For the Long Run

Anyway, check out my new blog. Let me know what you think. Also I swear I’ll run again. Soon.

Also yes. That’s Deena Kastor.

Aforementioned kayaking pictures. Badwater up next.

Life fully lived this year though. I am grateful.

Live tracking for Badwater 135!

Badwater prep is underway!

I ran an overnight 50k, and I ran at the gym before and after. Peak week—done! Time to taper.

I haven’t updated in awhile. I’m on a break from treatment. Sort of forced because of some side effects but I’m feeling so much better. I’ll start treatments again after Badwater. Sometime August-November, so maybe even after Iceland. It will be an oral chemo, which means less driving and less time in the chemo chair. That’s a win. Badwater prep is in the final stages. Lots of sauna time and miles. I’m getting 10 miles or more most days—a mix of hot hills and hot weather running. Including long sleeves in the middle of the day. I’m pretty much living in running shoes now. Albeit sometimes accidentally when I forget to pack other shoes. Less than a month. This race I’ve been dreaming of for a few years—since I first went out there in 2016. Something that seemed impossible when I first ran a slow mile around my block in February 2013. Actually I didn’t even know that was a thing people did back then. Ultra-marathon wasn’t even in my vocabulary back then. And now—5 years later. Here I am. Fighting cancer and prepping for the biggest race of my life. Life is good. And I’m living. Fully. I am grateful. For all if it—even the messy, painful parts. Because it’s better than the alternative.

One of us has the travel bug. Next up—Iceland. Glaciers. Northern lights. Waterfalls. And adventure.

The tiny one is in Illinois with grandma and grandpa. And the first thing I did?? Piercings. Because why not?! I could write a lot about this cancer journey. It’s been up and down. And I’ve learned so much—about myself, my goals, and my love(s). Apparently today is national cancer survivor day. It’s just a Sunday because I’m living every day. But I haven’t written too much lately. About Running or cancer. Or anything. It hasn’t been easy. But I’ve grown through it all. And I’m not sure I would trade that. I’m not sure what the future holds but I know my vision is clearer. Brighter. Alive. I’m having to be careful lately because my chemo was messing with my heart. We’ve gotten it under control but we’re switching drugs after Badwater. This means I get a short break before going back to treatment. And I’m starting to feel so much more like myself. And I’m grateful for the brief reprieve. And doctors I trust who trust me. So yeah. That’s it for now.

Today was her first dance recital and I couldn’t be prouder. She did so well! If anyone knows where the time goes, can you fill me in? Because it’s flying!

Where in the world is...

Monday photo dump Andie’s kindergarten pictures. Concerts and girls nights. Mother’s Day half. Unicorn selfies with my tiny one. Plus a little chemo selfie for you. Today was my 9th. 17 more treatments to go. So far I’m doing well. Tired. Unfocused. But okay. Tomorrow I leave for San Juan. And I’m ready for a little beach and sunshine.

Monday photo dump Andie’s kindergarten pictures. Concerts and girls nights. Mother’s Day half. Unicorn selfies with my tiny one. Plus a little chemo selfie for you. Today was my 9th. 17 more treatments to go. So far I’m doing well. Tired. Unfocused. But okay. Tomorrow I leave for San Juan. And I’m ready for a little beach and sunshine.

Monday photo dump Andie’s kindergarten pictures. Concerts and girls nights. Mother’s Day half. Unicorn selfies with my tiny one. Plus a little chemo selfie for you. Today was my 9th. 17 more treatments to go. So far I’m doing well. Tired. Unfocused. But okay. Tomorrow I leave for San Juan. And I’m ready for a little beach and sunshine.