Trying so hard to run faster

Breathing a sigh of relief that the fundraising portion is done! Now it's all about the running! We are in the tapering off phase so that means race day is VERY close. I'm beyond excited! I'm still hoping to set that PR. My PR is 2:18:51 for the half, but I believe I'm capable of 2:15 or less, 2:10 if its a great day! Sometimes I get frustrated with my speed or lack thereof.

 People assume because I'm a trainer I can run these 8 minute miles and that's really not true. The 10 minute range seems to be my plateau zone and a tough one to get out of. I try to push into the 9 minute zone. Some days are better than others, but i just feel like i have a hard time getting faster. At least I'm consistent. Sure, there's the excuse that I'm super short and I really don't have the "runners body" going on. Runners tend to have long legs, shorter torso, and are very lean, I have a long torso, VERY short legs and as some say, a little top heavy. I still get told I'm built like a gymnast even though i haven't done it in years. Sure, it doesn't help that I have that body type, but I'm doing my best to work with it. Another problem is old injuries. i have no arch in my left foot. i don't mean low, it's collapsed, i get plantar fasciitis A LOT! I bare 25 more pounds on my left leg than my right. i also have that nagging neck and scapula pain from a high school cheer accident. Really wish that girl didn't land in my head:-/

/

That said, I'm trying to eat very clean yet get enough carbs to fuel my running, a little easier said than done. I also drink a ton of water, which you have to in this Arizona heat! I try to get in massages since that helps my neck a lot. Lots of icing for my foot too.

The great thing about San Diego is it will be nice and cool, especially since we are running in the morning! That will be helpful. I hear the motivation of the Team In Training community is amazing! I guess I'll have to find out for myself:-) until then, I'll keep eating clean and running the best that I can.

I did it! I did it! I did it!!!!!! Now the real fun begins:-)))))

Guess what? I not only exceeded my fundraising goal, I beat it with 6 days to spare:-) I know I annoyed a lot of people stressing whether I'd make it or not. Sorry for that, it's just it meant so much and I'm not the kind to back out. Even as stressed as I get, I know I'm good at getting what I go for. Thanks to everyone who donated, whether it was a dollar or $250! It's so awesome knowing that my nearly $3,000 donation will help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in a huge way! According to my captains, it sinks in on race day.  

Yes, I've run San Diego a couple of times now, but always went solo and just kinda ran the race and went home. This year, I'll be with my amazing teammates experiencing the race weekend in an entirely new way. The other exciting aspect of it is Carlos is coming with:-) He has been a big supporter in everything I do and this TNT season was no exception! So sweet how his entire family donated, from his parents to his sister to his aunt:-) my moms donation put me well over goal! She's always been supportive:-)

The real fun begins now! We get to go to the Mayo Clinic to meet the researcher who actually does the research we raise funds for. So cool! Also the travel plans for San Diego are all booked and we get to focus on having fun! 

The longest run of the season was so brutal!! It was really hot and we ran Granada. It seemed like everyone had a rough run. That said. I'm still on track to set a PR on race day! Two long runs away from race day; one more 2 hour and drops to 90 minutes the following week. Getting close!

Can't wait to blog to you all about race day. See ya! :-)

Tired, frustrated, trying to keep going.....

Two more weeks until fundraising deadline and I am freaking out. I still have about $700 to raise and I just feel like I'm getting burned out. Yeah, there's the party tomorrow, but sadly, not that many people can make it. Too many other priorities I guess. I'm so beyond tired that I don't feel as excited as I should. I know I shouldn't be frustrated, but I am. I just feel like I'm not accomplishing much. I AM putting in the work, but I feel like I'm sledge hammering into the wall and I'm running out of resources. At first I really thought I'd make $3,000, but I'll be lucky if I make my $2,800 minimum by the 17th. I was hoping to do the beads for a cause thing like I did for St. Patty's but I'm stuck with 100 beads and no one to pass them out with. I could go alone, but still. We all know I'm too awkard to be doing that, haha! I'll need shots first....

Training hasn't been going too well in recent weeks either. Maybe it's burn out. I guess what bums me out is knowing I'm not going to make my time goal AND my fundraising goal. There is good news though....I GOT NEW RUNNING SHOES! I love them! My boyfriend and his family have been very supportive. I don't know how I can get through this without their love and support.

I don't mean to sound whiney. Really, I don't. I'm just beyond exhausted and frustrated. This whole thing has been harder than I ever imagined. Some of the teammates can effortlessly raise thousands and breeze through the long runs like no biggey. I guess I need to accept I'm not one of them. I do want to do another season, but maybe I need to wait until I can afford it again. Who knows? Probably shouldn't be making decisions right now. Blah!!!!!

If people don't show up for the party, I guess I'm downing some Coronas;-)

Just about halfway through fundraising. Some days are better than others.

By the time my California Pizza Kitchen check goes through I will be halfway through my goal. I just got notice from Ruby Tuesday: $84. I was hoping it would be around $195 like CPK, but I'm still happy. Really wishing hoping and praying that the dog walk event brings in some donations. I've posted it everywhere so hopefully it will work out. We also have a car wash on Sunday. Presale tickets (all presale goes towards my personal goal) is NOT going well:-/ Kind of a flop now that I don't live in Tempe. Hopefully we will make a lot so everyone gets some donations:-) if you want a cat wash ticket it's a $10 donation!

I'm seriously hoping the Zumba event goes well. 150 people can fit in the studio so I'm hoping people will go! The coordinator and I have really tried to promote it. Presale tickets are also on sale:-)

I'm happy I recommitted, but still nervous about not making goal. It helps knowing it goes towards a wonderful cause and it will benefit another life. It doesn't mean it doesn't get discouraging at times. Hopefully it will pick back up or I'll at least regain motivation.

Want to check out upcoming events? Do it! Please:-)

http://pages.teamintraining.org/az/rnr13/cleedsshff. Please donate and help me save lives!!!

Recommitment time!!

I can't believe it's recommitment time! For those that don't know, this is when you confirm you are going to stick with team in training, register for the race, book hotels and airfare, ordering race day gear or if you are going to discontinue. I admit when I heard of recommitment a couple weeks ago I was TERRIFIED!! I mean, this is where it gets serious! As nervous as I was, I knew I came way to far to quit. Aside from the fact I don't back out of commitments.

I filled out the paperwork, but the thought of physically turning it in was nerve wracking! The deadline kept creeping closer and closer. Im so happy my boyfriend Carlos decided to join me on the trip! He's very supportive and it means so much!

What's awesome is my fundraising got a Huge boost this week! I pretty much received a donation notification at least once the past few days! One from a total stranger! She's a TNT member all the way from Pennsylvania! Wow! She asked to order Mary Kay products too, which not only helps my fundraising, but it gives my friend dawn Johnson some new clients! Win win!

I am beyond grateful for my donors! They all rock! Whether they donate $25 or $100, I appreciate it! It all gets me one step closer to my goal, which will benefit cancer research! I've booked several events so my friends can somehow get involved with my campaign. I understand they can't attend everything and I don't expect them to, but I wanted there to be something for everyone! Maybe someone can't make a donation, but they can participate in the upcoming dog walk, Zumba party, or one of the other events coming up. Even getting the word out is a huge help! Whether you help out by a financial donation and/or tell friends and family about the cause, it all helps me reach this goal! Thank you guys! I can't wait to write about the TNT experience in San Diego:-)

TNT track night!

Another night on the track. It gets a little tougher every week, but I come out feeling stronger! Intervals are so tough! I'm good at staying steady, but running super fast? Nope! It feels awesome when you're done! Hill work and intervals will improve your overall speed like no other. Bring it on! Over 80 miles logged and counting.

I feel so blessed to have read my email to see another donation notification! This time it was from Siobhan Tobin from O' Connors Pub! She lost a friend to cancer and understood what it was like to fundraiser for a cause like she did for Susan G. Komen! It really is a lot of work, but it's worth it because you know you're doing someone wonderful for someone else who truly needs it. It's brought me out of my comfort zone too, which is always a good thing!

April is jam packed full of LLS fundraising events! I hope my friends don't think I'm doing overkill, just tried to work something out where everyone cam help! Maybe someone can't do a $50 donation, but they can go to my Zumba event for example. Fundraising is supposed to be fun too!

I got my check from California Pizza Kitchen for my fundraiser a couple weeks ago. Drum roll.. $195!!' Wow! So much better than I thought! Thanks to my friends for either attending or inviting friends/family to attend. You have no idea how big of a difference it makes! Remember, ruby Tuesday is doing the same event tomorrow all day. My amazing boyfriend and my puppy will be in attendance on the patio! Come on, you know you'll go to happy hour somewhere!

There's also a dog walk event at Grover's off leash arena on the 13th, car wash on the 14th, Zumba party on the 20th and a store front fundraiser at wal greens in Scottsdale this Saturday! Wow. I'm almost at $1,000, I would like to be at $2,800 by the end of April! It can be done with your help! Wanna donate? Do it!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/az/rnr13/cleedsshff.

Did I mention I'm selling Mary Kay products all April long and 20% of the sales goes towards LLS?! Well, that's happening too! Help my friend Dawn Johnson out AND donate to a great cause simply by purchasing lip gloss, eye liner, make up remover and more! Message me for further details:-)

Anyway, another early day before heading off to my final restaurant night for the season! See you all tomorrow, right?

http://image.rubytuesdayrestaurants.com/lib/feb915797d6d0278/m/19/366603122013.pdf.

Have a good night friends:-)

Getting the ball rolling!!!

Wow, we got our recommitment papers! It's down to business where you confirm you are staying with the program and book your hotel, race fee, singlet, etc. I'm so nervous but excited!! I'm so happy Carlos is going with me! It'll be awesome having his support and he deserves a weekend getaway! It's nice to have someone you love to share this experience with:-)

Anyway, April is going to be BUSY!!! Car wash on the 14th (Applebee's broadway/rural), Zumba party on the 20th, a dog walk event set for April 13th, a store front event at Walgreens, a possible yoga/bootcamp event, dinner night at ruby tuesday, and planning for a cinco De mayo party. Whew! I'm really hoping to reach my minimum goal ($2,800) by the end of April! It CAN be done! I sent all my letters so I'm hoping that will help. Oh, and Carlos is moving in this month (love you babe!)Whew! Busy busy but exciting events!!!

My most successful fundraiser to date is definitely my homemade dog treats! Wow! $80 profit in 3 days and counting! I can do this! I've grown to love cooking! I love making treats for the pups:-) especially if its for a great cause!

The running is going well!! I love running with my team and we are improving every day. We ran a tough hour and a half on south mountain. Holy moly I almost walked! At least it was cloudy. We're all happy we did it though. So happy the new fuel belt worked. Best one ever!!!

Well, hopefully I make goal by the end of the month. Please help me by going to my web page. http://pages.teamintraining.org/az/rnr13/cleedsshff.

Thank you all for the support! I really do appreciate it and I'm working hard to make your generous contributions worthwhile. Have a happy Easter!!!!

Wow! An awesome night at the track!!

I did NOT want to go to the track workout tonight. Not at all. I was exhausted from the open house we did that day and visiting with mom. I almost told myself take a night off. I fell asleep, woke up at 6 (practice is at 6:30) and I thought, "No, you need to go! All of these people are fighting for their lives and you don't have a good enough excuse to miss practice. You're not sick or hurt, so JUST DO IT!" I hurried up and laced up my running shoes and hit the road. Will the 6:00 traffic through Scottsdale ever get easier?

I was a few minutes late, but made it to practice. We did a great interval workout and though I was exhausted, I did very well. I'm getting faster! My teammates and coach are very supportive! So exhilarating! I love the balance we have on the team: the super fast girl I'm trying to keep up with, everyone in between, and those that were previously put of shape and are taking charge of their health and raising money for LLS! Hands off to those that had the courage to give it a try! I love seeing them improve their fitness every single practice:-)

We stretched out and wrapped up another great practice. I long forgot why I didn't want to come tonight, I just knew I was happy I did. It gets better: My teammates wife had been battling cancer ( mind you, a young couple with a baby) and he announced her test results came back and she is CANCER FREE!!! Wow! What a great night! It makes me never want to miss practice ( if I can help it) and I'm so inspired by the people I've met so far with TNT and LLS as a whole. I want to make my goal happen more than ever! I CAN do this!!

Speaking of fundraiser goals, I really do need your help! One way to help is to go to California PiZza Kitchen tomorrow at the Desert Ridge location! I posted the flier on my fundraising page and Facebook. Remember, 20% of the proceeds benefits LLS if you present the flier or the picture on your phone! Thanks guys! I'll let you know of future fundraising opportunities. Until then, check out my fundraising page @ http://pages.teamintraining.org/az/rnr13/cleedsshff.

Good night!

Beads For A Cause ROCKED!!!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone is recovering from St. Patrick's Day. I got my 2 Guiness beers last night and happy as a clown:-) So remember those 10 dozen beads I got to give out in exchange for donations? Yeah, they're all GONE! Gloria and I had 240 beads between us and rocked Mill Avenue! It was so fun and people were so generous! I'm sure the one too many beers helped, but hey, it all goes to a wonderful cause! Sophie is officially the best wingdog ever! A group of people partying at one of the patios donated $30 all together because they thought she was so cute and one guy offered a donation in exchange for a picture with her, haha! Gloria and I had a goal of $100 each and we both crushed that! Only reason why I made more was because I gave some beads at the Downtown parade. That was the most fun fundraiser so far! I hope California Pizza Kitchen is as fun this coming Wednesday. All you need is the flier, which you can get on my fundraiser page or Facebook. I hope to see you all there! Thanks to EVERYONE who has been incredibly supportive of my campaign thus far! Together, we CAN make a difference!

The weekend long run with the team was awesome! I kept around a 10:04 pace for the 50 minute run, getting in 5 miles. It feels a lot easier too! I'm really working for that PR! If you donate I WILL work hard for that PR goal of 2:10 for the half marathon finish in San Diego!

I'm sending some letters out for donation requests soon and according to the campiagn manager, 75% of donations are from letter donation requests. I'm about to find out! P.S. If I don't have your address, please message me! I've learned it's still good to keep an address book for home and not just emails:) I still get nervous about not making my goal, but I will keep pushing on in honor of those battling cancer!

I'll need the luck of the Irish this weekend! Wanna help?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

2 days until everyone suddenly turns Irish! Yay for St. Patricks Day! My teammate and I will be selling fun St. Patrick's Day beads on Mill Avenue this weekend. All of the beads will be free with a donation and all of the proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Come on, you know you want some beads :-)  It's for a wonderful cause you know!

I will also be selling beads in exchange for donations at the St. Patrick's Day Parade tomorrow morning in Downtown Phoenix! If you see a silly little lady covered in beads wearing the TNT shirt walking a cute beagle (Sophies coming with me!) then stop by and get some beads! No flashing needed :-P

I'm so excited to run with the team at the Scottsdale Railroad park tomorrow. I LOVE running with this awesome group! Just loving it:-) We will be running 50 minutes tomorrow, so around 5 miles for me, maybe more if it's a really good morning!

May the luck of the Irish be with you this weeknd (and always)! GO TEAM!!

Don't forget, The California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser day is this coming Wednesday at CPK Desert Ridge! See you there!
I've updated my fundraising page! Take a look: http://pages.teamintraining.org/az/rnr13/cleedsshff

HAPPY FRIDAY! ENJOY THE WEEKEND!

GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!

The season is heating up! I'm (finally) starting to take action on some of the fundraising ideas I wanted to do.  There's the California Pizza Kitchen on Wednesday, March 20th from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the CPK Desert Ridge, my bracelets/beads/chocolate bars are in and most of my letters have been written and ready to go! As of today, I'm at 10% of my fundraising goal. Not bad, but I know I can do better and I will work VERY hard to do so! I'm going to keep asking until I meet my goal!

I'm in the process of planning small fundraiser parties at my house. Everything from movie night to game night to themed parties. It's hard to pick one! What would YOU like to attend? I'm trying my best to keep it cost-effective while not emptying my own bank account. I know the longer I do this the better I'll get.

LLS sends me another email with another person battling cancer every week. Some of these are children! It reminds me why I am doing all of this. It is worth it for them:-)

The running is going well. TNT has given me a rebirth of sorts to my love of running. I run with my dog on short runs and she loves it! We actually ran the Kiss Me I'm Irish last weekend and did very well! Tonight will be night 2 of running with my team at the track. i hope it feels as great as last time!

You know what would be cool? A fundraiser where I can get on a treadmill or bike in a public area, like around a major shopping center. May be a run/cycle until I raise $1000 or something like that. I don't know how to go about it, but I would totally do it! I'm crazy that way!

If anybody has suggestions or donations, please let me know! i really do appreciate the support!  Please visit www.teamintraining.org/donate and search Cheyanne Leeds