A day of rest

The Virginia Beach Half Marathon is less than two days away. Thanks to all the well wishes from everyone before the race.

I have taken a vacation day today to rest, be with Dori, get the leg worked on and piddle a little around the house. Anne and I leave in the morning for VB, and Dave Baum and Dan Flagler will be picking us up at the airport.

My family and friends who know me well know that I am very competitive. I don't like to lose or fail. I can be stubborn about it, though I've mellowed over the years. But the fire is always in you. I've had athletic failures in my life, but wonderful successes, like my high school golf team winning the state, my Navy base basketball team beating the Marines in the championship (on an injured leg, BTW) and others. It would be nice to add a PR (personal record) to the list.

I am hell-bent on getting this leg as ready as possible so I can run 13.1. Dori is an inspiration, and 150 friends and family are supporting LLS. I've trained very well, never eaten better in my life, gotten adequate sleep ... and still, I have this leg thing looming over the whole weekend. I have been stretching continually the last week and hope the massage today loosens up the calf for Sunday.

I found a few interesting links about the race. This article says it all, and this quote sums up what the race means to me and so many:

"A lot of time when people set out to run these things, some things stand in their way. But if your doing it for charity, or maybe even for a specific person, it's just that much more of a motivator to get you up at 6 in the morning and run," said Erin Gaul, race spokeswoman.

Or 4:15 in the morning.

I also found a link to a virtual tour of the course, which I found very cool. Enjoy, and happy Labor Day!

Less than four days until race

A lot of good has happened this week.

The biggest news is Dori has two perfect matches for a probable transplant, and they're both young women. It was tough learning Dori's sister, Kathy, was not a match. I know she would have loved to have been the one. But after that bummer, we learned about the perfect matches. Positive and even keeled, even when you get bad news, helps a lot.

Tuesday's Bone Marrow Donor Drive was a rousing success. More than 100 new folks are now on the Registry. Thanks to everyone who participated! Dori and I believe one day we're going to learn a friend who registered yesterday - like Marian Kohl, Michelle Cochran, Lucile Houseworth, Courtney Stevens, Maria Caldwell, Denise Shaw, Claire Eckl or one of those great SBA moms - will give someone they don't know the gift of life. I know I left out some folks (I wasn't there all day), but all of you are angels, like Dori says. If you still want to get on the Registry and potentially save a life, click the link to the left and order a swab kit. The process is easy and you'll be doing a very good deed.

By the way, yours truly was on Fox 17 talking about the drive. The kids thought it was neat to hear their Mom's name on the news and their Dad doing one of those "soundbites." Also, the photo I posted is of Janet Rosenberg from the Legal Aid Society, which hosted the all-day event in their offices. Janet organized the event exceptionally well. As we say in the Navy, "Bravo Zulu, Janet!"

Please continue to keep Candy Rucker in your prayers. She still does not have a match that is healthy. How small is the world? VERY. I learned yesterday that her Dad, Raleigh, and I worked together at The City Paper 6-7 years ago. I knew he had some daughters, but I didn't know their names. I met her family Tuesday, and enjoyed talking with them.

Every gift is precious, and many of our friends and family (I estimate 150 so far) have given to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. My fellow NFIB employees have really stepped up over the last week, boosting the overall effort nicely. Thank you Sharonda Hampton and all who helped with this. The recent contributions have lifted my personal efforts (online and offline) to nearly $20,000. Combined with Julia Ciarlo Hammond, her sister, and Dori's friend Becky Reese, we're approaching $30,000 raised for LLS. Not bad. Dori thought I was loopy in June to put down $50,000 as a goal. When all is said and done, I think we'll have an effort of which to be very proud, thanks to the incredible generosity of so many. Dori has really appreciated it. So many more will.

Oh, yes. The leg. My left calf is stiff, despite lots of stretching. I ran 5 miles Monday at race pace (8:45), which went well. Today, I went to the Y for my last run before Virginia Beach. I was cruising for two miles, when I felt stiffness again. I stopped, called "Mr. Miyagi" (neuromuscular therapist Keith McCord) and scheduled an appointment for Friday afternoon. I'm understandably concerned and was actually a little down this afternoon, but I will do everything I can to run this race. If the left calf loosens up, I will set a PR. Conditions look like they will be good Sunday ... a mild cold front is heading for the Eastern Seaboard.

Positive and even keeled helps a lot. Thank God for the gift of life we have every day and the next life we are preparing to enjoy.

Jim

Lance issues wake-up call

Every two days, we have another 9/11 - 1,500 people die each day from cancer.

That's the message from Lance Armstrong, who is on a noble crusade to wake up the world and slothful American politicians more interested in achieving personal triumph instead of serving humanity. This morning, Dori called me from the hospital to alert me that Lance would be appearing on Meet the Press. A link of the program can be found here, while a Take 2 link is available here.

The statistics are staggering - 1.3 million people diagnosed with cancer each year in our country, 600,000 a year die, and 1 in 7 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The "pervasive" problem, Lance says, is only going to get worse. Meanwhile, some presidential candidates are ducking the issue, and Congress is cutting funding while going on a profligate pork spending spree (ever read about earmarks?). The cancer problem is complex (200 types), and silos exist everywhere. Now throw in Lance, a cancer survivor who captured our fascination by winning seven Tours de France. His Foundation, linked on this page, has sold 60 million yellow Livestrong bracelets. He is mobilizing a political army. It's encouraging.

If you're like me, you have friends with whom you'd share a foxhole. Lance, who I of course don't know, is near the top of my list. I realized today what I'm doing by raising money and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is one tiny cog in a giant wheel. Many people are doing something similar as part of their busy lives.

That wheel that steers to a cure for cancer may now have direction with Lance behind it. But the engine isn't Lance, it's people united in a common cause. People like you and me. In our little corner of the planet, many of you have helped already by donating money to LLS. But you and I can do more. Some of these things include:

- Contacting your senators and congressman, asking them to focus attention on the cancer epidemic.
- Giving generously and consistently to the foundations and societies that are researching for a cure/cures. Professional fighters go down after many blows, not just a few. Cancer doesn't want to lose, but we must knock it out.
- Making the issue top of mind and speech. People influence people. Buy a yellow LiveStrong bracelet. Tell your friends this issue belongs at the top of our national conversation. Share personal stories in forums, media, the dinner table, wherever.

My mom, sister Anne and I have talked about how there are two types of people in this world, "those that get it and those that don't." I think you know what this means, but here's an explantion. My view is that one pack is pursuing personal belongings and gratification or maybe stuck in a rut from something circumstantial. Sometimes, we go in and out of this "condition." This morning, Dori and I laughed/shook our heads when we read about an SEC football coach, who after years of watching his players have trouble with the law, say "we're kinda drawing the line." Meanwhile, other programs have little to no trouble because the coaches drew the line a long time ago, and golly gee, the players stay out of trouble. Go figure.

The people in Pack Two have had their life-changing epiphanies and are busy helping, consoling and sacrificing any way they can. When they wake up, they spring to action to make our temporal life better and prepare for the next life; when they go to sleep, they recount, reflect and pray for intercession from our God. Dori, Mom, Anne and I know many of these people - we're fortunate to be around them.

I don't know if Lance is a man of faith; he struggled with his faith earlier in life, according to his book. Lance did catch my attention today, however, when he said people who have cancer are blessed. His explanation on Meet the Press is beautiful. Clearly, God is working through Lance Armstrong right now.

Jim

Mr. Miyagi to the rescue

"You have dense calves."

That's what Keith McCord, the neuromuscular therapist, told me this morning. Now that wasn't quite as blunt as a letter with results from a physical I did four years ago, which began, "You are obese." My BMI has gone from 30 to just over 20 since that embarrassing letter.

Back to the leg, Keith said he noticed significant tension in the left calf and some tension in the right. We talked about my stretch routine, and he showed me two other stretches he wants me to do at least twice a day. Since there is no inflammation or injury, he recommended I apply heat, as well, during the day and before the race. No more ice and elevation for this boy.

The deep tissue massage is an odd experience. When it was over, I felt drunk. Parts of it are soothing, parts painful. When Keith got to a pressure spot, which I identified by breathing harder or saying "6" or "7" on the Richter Pain Scale, he stopped and worked it to get the blood moving around. Please don't read that sentence again on its own. Anyway, short term pain, long term gain. I couldn't help but think of Mr Miyagi from "Karate Kid" slapping his hands together and healing Daniel with his magic. Lo and behold, that movie was on cable today. The kids and I watched it (they loved it).

Keith said to take it easy this weekend, but a Wednesday run would be a good test. I'll hit the Arc Trainer Monday, and run 3-4 miles Wednesday. Hopefully, that will go well, and I can go into Sunday's race with full confidence. Maybe I'll load "I Have Confidence" by Julie Andrews and "Feelin' Stronger" by Chicago in the iPod.

Jim

Photo gallery

My sister, Anne, who is a big dog in the art community of Nashville, had an art showing at her studio last night. After the kids and I visited with Dori at the hospital, we went over to check out her paintings and see some friends. I'd guess 125 people cycled through, and many bought paintings. Kathryn and Will had a great time, as evidenced by the "cucumber spa" photo, and they bought some of Anne's paintings for their rooms.

I am very proud of my sister, who is a better person than she is an artist. And she's one of the best artists you'll ever know. Check out her Web site here. I also tossed in a photo of Dori with the kids last week on the first day of school. Dori started a tradition when K-Girl was in kindergarten of taking commemoration photos when school starts.

Jim

'You're going to race.'

Never believe what you read on the Internet.

That elliptical machine I've been working out on at the Y isn't an elliptical machine. It's an Arc Trainer from Cybex. I also misspelled "elliptical" for about a week. Nice. I did 45 minutes today to keep the HR elevated before raceday.

So I went to Vanderbilt Sports Medicine Clinic for a look-see at my calf strain and some professional advice. Dr. Gene Hannah had me do some stepping, then they took some x-rays. "This looks good," Dr. Hannah, reviewing the pictures with me. "You're going to race."

He recommended I get some thin heel pads, which I immediately bought. He said I might even put these in my racing shorts in case of a flare-up on raceday. He also said I would benefit from a massage, and after the race, some detailed exercises to ensure the problem doesn't recur. He recommended no running until raceday, just low impact stuff to keep the heart strong. He gave a few other tips, and off I went, a very happy camper. I'm getting the deep tissue massage on Saturday.

Dori, as you probably know, is midway through Day 1 of chemo. She'll get two doses of chemo on Days 3 and 5. She's feeling good, but won't be, most likely, in a day or so. She posted other information and updates of our friends with health challenges at CaringBridge.

Oh, yes. The total amount raised for LLS by me, Becky Reese and the Ciarlo sisters is almost at $25,000. I think our friends and family have contributed just short of $15,000 so far. It's hard to track since some are mailing in. Thanks to those of you who have informed me about the corporate matches. I enjoy telling Dori and our support group how much WE have raised for this cause to conquer leukemia and lymphoma and support her.

You all are appreciated very, very much. I am grateful for the support.

Jim

Sports medicine, here we come

Howdy.

I just posted on CaringBridge about Dori ... she'll be in the hospital for five days getting consolidation chemo. I am also going to VUMC tomorrow, the Vanderbilt Sports Clinic to be specific. I have an appointment regarding my left calf muscle, which is starting to feel better.

My co-workers are used to seeing my leg iced and propped up on my desk. I am sure that is a pretty sight. Tonight, I hit the Green Hills Y and did the eliptical for an hour ... 1,350 calories later, I was done and home. I love the low impact of that machine ... I never felt distress in my calf the whole hour.

I've had a few friends step up and give advice on the calf muscle injury, as well as some family share some loving concern. Sharon Flagler, wife of fellow Vanderbilt grad Dan Flagler in Maryland, is a good runner. She's had the injury before, as well as some other injuries. She advocates some muscle relaxers, among a few therapies. Training partner Ann DeNunzio gave me a name of a doctor who specializes in neuromuscular science, especially with runners. Ann isn't the first person who said I would benefit from a deep tissue massage. Buddy Mike Hollis said the same. Both runners said they are painful but worth it.

I know there are a lot bigger problems in this world right now than my stupid leg. Our family is facing one of them. That said, this race means a lot to me personally. First and foremost, it is a way to honor my wife and her courage. Just like her fight, it has had its ups and downs. But it is about reaching a goal, when you come down to it. Training has also been highly therapeutic, helping to alleviate the stress of this summer, and a way to channel energy positively.

I am confident I will be able to run in Virginia Beach in 12 days for my wife and fellow leukemia survivors. It won't be the end of the world if I cannot complete the race, but I expect I will be emotional if I do not. My mom and sister, Anne, are concerned I may do permanent or serious damage if I run through an injury. Calf injuries can get gruesome, I am told and have also learned from researching. I don't expect I'll be irrational on race day, just damned determined and eager to finish.

Please continue to keep Dori, Father Kibby, Kim Swindall and Chuck Hendry in your prayers.

Jim

Leg trouble

Our family has been praying for Chuck Hendry, whose AML is in remission, and Father Pat Kibby from Cathedral of the Incarnation, our church. Chuck checked back in the hospital Friday, after losing an astounding 20 pounds in three days. His story is being chronicled on caringbridge.org under "chuckhendry." Father Kibby is having heart valve surgery on Tuesday. He has been good to Dori and our family. Please keep both men in your prayers this week.

My calf muscle is not in good shape right now. After yesterday's run, I felt I had made some progress. Today at the Y, after one mile, I felt the familiar pain in my left calf that sidelined me from the Tom King Half Marathon in March. I used to get this injury when I played softball and was 25 pounds heavier. I felt soreness after last week's 11-miler and stayed off it this past week.

It's frustrating because I feel great aerobically right now, but now I am dealing with this sideliner. The calf strain is probably at Stage 1 of three possible stages, from what I am reading. I have microtears in the muscle that could worsen if I run more. For recovery, I am supposed to elevate the leg above my heart as often as possible, ice it four times a day over the next three days, stretch, compress and rest. I slept with the leg elevated last night and will do so for the next two weeks. I will not run until Sept. 2, but I have no other choice. These injuries require one to four weeks for recovery, from what I have read. I am so determined to run and will bum if I cannot complete the VB Half. I want to do well for Dori and I've never trained harder for anything.

If anyone has a panacea or an incredible doctor to refer, please share. Money isn't an object.

Jim

Training update

I've been concerned about my left calf muscle being tight, so I've been staying away from the running ... until yesterday.

Last night at the Y, I ran 1.75 easy miles to test the leg. The run felt effortless, but the muscle was still stiff. I decided to stop running and do 40 good minutes on the Cybex eliptical cross-trainer. That machine is excellent ... it's low impact and works the body.

Today, I went to the Y to run a little farther. I used some Icy Hot on my calves and stretched beforehand, then ran 5.0 miles at my race pace, 8.45/mi. The great news ... I felt like I was walking. My HR was only at 145, so I hope the machine pace is correct. The calf muscle is still a little stiff. I would like to get in one more long run - between 8 and 10 - before the race, which is 15 days away. The closer we get to race time, the less we runners train.

Eating is so important right now, and I've been a very good boy, Johnny, as Men at Work might say. I've been eating a wide variety of fruit, whole grains, granola and oats, and the other foods I recently mentioned. I've had one beer this week and ice cream once the last month or so; those of you that know me well probably think that's a misprint. I look at all the treats in the house and imagine they are foods I do not like - calamari, scrambled eggs, goat cheese, etc. The good people who have been making meals have brought us healthy, tasty food, which is much appreciated for many reasons. Most importantly, Dori must eat well through this stretch. Thanks to our friends, she is.

I thought you might enjoy a post from friend, Rex Hammock, and comment from Paige Clancy about CaringBridge and Dori. Read more here. Rex not only is a great guy, but he's also one of the original Nashville bloggers (and a good one). I work with his Hammock Publishing team, and think a lot of them - Summer, Laura, Lena, all of them. Paige "The Stalker" and I worked together at The City Paper 5-6 years ago ... she also has a cool neighborhood-focused blog here. They are very good writers.

The first week back at work went well. I talked to Dori often, but not for long periods of time. I actually got some things done at work, and was welcomed back in a special way by NFIB-ers. You heard about Julia Ciarlo Hammond's effort with her sister, Christine. Well, several others pitched in to donate a healthy sum to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Some other efforts for Dori and LLS may also be underway at NFIB.

One last note: Janet Rosenberg at the Legal Aid Society - where we're having the downtown blood and bone marrow donor drive Tuesday, Aug, 28 - tells me 75 people have already signed up! Middle Tennesseans can register by calling Janet at 780-7130. One note to blood donor participants: You will be eligible for a raffle for a restored '67 Mustang from Blood Assurance, which is managing the drive.

Jim

Decisions

Long day, so I'll be brief.

Kathryn and Will went back to school today. From all accounts, it went well. I can tell 4th grade is going to be a lot different for Kathryn than 2nd and 3rd. It was for me ... I started thinking about girls, not just sports. In Will's 2nd grade class, the kids drew a picture that captured their summer and then they talked briefly about it. Will drew a picture of a tall hospital and said his Mom was there for 54 days. He said she walks two miles a day and has no hair. The staff and parents I saw at St. Bernard Academy this morning were wonderful, by the way.

Please read today's CaringBridge post (link on left) about the latest on Dori. We have a lot to discuss this weekend. Please also note the news release we posted about an upcoming Bone Marrow Donor Drive on Tuesday, August 28. Hopefully, you can help get on the National Registry through this effort, as well as tell folks about the opportunity.

I'm not back to running yet. I did another 40 minutes yesterday on the eliptical at the sweltering Green Hills Y; today, we were at VUMC much of the day, so no workout. I may run again this weekend, if I'm 100%. The calf is feeling about 85-95%, depending on the hour.

I'm so glad the kids are back in school. Welcome back, routine.

Jim