Another PR!

Yesterday's Free to Breathe was cold...but I think the cold helped me run faster! We had a record turn out and donations! 

The race began at 8:30.  The first km was tough with jockeying for position and running room.  I hit the 1 mile mark at 9:27.  I new I needed to step it up to get in my goal time of somewhere in the 28s.  I hit the 2 mile mark at 18 and new I had this in the bag!  I finished at 28:05.   That's 1:05 faster than my last 5K from the summer!

Free to Breathe TOMORROW!!

The Philadelphia Free To Breathe 5k is tomorrow!  This is how my whole running career began!  With a simple google of "walks for lung cancer".  Who knew it would turn me into a runner??  This race will be my second year on the planning committee and running it.  Last year I was recovering from bronchitis and got a 31:33.  Not bad for a sickie.  I hope to come in somewhere in the 28s tomorrow. 


A lot of people say their life changes after they lose a loved one.  For me, that would be a huge understatement.  My Dad has motivated and inspired me so many times since he's passed.  I've created a product as a result of his passing.  I'm pursuing a dream in bringing this product to the market to help folks celebrate and remember their loved ones.  I've become a runner whose completed two 1/2 marathons.  Every run provides a quiet time to reflect on my wonderful memories of my Dad.

Life is short.  Seize each day and make a difference. 

My new favorite accessory!

One of the running blogs I read featured a giveaway of a gift certificate to a store that makes jewelry. She has several lines of runner's jewelry.  I fell in love with many pieces, but limited myself to one purchase.   I chose a piece that would symbolize my commitment to running while honoring my Dad. The picture did not come out the way I wanted it to (time for a new camera)?  I promise you the piece is absolutely gorgeous!

• The 13.1 in the bronze circle indicates the distance of the half marathon I will run.  

• "In Memory of My Dad" is the two lines of text in the silver rectangle.  This is pretty self explanatory.  I started running to get ready for a 5K fundraiser race for lung cancer.  I lost my Dad to lung cancer in April 2008.  I've been running ever since.  My father was so brave and courageous in his battle that I thought it would be fitting to do something (like running) that would take me out of my comfort zone. 

• 9/19/10 is the date of the half marathon (Philly Rock-N-Roll Half) that I will run.  September 19 was my Dad's birthday.  He would have been 67 this year.  I will run a half marathon in memory and honor and tribute to him.  When I cross the finish line, I'll be sending some balloons up to heaven!  The date of the race couldn't have been more perfect!

If you want to check out some of Jackie's creations, go to www.thesilvermaple.com.   She does incredible work and her pictures are clear (she must have a nice camera)!

For those who are local, My family and I will be hosting a fund raiser dinner at Jack Creek Steakhouse in Allentown on 9/19.  If you are interested in joining us, please leave a comment and I'll email you the invitation.  You need to invitation to get in!  Jack Creek is donating a portion of their sales that evening to Team Charlie's Angels.  Their steak won best Filet on Regis & Kelly's Ultimate Hometown Grill Off contest!  www.jackcreeksteakhouse.com

Check out our team progress at www.freetobreathe.org, Philadelphia event, Team Charlie's Angels!

I've got the best kids!

My kids are home for the summer with a Nanny.  Our Nanny has the whole summer planned out with activities to keep them busy.  Yesterday's plan was for craft day at our local library and a lemonade stand in the front yard. 

My daughter thought she was going to make big bucks at this lemonade stand (enough to buy some DS games).  I tried to realistically set her expectations and said that she would be lucky to make $5.  At 25 cents for a small and 50 cents for a large, it will take a lot of lemonade to make the kind of money she was hoping for. 

They had several customers who were quite generous and allowed them to keep the change.  At 4 pm when the stand ended, the kids quickly rushed in to count their earnings.  They ended up with $20 (I was shocked).  My daughter touched my heart when she announced that she would keep $7, my son would get to keep $7 and the remainder ($6) would go in our charity bottle for lung cancer.   We lost my Dad (their beloved Pop Pop) to lung cancer in April 2008.  Like me, she has made this her charity and does what she can to raise money and raise awareness.  She made the charity bottle out of an old apple juice bottle and gave it to me as my Christmas gift this year. 

Please check out the National Lung Cancer Partnership at www.nationallungcancerpartnership.org or consider sponsoring our team in our annual run/walk in Philadelphia.   Search for Team Charlie's Angels at www.freetobreathe.org. 

So proud!

My hubby ran a 5 mile race this morning and did great! Here he is (in green) crossing the finish line. 47:44!!  Yup, that's a 9 1/2 minute mile pace. Way to go!

The kids ran the fun run (.5 mile) and each got medals!  The first kid in finished at 3:15.  That's a 6:30 mile! 

Our next race is the Tex Mex connection 5K in June.  They give out beer and margaritas after the race.  We got a babysitter for that one so we can run (and drink) together!

David-Good Luck in your marathon tomorrow!  I know you'll do well!