Goofy Challenge or Die Trying... Literally

So, its that time again. Well, actually, the training started in August, now it's time that we start collecting funds... However, let me take you back and provide a recap of everything that has transpired since out first marathon...

So, Big B ran the race in 5 hours and 15 minutes (or something like that), I ran it in 6 hours and 25 minutes... and I won't lie, it was the longest 6 hours and 25 minutes of my life to date. I know I was slow as molasses, but like the turtle says "slow and steady wins the race"; and that continues to be my training philosophy now. I leave the speed racing to Big B and our NEW running partner Bea. That's right, we've become a trio this time around (which also means that instead of raising $5000 as a team, we have to raise $7500).

Prior to Bea joining us this summer, Big B and I completed the Disney Princess Half Marathon and the Gate River Run. Aside from those two additional races, we've actually just spent our time getting in some miles as opposed to none. But that brings us to today. Our long runs are climbing now... we run 17 this weekend. And after the 15 of last weekend, I'm not so sure 17 is going to go well this weekend, but I'm going to put my big girl panties on, suck it up and go for it.

We continue to have silly things happen along our runs, such as during the last big group run I looked at Bea and said "I need a Gu" and she responded with "You need to poo?!". While we've not run with a hurricane yet this year, and no one has had "runner's trots" either, we remain optimistic that something really good and out of control is just around the corner. And since Big B and I are no longer the new kids on the block, well we're hoping Bea has the opportunity to experience some of these finer points of running before the big race. (We love you Bea).

Speaking of the race, I bet you're wondering what the Goofy Challenge is huh? Allow me to enlighten you, it's the Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on Saturday and the Full Marathon (26.2 miles) on Sunday. Yes, insanity I know. You should hear what my friend Kathy calls it (not permitted on this family-friendly blog)(coincidentally, Kathy manages the medical tent, supplies and people- so I've got a direct line).

So, let's get down to brass tacks- we're running for the Burnham Institute for Medical Research again and need to meet our fundraising goal. Since we're a team, we fund raise as a team and as a team we need to raise $7500 (did I mention that already?)! Like last time, I've added our individual links to our donation pages in the top right corner of our blog, but I've also kindly included them below:

Donate to Little B (a.k.a. Mandy)
Donate to Big B (a.k.a. Jennifer)
Donate to Bea (a.k.a. well that's her name)

But wait, the fun doesn't stop there... we're holding the first Community Kickball Challenge to raise funds for our team. We need 30 teams and the entry fee is $300/team. So get out your tube socks, gather your friends and/or co-workers and bring your 'A'-game and support Team B!

Until next time...
Little B

Race Weekend!

That's right... it's here and I'm waiting for Big B to pick me up and head out to Disney. This weekend is what 6 months, more than 500 miles, $5000 dollars (sponsorships courtesy of family, friends, and Florida Hospital), weight training with "Trainer Dan and His Tight Ass", funky tummy, a torn meniscus, a bruised foot, blisters, and ice baths all boil down too!

When I look back at our first months of posts, I first laugh out loud, but then think how PROUD I am of us. We stuck to the schedule, ran the miles, worked through the issues, minded our nutrition (somewhat), and here we are, Race Weekend.

We can hardly believe it! With mixed emotions, we head into the weekend excited by the activities of the weekend and with our team mates, but nervous about the daunting task in front of us.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has read our blog, cheered us on, and donated to our worthy cause. We'll be back to blog about the experience.

Until then-
Team B