Training Day One

Training has officially started.

On Saturday January 31, 2009 at 6:45 AM I began training to participate in the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon on May 31, 2009. The marathon is 26.2 miles and Saturday we started off with three dare I say "easy" miles. As most of you know I am not a runner of any capacity but after last year I needed a new challenge. I promised myself I would graduate from school and I did. This year I promised myself I would challenge myself to do something that I never thought I could do but I had to do because I need a new sense of accomplishment.
So...5:45AM Saturday morning my alarm went off and of course I woke up with the sense of dread continually asking myself why? Why Chaundra would you ever do this to yourself. Then I thought you are doing this because you yourself don't think you can do this and you need to prove yourself wrong. So I didn't necessarily wake up wide eyed and bushy tailed but I had to force myself to drive to Plaza Park in the fog that makes it almost completely impossible to see and it is sad that I am actually praying that the fog will some how keep all of the coaches home and training will be cancelled and I can go and get back in my cozy bed. YEAH RIGHT! They are all there (with bells on I might add) they are all full of spunk and waaayyyy to happy for 6:45 in the morning.
After running/walking a mile to "warm up" I thought I might die of an asthma attack which is funny seeing as how I don't even has asthma but I kept on trucking and eventually was able to run/walk another 2 miles and praised God that the first training had come to a conclusion.
I know you are asking yourself why did I sign myself up for this torture. The answer is simple to help save lives. Lord knows that Neal and I went through some tough times last year which inspired me to want to do more for others. It helped me to realize that my struggles are so small to those of others who are struggling with Leukemia and cancer. I had acted selfishly and thought I was the other one suffering and last year taught me that I am pretty lucky in health and I need to do what I can to give back to others who are not as fortunate and would kill to be in my shoes.
When I started the program at Fresno Pacific we were told of a girl named Sam Cushing who started her academic program at Fresno Pacific and found out she was pregnant. She was also diagnosed with Leukemia and had to begin treatment. She inspired me all throughout my program because even through treatment and pregnancy she never missed a class and never gave up or felt sorry for herself. As they say she kept trucking...It will be in her honor that I train and participate in this marathon along with the rest of the South Valley Team in Training. Wish us luck as we begin this new and exciting chapter of our lives. Check back as I will keep you updated on my training and progress.