for hours?? That should be a trip. I wonder how my muscles will handle that. I have no doubt I can do it but just not sure how well at this point! It would be ugly for sure! LOL! Hopefully with training that will change but it is going to be a challenge and a lot of hard work over the next few months. I chose kinda the mid-grade Triathlon distance- the Olympic Distance. There are many distances for triathlons but these seem to be the most popular:
(Swim/Bike/Run distances)
Sprint .5miles/12.4miles/3.1miles
Olympic .93miles/24.8miles/6.2miles
Iroman 2,4miles/112miles/26.2miles
There are also half iromans (half the distance) and I would one day love to train for one of those if I like triathlons.
Normally people start with Sprints but I am not sure when I will have this kind of training again so I want to really push myself and take full advantage of the coaches advice. I think I would be disappointed with the Sprint distance in the end and wished I went with something longer. That's how I felt after my first half marathon LOL! The Olympic distance excites me and that's what I need
Now for the fundraising side. I find it so ironic that the fundraising part was what I most dreaded and feared and now it's what I am looking forward to the most! Don't get me wrong- I am scared as hell to raise this much money but it's a challenge and I LOVE that part of it. And like I said before- I needed "something" and this is most certainly it. I feel it so deeply. So very hard to explain and put into words but I am meant to do this and it will lead to bigger things.
It was important to me that I didn't put this financial burden on my friends and family. In fact that is what kept me from even looking into this. Don't get me wrong- I would LOVE donations! BUT I don't want anyone to feel obligated or pressured to donate money when it's not something they really want to do. I also understand how hard people in this area work just to make it here and don't want to take hard earned money unless you really won't miss it. Anyway, it wasn't until I realized I can EARN the money with a lot of hard work that I decided to just do it! I am going to really try my best to earn as much as I can. That doesn't mean I won't send out donation requests but it will be clear that you really don't have to donate if you don't want to ;)
Another reason I really want to earn a lot of this is because 25% goes to the expenses of the actual training and race fees. 75% goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and in all honesty that is a good % for a charity. But even so I want to make sure I earn at the VERY least that 25% so that if people directly donate money the full donation amount will all go to the charity if that makes sense. That is really important to me and if I have to put in 25% of my own money I will in order to make sure that happens. Not that I feel others doing TNT should do this- it's just something I need to do.
So how am I planning on earning this money???? Anyway I can basically! LOL! Get your head out of the gutter! LOL! Ok maybe I need to get my head out of the gutter?? LOL! I am thinking of quite a few things actually and ALL proceeds go to TNT…
*First I was thinking about taking pictures. I really would eventually like to go back to school for photography so that when the kids are older I can perhaps open my own business. I love taking photos. A few people have asked me to do portraits of their kids and offered to pay me. I could never take money from anyone but I think this is worth me asking in this case. A few people have already said they are planning on me doing this for the cause! So I was thinking I could take photos and if the person likes them they can then pay me for the CD in form of a donation to TNT (tax deductible!). I can edit a few of the chosen photos and direct them where to print the photos. Not sure of my fees but I am thinking VERY reasonable and if they don't like the photos they don't have to pay me anything! Suggestions on fees are welcome ;) I also can do hair and makeup for the photos but that dips into profit because I would have to buy tools to keep it safe. I don't know just yet.
*I actually got this idea from the TNT info meeting. I am going to use my powers for good instead of evil- I am thinking of cleaning and decluttering houses for an hourly donation. This one I am pretty set on $25 an hour. Steep but I really don't want to be cleaning other people's homes unless it's worth it! LOL! Again they would get a clean home AND a tax deduction! :D
*I am thinking of babysitting. Now I know I can do this! Again I never charge for this but I think it's worth asking!! Not sure of the rate on this one since it varies with kids y/k?
* Every year people set up a water and soda booth around Gilroy during Garlic Festival. People have told me I should do the same because of my location but I think it's kinda weird and really??? I don't need money that badly! But this year I am doing it! LOL! I am going to my sister's house and setting up a booth to sell water, sodas and fans. (She has more walking traffic) All proceeds will go to TNT and again it's a tax deduction for them! LOL!
*The idea of a garage sale has never appealed to me once I became an adult. Guess I'm a snob but I think my time is worth more so I NEVER do them. I donate everything. Well ladies and gentlemen I am doing a garage sale for the first time and I am not ashamed to ask for your old crap too! Yep, if I can sell it- I want it! LOL! I may do a couple of them. Not sure just yet. I also plan on selling baked goods because some site said that was a good idea during a garage sale. If there's one thing is can do its bake:
*I may or may not do children's murals in people's homes. Those are so time intensive I am not sure they would at all work for this. But who knows. I am pretty open to anything at this point. *I am not sure what else just yet. This is still really new and in the planning stage. There may or may not be the following: A raffle, a swim/pizza party, food sales and perhaps a restaurant fundraising dinner. Not sure yet and need to do more research. I have always had a lot of ideas to make money but never cared enough to test anything out. I haven't really needed money so I never tried. This is worth it to me though.
So can you help?
So I am really hoping for help from those who care about me and/or this issue. I never really ask for help from anyone. In fact I have such a hard time with that because in my twisted head it's a sign of weakness I guess. On top of that I think I fear rejection or being let down. That's another reason I needed to do this. I needed to be able to ask others for help. Its one thing to do things for yourself but quite another when you take it to extremes and people begin to think you never need them, never fall or you are too OCD to accept how others do things! LMAO !. I need to open myself up to this and I am hoping I don't regret it! LOL! J I also have issues calling attention to myself. Believe it or not I was quite a shy child and that child still lurks in there. This will draw attention and I will have to approach people and bring people to me. Actually it's scary stuff for me in some ways but again therapeutic also.
If you have a passion for blood cancer issues then it should be easy to find a way to support this. By helping me you will be helping support those with blood cancers as well as helping find a cure.
If this isn't really your cause but you just wanna help me because you love me , I will take that too! If you want to donate money, great! Thank you so much! When I get my web page through TNT you can do it there online or you can give it to me directly. But let me make this perfectly clear- DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT feel pressured to donate $! I completely understand and don't expect ANYONE to do so! But that doesn't mean you can't help me instead! And go ahead and feel pressured to do so! LMAO! If you don't want to (or can't) give money I could use the help mostly! *Like help running the garage sale with me or Garlic Festival (7/25 7/26 & 7/27) thing! Sheesh the company alone would be great if you can handle the heat! LOL!
*I could also use any items you want to donate to the garage sales if you are already planning on donating them! *Anyone have a canopy I could use? Or a truck I could borrow to haul items?
*Also if you know anyone who needs pictures taken, house cleaned or kid's watched let me know and spread the word! I plan on getting my web site up soon (thanks Juju) and it will have more info www.kdspath.com I also want to get some fliers made to put up too.
*Know of any business that would donate items for a raffle?
*Brainstorming other fundraising items would be a big help too!! This is all new to me so if you have wisdom SHARE!
*For those who run, swim or bike you could always train with me Sam sometimes rides his bike while I run Just the support would be cool!
*And lastly the triathlon is in Pacific Grove (Monterey basically) and I invite you to watch if you want on 9/13. I have never invited people to any of my races (see explanation of asking for help for my reasons basically! LOL!) But I would love to have the support there. I am planning on having the kids there so they can see it and hopefully one day do something like this themselves. http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/PG2008-main.htm So I think that's it for now. If you read this whole thing you are such a gem! Really!! This is still in its infancy and I am working things out in my blog while I do so in my head so if you have any questions please let me know! You can post here or message me!
Expect lots of updates and such and me gushing about this for quite a while!
Thanks for reading and the support!
PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): Unable to load dynamic library './ext\php_mysql.dll' - The specified procedure could not be found. in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0 PHP Warning: Unknown(): (null): Unable to initialize module Module compiled with module API=20060613, debug=0, thread-safety=1 PHP compiled with module API=20020429, debug=0, thread-safety=1 These options need to match in Unknown on line 0
free polls
