Would you like a kleenex with that?

I've been battling a cold since late Christmas Eve and I really don't want to ring in the New Year with it too! I'm lucky, I don't hardly ever get sick. I suppose I chalk that up to more than luck. I believe being active, eating healthy, and taking vitamins goes a long way for keeping sickness at bay. And I suppose it's really nothing to complain about, it's just a cold, an annoyance, but nothing like the swine flu.

I think what's really bugging me is the fact that I didn't workout yesterday. I take one day a week off, that's my norm, but yesterday wasn't my planned day off. I've had some cramping issues with my right hamstring lately, which added to my decision to not workout. While it won't kill me and probably won't even make the slightest dent in my routine, it's hugely frustrating that I didn't push myself to just do it anyway.

People always ask me, how on earth do you manage to work, take care of your home, 3 kids and still find time to train for marathons? My answer is my treadmill. It's what has allowed me to get a run in at times when I've had no other option. Perhaps even more important, it's also about my mindset. Everyone has something they love doing, reading, watching tv, shopping, etc, but most days I'd happily trade all that for a good workout. Call me crazy, but it's quite addictive. The mindset really matters most on days when I just flat out don't want to run, don't have time, etc.

When my kids were younger it was such a huge challenge to run. I had to either get up at an ungodly hour of the morning and run before they woke up, or hope and pray that they would take their nap in the afternoon and I could squeeze it in then. Having 3 kids on different schedules it was a lot more work to juggle than what I'm faced with now. Granted I didn't run full marathons back then either, but what I did has continued to flourish and bloom bringing me to where I am today.

Thinking back to the insanity of those days (bottles, diapers, etc), I feel so pampered now. Even though I've worked at a gym for almost 2 years, I didn't actually get to use the gym much for my own training until recently. Up till September I had to do all my workouts at home. Now I have the luxury of using the gym a couple times a week when Austin has preschool. Having all the chaos of raising kids, it's never kept me from finding a way to workout. Even as I'm going through a box of kleenex writing this, remembering what all I've pushed through makes me realize, this cold has nothing on me! Cold or not for 2010, I'll be working out today!

Christmas time.....

I hope you all had a great Christmas! I sure did! I visited family on Christmas Eve so Christmas Day it was all about enjoying time at home.

I spent the day playing with all my kids' toys (isn't that the real reason we have children - so we can play with them with the toys we used to love as children ourselves and not look quite so silly doing it?!). I spent quite of bit of time being my oldest daughter's student while she taught me with her new school kit. She and I made a magic wand from her magic science kit. I played board games and Nintendo DS games. I made play dough burgers and fries. I took turns shooting furniture with my son and his Nerf gun. I colored with my youngest daughter on her jumbo Pet Shop coloring pad and we played My Little Ponies together. It was the best day!

I usually get a little me time on Christmas and go for a run. This year I was trying to keep a cold at bay (unsuccessfully might I add) and I did a short treadmill run. It felt good to run, even without being 100%. While running, I was thinking about what I have set before me. In less than a month I'll be on this journey, running these races!

Christmas is family time, and it got me thinking about all these children I'm running for this next year. Most of which have lost their closest family to AIDS and many whom are HIV positive themselves. It's difficult for me to think about how many children spent this Christmas just like any other day, without the things they need.

52 Beginnings is going to change that. I firmly believe that the support generated from this project will drastically improve the lives of these children, and next Christmas will be a time of celebration for them. I can't wait to see the differences that will be made!

I really didn't want any "thing" for Christmas. Taking on my 52 beginnings challenge is by far worth more to me than all the presents in the world. I got some nice gifts for Christmas, I loved having time with my family and all the fun that went along with the day, but I want that for these children. I want them to be able to just be kids, to not go without, to not have to have the burdens of the world on their shoulders.

I've got my plans made, my tickets booked, my races scheduled. It's almost time and I can't wait for 2010!

Gem races.....Pennsylvania Shines.............

I love Pennsylvania! Every time I've been there, especially in small towns, I've been surrounded by beauty and wonderful people.

Among the Pennsylvania races I'm planning to run next year, I am eagerly anticipating both the Garden Spot Village Marathon in New Holland, PA on April 10 and the Bob Potts Heritage Marathon in York, PA on May 16.

I  decided at the last minute to run the inaugural Garden Spot Marathon in April 09. I was training for my first 24 hour race that took place two weeks later and decided to make Garden Spot my last long run before my  ultra race taper. I struggled with an achilles issue the whole race, but I loved the beauty that surrounded me on that run.  It was a very very windy day, but it was by far one of the most scenic courses I have ever run. I saw more house drawn buggies than cars and running through the country side was simply breathtaking. It seemed like every house was perfectly maintained. We ran past farmyards, cattle and Amish homesteads.

Race director, Scott Miller, has reached out to help me on my 52 beginnings mission,  giving me not only a complementary entry, but also accommodations for my myself and family. I can't thank you enough Scott!

A half marathon race has been added and to the marathon and 4 person marathon relay races.

I look forward to another wonderful Garden Spot Marathon in 2010! If you would like to join me at the race, email me 52beginnings@gmail.com and you can get more information about the marathon at their website
 http://www.gardenspotvillagemarathon.org/.
You have to check out their beautiful course pictures on there as well!


The Bob Potts Heritage Rail Trail Marathon takes place May 16th, and I'm excited to run this for the first time. It's held in honor of Bob Potts, who was a founding member of the York Road Runners Club.  Bob was an well respected runner who tragically passed away 2 years ago while competing in an triathlon.

Taking place along the historic Heritage Rail Trail, the course is mostly flat and scenic. The marathon is walker friendly and they also offer a 5k.

Race director Sean Potts kindly gave me a complementary entry and I hope you will join me in this marathon. You can find more information about the race at  http://www.bobpottsmarathon.com

It's the season of giving and I've been blessed by many people already. Thank you to all who have reached out to help me on this journey! It's better than any present you could put under my tree!

run....bake...run....repeat

Yikes its happening to me!! The days are counting down to Christmas, and I'm trying to play catch up on way too many different fields! I apologize my friends! I've started blogs and have not finished them!

The past couple days I've spent almost as much time baking as running! I know, that might sound a little strange, but as Christmas is just days away, I'm trying to frantically finish all the cookies, breads and goodies on my list. I'm not as good as Santa; sadly I'm not going to make everything I had planned, but there will still be enough sugar to go around. I've got spritz cookies, dark chocolate coconut macaroons, eggnog bread, gingerbread loafs and lemon bread crossed off the list. I think part of the motivation to run is so I can eat some of what I bake at the end of it! That was no doubt the case this past weekend!

I ran 16 miles on my treadmill Sunday, but broke up the miles in two parts. I know most people hate running on treadmills, more lovingly referred to as the dreadmill. :) Thankfully I don't mind treadmill running, but longer than 6-7 miles, it does start to get old. I use the distraction of my TV to get my through longer indoor runs. I'm a Biggest Loser fan so I record it and watch it when I run. It's always motivational to watch people push themselves. I remember what it was like to be overweight and out of shape. I remember how crappy it felt trying to exercise when I couldn't hardly do anything without getting winded, so I can relate to their struggles. When I get tired of running on my treadmill and feel like stopping, I think to myself, look at what they are doing! How the heck can you even begin to complain?! It keeps me pushing.

I also like to laugh when I run. I laughed like crazy watching Christmas Story while running Sunday and that made the time fly. A good dose of  entertainment and laughter is the perfect fit on a long easy run. For anyone else out there that goes for extended miles on the treadmill and wants a good laugh, check out the movie Run Fat Boy Run! It's got to be one of my favorites.

And as far as motivational movies go, I'm hoping Santa will bring me the Running The Sahara dvd this Christmas. So Santa if your reading this, I have been really good this year! :)

Kindness and good memories.....

I've contacted many race directors about my 52 beginnings. All of those that have responded, have done so with much positive support.

Liza Recto, who manages the wonderful Lower Potomac River Marathon in Piney Point, MD is one of those people. I have run the LPRM the past two years and it's held a special place in my heart, having been my second marathon, and one that I didn't know if I would complete.

Leading up to that second marathon I had  followed a week by week training schedule. I worked on hydration strategies for my not so great stomach. I even did an 18 mile run on my treadmill because I didn't want to skip any of my long runs over the weather. I was ready. I was anticipating this marathon to be awesome.

Then it happened. I had been having back issues and I thought I had just tweaked a muscle from weight lifting. I figured in a couple days it would be back to normal, and all good to go. Unfortunate for me it didn't work out that way and the pain eventual lead to a full out back spasm. After seeing a chiropractor and orthopedic doctor, both confirmed that aside from indeed injuring my upper back, unbeknown to me, I had scoliosis. While not a severe case, they were rather surprised I had not had back issues prior. The news alone was upseting, but even more so was the orthopedic doctor telling me I wouldn't be able to run the marathon I had trained for and that it would take several weeks to get back to where I had been with my running. After months of hard work, those words were crushing. The chiropractor thought I might be able to run, if I did nothing for those 2 weeks and got lots of adjustments. In the end, I decided to I wasn't about to give this up without a try and went with the chiropractor's plan. After a lot of adjustments and sitting around for 2 weeks, race morning finally arrived. I told myself if the pain was too much, then I'd call it quits, but I was going to give it a shot. Amazingly I was able to run the entire race without any back pain whatsoever (quads were a different story!).  It was a good day after all!

The Lower Potomac River Marathon is a small race and already has designated local beneficiaries, but Liza was kind enough to give me a reduced rate. I'm eagerly looking forward to returning to Piney Point March 14, 2010! I hope some of you will consider taking on this challenge with me!

The first half  of the marathon runs all along the water. Seeing the sun rise over the Potomac River from St. George's Island and Piney Point is truly a sight to behold! It's a mostly flat course and the second part is an out and back on a rural highway. There is little crowd support, but the volunteers go out of their way to encourage and support you on the course, including offering a specials table at mile 14.6 and at mile 23. For a small donation, bring your favorite food/drink item and they will have it waiting for you! I love this concept and I think most runners really appreciate it!

The best part of the marathon is the hot post race meal they provide at the finish and it's included with your race entry! Showers are also available at the finish, so you can wash up and then enjoy a nice hot meal, talk with your friends and make new ones while waiting for the awards presentation.  They really do an outstanding job with everything!

If you want to find out more info about the race or want to join me in running it, you can view the website at http://www.cbrcmd.org/lpr_marathon.htm

Christmas giving.........and a donation that brought tears to my eyes.....

It's getting closer and closer to Christmas. Everyone is trying to find the best prices, picking just the right gift for everyone on their list, going to fun parties and the like. It is a great time of year and I always look forward to Christmas, almost, just almost, as much as my children.

Maybe it's been laid on your heart to do something to help others this holiday season. I know there are lots of wonderful programs that people support and if you are considering where you'd like to help this year, please give the children of 25:40 your consideration.

The 52 children that I will run each marathon for are just a small part of over 1,500 children who are orphaned and or vulnerable to become orphans in the Ngqeleni District of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Community health workers indentified the current living situations and most pressing needs there. This is what they found:

24 children are the head of their own household, raising other siblings
1,088 children are being cared for by grandmothers or other relatives
549 are orphans
665 are confirmed vulnerable
26 are disabled
117 are adandoned

Sadly these children are robbed of their childhood. Their dire circumstances keep them from being able to enjoy what it means to be a child. An 11 year old boy whose mother is dead and who is living with his grandmother told the health workers that he would just like time to play and sing. Hearing that breaks my heart!

In mid November 25:40 began putting together specific projects designed to meet the needs of the children and coorinate with the hospital, local schools and other groups.

To implement programs over the next 3 years will cost $38,300. My financial fund raising goal for 25:40 is set at $26,000, but after seeing how close that is to the entire needs of these projects, I hope generosity will overflow and over the course of the next year that goal can be raised to meet that mark. How wonderful that would be!! Together we can change the lives of not just 52, but 1,500+ children!!

These programs include establishing food gardens for 240 of the most needy children, obtaining school uniforms, training school leaders and establishing after school care programs for these children. The needs are great, but what a difference our giving can make!

I know a lot of people are struggling with their own finances. We think to themselves, if I had extra money, then I would give. The truth is, if everyone gave, even if it be just a little, imagine, just imagine, what that would amount to!!

An easy way to find a few dollars without changing much in your budget is to once a week cut out your daily Starbucks coffee or take a bag lunch to work. That alone can amount to $10-25 in a month! This goal can be reached, one dollar at a time!

One of the most wonderful gifts is the one that continues to bless. This Christmas consider donating an amount in someone's name as a present. And if you need a little more incentive, I'm offering a token of my thanks to  anyone that donates $50 or more to 25:40 on behalf of my 52beginnings. I will mail a box of my assorted homemade cookies; I'm even willing to take cookie requests for your favorites! I bake up a storm every winter and nothing beats homemade cookies! Just send me an email (52beginnings@gmail.com) with your address and cookie request, but please get it to me by Dec 20th so I can get your cookies to you in time.

You can donate directly for the children of 52beginnings on the 25:40 web site through this link. Just click on sponsor Dana.


http://www.2540.org/Team2540/52-beginnings-e9/dana-casanave-m73/

If you prefer to send a check you can do so to the following address, just make sure to note 52 beginnings on your check:

25:40, Inc.
P.O. Box 10534
Burke, Virginia 22009


Yesterday 25:40 received a wonderful donation for 52beginnings. Although the giver would prefer to remain as an angel giver, I want to acknowledge the generosity and sacrifice they have made for these children. Their donation was 10% of my fund raising goal and it really did bring tears to my eyes, knowing what an impact it will make for these kids! I know there's no way I could bake enough cookies to show my appreciation, but from the deepest part of my heart I thank you!!
 

Reality Check....take 1.....take 2

Getting everything in gear for these 52 marathons has been very positive. I'm excited, I'm eager, it's rewarding to be able to use my running in a way that will make a difference; all these great things are coming together, coming about, even my family is happily accepting this challenge and I'm loving being in the midst of it all.

That's when reality starts to rear its ugly face. I'm searching for airline tickets, searching for the best rates, trying to attach hotel and rental cars, again trying to find to save every penny possible. This results in an agonizing quest, having 15 + windows opened on my computer screen at once, trying to analyze it all. Now I understand why people hire travel agents! Of course it’s giving my computer as much of a headache as me, to which its remedy is merely locking up. Great, now I can't even book the tickets I found and by the time I have everything back online and running again, they will most likely be in the hands of another crazed travel fanatic. Yes, that is what I have become!

Then this wonderful plan starts unraveling a bit as the reality of my impossible schedule begins to really take shape. The calendar is already marked up with locations and times; it's beginning to look like a big black box. "So we won't be able to have a birthday party for so and so on this weekend?" "You’re going to have to run a race on the fourth of July?!" Yeah here it comes, all the little stuff that you don't think about until you really start to pin down the details. There's no doubt I'm going to miss out on things this year. There's just no way to avoid it. The fact is becoming more and more evident to everyone else too, taking with it some of that great enthusiasm and bringing to light what these sacrifices are going to amount to.

Now to the training, I suppose this whole adventure is worthless if I'm incapable of completing it. Goal wise, first and foremost is keeping healthy, and keeping in shape for the task at hand. This past weekend I was looking forward to getting in a nice long run. Since my last marathon (Nov 14), I haven't run more than 10 miles at a time.  Finally without any major activities going on, or company or holidays, I was going to get in my 20 miler that felt long overdue. Then we had this beautiful showcasing of snow on Saturday. Call me a wimp, but I wasn't going to risk turning an ankle on Sunday morning for my long run on the semi icy covered paths. No problem - that's why I have this nice Precor treadmill in my basement, right? I have had a wonderful relationship with my treadmill for a long time now. Although I've changed partners several times in the past years, there have been plenty of times where due to my schedule my only available outlet for running was the treadmill. In the past I have trained exclusively on my treadmill for half marathons. Even now I do most of my weekday runs on it, but a long long run on the treadmill is daunting. Twenty miles on a treadmill is no joy, not even for this treadmill junkie. I had good intentions. I put in a long movie (Harry Potter); I set out on a comfortable pace, and tried to think of it like any other run. Shortly before hitting 11 miles I started cramping in my right hamstring. I don't cramp often, and if I do it’s usually when I've been running for a much longer time. The cramp did me in and that's all I managed for the day. It's a humble reminder that anything can happen.

So it's been a bit stressful, OK a lot stressful. It's been busy and challenging, frustrating and eye opening. And it's all on the verge of just beginning. Thankfully life has a way of throwing a little humor in the mix too. Like going to put on your running shoes and feeling something in the toe box. Yes my kids enjoy leaving toys in my shoes just so they can laugh when I unknowingly go to put them on. It always makes me laugh too and then regardless of the stress of the day, I remember the joy. No matter the miles or pace, I find that part of me that can only be found in a run.

Lace up, it's busy, challenging, sometimes frustrating and eye opening. But running brings more positive things to your life than can be listed and it's all just one day, one race, one mile, one step at a time.

changing lives......changing yours

Have you been reading this blog and it's made you start thinking about your own running, what things you could accomplish or have dreamed to accomplish?

Maybe you don't run, but have always wanted to. Maybe you thought to yourself, there's no way I can be a runner, I'm not built for it, I'm out of shape, overweight, I could hardly run the mile in school when I had to. If any of that crossed your mind, let me tell you, I would have said all the same things if you had asked me about running even 5 years ago. For a girl who used to be over 230 pounds and having battled weight issues since the age of 7, I never in a million years would have pictured I would end up here.

This blog, this journey, the planning, organizing, the children of 25:40, all have impacted my thinking. This journey is about more than one person. It's about so much more than me crossing the finish lines at these marathons. It's about more than raising funds for 25:40. It's about changing lives. This is no doubt a life changing event for me, and for the 52 children in South Africa who each race is dedicated to. However, I believe this is about more. I hope this will inspire and change many lives. I hope it will change your life. It can change your life.

When I envision these marathons, I don't see myself running these races alone. I've had a lot of positive feedback from other runners, many that want to join me at the starting line. Many that want to physically be a part of this journey, to give something that can't be expressed in money or words. With a very thankful and genuine heart I feel so blessed to have their support. And if your a runner reading this and want to take part in one of these marathons with me, please email me (52beginnings@gmail.com)! I'd love to have you join me in this journey!

But, I think there's more to the picture; I envision people joining in this who probably never intended to run a marathon. People who have dreamed, but have cast that aside, with too many reasons to list. I'm writing this for you.

I was once you. I'm not built to run. I'm not fast. I'm not small. I'm not a lot of things that would make running so much easier. I have so many things that make running hard. I have scoliosis. I have children. I have my job. But I am a runner. Running is an expression of life. It's not about what you can't do, its about what you can. I'm challenging you, if you ever wanted to take up running, if you ever wanted to get in shape and do something amazing. This is your chance!

I'm running these races all across the country. Even if you have never run a step, you can train and will be able to complete a marathon with me before the end of my 52 beginnings. My last race will be January 15, 2011. That's more than enough time to train for the start line.

Everyone starts thinking about getting in shape after the holidays. January first everyone thinks about joining a gym, or starting that diet to lose 10 pounds. Instead of making the scale your reason, why not make your fitness goals about something that will not only change your life, but a child's life in the process? If you decide to run a marathon with me, you will get information about the child that race is dedicated to. You can join me in running for that child. This doesn't require you to donate money (although I have a long way to go in the fundraising goal for 25:40, and by all means am very thankful for your financial support!). This requires you to be willing to sacrifice a part of yourself. It requires you to donate time, and the willingness to push yourself. Nothing else matters, not size, not speed.

I hope this hits home and gets you at your core. These children are orphaned. Many are raising their own younger siblings. Many have had to endure things far worse than what I can even comprehend. Running for a child, giving them a new beginning and starting your own new beginning with running a marathon - can you really think of a better thing to do?

If you want more information about how to train for a marathon, how to get started running, or if your just have questions about this, please feel free to email me (52beginnings@gmail.com). If you decide to take that step and commit to running a marathon for one of these 52 children, I commit to do whatever possible to help you, encourage and motivate you on your own journey and running transformation. And of course I'll be at the starting line to run the marathon with you.

If doubt is creeping in, remember this: Your body is capable of so much more than you ever thought possible. I'm living proof of that!

Starting out with a BANG.......

My first of the 52 marathons will take place at the Tri City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon on Jan, 24, 2010. I received word yesterday that I have been chosen as a hero for their 2010 event and I'm extremely honored and excited about this opportunity! I hope the exposure at Carlsbad will have a massive reach, that it will ignite passion for this mission in a lot of people and help get the word out about the children of 25:40. I can't think of a better way to start off this process! I feel very blessed! My story will be posted on the hero section of their website and when it's up I'll post the link.
I'm hoping I can change my flight and get to California on Friday so I can take part in their charity program event and meet the many other people who are working hard for others through their running and fund raising.

I'm really looking forward to having the chance to talk with people at the expo and if you are planning to run the Carlsbad marathon and would like to run with me, please let me know. I'd really love to have other runners join me at these races and be a part of my 52 beginnings. Unfortunately, they have already sold out for both the half and full marathons.

Maybe reading this blog is making you think about your own running and what you could do. I hope it stirs the part of your soul that makes you think what you should, what you could, what you CAN do.

Getting back to life.....always gravy......and first interview online!!

For the past 2 weeks, I've been enjoying time with my wonderful parents and nephew, whom I only get to see once a year. It's been great, but as a result I've neglected to write on here! Sadly, they are now on their way back to Washington State, but on the flip side, I'm happily back to writing!

I know I skipped over Thanksgiving, but I didn't want to leave it out! With all the food, football, and family, I can't! But for me Thanksgiving is also about running (you had to know I was going to throw that in somewhere). Balance is key, in everything, but who wants to worry about every bite they eat and count calories on Thanksgiving? I love all the great turkey trots set up on Thanksgiving to help keep us from gaining 5 pounds! I most certainly would encourage people to run turkey trots, they are a great way to keep that balance. However, I have my own little running Thanksgiving tradition. I get the bird in the oven and jump on the treadmill while watching the parade with my family. I get a nice long run in, and don't miss any of the fun stuff with my kids. Plus, no weather issues to worry about, and I save $25. After running, I had a piece of my homemade pumpkin pie! You can't beat that for a post run recovery meal!

We all have lots to be thankful for, and last week, I had another one to add to the list. The owner of a running website focused on beginning runners, www.you-run.com, contacted me about what I'm setting out to do and asked to do an online interview for the site. I was thrilled and of course more than happy to oblige!

You-run.com has lots of great suggestions, information and ideas, especially geared for people starting out on their running adventure. It's designed to give lots of simple, easy to understand information about running to encourage and help build the joy of running.

You can view my interview at http://www.you-run.com/Dana.html.I hope you enjoy it!