12 Miles Takes Me Where??

February 2011 running schedule

I quickly glance at my running schedule hanging up and notice what surely must be an error.  It reads, 'Ogden Full -12 miles'.  I blink, rub my eyes and read it again, 'Ogden Full - 12 miles'.  Let me give you a second to try as well, cause I know you didn't read that right either.  Now go ahead blink, rub your eyes, 'Ogden Full - 12 miles'.  Still the same?   It must be right then if we are both reading, 'Ogden Full - 12 miles.  Somehow I've got to figure out a way to use my own two feet and run (mingled with some needed walking) farther then some of you have to drive to and from work each day! 

Have you ever had to map out 12 miles?  Let me tell you it's not easy.  I first thought I'd take a nice scenic familiar motivational trail run. After looking outside, I decided I really wasn't wanting to run in heavy mud covered shoes for that long of a distance.  I then thought maybe I can run to my daughter's tumbling gym. Nope, not long enough - short 5 miles. 



I think Ally's eyes are going to bug out of her head! 
 10 miles down, 2 to go.



Frustrated with the idea of having to drive all over just to figure out a good 12 mile course, I decide to try out this nifty little website called 'map my run'.  I go online and start mapping several different courses, all ending up too short.  How can this be? I immediately decide that this website must be wrong, and hop in my trusty car and 'map' out a 12 mile loop run.  As I pull into my garage, I had to humbly admit that 'map my run' website really was correct, and 12 miles is further then I thought.  Do you know, I mean really know how far 12 miles can feel while driving in a car?  How about running 12 miles?  Let me take a moment and tell you how far 12 miles feels like when you are running it.  



Green!  Signs of spring along my run



To run twelve miles (mind you this is at 'Christel' pace) feels like you have been gone long enough to be able to come home to fresh baked bread from scratch.  You have enough time for the careful mixing, gently kneading, slow rising of the dough, and then the final baking of the dough (mmmm, that'd be a great treat to come home to).  I even think my tree buds, daffodils, hyacinths, and lilacs came into bloom while I was out running.   The weeds have grown so tall, I think there is a small village living in there.  My daughter also grew like a weed, up almost an inch!  (Note to self - place a large boulder on her head so she'll stop growing up. If this works, I'll let you know!)  



I sometimes think about what I miss while I'm out running, yet this is nothing compared to what individuals who are battling cancer miss each and every day as they sit through their next round of chemo; curl up around the bucket as the waves of nausea overtake them time and time again; weakly lay in bed stroking their child's hand as they try to be part of their life, listening intently to the daily tale of childhood fun - wishing they were stronger so they could have played too;  looking into their families' eyes as they assemble around the bed in preparation of their last goodbye - ultimately missing out on the life that could have been.  

Following our prints back home

This my dear friends is what moves me to keep placing one foot in front, to stay up late updating my running/fundraising website for those who have and continue to support me, as well as encourage everyone I know to support me in my desire to help find a cure for leukemia and all it's cancer relatives. 

I choose this - to miss out on a little bit of life in hopes of giving another their life back.   Take a minute to show as well as tell your family and friends that you love them; hold their hand, give a hug and kiss, lend an ear, a helping hand, your wheel barrow, scare those monsters out of the closet, and kiss that scraped knee better - Do these willingly, because you are able.  What do you choose?

Thank you so much to:
• Kristine Smout - Monetary Donation - A Dedicated, Trustwothy, Caring Friend
If you'd like to help me fight Leukemia and Lymphoma, please visit my fundraiser web page where your online donation is 100% tax deductible and totally safe and secure: http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/ogden11/cgrangehic

Good Karma
Christel

I Hope No One Saw Me!

This is what I looked like running
(Elaine from Seinfeld dancing):

Have you ever watched someone on the dance floor that's just so bad you can't help but watch?

You know the one, their arms flailing around knocking out who ever dares to get close, their feet polarized from the other, knees bending at degrees that seem humanly impossible, their face twisted like they smelled a rotten egg, yet a gleam of pride and excitement shines from their eyes. As you watch, you can’t help but stare at such a site. You hope your eyes don't make contact with them, and heaven forbid if they actually know you (of course you won't know them, especially someone who dances like that). Well, that my dear friends was me on my long run this past weekend, almost 8 miles worth of eye gawking embarrassment.



 Bird prints in the snow



It was one of those runs where I couldn't get in the flow. My elbows swinging too high or too low; my feet striking the virgin snow in chaos; my breath like a wind storm, unpredictable and random; my heart rate soared and dived like a kite trying to take off, up and down as it rides the wind current until it finally slams down into the ground breaking it's fragile frame. I finished the run exhausted, leaned on my car to keep myself vertical. I was so excited about trying a new running route, out west along the Willard Bay dyke. Somewhere I’ve never gone surrounded by nature’s beauty; 4” of freshly fallen snow, huge chunks of ice breaking along the water’s edge, wild birds soaring over head. Even with this inspiring scenery, I still couldn’t finish with any degree of rhythm. I humbly opened the car door, slumped into the driver’s seat, and quickly drove away from the scene hoping no one would recognize me - the lone flailing runner and her two dogs (I think they were even laughing at me!).



The LONG road back



This week, I'd like to thank the following individuals for helping me raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

Please visit my fundraising website at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/ogden11/cgrangehic

 Monetary Donations:

• Leon Grange (my Dad) - Gallant, hardworking, brilliant, century cyclist, and delirious example to live life to it's fullest and succeed at these self imposed challenges
• Paul Murdock - Dedicated, gentle, dynamic teacher
• Scott Jones - Accepting, industrious, generous family member
• Adrienne Holiday - Energetic, courageous, empathetic friend



Only prints in the snow
dog and human

 Scentsy Party Supporters:

• Corinne Barrientos - My gentle, versatile, loving Scentsy consultant, she is the reason for this fundraiser party.
• Heather Georgi - Calm, Level headed, caring teacher
• Jennette Madsen - Generous, patient, mindful teacher
• Wendy Fredrickson - Creative, talented, friendly neighbor
• Marcell Kearney - Committed, humorous, care taking co-worker
• Misty Biesinger - Efficient, tender, resourceful friend
• Heidi Dale - Humble, spirited, outdoor loving teacher

I'm still in need of donations in order to reach my goal of $1,500.  If you'd like to make a 100% tax deductible donation to help me reach my goal, please follow the link below to my completely safe Team in Training Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising page. http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/ogden11/cgrangehic

Sea horse ice chunk
on the shore of Willard Bay

Thank you to all those who continue to encourage, inquire, and inspire me. I am truly honored to be surrounded by so many great individuals.

Good Karma
Christel