Living On A Prayer

Hallo meine Freunde!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I certainly did! Unfortunately Joelle is battling some heavy nausea due to her treatment, but she'll get better soon enough. Her pump was removed, so those are good news! :)

For now, here's a photo of her enjoying a succulent Godiva chocolate cheesecake. -->

This past week' training summary goes as follows:

Monday was not as bad as it used to. Things are intense in the morning no matter what, and by the end of the day I feel exhausted, but I have calligraphy class after work, and then practice. Last Monday I showed up with some ink accidentally smeared on my face. When a team member brought it up, I couldn't stop laughing: I looked so... French! Mademoiselle Moustache est arrivée! The run was focused on speed and endurance, so it worked out great until lap #1,000 when I was just dragging my feet. 

Wednesday we went outside! Our coach, Andy, had us do warm up laps on the track, and once we regrouped he took us on a run around town! Half-way through the 6 mile run one of the team members found a $10 dollar bill on the ground, and she invited us to a round of drinks [of Gatorade] straight up. Let the partay begin! [plays dance music]

Friday was Purple Day, and quite frankly I looked like Barney. (Yup! Good luck getting the "I love you" song off your mind now!) I couldn't work out, as I got caught up with more wedding stuff. I had a meeting with the new wedding priest (who is my church's main priest), and he will take over the wedding ceremony. 

This was a huge relief, specially so close to the date and given our catho + non-catho wedding ceremony situation. The excitement also made me pay a visit to the chapel in which I'm getting married, say hi to a few people, and gush about how happy I am about this. 

Saturday was another über early morning. Again, I had a little convo with the Mister up There, asking for strength- although this time not just for me. I also asked Him to keep us safe, we run at 5AM and it is dark. My daddy was so nice to give me a reflector vest he has in his car in Germany, but it was a wee-bit big. (Let's just say my fiancé and I fit in perfectly... Together. Danke anyway, daddy!) 

I had a chocolate protein shake, followed by a multivitamin gummy bear. The flavor mixture was something for the books... [coughs]. After getting dressed up, I went on my way and didn't leave anything behind. (WIN!) 

The plan was to meet at our Capitol building to take a group picture, as they had purple lights on to raise awareness on blood cancers (LLS-represent!) Once the photo was taken, we were off! We had an 8 mile run on agenda, and this time ridiculous hills were added to the mix. 

Living in an old colonial site has its perks. The site is pretty, and it has a certain charm to it. However, unlike N'awlins' flat streets,  Old San Juan has hills. Nasty ones. You love them if you drive up the hills and appreciate the spectacular view of the sea. When you run up those hills, you develop a love/hate relationship worthy of a soap opera script. Another funny factor was that as we were running up and down those streets, we got to wave good-bye at a few folks making their way home (evidently after a long evening of heavy celebrating). 

On our way down from Old San Juan I was still feeling good, keeping a steady pace, and surprisingly focused on my breathing. We crossed the bridge to the hotel area (Condado), and I felt the exhaustion creeping up my legs. As I began to slow down one of my team members cheered me up reminding me of how I was doing so well keeping up with the core group. (Remember, I'm the group's Tortoise)

I had to slow down a bit anyway to catch my breath as I was about to face yet another hill. I was so tired that my marathon diva friend, Karla, shouted hello from the opposite street when she ran by me and I didn't even notice. 

That last 1/4 mile I finished slowly, at a steady pace. I picked up speed once I saw the Capitol building coming up. Funny enough, the split second that I reached my team's oasis I stopped so hard, my shoes sounded like tires breaking. From the looks of it, I think I drank half of the cooler filled with Gatorade. I regrouped with everyone and proceeded to do some stretching (and panting).

We all signed Kimberly's "Get Well Soon" card (she's our team's honorary patient; she's a sweet little girl, God bless her soul!) that she got this week with a surprise tablet. Our other cancer survivor/awesome runner gave a few words of encouragement, and told us about how Kimberly and her family are being sent to Disney World for the marathon weekend. The little girl had asked him to help her set up a food kiosk so she could save up money to take her family there. (It's ok, go grab a Kleenex).

We are giving her that surprise closer to the marathon's date (although her parents know), for now we don't want to overwhelm her with all these news, plus her own cancer treatment, and her return to the hospital. So, as a side note, if you're into sending a few words up There, or sending good vibes, I can point towards a couple of recipients who wouldn't mind them.

After I signed the card, and recovered (not from the run, but from the gallons of Gatorade), one of the team mentors took a picture of me. Since in most pictures I look like an awkward turtle, I decided to jump, hoping my face conveys the excitement I'm actually feeling. 

By 7AM I was done, and I got to meet up with my fiancé for breakfast. With the local weather I rarely ever eat outside, but this time around it was so peaceful and quiet that we had breakfast int he restaurant's porch, which was a nice time before the wedding errands-filled day kicked in. 

Things are picking up speed, but the team's support is making it bearable. I have yet to keep raising funds, increase my time, and get married somewhere in between training and the marathon in February. 

I can't wait to see how it all works out! :)

Until next time,

B.