Fundraiser update!

It's Tuesday morning, and I expected to sleep in after all the work that I have done the past few weeks, but I just couldn't. I was too excited!! I've been busy sending out thanks to everyone, and busy tallying up my donations...and I woke to another $500 donation from Nexen Inc!!! I keep waiting to find out it's a mistake or something - they have donated a total of $1000 in corporate donations!! This brings my total raised thus far to $8197! Far beyond the $6000 I had envisioned! So...I have reset my sights to $10000! I still have about 6 weeks of fundraising to do, so I hope to be able to get there. Thanks again to everyone involved!

Day 72 - fundraiser!

Wow - it's 1:47am, I am beat, but what a great night!!!! After wall was said and done, and after a wonderful show of support from the local community, other team members, my friends, and support from the Majestic and a huge donation from an old friend, I made $2910!!!!! So this brings my total donations to $7720!!!!! (this will be reflected in a couple of days on my donation page) I've surpassed my goal, and I haven't finished yet! Thanks to everyone who showed such amazing support, and to my friends who helped out in so many ways. I hope to get some video up here soon! have to go to bed now. What a night!

Day 71 - HALF MARATHON...again

DISTANCE: 21.01 km
TIME: 2:12:14
PACE: 6:17/km

So now I know what it feels like to be an old man. My knees are aching! Having said that, I feel better than I did last weekend that's for sure, and I am glad for it. It was a better route today than last week - there was a slow incline for a few km at the beginning of the run, and then a deadly decline that I had to walk because it was torture on my knees, but nothing that a little ibuprofen won't help. :) I think today was made easier by the fact that I was a) really hydrated from yesterday, b) I ate a lot of pasta last night to give me energy for the run, and c) I had Propel water with me to give me back some glucose that I would need. I certainly needed it.

I had an e-mail from a friend who does triathalons, and he is a little concerned that I am not doing enough training in the week. I looked up a few other training schedules aside from the one given to us by the Society, and while I could probably do a few more km's on my short runs, I think I am on the right path. After all...my goal is to cross the finish line, not win! Although it would be nice to do it in a respectable time, that isn't my aim. But thanks for getting me to think about it Sony! :)

JILL SULLIVAN 1944-1995

(Taken from the book "Dare to Dream: A Celebration of Canadian Women" by Michelle Valberg)

As a graduate of the school of nursing in Kamloops, BC until her death 30 years later in Ottawa, Ontario, Jill looked for ways to make a difference. She strove to better the quality of life for her patients, from hospital ward to Ontario's Victorian Order of Nurses, from oncology/palliative care to care of persons with AIDS.

In her final years, Jill taught palliative care to nursing students at Algonquin College in Ottawa, focusing on what patients and caregivers needed to know to be more effective partners in caring. She also taught caregivers how to cope with the toll caring for a dying patient would inevitably take on their lives.

Jill's biggest challenge came with her first AIDS patient, which occurred at a time when AIDS filled everyone with unanswerable fears. Refusing to turn a blind eye to the issues, Jill educated herself about AIDS by attending courses, lectures, and talking to experts, then sharing what she had learned.

Jill developed the first AIDS awareness program for nursing students and lectured at health conferences, nationally and internationally. A highly successful and popular educator and public speaker, in 1994 she spent four months teaching and lecturing on AIDS awareness in India. After returning to Canada, an offer to establish and AIDS awareness program in and for India followed. A few months later she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Jill's personal courage in her fight against leukemia extended to her teaching; students were allowed to ask how it felt to be dying. She produced a moving, rich video in which she compared her nursing knowledge with that gained in her battle as an oncology patient. Shortly before her death in August of 1995, Jill received the VON's silver cross for excellence in clinical practice.

Jill dreamt about making a difference. In her all too short life, she instigated change, mitigated pain and grief for families of dying patients, and nursed with compassion and a deep belief in people. In the final analysis, however, above all the acclaim, her two greatest rewards came from being simply 'Mum' and 'Nurse'.

John Sullivan (Husband)

Day 70 - rest day

Today is a rest day in more ways than one. I woke up and I have lost my voice. So I have found someone to replace me at work, and I am taking it easy today. I will go to the gym (I've accepted that it's only once a week at least until the cabaret is done) and I will get to bed really early. Tomorrow is another big run - 21km, so I need to be well rested, and well hydrated, and of course well fed today so that I have the energy. I think that's why I felt so nauseated last week - I hadn't eaten much on the Saturday before the big run, so I need to be sure that I am in top form for tomorrow.

Day 69

It was meant to be a run day, but there just wasn't enough time in the day to get everything in - I worked a very long day, and had to get rehearsal for the cabaret in. I also managed to pick up the last of the prizes, which was a relief. Rehearsal was stressful - I feel as though I have spent so much time on the planning and preparation that I haven't had time to focus on the music, which is what people are coming to see. I wish I was as confident in my musical ability as those people on American Idol who are HORRIBLE!!! But as stressed out as I was about the whole thing I also had a realization - I am doing this for an important cause, and the fact that I am doing it at all is really what I should be focusing on. I had to remind myself that this cabaret is not about me. It's about the cause. And I also had to remind myself that I am doing this for Bob and for Cody who are still fighting this disease. I can't live in the past thinking about mum and what I wish I had done. This is what I am doing now, and I can only live in the present. That's all I can do. One day at a time. One step at a time.

Day 68 - rest day

The title says rest day, so how come I don't feel very rested?! :) There is such a huge buildup to the cabaret at the moment, and really what I need to do is be resting so that my voice is in shape for Monday night. Just like my body for the marathon, my voice is a muscle that needs to be exercised and rested as well, and so far it's been taking a bit of a beating. Napping this afternoon will help out both I hope.

Today I booked my flight to Maui!!! A few changes to my life have meant that I booked my own flight to Maui rather than flying with the team because...I will be in NYC going to school!! I have been accepted to attend theatre school in NY, and classes begin the week before the marathon, so I will be flying on my own and meeting the team. Ironically the flight costs exactly the same as if I was flying from Vancouver to Maui, which is a relief. Also makes me realize that we must pay a lot more in flight taxes, but that is another blog altogether.

There is some concern about my tongue and what the progress is on that. Well, with training happening, I can't afford to take time off to do the surgery, and apparently that is alright with the doctor. So now we are working on finding a date over the Christmas holidays that will work. Ah. So I am really looking forward to the holidays.

Day 67 - short run

DISTANCE: 5.11km
PACE: 5.53/km
TIME: 30:06

It's been a hectic day of more planning, and other such things. I had to go and pick up the keyboard and amp today - i have no idea how any of this works...I just sing, so thank goodness there is a tech person! Then I did a quick run, and felt pretty good about it. My short runs have become very "normal" to me, so there wasn't anything too exciting about it. However working afterwards I felt it in my legs that's for sure! Tonight I ran into to someone I hadn't seen in ages, and he commented that I was looking fit to I suppose in addition to feeling great about what I am doing, I am looking better as well! BONUS! :)

Day 66 - rest day

Well, I was in bed at 9:30 last night, and I really did need it. I really felt ill yesterday. I thought perhaps my sugar level was too low so I ate a huge desert just to help my body repair itself, and a big salad. I think I need to start carbo loading on Saturday nights so that I have energy on Sunday's.

Today is a very well deserved rest day. I have already been up for ages however and met with John who is my accompanist for the cabaret. We went over music again, and I am feeling much better about everything. It's all coming together.

My brother called last night and he is in town tonight for one night only, so I am looking forward to seeing him!

Day 65 - HALF MARATHON!!!

DISTANCE: 21.94 km
TIME: 2:22:55
PACE: 6:30/km

I...AM...IN...PAIN! :) Today was the single longest run of my journey! And to help me celebrate Lance Armstrong came on my IPOD after I ran and spoke to me (which scared the crap out of me!) to congratulate me. I wasn't expecting that. Ah those people at Nike and IPOD are clever aren't they? In any event, it was the slowest pace that I have ever done, and one of the most difficult runs as well, but I finished and that truly was the goal today. My knees are sore, my legs are tired, and the rain isn't helping so I am about to curl up on the couch and watch a movie and relax. But I'm so proud of myself for doing it! The scary part of all this is that I am running a FULL marathon - so double what I did today! Yes, I am a little nuts, but the benefits are outstanding. Not only am I raising money for an amazing cause and honoring some amazing people, but I am getting a nice butt out of the deal too! (It's an ongoing joke with some of the members of the team) OK - I am going to sit on the couch.

Later that day...

I have never been so exhausted in my whole life. WOW! I am off to be and it's 9:30.

Day 64 - rest day

OK, so the best part about my rest days are that I get to rest. Well, sort of. Again, have spent the better part of the day dealing with things for the cabaret, but am feeling as though things are coming together now and I have less to stress about. That's a GREAT feeling! Got some great ideas from the fundraiser that I attended last night as well.

I am just getting ready to prep my song work, and then I am off to the gym. It'll be the first time all week. I've not given it much thought really, but I don't feel the least bit guilty about it. :) I've eaten healthy all day today as well as part of this little cleanse. Although I work tonight at the restaurant and I know I will be tempted by the sweets!!!

Day 63 - 30 min run

Please God make the rain stop!!! It has been raining all week! I'm talking about torrential downpours. It's ridiculous. Having said that, it was nice to have a short break in the rain to go running in - the rain only began to come down again for the last five minutes, which was a nice cool off for me. I started a "cleanse" today, and have been feeling quite "light" which is nice. No sugar and no wheat for 21 days. We will see how it goes. It's all related to trying to reduce yeasts in my body to hopefully make some kind of changes in my tongue. But also I think it may help with my overall health and with my energy for running. Today's run was easy, and very quick. A nice feeling! I think that taking a little bit of a break this week is what was needed.

Day 62 - rest day

The weather cooperated, and I was finally able to pound the pavement and get all the posters for the cabaret put up today. Now there are only small details to finish, and music to learn to prep for the cabaret. It's going to be exciting! I went and saw Wendy Bollard perform last night and she was incredible, so I am thrilled that I asked her to be a part of this. It's all coming together!

Day 61 - 30 min run

Day 59 - rest day

This is a picture of my mum and I in 1974 when I was the ring bearer for a wedding of family friends.

I have to stop referring to these days as rest days. I never rest!!! It was another action packed day with little time to stop at all! I found some more music that I want to add to my cabaret, and I think it's the most perfect song EVER. So I am pretty happy with that. I am really looking forward to the cabaret, but I have to admit that I am also looking forward to it being overwith as well for two reasons. The first is that I will actually have time to sit, which will in itself be a nice treat, but also because when it's all over and done with I am sure that I will have reached my goal of $6000. In fact, I have high hopes that it will help me reach $7000! If indeed it does that, then I can actually spend August focusing on training, and focusing in really eating healthy and of course looking for a job. But for now the next two weeks are key to the success of my efforts.

Speaking of my efforts, today was the day I recommitted to the marathon and my fundraising efforts. It's the day that I finally signed forms for the Society indicating that I will achieve my goals, and the goals set out by the Society that will allow me to continue to be a part of this amazing team. It's exciting to think that I will be! Yesterday when I was running and I was in such pain the thing that kept going through my mind was that by completing this I will also give myself permission to know that I can do ANYTHING that I set my mind on. (this is a difficult thing to think of as I am so weak minded when it comes to sugar!!!) It's going to be amazing!

Day 57 - 15 km run

It was a tough weekend - I was in Kamloops for my Great Uncle's funeral, and it was difficult to see my family going through such a hard time. He was a great man, and my Aunt Toots is a wonderful woman - they had been together for over 61 years so this is going to be a difficult time for her. I was honored to be there, and to have been asked to be a pallbearer for him.

It was a four hour drive home, so I arrived home, unpacked, said hello briefly to my roommate who has just arrived home from Cuba, and headed out for the run that I would have done with the team if I had been here in the morning. It was VERY difficult to do on my own. I was meant to have done 18km, but a couple of things kept me from being able to. The first was the fact that I had to work, so I just couldn't do another 3km (I was late to work as it was) and the other was the pain. I didn't have time to really stretch out properly, and as a result I had to deal with a lot of pain. It was mentally very difficult to do without the support of other runners with me, and physically I was absolutely drained and kept praying to the Universe to help me make it through to the end. I managed to finish, but then had to work at the restaurant and was on my feet the whole night. Needless to say, I am tired, but at least I made it out. I didn't think I would be able to.

Day 55 - 40 minute run day

I am just packing for a trip to Kamloops for my uncle's funeral. I won't be bringing my computer with me for the weekend, but I will be running never-the-less. I am just about to go for my run this morning before it gets too hot, and then I will be running 18km on my own on Sunday. So I will have to do a large update on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Day 54 - rest day

Yes, a rest day today. :) Not very restful to be honest as I worked all night at the restaurant for the grand opening, but never-the-less I was able to soak in a little sun today. I also biked around the city a lot, and I think that helped my legs quite a bit. Only unfortunate thing is that I actually burnt the bottoms of my feet simply walking on hot cement around the pool, and now have to contend with absolutely horrible blisters that make walking VERY difficult. Thankfully it's not a running day, because I wouldn't be able to do it. I spent the majority of my time at work behind the bar so I didn't have a lot of walking that I needed to do.

I failed to mention much about my run yesterday, and wanted to share. I had the small group that I ran with read one of the stories on my blog yesterday before we ran. I think it helped us to focus on our run...and certainly remind people why we run. It was a difficult training day because we did speed training - a slow jog to a lagoon that was 1km around, and then three different full out runs around the lagoon with 2 minutes rest between each before we jogged home. It was really difficult, but it was great because I am really beginning to see that my fitness level is increasing. It doesn't seem unnatural to be doing this much running - it's becoming habit.

Day 53 - hot run

OMG. It got hot suddenly. I'm sweating. I don't feel too great. We focused on speed today. Whoa. Mistake. :) But glad that I did it!

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Steven Bidwell
604.928.8564
stevenbidwell@yahoo.com
www.stevenbidwell.com

LIFE IS A CABARET… BENEFITING THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY

Vancouver, BC, July 11 — Life is a cabaret for Vancouver resident Steven Bidwell, who will host and perform with local musical theatre and jazz talents in a musical showcase to raise proceeds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Steven is committed to raising at least $6000 to help in the Society’s mission to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for patients and their families battling leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Joining Steven on July 30 at the Majestic Lounge, 1138 Davie St. at 8 p.m. include: Peter Jorgensen (multi-Jessie Nominee); Louisa O’Keane (currently featured in Grease at TUTS), Kerry O’Donovan (current West End Idol); Wendy Bollard (Vancouver International Jazz Festival); Amanda Lince and John Mews (accompanists).

“This is going to be a dynamic night of entertainment featuring music that people of all ages will enjoy,” says Steven Bidwell. “My mother lost the battle with leukemia in 1995 and one hundred per cent of the proceeds from this event will be donated to help find a cure. I am committed to this cause to honour my mum, as well as those who are still fighting the disease.”

Over $3000 in prizes will be raffled/auctioned off during the evening. Prizes have been donated by New Balance, BMO, Tyler Hoffman with Sunlife Financial, Rogers Chocolates, Blenz, Fitness World, Fast Frames, Westcoast Hot Yoga, Rockport Shoes, Safeway, Marble Slab Creamery, English Bay Eyecare, Delilahs, London Drugs, Little Sisters, Yaletown Hot Yoga, Biz Books, Carousel Theatre, Red Door Pan Asian Grill, Fast Frames Ltd., Marquis Wine Cellars, autographed copies of the first season of "Dante's Cove" signed by Charlie David and an autographed copy of Michael Buble’s latest CD!

Steven is so determined in his support for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that he is also training to run his first marathon in September, as part of the Society’s Team In Training (TNT) program. Since 1998, TNT has trained over 35,000 volunteers annually to compete in a marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles), cycle century rides (100 miles), in-line skates (38, 52 or 87 miles), or Olympic distance triathlon.

ABOUT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society’s mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $360 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made more than 812,000 contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals through services provided at its home office and by its 63 chapters nationwide.

Day 52 - 30 min run

And...I am sweating like mad now. It's the warmest day that we have had this summer (although it's not really that hot - just the warmest day that we've had) and it's going to just get hotter! Good for prepariing for the Hawaiian heat. My leg was giving me troubles today, but I ran through it and it feels pretty good.

I will be picking up the posters that I had made for the Cabaret tomorrow - I can't wait! Then comes the task of putting them all up. You know, I just don't know how to do small events - it's always got to be a big production! Problem is that I am a one man show here! Ah well, it'll all be worth it in the end. I will be sending out press releases tomorrow. I had planned on sending them out today, but it's almost 6 and I still have to go to work!

BIG NEWS: I got confirmation from Michael Buble's management company that they will be sending me a couple of autographed CD's for me to raffle off! YAHOO!!

Day 51 - rest day, and remembering Uncle Tom

Wow - today is a rest day, which is exactly what I've been doing - my body is exhausted from yesterdays adventures. There is no point talking about the training today. Today I want to talk about my Great-Uncle Tom. I just had a phone call about a half an hour ago to let me know that he had passed away. He had his colon removed recently, and then had to go in for surgery again because he was having complications. He was a great ole guy. He was the quietest man I knew - partially because he wore a hearing aid, but also because Aunt Toots does all the talking. They were the perfect little couple! She is bubbly and full of life, and he was down to earth and sensible. I remember the last time we saw each other at our family reunion they told me the story of how when they first married he told her that he would furnish the first place, and from then on in if she wanted to make changes it was up to her. It was so perfect! :) They had separate accounts, and each did what they wanted so there were never any fiscal fights. It was a great lesson I learned.

I have been asked to be a pall bearer at his service on Saturday. It will be a military funeral, and I am honestly so scared. I want to represent this man well, and because I am so short I am so worried about carrying my weight. I'm sure it will be fine, but I am really nervous. But more so I am nervous about Aunt Toots. She has all sorts of family there, but they were like bread and butter. I hope she's ok, and I can't wait to give her a long hug.

Gregory Austin Whyte

I have been blessed to be able to run to honor not only my mum, but others who are currently battling blood cancers, and those who have lost that battle. My friend Meghan was one of the first people to donate to my cause. She lost her brother when she was younger, and so I will be running in his memory as well. He sounds like he was a special little guy.

Gregory Austin Whyte was a special little soul. He was eight years old when he died of leukemia. He was a little brother to Alec and Chris, and the big brother to Megan, who saw Greg as the superhero of the world. Gregory always struck people with his Buddha-like qualities. He was unbelievably patient and aware. He cared more for others than he did for himself. At Disneyland, he punched the Big Bad Wolf for terrorizing the Three Little Pigs. He would beg his mother to let his little sister grab the scissors she wanted, just so she would stop crying--because he simply could not bear to hear her cry. He laughed a lot and had a giggly sense of humor. He would do favors for his brothers whenever asked. He had an amiable personality, even when sick. Gregory loved baseball. He even played some baseball on the day he took his final trip to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, Gregory calmly told his father that he was dying. His dad was shocked and upset. Aware that this was news his father couldn't bear, Greg then said, "Oh, I mean, it's so hot today, I'm dying." He was very present and clear-minded when he died, and each of his siblings and parents still feels a deep emptiness without him. They are sure Gregory finds a way to do great things for his loved ones still here.

DAY 50!!!! 15km run

This is my mum on her wedding day. Last night I realized that I am now only 15 years younger than she was when she died. That puts a lot into perspective.
________________________

Wow - day 50!! I can't believe it! And what more appropriate way to celebrate than by running some more! It was a relatively easy run today, but I am worried that I have injured my t-band. During our 1 minute walks (we run 10 minutes then walk 1 minute) I'm fine but then when I start again I have a pain in my hip flexor that runs down my leg a bit. It only lasts a few steps but it's enough to be a little concerned. One of my running partners is a physiotherapist, so she and I did a few exercises that I will continue to work. The last thing I need is an injury, so I will have to monitor it. I am about to take a warm bath and I have had some ibuprofen to make sure that any swelling goes down, so I should be ok. Fingers crossed!

Day 49 - gym

It's been a few days since I last went to the gym, but I needed it today. Enough said. :)

I met with Amanda today - she will be the accompanist at the Cabaret. She is a wonderful woman - she has an amazing energy and warmth, and I am thrilled that she will be a part of this! She was full of wisdom and great suggestions that I will be using as part of the evening. I really can't wait! I also spent some time today going over my music, which truthfully has taken a backseat to getting all my corporate sponsorships in line, so it's time to buckle down or there won't be a show! All in all I'm just glad that it clouded over today so I didn't feel such a need to be out in the sun. Need focus!

I had an interesting night at the restaurant last night. I have worn my purple bracelet since I began this journey (it symbolizes my involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) yet I think up until last night only one person had asked me about it. Last night was great because I was asked by about 5 different people, and I was able to explain what I was involved with, and again, their supportive words meant a lot. Thanks to the universe for bringing such great people into my life!

Bob Smidt

While I began my journey running to honor my mum who passed away from leukemia I have come to realize that there are others who are still battling this awful disease and so while I am running to honor the lives of some no longer with us who have had blood cancers, I am also running to honor the fighting spirit of those who need our help most. Bob Smidt is one of those who I am running for.

"Born February 12, 1965. 42 years old. Contracted cancer (AML Leukemia ) in December of 2002. Still having rejection problems and many other health problems resulting from his transplant and still not back at work. Living in Tantallon, Saskatchewan. Surveyor by profession and works for the Potash Company of Saskatchewan. He loves sports, dirt biking, snowmobiling, played provincial hockey. Is crazy about sport fishing and fly tying. A nature preservation buff, almost a 'tree hugger' :) Has many other varied interests. We hope that he will have a LONG life."
Carl Smidt (Bob's Dad)

Day 48 - 30 min run

Wow - what a beautiful city we live in and what a great way to get to know it differently by running through it. Truly it's amazing. Today was a good run, but my legs were like jello afterwards. I'm glad that I have a day of rest tomorrow. Again, need to continue to get to the gym to strengthen my core and upper body because I find my abs really start to hurt.

Cabaret

Well the flyer is almost done...so here it is! (I just need to have an adjustment made on the colours) You can also sent people to www.stevenbidwell.com to see it in full size.

Day 47 - rest day

Well, it was meant to be a rest day...and it was in a round about kind of way. I didn't do any exercise per se, however I was asked to work at the restaurant tonight and I agreed to do it. I thought it especially important given that I resigned from my day job today. After all the inspirational work that I have put into this marathon and the fundraising, I realized that I was most happy doing that. I wasn't enjoying my day job, and came to the conclusion that in the end the important thing in my life is to be happy. I have never quit a job without having another one to go to right away, but for some reason I'm really not that worried about it. I know that something wonderful is going to come as a result, and something that will really use my talents. Ironically I went to work and may have been offered a job soliciting local businesses for prizes to use in a charitable bingo that happens weekly. It certainly isn't a lot of money, but it's something and it makes me realize that things happen for a reason. So I look back on my year, and I look back on my life, and everything that I have ever done has been as a result of being brave enough to venture out into something different. I have to accept that my path in life is different than others, and that I choose where I am, and what I am. That's true of the marathon and my commitment to raising more money than I ever dreamed possible. It's all coming to fruition because I decided that it would. Make a decision, stick with it - great things happen!

Day 46 - 40 minute run

I almost went to bed without writing in my blog tonight because it's just been such a hectic day, but as was sitting here surfing the net sucking on a medicated lozenge for my tongue I remembered!

The runs this week have been really difficult, and I foresee them becoming more difficult as our Sunday runs become longer and longer. My body is adjusting, and I am realizing that I need to add more cross training in - dance class, biking, swimming. Just something to help my body gain strength in other ways. It's a good plan...let's see what I can fit in.

I spent the majority of the day working on the cabaret - finalizing prizes, and getting a few web things done. I also sorted out music and am now in the process of beginning to "work" the music so that I'm not just singing, but actually performing. I need to do more of this, but getting all the details sorted out has taken me a while. However, in great news I ran into Michael Buble today (yes, THE Michael Buble) and long story short, I approached him about helping me out in some way. He took my card and said that he would arrange for me to get a couple of signed copies of his CD that I could raffle off! When they are actually in my hands then I will be THRILLED! He was very gracious either way - given that I'm sure he gets a million such requests. But it was so cool either way!

Where the money goes...(from the LLS Website)

The Society is committed to curing leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and helping patients and their families. The support you provide is invested wisely.

In 2006, the Society invested $61.6 million to support more than 480 researchers and projects in 15 countries on five continents. The Society also provides financial assistance to patients; sponsors scientific conferences around the country; produces educational materials and videos; and runs dozens of Family Support Groups nationwide. Because we receive no federal funding, we depend on you for continued support of these needed programs.

The above was taken directly from the LLS website. More specifically related to your donations here is how it all boils down:

The society is committed to 75% of all money being raised going directly to their mission, 25% goes to costs - this is the same for any and all of their fundraising. Costs include office, staff pay, marketing etc.. So for their Team in Training fundraiser (the marathon fundraiser) they calculate how much it costs to send me and then multiply the cost by 4, and they get the minimum amount that I must raise. The cost of sending me to Maui is $1250. So the minimum I have to raise in order to be able to go (so that 75% of the total goes towards the mission) is $5000 or I can't go. I have committed to raising $6000 because for every dollar that I raise over the $5000 mark, 100% of that goes directly to their mission. I have also committed to donating $50 a pay to a total of $650 of my own money. This means that when all is said and done, of the $6000 that I am raising, 90% of it goes directly to funding their mission.

Day 45 - short run

Finally after weeks of talking about calibrating my pedometer I actually got on my bike, went to the park to the running track, stretched, turned on my IPOD (it's connected through the IPOD) only to find out that the battery was dead! That not only meant that I couldn't calibrate it, but also that I wasn't able to monitor my run so I have no idea how far I went, how fast I was, nothing. It was a difficult run to be honest. My legs are very tight from the 18km on Sunday, so it was a challenge to say the least. But I managed it. I was feeling very heavy on my feet today - no energy at all, and I think it's likely because I was dehydrated. I need to watch my water consumption.

The cabaret is coming along. The prizing is almost complete, the flyer is almost complete, and the press release will be sent out at the end of the week. Only wrench in my plan is getting a piano for the venue. The Majestic just opened, and they intend on getting a piano, but it's not in just yet. A local music store agreed to waive the rental fee, but I would have to pay delivery charges, and tuning. In total it was an amount just too great to be considered for the type of event that I am doing, so I am back to having to find a piano if I can't work something out. All this admin stuff in creating the evening...and I still have to learn my music! But it will all work itself out. It always does!

Day 44 - rest day

I was planning on going to the gym today, but went hiking instead. It was just what my legs needed to be honest - they are really worn out from the 18km yesterday. As it was also a holiday today I spent the afternoon doing what you should do on a holiday - REST. It was great to spend time soaking up the sun and just letting my body relax. Tonight is being spent working on the Cabaret that is quickly approaching! This week I will be collecting the final corporate prize donations, and sending out press releases. It's going to be a fabulous night. I want it to be an inspriational night, and a lot of fun as well, so I am looking forward to putting the final pieces together.

Day 43 - 18km

So, yes, if you have been reading this faithfully you'll know that I have missed blogging the past couple of days. I was in Seattle for a little "mini-vacation" and made a pact not to be online. It was only two days, but it was trying! However, I'm a better person for it. :) As a result of my little vacation I missed my first day of training, and I have to say that it was mentally very stressful. At the same time however, my body was thankful for a little bit of a break. It was needed I think.

Today was our regular Sunday long run - it was meant to be 15km, but in the end it was about 18km. The longest run to date! 1:48! Not too bad. It was made better by the first good weather since we began this training and of course by the company. The only difference was that the last few km's were incredibly painful. I think as a result of the good weather and a lot of sleep I started out a lot faster than I usually do and as a result forgot about form. I really need to start slow because the form that I begin with is what follows me through the remainder of the run. By the end I was actually in a lot of pain for the first time since this all began. Well...a lot of pain is relative. But certainly my legs, knees, groin and hips were feeling less than spectacular. But I finished!! In the end, that's the goal - to finish!

Once again I have to say that I was able to run the whole thing and I ran it for those who can't. My team-mate Doug, who is currently battling Leukemia, is suffering an injury and wasn't able to run, but he came this morning simply to share his story and inspire us. That shows his dedication. Certainly a little pain is nothing compared to having Leukemia. Thanks for sharing today Doug!