Hope Express 2012 - Mail Call/Leg 2

After enjoying a nice chocolate milk, I had from midnight to about 6am before I had to even think about running again. In this time, I stretched and roll out my muscles, and while I wanted to try to sneak in a few minutes of sleep, there was a part of me that just didn't want to miss anything (and I just couldn't fall asleep!). The weather got crummy after my leg, with an intense fog in which we could barely see just in front of the RV. We drove our first mountains, which is always tricky...you feel for the runner who is about to climb said mountain on foot. This would be the time when having telepathic powers would be most useful to me, to tell my teammates how awesome they were and how much I knew they could do it. Lauren killed her first mountain and then Mark destroyed his. I have no words for the respect I have for these two as runners and, more importantly, as people. They have so much heart - it's amazing.

At around 6am, our amazing moralers brought us over an enormous mailbox containing all of our mail! It was perfect timing, as I knew I had

my hardest run coming up. I laughed and cried my way through several packages and dozens of letters. I cannot even begin to say how grateful I felt for all of the love and support, all of the encouraging words and messages of love. Many cards and letters reminded me why I was

running and talked about the kids who fight every single day and never give up. Others had me laughing so hard I was in tears - funny pictures, goofy cards - and those reminded me to not take myself so seriously....and helped me from completely freaking out before starting that second leg.

I knew going into it that that second leg was going to be my greatest challenge. From what I thought I knew, Bobby was climbing a mountain and I was responsible for getting us over the last mile of it, and then alllll the way down. I know very well how mental running is, so I had prepped myself for this.....relying heavily on the fact that my calculations and assumptions were true. I was VERY focused on getting through one brutal mile....which turned out to be 3+ miles. While it started out as a slow incline, it turned vertical fast. It's hard to describe what went

down in those miles, both in actuality and in my mind, but I'll tell you this - it was the hardest run I have ever and most likely will ever run in my life. The hummer had taken a pit stop to use the bathroom, so a car of AMAZING moralers were trailing me and it honestly brings me to tears just thinking about how much they kept me going, getting out of the car to encourage me on. Having them and Ryan's determined dad, Rege, who popped up continuously throughout the entire journey, helped to keep me from dropping to the pavement. I kept telling myself that the only way I could, and would, be able to enjoy the down would be if I fought my way to the top...and that's life. We get through the tough times and they help us to appreciate the blessings we have (or in my case, a few miles of down hill :O).

When I finally saw the signs warning trucks to slow down and prepare for a decline, I was able to take some deep breaths, dry my eyes, and realize I was actually going to make it the rest of the way. I nearly lost my breath again when U2's "Beautiful Day" came on and I had an incredible view of the world below me. I remember the exact moment during last year's run (running at 2am in the calm of the dark night) when I realized how beyond lucky I was for the chance to run like a crazy person for something I care so much about.

Again, there is so much more I could attempt to say, but I will

share it for my HE teammates in my recap to them. When I finally saw the RV and heard everyone cheering, marking the end of my second leg, I lost it again and broke down. A few hours later, I told Ryan about a Henry Ford quote that was hanging up in the RV and he shared this one with me - "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right." Can I get an AMEN!?

Hope Express 2012 - Hershey/Leg 1

Hope Express serves to connect the families at Hershey Medical to the dancers at Penn State's amazing THON, a 46-hour "no sitting, no

sleeping, no KIDDING!" dance marathon that raises money to help in the fight against pediatric cancer for those being treated at Hershey Medical. Hope Express begins at the hospital, with a party on the 7th floor. We quite literally take two backpacks filled with letters from families at Hershey and our mission is to get them to THON to give to the dancers.

Being at Hershey is incredible. I participated in THON all 4 of my years at Penn State, but it wasn't until last year's Hope Express that I was able to visit the place where PSU donates millions of dollars each year. It feels so special to be there and it's a blast hanging out with the kids. It's just one extra reminder of why we're about to run.

The energy before the run was awesome. Three different news channels came out to interview and report on HE. There were cheerleaders and the Nittany Lion, not to mention dozens of moralers already spoiling us and showering us with so much love (particularly my incredible moraler, Janine, who sent me this AWESOME basket of goodies and treats!).

The run took off at 6pm and the first few handoffs are "hot spots," or places where a fundraiser or big viewing is going on. One of our runners, Bekah, is a middle school teacher, and her middle school (which I got to run past last year!) is wonderful and raised $6,000 (!!!) this year - wow! Both the Extreme and Express teams run together until mile 30, where the teams split up and take two completely different routes, not to see each other until State College. My first leg was at the split and after it had been done to our Express team last year, the Extremers decided I was to sprint off at the handoff, instead of a nice, relaxing hug and handoff with Natalie. And with that...I was off! My apologies to Steph from the Express team :O).

My first leg was from around 11pm-midnight and it went great. It was misting a little and a bit foggy, but nothing too bad (not as bad as it got later in the night). Aside from a random pick-up truck asking if I needed help ("Is that guy

following you?" - referring to the Hummer following me while I ran in the middle of the road....), it was quiet and peaceful. My shins were definitely acting up a bit, which made me nervous with all I knew I had up ahead of me, but the 6 miles went pretty quickly (especially after

such a fast start), and before I knew it, I saw the lights of the RV and heard the cheers of the moralers! Normally, the next runner is there

waiting with open arms, ready to be slammed with a hug, but Lauren was in the Hummer that had been trailing me...hence my look of "Where to?!"

After each hand off, the RV drives to the next hand-off point, 6 miles away. It's mostly a lot of hanging out on the RV, waiting, snacking (or avoiding less-than-ideal pre-running snacks), and talking. Every stop along the way, our herd of moralers were there, cranking up their music and having a dance party along the side of the road as they waited for the runner to get there. Every stop along the way, we were contemplating our bathroom options in the middle of nowhere.

Hope Express 2012 - Part 1

"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." - Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

wow. wow. wow.

It is going to take several days and many posts to even attempt to get down all I want, or rather need, to about this past weekend. There are so many aspects, epiphanies, people, thank you's, memories, moments, messages of love. I'm beyond grateful for the fact that I have this week off, because I have no idea how I would have been able to so quickly resume normal life. This extra week gives me a buffer, allows me time to even try to digest it all.

Throughout the whole experience, starting months ago before I even knew I'd be running as part of this year's team, I have been completely taken with the incredible amount of support from my family and friends, both close and extended. There were several times throughout the run where I literally had no words - cheers from the passing RV, my #1 cheerleader camped out along the course and jumping out to run with me, the constant support from our incredible moralers, mail call letters that brought me to tears - I honestly just put my hands over my heart. There were, and still are, no words for the overwhelming gratitude I feel. With both teams, Hope Express is compromised of 23 runners, but it is SO much more than that - it is a dozen drivers who are ON for a full 24+ hours; it's the incredible moralers who never stopped cheering us on; it's the family and friends who came out to support us along the route from Hershey to State College; it's the literally hundreds of people who supported us with their donations, their mail, their kind words and well wishes.

I can't help but think of how magical life would be if we all worked together like that all the time. When a group of people come together for a common purpose, it is quite magical. For me, running represents commitment, hard work, and challenge, and the 140 miles we covered from Hershey to Penn State consisted of all of that. Our course was brutal, but the way everyone supported one another made it possible. I was in awe of my teammates and how awesome they were, and while I was terrified leading up to the event that I wasn't good enough, wouldn't be able to do my part, the amount of love and support I felt from so many important people in my life - people I've known for years and people I just met - helped me to do my part.

What is Hope Express?

So much more to come in a little bit!

PSU Thon, Hope Express Join Forces - Video - WGAL The Susquehanna Valley

Hope Express Helps Raise Thousands for Four Diamonds Fund

All Packed!

While Hope Express doesn't begin for another 48 hours (HOPE EXPRESS IS IN 48 HOURS!!!), I am all packed and as ready as I can be to go! Ryan is picking me up from work tomorrow and we are headed straight to Penn State, with a slight detour to Akron to pick up fellow Extreme Runner, Allie. On Thursday (after hopefully a wonderful and longggg night's sleep), we'll head out to Harrisburg and eventually to the start line at Hershey Medical!

Right now, the weather is looking pretty good, with just some rain on Thursday. Hopefully it won't be more than some drizzling, especially since there are SO many exciting things going on at the first few handoffs around the start/Hershey/Harrisburg. Otherwise, we're looking at 40's and sunny on Friday. I have certainly packed (or attempted to pack) for anything mother nature may throw my way.

So what goes into packing for such an event?

• Three complete running outfits (with some options!) and two pairs of sneakers
• Between-runs uniform of leggings, track pants, and several layers on top to help keep warm/help regulate the radical changes in body temperature
• SNACKS! - Peanut butter and jelly, gu's, bananas, and granola bars
• Letters of love and encouragement from family and friends
• Foam roller!
• A lot of faith :O)

FOUR DAYS!

In four days, we will run for the kids. For all the nerves I was feeling last week, I'm not feeling twice as much excitement and just plain 'ol excitement - I can't wait!!

Today's final long run was through a bunch of new places, since I went running while waiting for my oil to get changed. It was a pretty excuse to check out some new places, all of which looked AWESOME with a beautiful covering of snow. That being said, a few of the parks (and a nature center!) that I ran through gave me an extra kick in the butt as I had to work extra hard to not slip and fall on the snowy paths.

HUGE thank you to the lovely Amanda Emmerling for such a thoughtful note/pre-HE package, which included directional socks (!) and wild shorts, in honor of the running tights Hope Express has graced me with (pictures of them next week!). The socks rocked and I loved them when I tested them out the other night. I'm sad that the shorts will not be able to bring them along this weekend...I guess two years of spring weather in February would be getting a little greedy :O). THANK YOU HANSELL!

Love ya Lizzie

"How does that go? ... All I really need to know I learned by running a marathon! I learned long term goal planning, time management and what is meant by delayed gratification. I learned about my body, how to eat healthy and get enough rest. I learned anger management (in the late miles), how to deal with success and how to deal with failure. I learned who I was and who I could be. Yes, somewhat cliché, but running a marathon will change your life forever, I suggest you move it up on the bucket list if you haven't already." - Randy Step, from Ann Arbor's Running Store, Running Fit

I am far from interested in running a full marathon, but still. When I received this in my inbox this morning, it really stayed with me. I had a mini-epiphany while talking to Amy tonight. As excited as I am for Hope Express (IN A WEEK!!!), I have definitely had a badddd case of nerves this week. As we were talking, I realized why: When I started running, I loved that it was all about me (!). It wasn't about anyone else's expectations or judgements of me. None of that has mattered or has even been relevant. All my successes are in comparison to where I was and where I've gone. All my struggles has been practice with dealing with letting myself down and realizing that we learn and move on. Everything has felt like an accomplishment when I think about this whole journey, about where I was running/mentally when I started and the impact it's had on my life. With running, it's all relevant to me. With Hope Express, I have the incredible honor of being part of a team of amazing runners, and, even better, amazing people...and that's scary. Without realizing it, I've felt pressure to be better than I am (or better than I think I am..or better than anything anyone can ever be...as in if I ran a marathon a day, I'd still question if it were enough). Instead of feeling like I might let myself down, I know I have a team of 7 other people (+ the whole HE family, my entire support system, the families at HMC fighting day in and day out) counting on me. It feels like it's a lot of pressure...but then again, it's a hell of a lot of hearts behind me.

In a conversation about Tina Fey's amazing Bossy Pants last night, we got to talked about the fact that despite all of her fame, success, and incredible sense of humor, Fey still rips on herself throughout the whole book. We talked about how it might just be her shtick (since that's how Liz is...and in my mind/real life, they are the same person), but we still wondered if she believed that. Despite ALL she has done and accomplished, all the lives she has impacted and all the laughs she's imparted, sometimes it's natural to question yourself. I'm watching 30 Rock right now and as we speak, mid-blog, as though it was fate, Liz just said, "I AM an inspiration!"

As if I needed another reason to love you LL...I mean TF...

Super Bowl Squares

While it pained me to abandon it, I decided to forgo the annual Bachelor Pool for a possibly more popular alternative fundraiser - a Super Bowl Squares Pool! No one loves the magic of Monday nights more than me, but I wanted to be able to involve more people. But yes, I am still watching regularly and yes, you can feel free to email/text me weekly about your big insights regarding Ben's quest for love.

Anyway, I am THRILLED at how incredibly well the Squares went. The grid filled up so fast that I decided to take a risk and open up a second one, which, thanks to Kyle Garis, is filled as well as of Noon today! The two grids raised a total of $500 FOR THE KIDS! I couldn't be prouder of all of YOU - thank you!

Another awesome thing about this fundraiser was that it was all profit, since I received some very generous donations from Panera, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Cheesecake Factory, to name a few. When I decided to open up a second grid, I decided to pay out for any additional prizes I needed. The cost of that is more than worth it to me.

THANK YOU again to everyone. Have fun and good luck!

My very own Vanna White

That Girl

Yesterday featured runs 2 and 3 of a "Hope Express simulation," if you will. Running 2x in one day is not something that I would otherwise ever be doing, but it honestly hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be (in terms of the obvious at least - mentally; getting ready to run twice; running in the AM, but still not having it "done"). Here are snapshots "of" each:

Before heading out on Thursday afternoon:

After Friday morning's run at the gym:

25 hours later - finally done!

Anyway, I decided to wait for Ryan to get home before leaving for my run afternoon run, hoping he would join me. We had both had long weeks and I knew he was feeling particularly worn out/stressed, but I was incredibly insistent (and slightly guilting...) about the fact that going for a run would make him feel better and would help to alleviate some of those feelings. I realized a little too late (after he was dressed, stretched, and sighing heavily at me as we walked out the door) that I was becoming that girl.

Running twice a day? Imposing my beliefs onto others? When I talk to people about my running as of a lately (which I did a few times when we were out last night), I've begun to see myself as this person, and more importantly, runner, that I don't really identify myself with. I've liked the idea of being just a regular person who started running and has really grown to love it. I've recently had three close friends commit to half marathons and when Lani told me (darn off the record or I'd have the exact quote for proof!) that I inspired her to sign up for the San Diego Half in June with TNT, I was ecstatic. I don't think it's self-centered or "all about me!" to say, but I feel so good when friends say things like that, when they see how doubtful I was about being able to do it (a half, running regularly, etc), but that I've been able to do it, something ANYONE can if they make a plan and stick to it. I am thrilled to share my warm fuzzies from running with others and I love talking shop with friends who are seeking this thrill of accomplishment , but I need to know my audience. If I want to avoid being labeled as something I don't think I am, I need to watch the way I present my story and be certain to kindly include others in my activities, instead of talking from my pedestal and making everyone drink the gatorade.

Be the Groundhog you wish to see the in the world

Today, Phil predicted we will have six more weeks of winter. I have certainly feared that February (through May?) will feature the winter weather we have yet to see thus far this season, but lately I'm thinking MAYBE we can squeeze by with this one. It was 40 degrees today and awesome for running. It was great...but a little while later when I went out for a walk, it was really cold. It made me realize that I can enjoy an extra long season of warm weather/spring comes extra early for runners!

And on that note, I somehow can get a two week extended forecast through Accuweather. According to this reliable source, TWO WEEKS from today when Hope Express takes off, we're looking at mid-50's (and some rain), but I will take it! TAKE THAT PHIL!