Final Pre-Race Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Brooke (on left) and Brady (on right)

 

 

Hello!

It’s hard to believe that this is the last update Brooke and I will send prior to the Chicago Marathon. This week we are making final preparations for the race—we’re thinking about getting sufficient sleep and eating properly. We’re setting aside our race outfits. We’re stocking up on energy gels and sports beans for the big day. We are getting ready for the marathon!

While Brooke and I look forward to crossing the finish line on Sunday, I, for one, will mourn the end of this journey. This race has dominated my thoughts and conversations for the past eight months. What will I talk about after 10.10.10?

We feel so humbled that we’ve had the opportunity to honor our dad by bringing awareness to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and raising money for research. Our part may be small, but we’re helping fight cancer. The money we’ve raised won’t bring our dad back, but it’s helping fund research that will prolong the lives of other dads and moms. We couldn’t be happier about that.

THANK YOU!
Our supporters – all of you – have made this journey memorable. Thank you for believing in us and the cause! As we run 26.2 miles on the streets of Chicago, we will think of you every step of the way.

We exceeded our goal and have raised $4,780. We’d love to reach $5,000! If you haven’t made a contribution but want to support the cause financially, it is not too late. You can donate by going here. We will continue accepting donations through Oct. 24. All of us have been impacted by cancer. Your dollars not only benefit multiple myeloma patients but have the potential to affect all cancer patients.

We want to say an extra thank-you to those who’ve committed to traveling to Chicago for the marathon. We look forward to sharing this experience with you! We understand getting in the car and driving to Chicago is impossible for most. We will still feel your love and support on race day!

I also want to thank Brooke for her courage to sign up for her first marathon. I know Sunday will be a challenge for her. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, marathons are hard (they’re fun, too!). But she’ll get to look back on 10.10.10 and know she did something very tough to achieve something very good. I’m so proud. I know our dad – wherever he is – couldn’t be prouder of his little blonde bomber.

RACE DAY
You don't have to be in Chicago to experience the marathon! Spectators -- on your couch or in downtown Chicago -- can electronically track multiple runners along the race course by receiving real-time updates via e-mail or text message throughout the race. Updates will be received as runners cross the 10K, halfway (13.1 miles) and 30K checkpoints, as well as the finish line. To sign up for alerts, go here.

You will need the following information for updates: Brady Gervais (Bib #42205), Brooke Ortmann (Bib #42207). My husband Ben (Bib #6739) will also be running the marathon.

Additional information for those who plan to attend the race and/or want to learn more about it can be found from the following sources:

Chicago Marathon
Timeout Chicago
Runners' World



Again, thank you! We hope to make you proud on Sunday!

“I can't wait until this time next week...that means I will have completed 26.2! Whoop! Whoop!” – Brooke

Best,

Brady and Brooke

Neglect

Brooke poses before a fun run (December 2009)

The Chicago Marathon is 12 days away. As it approaches, I've thought a lot about how running for charity has been a powerful experience -- for me. On the blog and in the monthly e-newsletters, I tend to write about how the past several months have transformed me. I've left out how the experience has affected my sister Brooke.

Honestly, I don't know how it's impacted her. What I do know is that I'm proud of my sister. She loathes running. Absolutely hates it. She doesn't spring out of bed in the morning to run. She waits until after work to do it. Training for her first full marathon is the equivalent of a chore.

Yet, she's about to run 26.2 miles because she wants to honor our dad's memory. She wants to bring attention to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and do whatever she can to end cancer.

I couldn't be more proud.

September Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Brady, Mom (Becky) and Brooke after the Twin Cities 10-mile (2007)

Tick tock. With the Chicago Marathon only 23 days away, Brooke and I have reached the final countdown to 10.10.10.

As we anticipate running the marathon in memory of our dad, we know that once we cross the finish line, this experience comes to an end. Despite the ups (getting to share our story) and downs (getting injured) of the past few months, this has been one heck of a ride. We’ll be sad when it’s over.

Fund-raising
After our last update, donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation poured in. Friends, family and several people we’ve never met stepped up to donate! Thank you for believing in us and the cause!

We’re pleased to share that in late August, we reached our goal of $4,000. Cori Ann and Nate Dahlager generously capped off our total so we could hit the $4,000-mark. To date, we have raised about $4,300. This includes $150 in proceeds from “Kicking Cancer’s Butt” T-shirt sales. Over Labor Day weekend, our cousin, Drew Hebig, sold approximately 30 T-shirts to friends and community members attending our annual hometown celebration, Box Car Days!
 

Though we reached our goal, we will gladly accept contributions through Oct. 24 – the final date to submit donations. Every dollar matters, and no amount is too small. Ninety-three percent of each contribution helps accelerate the cure because it goes toward the development of new multiple myeloma treatments.
 

Training

At the Twin Cities 10-mile, Brooke nears the finish line (2007)

Getting excited to run the race is still a struggle for Brooke. Simply, she doesn’t enjoy running. Her husband Tony has been a huge supporter and always encourages her to run. He continues to run two to three miles with her and then hops on his bike for the rest of the run. They also bring their dog Cyrus, a 35-pound puggle, with them for their first few miles...but he can only run two :)  Although Brooke isn’t looking forward to running for five hours, she said, she can’t wait to see all of our friends and family along the race course and at the finish line supporting us. 

Brady is just steps away from the state Capitol at the Twin Cities 10-mile (2007)

My husband Ben and I recently spent 12 days in the Pacific Northwest, where I was adamant about continuing to train. The running highlights included a 20-mile training run along Lake Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Wine Country Half-Marathon and the Bear Water Run in White Bear Lake, MN, where I had the opportunity to run with my former Pioneer Press colleague, Maria Reeve.

This weekend, I will participate in the Chicago Area Runners Association Ready-to-Run 20-miler before slowing down for the final three weeks leading up to the marathon. My tired legs welcome the break. Training, however, doesn't end for me after the Chicago Marathon. I will run the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 21.

Race Day

If any of you are interested in cheering for us in person or tracking us from afar, look for an e-update from us the week of the marathon. We will provide pace, race attire and bib information, as well as links to a map and a tracking tool.

We have already counted approximately 17 friends and family who are planning to travel from Minnesota to Chicago for the race! We can’t wait to see you! 

Best,

Brady and Brooke

August Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Left: Brooke, Right: Brady

Hello everybody!

About six months ago, Brooke and I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). I don’t think either one of us predicted how the decision would transform us.

Brooke is running again. She hates running. After running a half-marathon five years ago on a bad knee, she had practically said goodbye to the sport. She still might not love it. But she’s out there, trying to put in the miles.

My involvement with the MMRF has ignited a fire I haven’t felt in a long time. As a result, I want to play a greater role in the non-profit sector. I’m volunteering more. I’m an active member of a committee planning a half-marathon in Evanston that will promote wellness in every ward of the city and connect runners – young and old. I have also agreed to help organize training runs for members of the MMRF Chicago Marathon charity team who live in the Chicago area. And barring any unforeseen problems, I will audit a class on the mission-driven enterprise this fall at the Kellogg School of Management. My hope is that participating in this class will equip me with the knowledge to be a better, more effective volunteer or employee.

Fund-raising:
The Chicago Marathon is only 53 52 days away! So far we have raised nearly $3,500 $3,600. We are grateful for the friends, family and even strangers who have contributed! We hope to ultimately raise $4,000. If 20 people donate $25, we will achieve our goal.

If you are planning to donate, remember that every dollar matters. Whether you can contribute $5 or $50, it all helps! Ninety-three percent of your contribution goes directly toward the development of treatment for multiple myeloma. If you can’t contribute financially, you can still support us in other ways! Help us spread the word about our cause and the MMRF. Urge loved ones to get annual physicals. Send an encouraging note the week of the marathon.

Training:

From left: Brady, Gene, Becky, Brooke

During the next few weeks, Brooke and I will experience the most intense part of training. When we began preparing for the marathon in June, we were running an average 20 miles a week. Now, single runs consist of 16, 18 and 20 miles.

To assist Brooke with training, her husband Tony bought a bike so he could accompany her on long runs. He typically runs three miles with her before transitioning to the bike. His support doesn’t stop there. To entice her to follow her training plan, he pledged to give her $1 for every mile she runs between now and the marathon on 10-10-10.

This isn’t the first time I’ve trained for a marathon, but it is the first time while training for a marathon that I’ve looked forward to every run and done it—mostly—without complaint. It doesn’t hurt that I live in a city where the running culture is strong. I’m also surrounded by an amazing group of young women who run and love the sport as much as I do.

The power of purpose helps, too. On every run, I carry the memory of my dad and the knowledge that I’m running for a cause bigger than just myself. Our dad never laced up a pair of shoes to go running. But I sense, especially on the tough, long runs, that he’s taking every stride with me. Whether Brooke senses it, I know he’s taking every step with her, too.

Housekeeping:
Between now and the marathon, we will send out a monthly update in September and an update one week before the race. We also plan to share a race recap and photos after the marathon. If you are interested in receiving the next updates and race recap by e-mail, contact me at brady.jean@gmail.com.

All our best,

Brady and Brooke

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. -- Jim Rohn

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day, and I spent most of the time on the road, behind the wheel. I feel most connected to my dad when I'm driving alone. He was a Justin Boots sales representative, so he spent several weeks out of the year on the road visiting stores. Maybe that's why, of all places, I feel the closest to him on a long stretch of asphalt.

Returning from Omaha, Neb., where I visited Ben for the weekend, I considered what my dad would think about my sister and I running the Chicago Marathon, spreading awareness about multiple myleoma and raising money to support important research.

Although 15 years have passed since he died, I still get upset -- more so now than ever -- that more couldn't have been done to save his life. That's why Brooke and I are running for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. This is an organization that is having an impact and the research it's funded has already resulted in new treatments for myleoma patients.

I know my dad would be proud. I know he'd be happy that Brooke and I are doing our part to prevent other families from being hurt by such a horrible disease. I believe our decision to run the marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation is the best Father's Day gift we could ever give him.

Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Curious about how training and fund-raising is going for the Chicago Marathon? Check out my e-update below.

Howdy friends and family,

Brooke and I are pleased to share another e-update. This month’s letter is info-packed (i.e. lengthy) so please sit back, relax and enjoy our letter!

We want to extend a big thank-you for supporting our efforts to raise money and awareness by running the Chicago Marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Since our last e-update, we reached a major fund-raising milestone: we surpassed the $2,000 mark! To date, we’ve raised approximately $2,290 for the MMRF. We couldn’t have done it without our friends and family! We feel blessed to be surrounded by such supportive people!

Fund-raising

We’re ecstatic about the money we’ve raised, and we hope to raise more for an organization in which we strongly believe. We want to help the MMRF fund new cancer treatments and extend the lives of patients.Our dad couldn't be saved, but we hope current and future patients will be!

Here’s a snapshot of some ways we’re trying to raise money for our charity:

Hy-Vee, a grocery store in eight Midwestern states, has offered to host a pie fund-raiser. If you live in Marshall, Minn., or will be in the area July 1-3, please stop at the store and buy a pie! Some of the proceeds from every pie we sell will go toward our MMRF fund-raising campaign. If you want to contribute your baking skills instead, please let us know! In addition to selling the pies, we’ll be making them at Hy-Vee the evenings of June 30, July 1 and July 2. Please e-mail brooke.averill@gmail.com for more details!

The MMRF is currently promoting a program called “You’ve Got Our Back”. In return for $500, companies that sponsor our Chicago Marathon team will get their logo on 300-plus shirts worn by our team and supporters at the marathon. Additionally, the companies will receive national goodwill publicity. If you know of a company that might be interested in supporting an awesome cause, please e-mail me at brady.jean@gmail.com for details. The deadline is June 25.

Training

During a recent trip home, I had the opportunity to run with Brooke. In an e-mail exchange following our run, she said our roles have reversed. When we were younger, Brooke easily left me in her dust. She was a track star; I golfed. But during our run two weeks ago, I “kicked” her butt. “I used to be the one to always beat you, but now you're well ahead!” she said.

We’ll see about that. I think we’re both going to have an excellent race on Oct. 10! I envision us crossing the finish line hand-in-hand.

Before we reach the finish line, we have to properly train. We each kicked off our 18-week training plans on June 7. One week down, 17 weeks to go!

Chicago Marathon information

Some of you have expressed interest in attending the Chicago Marathon on Oct. 10 (Sunday). Please come! We’d love to have a giant cheering section! If you’re on the fence, I still encourage you to book your hotel room now for the best rate and location. You can always cancel if you choose not to come. But if you wait to book, you might be left with few hotel options and high prices.

Bidding on a hotel through priceline.com is an excellent way to score a deal. You can’t pick your hotel, but you can pick your location (neighborhood area) and name your price. I’ve stayed in four-star hotels in Minneapolis, Chicago and Detroit for between $60 and $80 because of priceline.com.

Click the below links for additional information:


Hotel, transportation and tourism information

Hotel distance matrix

Priceline


Best,

Brady and Brooke

P.S. If you'd like to donate to our cause, you can do so by going here.

"I don't talk while running." -- my sister, Brooke

I received an e-mail this week with the subject line: May 25. My cousin wanted to remind me that May 25 was the date of my last post.

Oopsie.

I can explain my absence. I was in Minnesota from June 2-6, and I spent June 8-12 touring ballparks with Ben. But, sigh, here I am, back on my couch, with a few minutes to blog.

During my trip to Minnesota, I was finally able to run with my sister. I hadn't run with her since she signed up for the Chicago Marathon, and even though we're separated by about an eight-hour drive, it's important to me that we train "together."

When I woke up Thursday (June 3), I immediately dressed in my running clothes even though my sister Brooke had to work (she's not a morning runner...yet) because I was intent on running. I knew if I didn't push for a run, it wouldn't happen. Brooke was less enthusiastic about running, but I convinced her to go with me before dinner. Before leaving, she grabbed her iPod and told me, "I don't talk while running." Her husband turned to me and said straight-faced, "She doesn't like to talk when she runs."

How am I going to get through 26.2 miles running with my sister in silence? Nuh uh. No thanks. There will be talking. Not a lot, but there will be some conversation. Growing up, I was the one who talked and she listened. So I totally get how she likes her silence. But...words will be exchanged on Oct. 10. And she'll like it.

Stay tuned...

Stay tuned...

--For an analysis after tomorrow's workout with a trainer at my gym. The trainer, who gave me my assessment back in November, is leaving to work at another (read: better paying) L.A. Fitness. I was the first girl (what does this say about me?) he approached at L.A. Fitness when he started in November, so it's only fitting we work out together on his last day. And no, he wasn't hitting on me back in November. He has a girlfriend, and he was just trying to score some clients. As much as I'd like to have a personal trainer, I can't afford one, especially with my mounting medical bills. There's a deal going on at L.A. Fitness tomorrow, which would make training sessions way more affordable. Since my trainer is leaving, though, he can't guilt me into buying sessions after our workout. Score! Another trainer at the gym said I could have a free session with him because I deserved it because, despite my fracture, I still worked out four to six times a week. I hope he makes good on his promise.

--For my story that ran in Tracy's Headlight Herald last week. The article did not appear in its entirety online. So I have to go old-school, make copies of the actual newspaper story, scan the article and post the PDF's on the blog. Be patient, dear readers.

--For an update on fund-raising for the MMRF. In addition to the story in the Headlight Herald last week, my sister and I enjoyed some coverage in the Chicago area, too. We haven't hit our goal yet, but we will.

--For an update on my injury and my return to running. Tomorrow marks one week since I got to ditch my crutches and air boot. I'm still not running, but I'm walking and enjoying every crutch-less step.

Almost famous

My sister and I made an appearance today on the RedEye blog, MarathonMissFit. We're almost famous!

To read the post, click here.

Blessings in multitude

My sister and I feel blessed. Today, thanks to the power of Twitter, we received a donation to our charity, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), from a runner in Texas. He's a follower on Twitter and runs for charity. Beyond that, we have no connection to him.

During the past few weeks, I have witnessed how good people can be. My decision to run for the MMRF and my injury have afforded me the opportunity to witness the human condition close up. I've seen a mix of the good, the bad and the ugly. But mostly, I've experienced the good. Here's a recent snapshot:

1. There's a man who works in my building with whom I've never spoke (besides saying "thank you") but always opens the door for me because of my current state.
2. Individuals at my gym have been mighty supportive, showering me with kudos for working out despite my injury.
3. My colleague sent me a text last week, offering to pick up breakfast or a morning latte for me. Indeed, he brought me coffee with a steamed skim topper.
4. Also last week, my cousin's college roommate donated to the MMRF. We haven't seen or spoken with each other in years, yet she felt compelled to contribute to a cause so important to my family and me. That's pretty cool.
5. A woman stopped midway through washing her hands today to open the bathroom door for me. OK, so that was a little awkward (I totally could have opened the door myself), but I appreciated her attentiveness and compassion.

Injury update:
--I have one more physical therapy session next Monday for my hip (IT Band Syndrome). Today's session was supposed to be my last but I had a "relapse" last week. Basically, my hip hurt every day at work. I gotta find a job where I'm moving. Sitting at a desk = intense pain!
-- I have a CT scan of the heel scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, at noon. I need all the prayers you can offer!
-- I return to the sports medicine center to meet with my doctor on Thursday, April 8. My foot has been sore lately. I hope the crappy weather and the air boot (I realized recently that the boot hasn't been very inflated -- oops!) are the culprit. Again, prayers please!

Joining the Chicago Marathon MMRF Team -- one month later

(I sent this in an e-mail a few minutes ago, and I thought it made a worthy post.)

Dear Friends and Family,

I hope this finds you happy and healthy.

In February, I joined the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s Chicago Marathon team. It is my hope to update you periodically about fund-raising efforts, multiple myeloma research and training for the big day.

Your support has been tremendous. The race is still many months away (Oct. 10!), but I can’t wait to toe the starting line!

Fund-raising

Fund-raising has been successful. I am grateful for each and every donation. To date, I have raised $595. I hope to shatter my minimum goal of $1,000.

Thank you to everyone who has donated. Your contribution and what it means for multiple myeloma research brings tears to my eyes each time I receive a donation. Every dollar counts. Ninety-three percent of all money raised goes toward research—not toward the marathon program, or operations of the foundation.

Multiple Myeloma Research

In that spirit, I would like to share an article that recently appeared in Parade magazine. The writer interviewed Kathy Giusti, co-founder of the MMRF and warrior against the disease. She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1996 and later founded the MMRF with her twin sister.

My dad died in 1995, a time when there were few treatments for multiple myeloma. Since the formation of the MMRF in 1998, several treatments have come along. There is still no cure. But these drugs offer—for some—a longer life. 

I hope you have time to read the article. It is short but information-packed. Giusti offers insight into the disease, her battle with it and what the foundation does.

Training

I typically spend 16-18 weeks training for a marathon. This means that training for the Chicago Marathon won’t technically start until mid-June.

When I signed up for the Chicago Marathon, I had recently started training for the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon (May 2). While preparing for it, I suffered a stress fracture in my heel  around Valentine’s Day. I’m already on the road to recovery. I’ve been wearing an air boot for two weeks, using crutches for one. I face at least five more weeks using both.  

Some might consider this a major setback. Of course, the Flying Pig Marathon is out. Getting injured is frustrating to be sure. This is my first serious injury in six years of running, and I consider it a wake-up call.

I am cross-training (biking), strength-training, stretching and taking more calcium than I did prior to the injury. I’m doing everything in my power to recover 110 percent so I can be at my strongest come Oct. 10. 

Best,

Brady

A Mexican-style Super Bowl Extravaganza

I think I went up a dress size this weekend. Scratch that, I'm almost certain I did -- thanks to a trip to the Wiener and Still Champion, a dessert buffet from Fraiche Bakery and Super Bowl food.

Mostly, I think the Super Bowl cooking extravaganza with my cousin, Abby, did me in! We made bacon-wrapped, cream cheese-stuffed jalapeno poppers, guacamole and slow cooker pulled pork. Can I get a "Yum-o!"?

The recipes are below. With the exception of the pulled pork tacos, the recipes are more like guesstimates.

Guacamole

Ingredients:
4-5 ripe avocados
1/4-1/2 sliced onion, depending on your preference
3 minced garlic cloves
1-2 sliced tomatoes (seeds removed)
1 sliced jalapeno (seeds removed unless you like heat)
Sea salt to taste
Lime juice to taste

1. Slice the avocado, remove the pit and spoon the avocado into a bowl. Mash the avocados. Set pit aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, tomatoes and jalapeno. Mix.
3. Add sea salt and lime juice to taste.
4. To prevent browning, throw the pits into the guacamole.

Jalapeno poppers



Ingredients:
Approx. 12 jalapenos
1 pkg of lean bacon (the less fat, the better), cut in half
1 pkg of cream cheese (not reduced fat)

1. Slice the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds.
2. Spoon cream cheese into the jalapeno.
3. Wrap a half bacon slice around the jalapeno.
4. Bake at approximately 400 degrees on a lined cookie sheet until bacon is brown and cheese is just starting to turn brown.



For the pulled pork taco recipe, click here. (Note: I significantly reduced the amount of oregano the recipe suggests using. I'm not the biggest fan.)

My Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation page is live!

Thank you all for your kind support regarding my decision to join the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation team for the Chicago Marathon.

The race is months away, but I already feel emotional about it. Every step during training and the marathon will be for my dad.

After reading the earlier post, some of you asked: Where do I send the check? Thank you for being so willing to contribute. Even $5 helps. But please don't feel obligated. For some, I know it would create a hardship. Positive thoughts and prayers are welcome, too.

If you are interested in contributing or simply want to learn more about what I'm doing, please go here.

Of course, you can count on me for updates on the blog, too.

Warning: Things are about to get serious up in here.

I have wanted to write about this for weeks. Now, I'm able to...

Registration opened today for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Tonight I signed up for it -- and I will be joining the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation team on race day (Oct. 10).

For the first time, I will be running a marathon for a purpose much higher than myself.

Some of you know the story, but I will share it again anyway. Nearly 15 years ago, my dad died, at 46, of Multiple Myeloma. My sister was 10; I was 11. Our dad never got to see us in action on the basketball court, wave to us from the stands at our high school graduation, or walk us down the aisle when we got married. He'll never get to hold his grandchildren or grow old with our mother.

Multiple Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer. There are an estimated 15,890 new cases diagnosed each year. The five-year survival rate remains 32 percent. My dad made it a year and a half after his diagnosis.

I will run the Chicago Marathon for my dad. For the time he didn't get to have. For his sisters and in-laws and nieces and nephews and friends who miss him. For the thousands of children who have lost a mom or dad because of Multiple Myeloma. For those who have suffered and survived. For those who won't. For greater awareness...for going to the doctor and not ignoring pain.

I hope you will join me on this journey -- whether it's contributing $5 to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, encouraging me on race day, or simply sending a positive note once in a while. Most of all, I hope you will be more aware of your body and get an annual physical. I hope you will encourage your family and friends to do the same.

I plan to document my involvement with the MMRF and training for the Chicago Marathon here. More details to come.

Misadventures in 2009

I am too uncool to come up with my own way to reflect on 2009, so I'm going to copy my good friend Mark Remy at Runner's World (Oops, did I say good friend? He doesn't know me or my work, but I know his well!)

2009 was a big fat year of change for me and my family. And you can read all about it in the following recap, organized by month. Enjoy!

January
I kicked off the new year with two resolutions -- to run two marathons and journal once a week. Did I achieve them? Neither one. But I did run at least one full marathon in 2009. Although I didn't journal weekly, I took a writing class. I made apple crisp for the first time. My car, which I have since sold, continued to give me a financial headache in 2009 after an expensive 2008. And this recap wouldn't be complete without a mention of the creatures of the night.

February
I was a lame blogger and attempted to try a new recipe -- or at least write about one -- every Monday. I think I can count on one hand how many times I accomplished this.

March
Despite the cold and snow, training for the Fargo Marathon was in full swing. Taking a break from winter, Ben and I spent a week in Honduras. My car was still good company for bad luck. And I cooked but I warn you ahead of time that I did a shoddy job writing about it.

April
I was an awful blogger, so this month isn't worth recapping. I did cool things, though, like watch Twilight for the first time. And I ran a 20-mile race in St. Cloud in preparation for the Fargo Marathon. After the race, I drove to Rochester for a bachelorette party and discovered that I would make the most uncoordinated stripper. If only I had written about those things...

May
Again, why the heck didn't I blog? Oh yeah, I was busy running the Fargo Marathon in personal record time and working. Sorry.

June
I went public with the news that I would be moving to Evanston so Ben could attend business school at Northwestern University. I loved my job, my city, my friends and my family and didn't want to leave all behind. The only day I ever dreaded going into work was the day I had to tell my editor that I was moving.

July
My darling sister married her high school sweetheart on July 11. I enjoyed some small-town running while spending time with my mom after I left my job and before I went to Italy to finally practice my much-forgotten Italian.

August
We abandoned our Minneapolis digs, and we moved to Evanston.

September
I complained about or mentioned being unemployed here, here and here. I embraced being frugal and writing about it. Having a sick dog really really sucked. And of course, I did a little cooking. Yay for sweet corn!

October
I ran a lot and even got pooped on during one outing. It did not bring me good luck, at least in terms of employment. Indie got to drink hydrogen peroxide for the first and, I hope, last time. I made for the first time what has become my signature dessert. And I experimented...

November
If you are ever interested in a middle-distance race, you should do the Hot Chocolate 15k. I did, and I loved it. I made the most amazing pork chops (If you haven't tried this recipe, I urge you to do so in 2010. Make it a resolution!). I turned 26!!! and failed to write about it with any depth.

December
The bulk of my posts were about baking, and my waist shows it. I have since stocked my fridge with the green stuff. My creative non-fiction writing class ended. And despite those additional inches of fat around my waist, I was still a beef magnet.

My dear friends and family, Happy New Year! May 2010 be a good one...for all of us.

Giving thanks.

Today I was jogging along Lake Michigan, snot forming and tears running (because of the wind), when I considered how thankful I am for my current state.

I may not have a job, but I have my health; the freedom to run at 1 p.m. on a weekday (along Lake Michigan!); an adoring husband and loving dog; a writing class where I'm learning a ton thanks to a smart, thoughtful writing instructor; supportive friends and family.

This week alone, I will have the good fortune to have a birthday lunch with my friends, attend National Public Radio's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" and see "Twilight: New Moon" with my husband, who will just have to endure my swooning over Robert Pattinson.

Life is good.

No. 37

Today has special meaning for millions. President Barack Obama was elected one year ago. No matter your opinion of him, his election probably means something to you.

In my household, we remember Nov. 4 for an entirely different reason. Today, had my father beaten his cancer so many years ago, my parents would be celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary.

But nearly 15 years ago, on April 4, 1995, my dad died. Multiple Myeloma killed him.

My sister and I sent our mom flowers. We wanted to let her know that, like every other year on this day, we are thinking of her.