Barrett Garese

Tri Training Update: Finding a Cure

A good friend of mine Michelle is running a Triathlon to support finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. This is the second year in a row that she’s devoted herself - and a number of months - to this cause; last year she ran a marathon to raise over $5,000. This year, she’s upping her game substantially and moving into Triathlon territory.

That’s right, SwimBikeRun triathlon.

There’s a more personal note to this year’s efforts as well: Three months ago, a close friend of hers, and one of the coolest guys in the web community, Drew Olanoff, was diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer is one of those theoretical things that we understand innately, but generally also from a distance. We all know someone who has it, or has passed away from it, but it’s an idea that we tend keep at arm’s length until brought face-to-face with the effects by a family member or friend. Three members of my immediate family have had some form of cancer, and one passed away due to its effects. Last year I had a brief personal - and very traumatic - experience when one of my nuclear family members called and told me that they’d been diagnosed (don’t worry, everything’s fine now.)

Here’s the point that I’m rambling towards: These are good people, a good cause, and we owe them all the respect and support we can give. Michelle’s kicking her own ass over the next three months to raise $5,000 and complete one of the more challenging things she’s ever attempted (ask her about the swim bit sometime, it’s entertaining.)

I’ll be donating and I hope you will too.

Go get ‘em Michelle.

mdfsmash:

Today was tough physically and emotionally.

I had my first brick workout, which is a bike ride with a run right after so that you get used to running on wobbly legs. The ride ended up being about 7 miles and was fairly easy (minus the ever treacherous Harlem Hill which kicks my ass every time). I’m definitely getting more comfortable on my bike, using the dropped handle bars more, and switching gears without causing my chain to fall off. I even started to use the front set of gears today, which was just one more small step of progress that counts towards having a great workout when it’s all said and done.

Once we got back to Riverside (@72nd), we dropped our bikes and then set off for 3 out and backs, which are a mile each. Let me tell you, I’m not entirely clear on how my legs were still moving enough to get up the hills, but I just concentrated on swinging my arms, and breathing through it. It worked. I kicked ass and booked it through the run.

It’s a curious thing to feel strong. It’s something I’ve never felt in my life, but it’s empowering and uplifting, and gives me the sensation that I can overcome anything I encounter. I’ve also learned a bit of patience, which has become incredibly useful in all aspects of my life, both personally and professionally.

After the workout, all the fall season Team In Training teams (marathon, cycling, and triathlon) gathered for an event called Connection to the Cause. While we focus on training very hard, TNT maintains a strong emphasis on staying connected to the core reason we train and raise money: beating cancer.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides resources to individuals and their families diagnosed with Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other blood cancers, including financial aid and counseling (you can imagine the amount of questions one has once diagnosed and then when beginning treatment), as well as grants for clinical trials and innovative research. This is what my training is for. This is where your donation goes.

Today I heard from a few survivors on my team. One woman’s story went something like this: Cancer, chemo, bone marrow transplant, radiation, 5 yrs of kidney dialysis, kidney transplant, MARATHON. F**k any of you who say you can’t do this. SHE IS RUNNING A MARATHON. That is just about all I need in order to push myself to the bring of collapsing, and to beg you all for donations. And then all I have to deal with are sore muscles and wanting a nap, and you might have to sacrifice one night out, or in this city, two less drinks tonight.

I’m even more inspired by those on our team actually GOING THROUGH CHEMO AND TRAINING AT THE SAME TIME. When I think I want to walk up a hill, I think of them. I’ve said it before, but if people can go through chemo, radiation, surgeries, and the like, I can get myself up for a run. It’s that simple.

I could go on and on, but it’s only because I was deeply inspired and moved today by everyone’s connection to the cause, and of course my hero, Drew.

Please consider a donation. I’m hoping to raise $5000. My training page even takes credit cards :)

If you are unable to donate, reblogging is a donation in my book too.

P.S.: Drew, it’s only a matter of time before I talk you into a marathon or triathlon, your pick. Just sayin. xo

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/wchtri09/mdeforest