Running a marathon to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

[Jeff]

Some of you already know that I'm in training for the San Diego Rock-and-Roll Marathon on June 3rd. But what you may not know is why I'm running. I'm running with a team of people raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I need your support. Your donation will go to research, patient aid and education. And it's tax deductible. You can make your donation online or mail a check. For all the details, visit my Team In Training fund raiser website at

http://www.active.com/donate/tntors/jeffhester

And thanks in advance for your support!

[sarahtowny]

I wish you all the best!

I am sure you will make us all proud. Best of luck with the training and hope you get to raise lots and lots of $'s It's a great charity you have chosen well done you.

[Jeff]

Thanks, Sarah. I just finished my first week of training:

05-Feb: 2.0 miles
07-Feb: 2.5 miles
10-Feb: 4.0 miles (Team run)
----------------------------
8.5 miles

There's a bunch of people -- over 100 -- on my team, including one 72 year old woman!

[sarahtowny]

Just spoke with Jeff and he gave me an update on his training.

Today he managed to do 7.19 miles! Fantastic ...

Keep up the good work!

Any runners here with some top tips?

:0)

[Leapy Leo]

Yes, Sarah, I did four marathons in the eighties and I have to confess that the longest run I did in training was about half of the total distance because it gets so boring after awhile and it's hard to find the motivation to keep going when your legs get so weary and you're running alone [the group runs sound like a great idea!]

However, I'm sure any physical training guru will tell you that the important thing is to keep at it, to do that training week in week out from now until the event, rather than exhausting yourself proving you can do the distance to yourself as a big one-off and maybe not training for a week.

I found that on the day of my first marathon [which I'm assuming this is Jeff's] the crowds cheering us on made a big difference, all the others competing help to hold your interest and so boredom is not a problem.

One thing I was wary of was the so-called "wall" that you can hit at about twentytwo miles into the course, I kept well within a pace I knew that I was capable of sustaining, enjoyed the crowd and the scenary and once I'd passed that early twenties peril I knew I was going to finish it. You just know!

Jeff mentioned a 72 year old woman and I can aver that i got a particular inspiration from the golden oldies I saw infront of me throughout the course. It was a case of "Well, if he can do it..."

Good luck with it, Jeff. I know you're about my age and I find your determination inspiring. I keep thinking maybe I'll try a half marathon but my last full one was about twenty years ago so it was easier for me then that it would be now.

My best time [in my 2nd attempt] was 3 hours 13 minutes and 58 seconds but I've never been so tired as i was when I finished that one. I knew I'd never do better than that, and I didn't!

[sarahtowny]

Just a quick note to say good luck a week on Sunday! I know you have trained very hard for this, so all the best.

I am sure you will enjoy the after marathon celebrations, that's if you have the strength to pick up a glass after 26.6 miles!

All the best Jeff and glad you managed to raise so much money. My gang over in the UK who contributed are looking forward to seeing you with your finishing medal .

[Jeff]

Thanks, Sarah!

My longest training run was 18 miles. My training was interrupted for nearly two weeks by a case of walking pneumonia. I ended up going to the doctor and he fixed me up as good as new. I got back on track last week and am really pscyhed for the marathon on June 3rd.

I've done a couple of half marathons in the past, but this will be my first full marathon -- 26.2 miles. I'm not going to break any speed records, but then, that's not my goal.

I have raised about $2500 so far for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I'm still about $300 shy of my $2800 target, but I may still have a few people contribute. It's been a real joy to be able to train for this marathon with a great bunch of people, and to do so to help raise money and awareness for a great cause.

And you will DEFINITELY see my picture crossing the finish line!

[MrOats]

Originally Posted by Jeff

And you will DEFINITELY see my picture crossing the finish line!

It is a GREAT feeling, crossing the finishing line...

I wish you the best of luck Jeff!

[Jeff]

Hey everyone, I'm leaving for San Diego in a couple hours. My marathon is early tomorro morning. I'll be offline until Monday night, but I'll post updates via Twitter.

If you're interested in following along, read the details on my blog.

Thanks for everyone's support and encouragement!

[PolarBearNPR]

Thinking of you and your run, Jeff. Good luck! This is such a great cause to be running for.

God speed.