Fighting the Fight

I can't wait for tomorrow - we are having another bike ride training workout. I bought a road bike two weeks ago and I'm still getting comfortable on it.

Over Memorial Day weekend I rode from my house to Ft. Monroe, VA and back (12.5 mile round trip). Ft. Monroe is an Army base built in 1820, but an area with recognized importance in the 1600's. It is a beautiful base with the water, nature, and historic homes and defenses surrounding you. It is a great place to bike, as I did, think about the history and importance of where you are, but also a great place for reflection on why I am biking....to help those that are fighting to live.

Ft. Monroe was a base established to defend and protect the colonly of Jamestown and the water ways leading into Hampton Roads (and further to Richmond).

Team in Training with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to help protect and fight for the lives that are under attack by cancer.

To each of you who have given money or are thinking of donating, I thank you. I also ask and encourage you to send the link to your friends, co-workers, and family. It might take a village to raise a child, a military to protect our nation, but it takes you and monitary resources to help find a cure for cancer. Your donations also help to cover the costs of copayments, gas, doctor visits, medicines, and counceling for those fighting for their lives.

If you would like to contribute please go to:http://pages.teamintraining.org/va/nattri08/jpearson

The Silent Mile

Saturday was the Team in Training's silent mile run. It was a four mile walk/jog/run group workout where the first mile was completed in silence. No talking, no headphones. Along the path were volunteers and survivors holding up posters with pictures, the names, diagnosis of the individual and "thank you for saving my life".

It was a VERY emotional first mile and really drove home how much the money the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can make a difference in the treatment and support received by a patient and their family.

Tomorrow night we have our first swim clinic...into the pool we go (the bay is still too cold).

I want to thank EVERYONE who has donated. So far I have raised $700 towards my goal of $2,800.

my dog...Sprout

First...Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Today is also my uncles birthday - so I gave him a call and got to talk to two of my cousins as an added bonus. The best part of all my phone calls today to my mother, both grandmothers, and my uncle I was asked the same question "how's Sprout doing"? My dog is loved....

He is doing good. Will be turning 4 in July though he still acts like a puppy. Below are a few of my favorite "Sprout stories"

1. When I fist met Sprout it was at the breeders in Pennsylvania. They had three dogs that were not 'show' worthy so they were selling them. When the owners opened the kennel the puppies (6 months old) were in two ran to the owners and one ran over to me, sniffed me, licked me, then peed on me. Yep - that was Sprout! I knew he was mine, and he knew I was his. :)

2. A few years ago I was visiting my grandparents in Falmouth, MA (on Cape Cod). Sprout was being pampered with attention so I went to shower an make up the room I was staying in. When I returned to the kitchen my grandmother was doubled over in laughter. Sprout was playing in the other room, then my grandmother saw Sprout running through the house with a white thing in his mouth. Now he does have a white toy he loves to play with. But, it wasn't the case. He was running through the house with my grandfather's underware. My grandmother still loves to tell that story!

3. Another visit with family in MA - I was visiting my uncle, aunt and 3 cousins (same uncle whose b-day is today). We had a great time, my cousins were arguing over who gets to walk Sprout each time. I was happy NOT to have to walk him for once! When it was time to leave, my cousin started crying. At first we all thought it was becuase she had such a great time that she didn't want ME to leave. NOPE...she was upset that SPROUT was leaving! (yes Laurie - I'm talking about you here) :)

I am looking at my calendar (and airfare) to see when I can make a weekend visit back up to Boston to see that side of my family again (yes, I'll bring Sprout).

Triathlon - Bike ride

Today I attended my first TNT training session. We biked 7 miles around Ft. Story in VA Beach. It had rained all morning but when it was time to ride it was beautiful out. This ride was the first time in a long time since I've ridden a bike. It was a blast! Everyone is so positive and motivated it makes you want to give 110% each time.

Thank you to everyone who has donated!! If you would like to donate or know someone who has been affected by Leukemia or Lymphoma and they would like to donate, please direct them to my fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/va/nattri08/jpearson.

Langley Air Show & Red Arrows

For the first time in 15 years, the British Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, will perform at a US air show later this year. The team is set to take part in this year’s AirPower over Hampton Roads, the three-day air show that begins June 20 at Langley AFB, Va. They will perform in place of the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team that had a scheduling conflict. The Red Arrows last performed in the US in 1993 at Andrews AFB, Md. Also appearing at AirPower over Hampton Roads will be the F-22A, B-2A, C-17, F-15E, V-22 and historic airplanes such as the World War II-era P-51 and Vietnam War-era F-4.

Let me know if decide to make it out this way!!!