My LA Marathon Story

Next weekend on March 17th I'm planning on running the LA Marathon. This marathon means more to me than any other marathon I have ever run. (Well except possibly my first one.)

I was on the LA Marathon website recently and saw that you could submit your story. I immediately wanted to share my story in case it helps others going through something similar. When diagnosed with cancer it is easy to give up on life and stop living. I refuse to do that though and have kept on living my life - with a huge part of my life being running. I may be slow now, but I'm still out there.

My Marathon Story:

Last fall I was training for my 3^rd marathon in 2012 and my 19^th marathon ever when I received terrible news. The headaches I had been experiencing for the past six months weren’t from a neck sprain, stress, or some other “normal” condition. They were being caused by a brain tumor. Just a few days after completing a 16-mile long run, I was in the hospital discussing a treatment plan for the next few months. As the neurologist talked to me about surgery, radiation, and chemo, one of the first things I asked him was if he thought I could still run the Marine Corps Marathon the following month. He looked at me dumbstruck for a minute before telling me  “No, don’t plan on it. You’re going to be very busy.”

Busy meant a number of things. I was in the hospital two weeks later for brain surgery. Due to the location of the tumor it could not be removed surgically, so the course of treatment for me would be radiation and chemo. The purpose of my surgery was to biopsy the tissue and to install a shunt to drain the fluid that was building up in my brain and causing my headaches. Following the surgery I wasn’t allowed to be physically active for a month. A whole month! The month was difficult to wait out but I made it through the month …. Only to be confronted with radiation and chemo as soon as I was “recovered”. 

When I first consulted with the radiation oncologist and we discussed the course of treatment, he warned me that most people ended up on disability by the end of the six weeks and weren’t able to work. I was scared by this possibility but I was still hopeful. I had made it through my surgery with flying colors and recovered faster than expected, so maybe this would be the same. Fortunately I was right! I was able to work throughout the six-week period AND I was able to continue running 4-5 times a week. As I continued to run throughout my treatment I started to think about running marathon #19 – the marathon that had been taken away from me. After looking at a few races in the area I set my eyes on the LA marathon. I ran LA once before in 2006 and loved it. I had also run the San Francisco Marathon in 2012 so running LA in 2013 would qualify me for the LA/SF Marathon Challenge medal.  I talked to one of my favorite crazy marathon friends who is always down to race with me to see if she’d run LA with me, by my side. She was in!

Although I left radiation treatment behind me in 2012, chemo is still a part of my life. I’m currently on a 5 days on / 23 days off regimen for 2013 and possibly 2014.  During the chemo week and part of the week following, I’m pretty tired. At times I’m not just tired, I’m exhausted. If I’m able to run, I’m running pretty slowly. I get winded really easily now and need to take frequent walk breaks, but I’m happy to just be able to get out there. I PR’d in the marathon in December 2011 with a 3:57. After years and years of trying, I was finally able to break 4 hours! In my current state I’ll be happy to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours. Training has been difficult and my long runs have been incredibly slow, but getting myself out there helps me prove to myself that I can still do things in life that I could do before my diagnosis. Running is a huge part of my life that I don’t want to give up. Running marathons is a part of who I am.

Throughout my treatment and training this year I wasn’t even sure I’d make it to the start line of the LA Marathon. If I do, I’m not sure I will make it to the finish. I will have one of my closest friends running and walking by my side the whole way, and I can’t wait for us to get to the finish next Sunday, regardless of the time on the finish clock. LA Marathon – my brain tumor and I are coming for you!

Round 2 & 2 Races

So far for this month I ran a 5K, started Round 2 of chemo, and ran a half marathon. 

Cardiff Kook Run

This time last year I was training for my first bike race (66 miles in May) with my friend Kathryn. Each weekend consisted of a long ride that usually went up the coast, and one weekend when we were biking through Cardiff I saw a group of costumed runners parading by. Apparently we had happened upon the Caridiff Kook Run.  (More about the Cardiff Kook here.) The costumes we saw were hilarious and everyone looked like they were having a lot of fun, and I mentally filed this race away as one that I would consider for next year. As luck would have it a discount code for this race came up late last year and Tara and I quickly registered.

As we were discussing costume ideas I suggested one that I've wanted to do for years - Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss! (I've suggested this as a couples costume to David several times to no avail....) Tara loved the idea and immediately started looking for things we could wear to create the costume. As founders of Glam Runner we of course had to work tutus in! We got blue wigs, red tanks, and "Thing" signs -  and we were ready.

Introducing Thing 1 & Thing 2

Girls on the Run Love

Thing 1 & Thing 2 Action Shots

I used to run 5Ks all out, gasping for breath, and chasing down a new PR. Those days are behind me for now and I was relieved to just have an easy fun run along the beach with my favorite running twin. Costumes encouraged? Even better! We had a lot of fun during this race and I would totally come back to run it again. Thanks Tara for being my Thing 1!

Glamorous Life of Being a Thing

Chemo Round 2

The plan for my treatment this year is to take a 'double dose' of chemo (2x the dose I was on during radiation) for 5 days a month in January, and then a 'triple dose' 5 days a month each month from February on. I had a rough start to January and was really sick the first night but okay after that. I was also severely fatigued during the treatment week and a few days after as well ... but I also barely ate for a week so I'm not sure how much that played into it. I'm sure it made me more tired, but was it responsible for all of my fatigue? Thanks to my rough first month on the double dose I've been dreading February and the triple dose. I keep thinking oh man, if I felt bad in January, I'm only going to feel worse in February! 

Fortunately, I saw my neurooncologist on Tuesday and he told me to repeat my double dose in February and not to go up to the higher dose yet since I didn't "tolerate it well" the first time. Whew! I was relieved to have another chance to get through the week hopefully feeling fine which would give me more confidence to tackle the triple dose the following month. 

Poison Down the Hatch

I'm currently on chemo day 4 of 5 and feeling pretty normal. I also haven't gotten sick at all this round thanks to two different anti-nausea prescriptions. Last month day 4 was when I really started to get tired though and it lasted through day 10 it seemed ... so we'll see. 

Mermaid Half Marathon

Last month I was sick Day 1, ran 10 miles on Day 2, felt okay Day 3, and then slowly melted into fatigue from Day 4 on. This month since I was totally fine on Day 1, I started to think about how far I could run on Day 2. My LA Marathon training plan had me running 16-18 miles which were totally out of the question ... but hmm ... what about 13? A number of my friends were signed up for the Mermaid Half Marathon on Saturday and after telling everyone I didn't want to run that race for months, suddenly I did. I figured if I went out on my own and tried to do a 14 mile long run there was a good chance I'd poop out and cut it short. At least in a race I'd have a lot more motivation to get to the finish line even if I had to walk the last few miles.

Tara put out a call on facebook for anyone giving away/selling their bib and managed to find a bib for me at the last minute. Score! To get into the mermaid spirit all of our friends running the race planned on dressing up like mermaids decked out with shells and tutus. Sadly I was late to the start of the race and forgot my tutu in the car, so I decided not to bother with the shells either. Sad face. 

Mermaid Half Marathon

This race holds a special place in my heart since it is my standing half marathon PR. I ran this race in 2011 and finished in 1:49! (Race recap here.) I know that PRs are out for this year while I go through chemo, and for the first time in a long time during a race I wondered if I could even make it to the finish line. 

The race was tough on me mentally and seemed like it was never going to end, but thanks to the company and encouragement of Rachel and Tara I made it to the finish! Yay! My mermaid bodyguards stayed by my side the entire race, dealt with my complaints and doubt, walked with me when I needed a walk break, and got me to the finish line of my first on-chemo half marathon. Our finish time? 2:13 My slowest half marathon ever, but probably the one that I'm the most proud of. 

Running With My Bodyguards

For those of you that are worried that I pushed myself too far ... well did you read how slowly we ran? Just kidding. On a serious note I wouldn't have run the race at all if I wasn't feeling up to it. I also wouldn't have finished the race if something had started to feel wrong. This race was tough for me mentally because I no longer 'know' what my body can do, and it was tough for me physically because it was the farthest I'd run in months. 

Running is a huge part of my life and a big part of who I am. Being able to finish this race has given me a lot more confidence in my fight against cancer. Cancer hasn't taken away one of the most important things in my life yet, and I hope that it never will. I may be a lot slower, but I'm still out there running!

Update for the New Year

Wow, its been a while since I've updated my blog! My last post was from mid-December when we were in West Virginia for two weeks to spend the holidays with David's family. The two weeks flew by between family activities, snow runs, and some nice rest and relaxation. 

Kona Drugged Up on the Plane

With the Nieces - Hello Kitty Shirts!

Shrek the Halls Ice Show in DC

The Ice Sculptures Were Amazing!

First MRI

A few days after we got back to San Diego I was scheduled for my first post-radiation/chemo MRI. My radiation oncologist and neuro-oncologist both told me that what we wanted to see was that the tumor hadn't grown. That would be a win. I told them both that I instead would be hoping that the tumor was GONE. Hey, I know that's unrealistic, but one can hope.

I've had a couple MRIs before and this one was just as pleasant (or possibly more pleasant) than the others! Can you smell the sarcasm? If you haven't had an MRI you're lucky. Being stuffed into a tube with your head constrained by foam blocks and a cage while the machine beeps, clicks, and makes endless other horrible noises for an hour is NOT fun. But oh well, its a necessary evil and regular part of my life now.  At least it doesn't hurt.

Anyways, getting to the important part - I saw my neuro-oncologist the day after my MRI and we received good news. The tumor has shrunk!! Granted the shrinkage is minimal, but its better than it staying the same size so I'm happy. If I had to estimate I'd say it looked about 3-5% smaller based on what we saw. The chemo and radiation worked!

Resolution Run

A few days after my positive MRI I was scheduled to run my first race of the year. I use the word "race"loosely since my main goal was just to finish. I had run this race the past two years and last year's race was my standing PR. I had much lower expectations this year since I had only been running a few miles (slowly) just to stay in shape. Luckily Tara was signed up for this race as well and kept me company the whole time. I'm proud to say that we only took a tiny walk break through the water station and otherwise ran the whole way!  We finished with my slowest 15K time ever, but it still felt like a win.

Resolution Run 15K - Beautiful Day in San Diego

Mini Mermaid Club

On the afternoon of the Resolution Run I had plans to meet my friend Karin and her group of girls in the Mini Mermaid Running Club. This club is similar to the Girls on the Run program and has different themes for each lesson. The lesson that Karin had asked me to attend was the lesson on role models. Karin introduced me to the group and talked about how I had cancer and how I continued to run throughout my treatment.

Talking to the Mini Mermaid Running Club

I talked to the girls about having cancer, loving to run, finding motivation when I was tired, and how much it helped to have friends around who were encouraging me. At one point I asked the girls if they knew what chemo was. Several girls raised their hands and the one I called on said "chemo is when your hair falls out". Haha yes. Chemo is when your hair falls out. The girls asked a few other questions and then I passed some of my race medals around for them to see. 

Mini Mermaid Running Club

After I left, the girls had to complete a workbook exercise on the lesson and their answers were so cute! I was a little nervous about speaking to this group at first since I had no idea what level of conversation was appropriate with 8-10 year olds when it came to cancer, but it all went well in the end and I'm glad I had the opportunity to go. Thanks Karin for inviting me!

Don't Give Up Something You Love

New Dose of Chemo

While I was going through radiation for six weeks last year I was taking a lower dose of Temodar (130mg) everyday. For this year I will be on a higher dose for 5 days of the month, and then I have a 23 day break. For January, I was on double the original strength (250mg) and in February on for the rest of the year I will be on triple the original strength. (Assuming my body can take it of course.) I will have blood tests twice a month to monitor my blood counts, and if things are looking off and it seems like I'm not recovering properly the next dose of Temodar will be postponed.

When I received the prescription for the January dose I pored over the package insert. I hadn't done this the first time since I figured whatever was going to happen would happen. This time I read through all of the side effects to mentally prepare myself for something "worse". The most common side effects that were reported were fatigue, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and hair loss. Awesome. I knew to expect the fatigue and nausea, but anorexia? What did that mean? Well, about three days into taking the new dose I got it. Not only did I totally lose my appetite, I couldn't stand to eat. Most foods were unappealing to me, and several suddenly became repulsive to me. The smell of David cooking bacon one day sent me running into the other room. Bacon?! I love bacon!

For a little over a week I could barely force myself to eat anything. Cereal, fruit, and crackers were about all I could tolerate, but they don't make for a balanced meal and if I had to estimate I'd say I probably only consumed 300-400 calories each day. I was also pretty tired for the week and I'm sure starving to death only contributed to this. For this coming month though I have a new plan. I bought a case of Ensure (okay fine, I bought Costco's generic version) and I plan on drinking a few of those a day. They're pretty concentrated in calories and vitamins and I have my fingers crossed that the taste of them doesn't turn me off. 

As far as hair loss goes ... a lot of hair started coming out during the week I was on the chemo. When I'd brush my hair there seemed to be 3-4 times as much hair in my brush. This ended a few days after I stopped taking the chemo. Thank God! I'm praying that losing hair each month doesn't leave me bald by year end. I only have half a head of long hair to begin with! :(

Carlsbad Marathon

Two weekends after my new stronger dose of Temodar I ran the Carlsbad Marathon! Just kidding, I totally didn't. I ran last year with Tara and had plans of pacing her though the last 8-10 miles this year, but unfortunately I just wasn't feeling back to normal yet and decided to spectate instead. I felt fine being up and out and about during the day, but I was still pretty fatigued when I ran and I didn't want to push my body. David and I drove up to Carlsbad to cheer on Tara and several of my other Girls on the Run friends and we got to see them run by at miles 16, 20, and the finish. 

Carlsbad Marathon Finishers - Go Girls on the Run!

It was hard to stand on the sidelines of a race and I actually started crying at one point. I was excited to see my friends, but I was so sad that this was something I wasn't sure I'd be able to do again.

LA Marathon

Speaking of being able to run a marathon ... I'm signed up for the LA Marathon in March and have been somewhat training for the race, but my training is way off schedule because of the chemo and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to run at this point. I thought that I'd only be down for one week from the chemo. I didn't realize that I'd be totally out from running for one week and then slowly starting to feel better for the next two weeks. By the time I feel strong enough its time for the next round. Only being able to complete one long run per month is not adequate for a marathon. 

For now I'm listening to my body and only running as far as I feel like I can. I have regular blood tests and of course I won't run at all if things don't look right. If my blood tests do look okay though and I'm feeling strong enough and trained enough, I'm going to try for LA. Tara said she'd stick by my side and she'd be okay if we even had to walk most of the race. From a sub-4 hour marathon to wondering if I can even run/walk a marathon. Life changes so quickly! Don't take it for granted.

Radiation Complete!

It has now been almost two weeks since I finished up with my six weeks of radiation and chemo. Whoo hoo! (I finished up radiation on Dec 7th and finished up chemo on Dec 10th.) Its a relief to not have to go to UCSD every single week day and I love that I get a break from the slew of drugs I was taking. Its funny how I was taking ONE drug to actually fight my brain tumor (Temodar), and five other drugs to combat side effects. I was on antibiotics (Bactrim) and anti-nausea pills (Zofran) because of the Temodar, Miralax because of the Zofran, steroids (Decadron) to prevent brain swelling from the radiation, and Pepcid to prevent ulcers from the Decadron. Taking pills all day is not fun, and I'm happy to have a month off before I start the next round of chemo.

 

 

My Daily Pill Regimen

 

 

Finishing Radiation

During my first week of radiation I was in the waiting room one day when a woman rang a bell on the wall to signify the end of her treatment. She rang the bell, everyone clapped, and I held back tears. I was only a few days into treatment and was already jealous of the woman who was done. Luckily my six weeks went by quickly, and as the final day approached I joked with David about being excited to ring the bell. The technicians that I saw every day were really nice, and we often chatted for a couple minutes before and after treatment. They knew that I was a runner and on my final day when they walked me out to ring the bell they also handed me a 'graduation' certificate with  a picture of a runner on it. So cute!

 

 The Bell at the Moores Cancer Center

 

 

My Radiation Graduation

 

 

Between seeing that and being so excited about the idea of being done with radiation, I had a hard time holding back the tears as I rang the bell and hugged everyone goodbye. There was usually only one or two other people in the waiting room each day as I left, but for some reason on my final day there were probably about eight people in the room. I had a full room of applause before I left which really made me smile.

 

 

My Freaky Radiation Mask

 

 

Hair Extensions

One of my big concerns during treatment was that I was going to lose all of my hair. The radiation oncologist said that I would most likely only lose hair in the back or have thinning, but you never knew. My hair didn't start to fall out until the fourth week, and it started coming out fast. So much hair came out each time I brushed my hair and I thought that this was the beginning of my year being bald. I can't tell you how much time I spent praying that my hair wouldn't all fall out. Apparently it was not in vain! In the end I had bald spots above both ears and on the back of my head behind my ears, but didn't end up losing hair on the rest of my head. WHEW!

 

 

My Hair Before

 

 

My hair was already sparse from having so much shaved from my surgery, so between 80% of the right side of my head being shaved and losing even more hair in four other locations, my overall hair count was really low and I was self-conscious each day about how thin my hair looked. My hair has been long my whole life and is part of my identity. I understand hair doesn't define me, but without my hair I didn't feel like myself, and it served as a harsh and sad reminder each day that I have cancer.

 

 

Extensions Going In

 

 

Towards the end of my radiation treatment when I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to lose all of my hair and need a wig, I decided to talk to my hairdresser about having extensions put in. I came in to visit her and she matched my hair up against a color wheel and gave me the information for ordering the extensions. I ordered them online and brought them in to be applied. The hair was $60/bundle and I needed two. I had found a few cheaper options online from China but in the end decided that there was a time and a place to be cheap, and this wasn't it.
 

 Extensions Complete! A Full Head of Hair!

 

 

On the day after my last day of radiation I brought the extensions in, had my hair cut and colored, had the extensions put in .... and left a MUCH happier and confident person.

 

Clinical Trials

Aside from hair loss, the main side effect most people experience from radiation is fatigue. It varies from person to person and the doctors originally told me that some people didn't notice anything different at all, while others ended up sleeping 18 hours a day. Yikes! I planned on working throughout my treatment and was really concerned about fatigue. How tired would I get? I expressed my concern with being tired and non-functional and my oncologist mentioned a clinical trial that I could participate in that was testing a drug called Nuvigil to fight the effects of radiation fatigue. The trial was double-blinded meaning neither the patient or doctors would know if I'd be taking the actual drug or a placebo. I was initially excited about the idea of this study and was disappointed to find out a week later that I didn't qualify since my biopsy report was too vague about my tumor type. The biopsy report didn't specifically say I had a Grade II tumor but the doctors concluded form the pathology that I was most likely a Grade II based on other factors they tested for. I'm not quite clear why I didn't qualify, I mean I have a cancerous brain tumor and was treated with radiation .. but whatever. In the end I'm so glad I didn't qualify because without the drug I wasn't tired and felt fine. Had I been accepted into the study there was a 50% chance I'd get the actual drug which is a stimulant .. and I might have been wired and would have had trouble sleeping for six weeks! Although I suppose if I was really having a hard time sleeping I'd just would've stopped taking the drug and would have withdrawn from the study.

All Smiles on my Last Week of Radiation

 

 

Although I didn't qualify for the Nuvigil study I did qualify for another study called the ORACLE study that my reproductive doctor was a part of. This study monitored the effects of chemo on fertility in women of child-bearing age. Thankfully I was able to take steps to preserve my fertility before starting chemo. For those who are not as fortunate, I hope that the information from this study helps them.

 

 

Stupid Cancer

In the week following the end of my treatment David and I went to the Stupid Cancer Un-Gala downtown. Stupid Cancer is non-profit focused on empowering young adults (under 40) affected by cancer. I first heard of  Stupid Cancer from one of my doctors, and also met one of the founders of the local San Diego Chapter at the mAss Kickers Tumor Suck Day event that we went to in October.

Helping Out at Registration at the Event

 

The Un-Gala was a holiday party at a cool wine bar downtown with food, drinks, and raffle prizes. I was amazed by the energy of everyone at this party. I have spent most of my time at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center where almost everyone is old and looks sick and desolate. Its really depressing and I don't like being there. In stark contrast though, the Stupid Cancer group was young, upbeat, full of energy, and really outgoing. One would argue that this event would draw out that type of person, but hey, I like that.

The Faces of Young Cancer Survivors

 

 

 

 

 

Brain Cookies

With the holidays approaching David and I had talked about giving my doctors gifts. I wanted to give them something unique and personal, and was stumped for a week or so before I came up with an amazing idea. Forget the fruit baskets and bottles of wine ... we were going to give them brain cookies! You know, cookies that look like brains, not made from brains. ;o) A friend of mine has a business (Sweet C's Bakeshop) making amazing custom cookies, and I had used her last Christmas to make custom cookies for my company. I emailed her with my idea and a few cartoonish pictures of brains asking if she could make brain cookies that were "cute". Cute huh? She wrote back saying "Um, I could add glitter to them?" Yes! Perfect! Ha ha.

Custom Holiday Brain Cookies

 

 

In addition to the brain cookies we also ordered some custom message cookies with a Happy Holidays message. I also went to Cost Plus and bought a bunch of gift baskets so I could make cookie baskets for each of my doctors. We dropped off cookies for my neuro-oncologist, neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, radiation techs, and my fertility doctor.

Holiday Cookie Gift Baskets

 

 

Not surprising, but my doctors loved them! Two of my doctors emailed me and one called me the next day. I loved that we were able to give something to them to make them smile, and really appreciated the fact that they reached out to say thank you.

 

From one doctor:

"wow! those were some impressive cookies! everyone marveled at them in clinic. thanks so much. Ive never seen such detailed cookie work. they made everyone's day, and tasted great too."

 

Next Year

I am currently enjoying my second week free of radiation and chemo. It feels like a vacation! Oh wait, we are on vacation. :o) David and I are currently in West Virginia at his parents house for two weeks for the holidays. Its great to have a break from treatment and its so nice to be here with family.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 



A Very BIG Weekend

This past weekend was a really big weekend!

 

Weekend Highlights:

• TEDxSanDiego
• GOTR Sparkle & Shine 5K
• An engagement!

 

TEDxSanDiego

This year marked the second  year that I attended TEDxSanDiego. I've been watching TED Talks for years and when I found out that they were having a conference in town last year I quickly applied for tickets. The day was amazing and inspiring and everything that I knew TED to be. (More about TED on my blog from last year.)

 

 

TEDxSan Diego 2012

 

 

Living Flower Sign

 

 

A few months after attending TEDxSanDiego last year I actually became involved with a nearby organization TEDxAFC and joined their planning committee. Unfortunately after months of work I wasn't able to attend the actual event since it fell on the same day as one of my friend's weddings. I missed the day sadly but knew there would be another time.

 

 

Enjoying the Talks

 

 

Salad Push Pops and Micro Greens at Lunch

 

 

 

The theme for this past Saturday was Cause and Affect. (Misspelling intentional.)

 

The third annual TEDxSanDiego will bring together a diverse group of 600 individuals, organizations and movements intent on sharing ideas and having an impact on the world. The event will feature more than 20 dynamic speakers and performers representing a wide spectrum of talent and ideas in technology, education and the arts. Speakers will deliver short talks exploring this year’s theme, “Cause & Affect.” TEDxSanDiego 2012 hopes to cause participants to affect the world in some way.

 

 

Lounging on the Pop Chips Bags

 

 

David joined me for the conference this year and we met up with my boss and her husband while we were there. I think we all left the conference thinking, what more can I do in the world? Hearing from so many inspiring speakers made me feel like I haven't done enough, and makes me want to do more.

 

 

Trying on a Brain Wave Reader

 

 

Sparkle & Shine 5K

On Sunday the next day we were up bright and early for the Girls on the Run Sparkle & Shine 5K!  Sunday was David's birthday and I'm sure the last thing he wanted to do was get up at 6am and head off to the race, but being the wonderful person he is he came with me and passed on my offer to stay home and sleep in.

 

 

This is What David Thinks of Early Sunday Mornings

 

 

This was the first season of seven that I haven't served as Head Coach for Carmel  Valley. The morning is usually really stressful for me in between making sure all of the girls have their bibs, making sure the running buddies are there  on time, checking in with our Glam Runner table to ensure tutu sales are going smoothly, and running around tyring to take pictures for our facebook page as part of my Marketing Chair duties. Not having to deal with my coach duties made the day go much easier, but it was still pretty hectic and busy.

 

 

Long Time GOTR Coaches

 

 

When I started coaching back in September of 2009 we only had 6 teams, about 80 girls, and we piggy-backed onto a local 5K. Here we are a few years later with 24 teams, almost 300 girls, producing our own 5K, and getting around 700 runners. Its amazing how much we've grown and I love that I've been a part of it.

 

 

Cheering in the Last Runner - Age Four!

 

 

Before the race started there were a number of announcements, various raffle prizes being announced, and then an award was going to be presented to the Coach of the Season. I can't remember who but someone on the Board grabbed me from further back in the crowd and told me to get up front for the announcement so I could take a picture of the winner. As dutiful photog I complied. As Amy (our Executive Director) started talking about the Coach of the Season award she said that this year they had an unusual situation. They had a coach who had dropped out of coaching for health reasons and missed most of the season, but that the girls on her team had insisted that she should win the award. As I listened to this I thought wait.. could this be me? No way. I missed like 2/3 of the season. The girls barely got to know me! As Amy continued on though and mentioned Carmel Valley though, I knew it was me. Cue the tears. Amy announced my name and I came up to thank her for the recognition, sobbed in front of hundreds of people, and ran back to David to compose myself to get ready to take pictures of the Coach who was winning the real award. I love coaching GOTR and know that all of our efforts make a difference in these girls lives, but to feel that something I may have done personally has changed some of their lives was really touching. Thank you girls! I kind of feel like I got a pity award for having cancer, but its still sweet all the same.

 

 

Tearful Hug With Amy

 

 

Adorable Get Well Cards

 

 

The Engagement

Moving on ... After all of the excitement of the 5K David and I still had a busy rest of the day planned for his birthday. We went to Massage Envy for a two hour couples massage, and also had dinner plans at the Prado in Balboa Park later that night.  While we were getting ready for dinner David told me that I should wear something nice and that he was buying. Wow, score! It felt as if it was MY birthday!

 

When we got to the restaurant he also told me that I should order as if my company was paying for it. Wow, really? Lobster please! jk. We didn't really get crazy ordering (I can't drink right now anyways so how crazy can a dinner get) but we had a full meal with an appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. I was stuffed!

 

 

Amazing Meal at the Prado

 

 

After dinner I started walking back to the car and David suggested that we walk around the park for a bit. What? Is he crazy? I hate walking. (Yeah yeah, but I run marathons.) We walked around for a few minutes before I started complaining that it was cold. Then we sat down on a bench and I started to worry about us getting mugged. Poor David was trying to create a romantic moment and all I did was complain! I started to think something weird was going on as we sat there and he seemed to be stalling about something. It crossed my mind that he was about to propose .... and  I was right!

 

 

THE Bench on the Left

 

 

In front of the Botanical Building David got down on one knee and proposed and made me the happiest person ever. There was no other answer but YES! I'm so excited! Sneaky boy, proposing on HIS birthday! We are still enjoying the early few days of engagement but have started to  think about dates a bit. We're thinking of sometime in June maybe around my birthday. Nothing is set yet and we're still trying to decide between San Diego and Maui. Hopefully during our time off during the holidays we can start to make some plans.

 

Yes, I Have a Hello Kitty Nail :)