Monday, March 30, 2009

18 Mile "Train Run" & United in Cancer Fight


Today was our final long run before our taper period prior to the Boston Marathon on April 20th. Our small group of 4 runners took the 6:40 a.m. train up to Oceanside, CA...and then ran all the way back to our cars, 18-21 miles!!!

What started off as a small group of Team LIVESTRONG charity runners (Pattie, Colin, & me) and HP lottery teammate (Marcie) turned into an amazing display of friendship, love and support by our Team in Training (TNT) teammates. All four of us run at different paces, but Marcie and I stuck together for the first ~15 miles. Around Mile 3, we looked up, and Marcie said, "Is that an Aid Station?" -- and sure enough, it was one. Every few miles, our friends and fellow TNT teammates had set up official aid stations to help us through our long run -- outfitted with cheerleading pom-poms and our favorite running snacks (hello, my name is Julie, and I'm addicted to "Cheez-It"s). We ran into another runner as we headed through Carlsbad, and she said, "Wow, there's, like, 20 of you -- how can I join?" So, after explaining how to join Team LIVESTRONG (http://www.livestrong.org/), I told her there was just a few of us --- we found out a few miles later that she wasn't far off in her estimate --- each aid station had more and more folks out there to support us, and it was a huge surprise. A few even donned their running shoes to pace us and keep us moving! After a week of having the flu, I'm not sure I would have made Miles 15-18 if it wasn't for my friend, Jen (Thanks, chickadee!). All of this, of course, was washed down with beer and pizza (Carbo-loading, right?). Nothing tasted better than downing some amazing chow at Pizza Port with a group of friends that have some of the biggest hearts I know.
What struck me as amazing was that our teammates for our TNT team (raises money to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) came out to support a few of us on Team LIVESTRONG (raises money to support the Lance Armstrong Foundation). It was a strong reminder that we are all in this fight together to kick cancer to the curb once and for all. I consider these individuals my fellow warriors in this fight...and my friends. A HUGE thank you to all of you for your beautiful show of support, love and friendship, as I head into my final weeks of training before the Boston Marathon. 3 more weeks!

CURES ROCK (& so do all of you!)!!!
Pic #1: Julie, Greg & Marcie at an Aid Station
Pic #2: Colin with cheerleaders/support at Aid Station
Pic #3: San Diego Team LIVESTRONG: Boston teammates w/ TNT supporters
Pic #4: Julie in front of the "Welcome to Boston" sidewalk chalk
Pic #5: Taking over Pizza Port for some well-earned pizza and beer

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

26.2 Days Until the Boston Marathon!

Breathe...*gulp*...breathe...I am officially 26.2 days away from the starting line (& finish line) of the Boston Marathon!

As many of you know, I am running on Team LIVESTRONG to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I have been training hard, fighting back from my injury, and even trained during cancer treatments. Granted, some weeks are better than others because of these factors...and let's face it...I'm not an elite runner to start. However, it's teaching me patience and learning that missing a run (or two or three) isn't the end f the world. Some days, my body just doesn't cooperate when I'm out sick, but I am easily reminded that I'm a-l-i-v-e. I know I'm doing this to help others that are in my same shoes and to give back for all the help I received.

I am also officially 26.2 days away from my big, personal goal this season in celebration of making it alive through my 33rd year (the last day of my 33rd year in life is the same day as the Boston Marathon): Run 3 Marathons in 3 months to raise funds for charities that have helped me during my own cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. (You can click on the links below to reach my fundraising pages for more information!)

April 20th: 113th Boston Marathon (Team LIVESTRONG / LAF)

May 31st : San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon (TNT / L&L Society)

June 27th: Seattle Rock 'N' Roll Marathon (TNT / L&L Society)

I am very proud of both Team LIVESTRONG-Boston and the Team in Training (North County San Diego Team) marathon teams for their dedication to raising funds to help cancer patients and to fund life-saving research. To date, we've raised ~$75,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation & ~$115,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this season, and I am extremely thankful for your financial support and encouragement. CURES ROCK!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Bracelets 4 Cures

Please read my sister note below. She's helping us raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) by donating her talents by making jewelry. Not just any jewelry--- VERY special jewelry, which was custom-designed to help the Cures Rock! team fundraise for LLS (100% of the proceeds go to LLS!). It's her way to join in the fight against cancer -- and hey, we all need to look beautiful and chic when fighting this ugly disease!

~~~ BRACELETS 4 CURES! ~~~

Hello Friends! As some of you know, my youngest sister, Julie, has been fighting the battle with cancer...and doing a great job at kicking it to the curb! In between the ups and downs of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and full time work, she found time last year to train and run in the Rock n' Roll Marathon (San Diego, CA) with Team in Training raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She has an unbelievable story, and I am so proud of her dedication and focus to raise awareness for cancer research. This April, she has been invited to run with the Lance Armstrong Foundation (TeamLIVESTRONG) in the prestigious Boston Marathon. And in June, both of my sisters are running in the Rock n' Roll Marathon (with Team in Training). I totally applaud them. However, unless bears are involved, I don't do well running. So, I am getting creative and pulling out all my jewelry making supplies and getting back at it...except this time, all the proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Currently, I am doing a purple toned bracelet (general cancer awareness color, Team in Training colors, and K-State's colors!) with a Swarovski crystal purple star (also have option of orange star for leukemia awareness or "Cures Rock!" colors), Swarovski pearls, star toggle and "awarness ribbon" charm, both in sterling, and faceted fire-polished glass beads in purple tones. All finishing components are sterling silver too. The bracelets are the traditional length of 7.5" long (other lengths -wider or children's- upon special request).

They are $26.00 (flat rate shipping for up to 5 bracelets to same address is $2.50). I will accept checks, cash, and Paypal (bracelets4cures@curesrock.com) Again, all proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you have time, please check out my sister's blog at http://www.curesrock.com. Please email me at bracelets4cures@curesrock.com with any questions or orders for bracelets!

Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jenny M.

Pic #1: Tag included with bracelet
Pic #2: Bracelet with orange star option (leukemia awareness ribbon color & "Cures Rock!" star logo emblem)
Pic #3: Example of packaging
Pic #4: Example of both custom-bracelets (one with purple star & one with orange star)

Nike and Lance United to Launch “Stages,” a Global Art Exhibition

The launch of "Stages" in Hollywood this weekend was a spectacular event. More to come, but here is the write-up from the LIVESRONG Blog.

Monday, March 2, 2009

March 7. Hollywood. LIVESTRONG Art Project.

March 7th. Hollywood & Vine. Go to the following link and check out Shepard Fairey's mural-in-progress.(http://www.supertouchart.com/2009/03/02/lashepard-fairey-x-lance-armstrong-mural-at-nikes-montalban-theater-in-progress/) It depicts the champion cyclist as a cancer fighter in the tireless LIVESTRONG Army. The short ride with Lance Armstrong on Saturday, March 7th, ends at this mural, which will be fully unveiled at the Nike Montalban theatre. It's a ride to UNITE as one in the fight against cancer.

It's my first casual "ride" with Lance Armstrong and his foundation --- and nope, I won't be donning my running shoes. :) Unfortunately, my bright-colored beach cruiser with streamers, a basket and a little bell will be staying at home, in trade for a real road bike (all you runners can marvel that I'll be on something with WHEELS...dang...do I need a license for this?).

The ride will bring more LIVESTRONG Art news this weekend, so stay tuned!

Lance Armstrong's "Tour de France" Dedication to Julie

A great reminder that I had armies of support beside me in my fight. (Thanks, Lance!) Even with the recent media, this video isn't about the bike...but the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG!

Stage 2 Dedication: Julie Westcott -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Guinness World Record Broken to Fight Cancer

We *Heart* Our Fans

Cures Rock! on Facebook

Donate & fight to kick cancer to the curb!

500 Miles. 17 days. 2 States. 1 Mission to Cure Cancer.

500 Miles. 17 days. 2 States. 1 Mission to Cure Cancer.
January 1 - 17, 2010
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