ONLY 5 DAYS UNTIL....RACE 2 CHI-TOWN!!!

MICHELLE SAID....


Whoa – how did the time get here so quickly??? I cannot believe we are just DAYS away from the big race!!! Am I ready? Probably not. Will I finish? If I have to crawl on my hands and knees I will finish! Am I excited? More than you will ever know!!! This is the big event…the culmination of all those early morning, hot, long, dreadful runs. I’m still not fast, and it won’t be pretty, but I’m going to give it my all come Sunday morning at 6:30 AM! My plan is to keep John and Susan in my sights – I will be staring at the back of their shirts for 13 miles (hopefully) but at least they’ll be close enough to hear the medics as I am wheeled off the course!!!

Even more than the race, I am nervous about leaving my kids, especially Kayla Reese. We have only left the older girls overnight for one night at a time – and we’ll be gone three nights in Chicago. And we’ve never left Kayla Reese overnight…ever! But I think this will be a great opportunity for Gregg and I to be alone for a while and remember what it feels like to be married. This year we celebrated 10 years of marriage but spent our actual anniversary weekend attending birthday parties and weddings. We plan to do some shopping, lots of eating, some resting, and maybe even a bit of pampering! The kids will be in good hands and I bet they will have even MORE fun with mommy and daddy out of sight for a few days!

Overall I am thrilled with the progress John, Susan and myself have been making on the foundation and our mission to raise awareness. I can’t wait to unveil our new logo and kick off into high gear! But we’ve got our minds on the race right now – focused and prepared. I am asking for prayers though – and lots of them! Prayers for safe travel, prayers for the loved ones taking care of our children, prayers for our children and hopes they will enjoy this time, prayers for a safe race without injury (too bad I’ve already had mine…hope it doesn’t get too bad!), and prayers for courage and strength for us to leave our children, travel to Chicago, and run the race of a lifetime. All for the love of Kayla Reese. Many, many, many thanks for your continued support and prayers. I promise I feel every one of them.

***DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE BLOG WHO YOU THINK WILL FINISH FIRST IN THE RACE!!!!!***

Nothin' Like a Little Healthy Competition....

Okay, so we're running in a race, a half marathon to be exact, next Sunday, August 2 2009. What's a race without a lil' trash talk and healthy competition??? We (Michelle, John and I) have quite a challenge ahead of us. We've got to run 13.1` miles!!! Well, I've got a challenge for you... On the right hand side of the blog, is a little poll. We want you to vote on 'who will finish first in the 'Rock n Roll' Chicago Half Marathon?' Will it be Michelle? Will it be John? Or will it be myself? Take your pick. But, here's the kicker...if you pick the winner (between the three of us), we ask that you make a small (or large)donation to 'The Kayla Reese Foundation.' It can even just be a dollar. We appreciate it and thank you for any donation. This will have to be on an honor system as we do not know who votes or who you vote for. Donate a buck and we'll get excited, I promise! So, let's have some fun with this. Exercise your right and vote today! :) All voting will be shut down after August 1 @ 11:59 pm.

Susan

Gettin' To Know 'Reesy-Piecy'...

Hey y'all! We're so excited about Kayla Reese's story that aired last night on WIS! We are even more excited about your response to the story and 'The Kayla Reese Foundation.' There is one big thing we wanted to clear up from the story. Michelle and I will be running in the 'Rock n Roll' Chicago HALF MARATHON which is 13.1 miles. We're not running in the Chicago Marathon (a completely different race) and then only running half of it. Also, some have asked about t-shirts being sold. As I write this we are working on 'tweaking' some logos to represent 'The Kayla Reese Foundation.' We're going to use that logo to print on t-shirts and sell them in the VERY NEAR future. So, keep checking back!

One more thing, Tetrasomy X is an extremely rare CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITY. We have a link on the right side of the blog, (why 'The Kayla Reese Foundation' was formed') where Michelle goes into a lot more detail about all the 'symptoms' and issues that come along with Tetrasomy X.

Now that you've gotten to meet Kayla Reese up close and personal on t.v., Michelle and I thought you might enjoy some picture of her taken throughout her first year. Enjoy! Susan

Kayla Reese News Link

Check out the news video that aired on WIS-TV tonight. Below is the video of the news story. Just know you'll have to watch a short commercial before the story about Kayla Reese starts. Starting tomorrow, we'll be posting on the blog daily all the way through next weekend when we start 'Race 2 Chi-town!'

thanks for your support!
Susan

***Update*** on Kayla Reese being on the news!

The story will now air at 7pm, instead of 6:00!!!! Change your DVRs!!!!

Kayla Reese on the News!!!!

We're so excited that Kayla Reese's story will air on WIS-TV here in Columbia TONIGHT @ 6 pm. Thanks so much to Kara Gormley for doing this story. Our hopes are to gain exposure for 'The Kayla Reese Foundation' and Tetrasomy X. It may sound crazy, but non-profit organizations take money to start and maintain. So, we're hoping exposure will help 'The Kayla Reese Foundation' raise enough funds to really get up and going and fulfill our intended purpose. So, pull up a chair tonight at 6:00 and watch Kayla Reese or be sure to set your DVRs so you can watch it later! Thank you for all your support!

Susan

Good News and more good news!

Thanks to all who bought a Kayla Reese/Race 2 Chi-town t-shirt. This was our first fundraiser and it went really well. Our goal was to sell 50 shirts and we ended up selling 53! Not too bad!

Also, we are officially a foundation. Yep, you heard right, we are now 'The Kayla Reese Foundation.' How awesome is that??? But, now for the hard (and expensive) part. We want The Kayla Reese Foundation to be a 501(c)3 or non-profit organization. The biggest thing about becoming a non-profit orgnaization is the fact that when people or businesses donate to us, they can write it off on their taxes....a big plus! To become a non-profit is going to take more time and of course, money. But, we're working on it and will keep you updated on our progress and future fundraisers!

Thanks again to all who ordered shirts this first go 'round. It has been such a good feeling when someone orders a shirt because you realize they have faith in what we're doing and I just can't put into words how grateful we all are. If you ordered, your shirt will be delivered or mailed to you this week (week of July 13).

Keep checking back for updates!
Susan

New Deadline for Shirt Orders!!!!!

We've extended the deadline for ONLINE (pay on the blog through paypal) shirt orders. You can now order your shirts as late as 8 am EST Monday, July 13th.

You can also still order shirts using the mail in form. We must receive your form and payment by the morning of Monday, July 13.

Thank you to all who have already ordered shirts. Your support helps to motivate us so much!

Susan

Vacation, Country Chronicle column and t-shirts for sale!!!!

Below is John's Country Chronicle column for the week. Just a reminder, we're taking orders for t-shirts for one more week. The last day to order is THIS FRIDAY, July 10th!!!!!


This week’s column is coming at you from Myrtle Beach while I am on vacation with the family. We are staying at Kingston Plantation where there is a great one mile loop that is perfect for running. As I write this I am less than an hour removed from a nice three mile run. Earlier in the night while I gave our two little girls their bath for the night, my wife went on her three mile run. When she returned from her run, Susan looked great and said it went great and a lot easier than her normal running loop in Lake Carolina. I then went on my run a little after 9:00 PM at night. During the day it is just too hot to run, but when we ran at night with the breeze coming off the ocean, it felt just nice and warm. Thirty plus minutes later when I was done with my three mile run, I felt like I had just jumped into the ocean and hopped out because I have sweated so much. I am starting to wonder if Susan really went for a three mile run or if she ran down to the lobby of the Embassy Suites to get a little Starbucks.

As I write this paragraph I am less than fifteen minutes removed from getting busted by my wife digging into the pantry for a late night snack. While on vacation I do not see anything wrong with a little late night snack, but my choice of snack being a small cup full of mini chocolate chips is what got me in trouble. As I was pouring the delicious mini morsels into the cup my wife unexpectedly walked in viewing the entire scene. She asked me (as if she had no clue) what was I doing. I don’t recall exactly what my response was but some stuttering was involved I am sure. My wife then in a very sarcastic, but yet serious tone, “I bet you won’t write about this in your column.” In the end, better judgment prevailed and I put back the chocolate chips and settled on a Nature Valley Trail Mix Bar. It is always good to have a voice of reason in your house.

Before we loaded up our family truckster (Google family truckster if you have no clue what I am referencing here) and headed over to the beach for our family vacation my wife and I went to Charleston for a wedding in which I was a groomsman. While in Charleston and my wife and I each had to run four miles. It was just our luck the hotel we were staying at had a fitness room that had two nice treadmills side by side. For the first time ever we decided to get a run in together. Since both of us had to run four miles I asked my wife if she would like to race. She declined the challenge, but I still decided I was going to race. I am proud to say I came out on top just seconds in front of Susan with my late surge on the treadmill. I chose to be dignified and not to boast in a wild celebratory manner. A simple double fist pump and throwing up both hands as if someone just scored a touchdown was my means of expressing my 100% meaningless victory.

In four weeks we will be in running the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon in support of one year old Kayla Reese Jowers who in the past few months was diagnosed with Tetrasomy X. Tetrasomy X is an extremely rare genetic disorder. The Ridge View boys basketball team will be selling turquoise t-shirts to raise money for Madison’s Foundation in honor of Kayla Reese (www.madisonsfoundation.org). Madison’s Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of information available to parents of children with rare, life-threatening diseases, and to facilitating effective communication among parents, physicians and medical experts. Each T-shirt is $15 and 100% of the proceeds after the expenses of printing the t-shirts have been paid will go to Madison’s Foundation. Please visit our blog at www.Race2Chi-Town.blogspot.com to get information on how you can order a shirt. All t-shirt orders must be received by Friday, July 10, 2009

If you have any questions please feel free to call me, John Combs, at 803-348-2365 or e-mail: jcombs@richland2.org

SHIRTS FOR SALE!!!!!

We are so excited to announce that we, along with the Ridge View Boys Basketball Team, are now selling t-shirts to raise money in HONOR OF Kayla Reese for 'Madison's Foundation' (http://www.madisonsfoundation.org). There is also a link on the right side bar. 100 percent of all t-shirt sales (after t-shirt cost has been paid) will go toward this worthy foundation which is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of information available to parents of children with rare, life-threatening disease. They also work to facilitate effective communication among parents, physicians and medical experts. As Michelle and Gregg would tell you, information about Tetrasomy X is scarce. To have an organization that connects you with other families whose child has received a similar diagnosis is a God send. Having a child diagnosed with such a rare disease can leave you feeling alone and in the dark. But, Madison's Foundation is dedicated to connecting families and helping them walk the hard road that can come with such rare diseases.

Our ultimate goal of starting our own foundation for Kayla Reese is still alive! The process of starting a non-profit organization will take time but we know it will happen! This is only the beginning. So please show your support and purchase a Kayla Reese t-shirt. Check out the right side bar for all the information. Thank you all for your support. This wouldn't be possible with out you!

Susan

Keeping Up With the Jowers...

MICHELLE SAID....

I know it’s been a while since our last update…my apologies for that! Our family made a big move to Chapin last week so it was crazy but we all have a place to sleep and a place to eat now so I consider that progress! It has also been an eventful few weeks for Kayla Reese! In late May we finally had the opportunity to meet with the geneticist and were eager to hear what she had to say. Honestly it was pretty uneventful…because Tetrasomy X is so rare, everything she had to tell us was straight from literature she had read…the same stuff we had already read! We talked a lot about her potential learning difficulties, her need for further tests such as an echocardiogram, renal ultrasound and vision screening, as well as hormone challenges she may face. The geneticist said she had never seen a case of Tetra X before but was going to work with us and follow us for the rest of Kayla Reese’s life. In addition to the geneticist, we also had to take Kayla Reese to the hospital twice…the poor child knows the hospital all too well! The first trip was for sedation for an MRI of the brain. A few days later we visited the neurologist for those results which were fair, not great, but not horrible. He said her brain was not growing at quite the rate it should, and that there wasn’t as much fluid flowing as she needed. BUT it wasn’t so severe that he saw a major issue with it. The plan is to repeat the MRI in December to see if there are any changes and go from there. The week following the MRI we took her back to the operating room – this time to get her adenoids removed, ear tubes replaced, and a hearing test which actually tested her hearing through the nerve in her bone. Surgery went well and hearing test results were pretty good too. The nerves in her bones were functioning perfectly, but she does have some conductive hearing loss, more in her left than in her right. I am waiting for the follow up to find out exactly what she can and can’t hear, but knowing her nerves are great is fantastic news!

Enough medical stuff for ya’? Kayla Reese is really progressing well. Just in the past few days we have seen her bear weight on her arms and even try to move her knees in the crawling motion!!! VERY exciting news!!! We’ve also discovered she LOVES the water and it is good therapy for her legs, so the doctor says mommy and Kayla Reese MUST hang out by the pool all summer! (wink wink!) Otherwise, we are busy working to find therapists in our new town to cover speech, physical and occupational therapies. The good Lord has already provided us with a wonderful Speech Therapist and I trust in Him more good therapists are in our future. We are also waiting on dates for her big tests – the echocardiogram, renal ultrasound and vision screening. I’ll keep you posted on those dates as they draw near – prayers are always welcome and greatly appreciated! Oh, and prayers that I will actually be able to run the 13.1 miles this half marathon requires would be nice too! John and Susan are kicking my TAIL!!! But wow, what an inspiration they are!!! And don’t forget to buy a shirt! Can’t WAIT to see them all over town!!! (DETAILS COMING SOON!)

Just Around the Corner

It's so hard to believe we only have about 6 weeks before the half-marathon in Chicago! This Saturday, I'll be running 11 miles as part of my training for the half. This is the most I'm going to run before I hopefully cross the finish line in Chicago after running 13.1 miles! So, I'm at my peak of training, which is really exciting! If I can run 11 miles, Saturday, I feel confident that in a race, I can finish 13.1. I just read over that sentence and can't belive I would ever be able to say something like that!

So many people have asked me over the past few weeks how I can run the distance of a half marathon. Believe me when I say, if I can do it, so can you. I am not an athletic person. God did not create my body in the image of a runner. I have flat feet with absolutely no arch (I tend to run on the sides of my feet b/c of this). Only very expensive shoes help my feet have the appropriate support for running a half marathon. If I keep up this marathon running thing, Strictly Running will be able to expand their business!

Also, I 'practice' my running A LOT!. I've been training since February and I assure you it has taken me all that time to 'practice' and get to the running distance I am now. Finally, I have a goal and that is helping Michelle and Gregg raise awareness about Kayla Reese and Tetrasomy X. I plan to post in the very near future about all it's going to take to help start a foundation to fund research for Tetrasomy X. So, keep checking back. There will be many opportunities for you to help in this venture!

Susan

John's 'Country Chronicle' column

Many of you may already know, but John (my husband), writes a weekly column about 'all things running' and our goal of running a 1/2 marathon. Each Thursday, the column is in our local town paper, 'The Country Chronicle.' I know many of you who follow this blog, may not live in our town, so, below is his column for this week. Enjoy!

About the hardest thing my wife and I have done in preparing for the half marathon has been selecting a worthy cause to run in support of. There are a number of different worthy causes we considered and we had the most difficult time choosing one over another. Then very suddenly it became extremely clear what our purpose and mission for running a half marathon would be. Michelle and Gregg Jowers are long time friends of our family and they have three beautiful daughters. Very recently they found out their youngest daughter, Kayla Reese, who just celebrated her first birthday, has an extremely rare chromosome abnormality called Tetrasomy X—also known as Tetra X. The chromosome abnormality is so unbelievably rare that there are only about 100 known cases worldwide. To put it in perspective one in 68 million people on this earth is known to have this chromosome abnormality.

Kayla Reese, who is an extremely precious little girl has the only known case of Tetra X in South Carolina. There are only 60 cases in journals worldwide to for doctors to even read about. The few case studies that exist explain the symptoms of Tetra X can range from mild to severe, but include motor and speech delays, hypotonia, vision and hearing problems, difficulties learning, below average IQ, heart, kidney, and ovary defects to just name a few of the issues associated with this abnormality.

Needless to say, the Jowers were shocked and saddened by news of their baby girl having Tetra X. There are many aspects about Tetra X that are tough to deal with, but since it is so rare there is so little information known about how to treat it. Michelle, after taking in her child’s diagnosis said, “after wallowing in my own self pity, I bucked up, put on my big girl panties and boxing gloves and am gonna fight for my sweet baby girl! At no time did anyone say she ‘can’t’ do something, so my view is that Kayla Reese can do anything she wants to and I am going to give her every tool I can to give her every chance possible.” We are excited that Michelle is going to join my wife and myself in running the Chicago Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in August in support and for the love of Kayla Reese.

Our first goal of running “For the Love of Kayla Reese” is to bring awareness to people about Tetra X. We will bring you information soon on how you can support the cause we are running to support. Please visit our blog at: http://www.race2chi-town.blogspot.com to learn more about Kayla Reese’s story and our experiences in preparing for the half marathon.

Heart and Sole 5 Mile Race

Here's a clip of me (Susan) at the finish line at the 'Heart and Sole' 5 mile race today! It felt so good to cross that finish line! I finished in a little over 54 minutes. Check back later for pictures of me and Michelle along the course!

FOR THE LOVE OF KAYLA REESE.....

John and I are absolutely thrilled and honored to let you finally know our RUNNING CAUSE. What you are about to read in the paragraphs below is written by one of my dearest and closest friends, Michelle Jowers. Her family is such an inspiration to us and will be to you too.

MICHELLE SAID.....
Ten years ago, THIS YEAR, I married the love of my life and high school sweetheart, Gregg. We dreamed of having children..how many...what their names be...and I always thought I’d end up with a house full of boys. Turns out, we were blessed with three GIRLS! I know, my poor husband! Aislyn was our first child, and boy was she a challenge...not only at birth weighing in over 10 pounds, but even after that. She had some sensory issues which weighed heavy on my heart. I was told giving her a sibling would be the best thing for her, so we did and that’s when Blythe came along! She’s the boy I will never have! Easy baby but a busy preschooler! We felt so incredibly happy, but still felt like our family wasn’t quite complete. "Just one more"...I can remember saying to Gregg praying he’d agree - and he definitely did!

Just over a year ago, Kayla Reese joined our loving family. We thought about just calling her Kayla, but it didn’t seem to fit this unique child...so she is known in our house as ‘Kayla Reesy’ or ‘ReesyPiecy’! I was induced with Kayla Reese two weeks early because of my history of large babies. Everything was normal during delivery, and we were handed a small, in our eyes at least, baby girl with jet black hair and dark, Asian shaped, eyes. She was a beauty to say the least. Within the first two weeks I knew something was different about her. I vividly remember telling a friend, I felt something wasn’t right and wondering if we had induced too early. BUT she was here now and healthy and I didn’t want to question too much. As time passed, especially around 4-5 months when she wasn’t rolling over at all and she was always sick, I began what I call, my mission. I was on a mission to figure out what was causing her delay and to pinpoint what my gut was telling me was a problem. At six months I had a child who was not rolling over or even thinking of sitting up. My friends, family, and even pediatrician excused this saying she was a third child and would do things when she felt like it. I shook my head in agreement not wanting to confront anyone but knowing inside it was just an excuse. At a sick visit for one of my other girls, I told my pediatrician I wanted to start looking into Early Intervention services for Kayla Reese. He was hesitant but agreed it wouldn’t hurt. Shortly after that she was evaluated by a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist and it was determined she was severely delayed in the areas of both gross and fine motor skills. This is where our life of therapies began. Kayla Reese had tubes placed in her ears at 9 months of age due to chronic ear infections, and at that time we discovered she has some sort of hearing loss. We are scheduled for another trip to the operating room so we can have her hearing tested further to see the extent of the loss and what she will need to correct it...or at least help her hear better.

The real discovery into Kayla Reese, came after her one year well checkup at the pediatrician, where he agreed we could no longer use the third child excuse and it was time to investigate further. He sent us to a neurologist who set us up with an MRI and some detailed bloodwork. The only hint I had from anyone was maybe she had a stroke in utero that caused her delays - but that she may have ‘something’ or ‘nothing at all.’ Honestly I thought the bloodwork would come back normal but we’d find something from the MRI. One week after the bloodwork came back, my pediatrician called me with the news....Kayla Reese has an extremely rare chromosome abnormality called Tetrasomy X. So rare, there are only about 60 cases in literature and 100 cases worldwide. The few case studies that exist show the symptoms of this can range from mild to severe but include motor and speech delays, hypotonia, vision and hearing problems, difficulties learning and a below average IQ, heart, kidney and ovary defects, behavioral issues, and the list rattles on. Needless to say we were in shock. Lots of tears were shed and dreams broken. But after wallowing in my own self-pity, I bucked up, put on my big girl panties and boxing gloves and am gonna fight for my sweet babygirl! At no time did anyone say she ‘can’t’ do something, so my view is that Kayla Reese can do anything she wants to and I am going to give her every tool I can, for her to have every chance possible.

Our life, much like everyone’s life with children, is we will have to wait and see. We’ll have to wait and see if she’ll walk before age 5....wait and see if her teeth will ever grow in...wait and see how much support she’ll need to blend into mainstream schooling...wait and see if the MRI is clear....wait and see if she has organ defects...wait and see if she will go into puberty on her own...wait and see if she can live independently or live with us forever....wait and see if she can form relationships...just wait and see where life’s long and winding road will take us. But right now I know this child will NOT have to wait to feel loved or blessed because she is a JOY to us and is a GIFT and a BLESSING to us and everyone she meets. So come on life...BRING IT ON!!! We can handle it.


SUSAN SAID....
Through our running a half-marathon, blog and fundraisers, we are hoping to raise money to help Michelle and her husband, Gregg, donate money or create a foundation in Kayla Reese's name. If a foundation is created (and we hope this happens), our goal is to raise money for more research and help families with gaining information about this and other rare chromosome abnormalities. We are in the EARLY stages of making this idea and dream happen. If you have any fundraiser ideas, we are all ears. Also, if you have any information on starting a foundation, we would love to hear those ideas as well.

So, stay tuned and keep checking back! This is going to be an AMAZING journey and the more on the ride, the better!

Susan

Happy Early Mother's Day.....SHE SAID

It's almost overwhelming to think about all the blessings in my life. I have such a close family, great friends, loving husband, but most of all two beautiful, healthy, happy, little girls. It really brings tears to my eyes to think about it all at once. Mothers Day is such a special day. But, I really think I took it for granted until last year. Even after having our first daughter, Mary Anne, Mother's Day, was a fun day to get together with family, receive gifts and get pampered. But, last year, it took on a whole new meaning.

You see, in July 2007, when Mary Anne was almost three years old, I miscarried early in a pregnancy. After having one child, I truly realized what I was losing. I was losing a baby, a life, a sibling for Mary Anne, a baby girl, or possibly our little boy. That experience forever changed me. It was a 'bring me to my knees' experience. I always felt like I had control over everything. I COULD get pregnant, I COULD do everything right and carry a healthy baby, I COULD deliver a baby without complications. But, my miscarriage taught me a lesson. I am not in control....God is. And what a relief that is!! To know I don't hold everything in my hands. To know there is a God who is looking out for me and has my life planned. To know there is a God who brought good out of pain.

And you probably ask, what good came from that????? Well, she's about 20 lbs, crawls on all fours, only has four teeth, gnaws on everything in sight and goes by the name, SARAH GRAY! How can I not trust in God and love him when he gives me something as wonderful as my two girls?!?! So, Mother's Day is very special to me. It means more to me now than it ever did because I know what blessings I have in my life. Take a look at the video below....makes me cry everytime.

Oh, and you're probably wondering about the running thing....it's going well! I'm running more and more and am supposed to run 6.5 miles this coming Saturday! If you think about it, that's 1/2 of a 1/2 marathon! I hope you all have a great Mother's Day and I promise I won't wait so long to write another post!

2nd Time Around

HE SAID.....

Sunday was my first "long run" Sunday of the 16 week training schedule and it was only 4 miles. Next Sunday it will be 5 miles and steadily get longer each Sunday. Susan's "long run" day is Saturday...

Being this is the second time around for me training for a long race, I am interested to see if there are some different challenges that will face me this time. When I trained for the ING NYC Marathon, God blessed me in that I did not have any injuries to contend with during my training. There is some concern how my knees might hold up now that I am two years older and nearing my mid 30's. Although I guess at 33 I still qualify to say I am in my early 30's. I have never (knock on wood) had trouble with my knees before, but I am concerned it could start at anytime.

There is no question, this week for both Susan and I, will be a challenge getting in our training runs. This week I will be gone from the house, after school, 4 days until after dinner time because of three tennis matches and a basketball banquet we had Monday night. Most of these days I will be getting my 30 minute run or walk in on the treadmill later at night after I have put down our daughter, Sarah Gray, for the night. I am not a huge fan of the workouts at night after a long day of work, but it has to be done.

Ready to 'Rock 'n' Roll'!!!!!!

SHE SAID.....
Well, today was my first LONG run day (like every Saturday will be) and first, let me say, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!! How could you not get inspired to run in weather like this?!?! The run went really well. I ran 4 miles in Lake Carolina. If you've ever been there, you know it's HILLY! Actually, when I was running those hills, they felt like mountains, especially around mile three. You can't quite grasp what kind of hills those are by riding in the car.


But, I did learn a few things I want to change about my long runs in the weeks to follow. First, I need some way to hold a water bottle besides in my hand or placing it somewhere along my route. Do they make some kind of belt that could hold a water bottle? If so, I need to find it before next week. Also, I'm training for a run in Chicago, which is very flat. I felt like I was training to run in the mountains today! So, a change of course will be needed before next Saturday when I'm due to run 5 miles.


I do feel really good about today. I've been running since February and I feel like it paid off today. My thighs were burning towards the end of the four miles today and my knees hurt a little. But, all in all, not bad! Start praying for a repeat of this beautiful weather next Saturday!


Here are a few pictures from today......It may have been a tad cheesy (I'll be honest, REALLY cheesy)to take pictures of me going to and returning from my run, but I had to make it somewhat fun!





Sarah Gray thought she was coming too!





FINISHED !!! And back with my loot from Sonic
A girl's gotta eat!!!

The Top 10...SHE SAID...

Over the course of the past year and a half, starting when John was training for the ING NYC Marathon, I've learned a lot about what you need on each run when you're training for a big race. So, I've come up with a 'Top 10" list on how to make it through those LOOOONG runs. Most of these are even helpful for those short runs. Maybe if some of you are trying to take on running a race, these 'observations' of mine, could be helpful to you! Let me know!

10. jogging stroller....as I sit here writing this with one finger b/c I'm holding a fussy, teething, 10 month old, I couldn't help but think of all those moms who are trying to get off that baby weight. You can still exercise when you have kids. Jogging strollers can be pricey, but can be found at consignment shops.

9. energy packs (gels).....I've personally never used these, but my husband thinks they're great for those long runs. Supposedly some of them even taste like APPLE PIE! Running and eatin' apple pie at the same time...sounds like my speed!

8. good route/course....What is worse than running 12 miles and having to run the same loop, 12 times! So boring! Find a good route that gives you different scenery. It makes a world of difference!

7. ipod/music/book on tape....Personally, I love my ipod filled with music that gets me energized and ready to run a good distance. I'll do another post later with all the songs I have on my ipod.

6. layered clothing.....Especially when you're actually running the race (1/2 marathon, marathon), you need clothing you can take off. You're going to start a race like this EARLY in the morning when it's cool outside. But, by the time you're on mile 6, you're hot and ready to get rid of some clothing. Some runners toss clothing to the side on the ground and it's picked up later to donate to charity.

5. A goal/race to train for....This is great motivation to train when you have a goal. I'm running the Providence Women's Heart and Sole Race May 16 and I know I have to be able to comfortably run 5 miles by that time.

4. Good shoes/socks....This is especially true for me. I have very flat feet, so I need special shoes and insoles so I don't kill my feet. They even make special socks for marathon runners....but, I warn you, they're not cheap!

3. Water, water, water.....I can tell such a difference in my energy level when I run when I've drank at least 8, 8ounce glasses of water the day BEFORE a run.

2. Toilet paper.....sad, but true. Nature will call during those long runs. So, come prepared!

1. Flexibility....yes, I have a training schedule, but you know what, it's not always going to play out the way I want it to. Life is going to happen. I may get sick, my children may get sick and put a kink in my training plans. But, I've got to roll with it and pick up where I left off.

I hope these make sense and help someone out....

Let me know what you think!

Susan

Thank you!

HE SAID.........

I must send out a thank you to my wife for the encouragement she gave me the other night to make sure I got my training run in before I went to sleep. Tuesday night a little after 9 PM and after I just finished putting down my 10 month old baby girl for the night, (which included a little snooze while I was rocking her) I wanted to head to bed for the night. My wife on the other hand strongly encouraged me not to go to sleep. I put up a little resistance and mumbled a few things about being tired--but after a few minutes I got up and got in a great 2 1/2 run on the treadmill before going to sleep for the night. I felt great after the run!

I am very appreciative for my wife's support and encouragement! With out her push I would have most certainly missed the work out that I did not need to miss. That was being a good teammate! Thank you Susan!

I Have a Plan!!! (She Said..)

I'm excited to say, I now have a running plan to help me prepare for this 1/2 marathon! It feels good to see on paper what my training schedule is going to look like over the next 16 weeks. Like John, I chose a plan from http://www.jeffgalloway.com. The plan is designed for a runner who is looking to just finish a 1/2 marathon, not make great times. But, the plan is designed to help a runner finish the race strong. That's music to my ears!!! I'm really hoping to not be pushed over the finish line on a stretcher. My workout schedule for this week is going to look like this...

Sunday....off
Monday....run 30 minutes
Tuesday....weight training
Wednesday....run 30 minutes
Thursday....weight training
Friday....easy walk
Saturday....long run (4 miles this week)

**When I say weight training, I mean squats, crunches, leg raises, etc.

Now that I have a training plan, I'm going to concentrate on selecting a family/charity to raise $$ for. Hopefully, I'll be able to share that plan with you in the coming week. I am so excited about this aspect of the 1/2 marathon experience. To do something I love (running) and also help someone else will just make all the hardwork so worthwhile! Please continue to pray for me in this aspect of our venture. I'm really torn on how I should approach the family I want to help. I feel God has laid this one family on my heart. But, I'll definitely have to move out of my comfort zone when it comes to approaching them about my desires to help financially. Speaking of moving out of my comfort zone.....I realize John and I make a lot of cracks about each other when it comes to competing and running. But, I think we make a great team. We push each other in our own ways to step outside our boxes and attempt goals we (by ourselves) would never attempt. Let's hope this positive attitude I have about our 'team' continues!

"For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13

Susan

Happy Easter!

HE SAID (JOHN COMBS):

I hope everyone had a very happy Easter holiday and you were able to spend some quality time with your family and friends!

IT HAS STARTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What I mean by it has started is Susan's trash talking. Friday night we were watching TV and Susan came out and said to me, "I need to get a mobile camera for when I pass you I can take a picture." Those were awfully bold words coming from her. I am going to keep my mouth shut...at least for now. I am going to post her comments up in my locker (OK--my closet) as motivation to train a little harder.

This morning I was able to get in a 2 1/2 mile run before church. This coming week starts my official training schedule for the 1/2 marathon. I am following one of Jeff Galloway's marathon programs--you can find more information about Jeff Galloway and his programs at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

My Running Schedule for the week of April 13:
Monday: 30 minute brisk walk (2 miles)
Tuesday: 2 1/2 Mile Run
Wednesday: 30 minute brisk walk (2 miles)
Thursday: 2 1/2 Mile Run
Friday: 30 minute brisk walk (2 miles)
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: 4 Mile Run

*each week the schedule will stay roughly the same except on Sundays--this is my long run day and it will generally go up a little each week.

Here we go!

HE SAID (John):

This will most certainly be interesting that Susan and I are running a 1/2 marathon together--but doing a blog together might more dangerous.......I mean interesting.

Next week will be 16 weeks before the The Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon. We picked this particular one because the Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 & full marathons are run by a group called Elite Racing. In August of 2007 I ran in the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon when preparing for the 2007 ING New York City Marathon and I had a blast! It was a very well run race with plenty of people cheering you on around the course and there were bands stations every mile or so for your entertainment. I like to run--but I hate to run a long distance when there is not much scenery or anything else going on. The race in Chicago will have a plenty of scenery and activties surrounding it. The Chicago race like the Virginia Beach race is fairly flat.

This morning I got a "simple" 2+ mile run in before really starting the day. I always feel good for the rest of the day when I get a good run in the morning. I must admit after running this morning I realized I am further behind in my training than I thought I would be. It could be a long summer of training!

REBUTTAL/EXPLANATION FROM SUSAN'S LAST POST:
**I feel like from time to time we are going to need to do this**
1. Our yard as of Friday, April 10, 2009 is not overgrown nor has it been yet at any point in 2009 (other years have been a different story--but I am working to make 2009 my best year yet!). There were one or two weeds in bad spots--but I took care of those and will continue to work on other areas of our lawn.

2. I am a dreamer (dreamer sounds better than day dreamer) and goal setter. I am thinking about--but not yet set in stone--also doing the Chicago FULL Marathon that will be in early October. I am also thinking about participating as a runner only in a team triathlon race in between the 1/2 and FULL marathon. It might be a little too ambitious--but never say never!

He Said......She Said.

Well, here we go.....again. If you've read my husband, John's, article in the local newspaper, The Country Chronicle, you know we are undertaking ANOTHER huge feat....running a half marathon. And here's the hilarious part, we're doing it together! So, we're going to take this amazing opportunity to make cracks at each other and criticize. We're also going to have fun and in the process of this journey be as real and honest as possible about our road to running 13.1 miles!



Before we really get rolling, I'd like to give you some background about our experiences with running. In March 2007, my husband, John, decided he wanted to take up running. Not only did he want to take up running, but he wanted to run the New York City Marathon. Yea, I thought he was crazy and I let him know it (you know the rest of you thought he was out of his mind too!). John had only run, at most, 6 miles at one time in his whole life. Then he slept the rest of the day! But, instead of JUST running, he wanted to give himself some real motivation. So, he decided to run for charity. By early November 2007, when we traveled to NYC for the marathon, he had raised $5000 for the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Foundation in NYC and Children's Hospital right here in Columbia. John did finish the marathon....yes, that's 26.2 miles, raise $5000 for charity, lose 30 pounds and run into Katie Holmes.....not bad!



My story is not all that interesting. I really can't believe I'm taking on the daunting task of running 13.1 miles ALL AT ONE TIME!!! While training, at this point, I'm not even doing that much in a week's time! The most I have ever run at one time is five miles, when two years ago, I participated in the Providence Women's Heart and Sole Run. It was so much fun. I ran with a good friend, Lea. It was cold and rainy, but we had a blast. I was 9 months pregnant the following year, but am planning to run it again on May 16 of this year.



We are determined to train, run and finish this half marathon. You probably have many questions, like which 1/2 marathon, where, when, etc..... Well, duh...I guess I should answer those questions! We are running the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half-Marathon. We'll be up bright and early to run at 6:30 am on August 2, 2009. If you'd like to check out their website, go to http://www.rnrchicago.com/. We are running for a charity or a family in need which we haven't chosen at this time. We're continuing to pray about the plans God has for us in this venture. We hope you'll keep us and this decision in your prayers also.



Now for the fun part....my rebuttal to John's article in the Country Chronicle which is on stands, today....Thursday, April 9, 2009! Please know both our comments are for fun and it's just how our relationship rolls. So, here goes.....I feel like in the article, I'm made to look like Kate Gosselin in a nasty episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8. John states, he's been doing a lot of "thinking and self-examination" over spring break. This is so true and a good thing to do.....it's just too bad he hasn't been doing the 'thinking and self-examination' while riding the lawn mower around our overgrown yard! John also says I think he's a "daydreamer" when it comes to athletic goals. I don't think he's a daydreamer. John has such a good heart and really just bites off more than he can chew at times. Tell me what you think.....After we run the half marathon, John wants to run ANOTHER marathon and then participate in a triathlon, ALL IN THREE MONTHS TIME!!!!! I bet some of you are mumbling words worse than, "daydreamer" right about now! Finally, John also says I "encourage" him to work out in the only way I know to be most effective. This statement just shows John's good heart I spoke of earlier. I'm sure he really wanted to put "NAG" instead of "encourage." That is an area I need to desperately work on....my encouraging skills. I'll get right on that....once John cuts the yard!



I hope you all have enjoyed this first post on our 'Race 2 Chi-Town.' I'll be writing throughout the week and the many weeks to come. So, please check back and feel free to write comments. I'm also looking for a training plan for running a half marathon. So, if you have any ideas, please let me know!



"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3



Susan