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San Diego Rock 'n' Roll

July, 2008

Dear Friends,

Time to share with you the incredible experience I had in San Diego at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon event!

The feeling of being with all team members began at airport check in. There is nothing more fun than traveling with a team. Friday evening some of us were excited to be able to go out to dinner near the hotel and sit out on the deck. It’s San Diego…sunshine!

Saturday we had free time until our Pasta Feed at 1PM. The food was fantastic. The program highlight was the guest speaker from Fairbanks, Alaska, David Monson. He spoke with such passion sharing from his heart the story of his wife’s fight with leukemia. David then went out the next morning with all of us and ran the full marathon in honor of his wife, Susan Butcher.

On to race day. We were all up and at the course by 4:30am to sit and wait for the starting gun at 6:00AM. Being a walker I was in Coral 23 (the last one) and it took about 30 minutes for me to cross over the starting line. It was a beautiful sunny warm day. One highlight was when I reached the half way point at mile 13.4. The next highlight was as I was approaching mile 19 the last cut off point on the course. I had to be beyond mile 19 at 12:15. As I saw that point it was almost 12:15 and we heard that the police were getting anxious to open up the road to traffic. Can you believe it…we ran to get past that mile point. It was unbelievable. Then I knew I would make it to the full 26.2 mile point. I felt okay physically until I got to about mile 21. At this point my feet, legs and back began to feel the strain of being on my feet for more than six hours. One of our coaches, Katie joined me at this point and walked the rest of the way with me. It was so good to have her beside me. Her conversation was so good to have as it kept me going until I made it across the finish line. I remember seeing mile maker 24 and thought wait a minute I already passed mile 24 it should be mile 25!!! I guess at that point I had hit the wall!

Two point two miles later though there was the finish line and the neatest thing was I heard the man up on the stage say and here is Faith Gray from Maple Valley!! I did it in 7 hours 56 minutes.

The entire experience wouldn’t have been possible without your financial and emotional support. Thank you so much. Our Washington/Alaska Chapter this Spring raised over $300,000 to the continued research for a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. I was especially moved as I walked along the course when I turned a corner in the road and a gentleman was there with a sign showing he lost his wife to the disease and was thanking us for walking. I was humbled to be able to endure the pain of training and then walking in memory of those who have died from the disease and in honor of those who have won the fight and are experiencing remission.

May we continue to raise money to further help the possibility of finding a cure for these diseases.

Grateful to you all,

Faith

Last Saturday Training...WhooHoo!

Today, Saturday, May 24th was our last training walk! I walked for 80 minutes. We started again at Matthews Beach and headed north. The weather was perfect, clear, warm in the 70s and it was just exciting to realize this was our last Saturday to train. I walked with Janet and Stephanie (whose dad had died of leukemia years before.)

We wore signs for Neil (one of the Anchorage runners whose dad died of leukemia last year at the age of 61) and Grant (one of our honorary ambassadors who is struggling with leukemia now. He has really been having a tough time lately. There was also the poster with pictures of those of us walking and for whom we were walking. I am so proud to be walking in memory of Ron Hamilton.

At the end of our walk I stayed until the Anchorage runners came in after their 20 mile run. It was fun helping hang the checker flag, write with chalk on the walk way and then ring the bell and shake the flags welcoming them to the finish line. It brought back memories of two weeks ago when I did my long walk...you are just so glad you made it.

This week will be the send off party on Wednesday and then late morning on Friday boarding the airplane for the trip to San Diego.

I still can't believe I am going to walk a 26.2 marathon walk.

Hot weather but training is winding down

Today, Saturday May 17th at 8 a.m. we began walking on the next to the last Saturday before the Marathon, beginning at the Redhook Brewery. I only had to walk for 100 minutes but it was 80 degrees as we finished at 10 a.m. I wore my half size larger walking shoes today and think maybe that has been my problem. When I got done my feet did not hurt as much.

There was some Wisteria blooming at the Herb Farm Restaurant next to the brewery. It was really beautiful. I just love Wisteria.

It was so nice to have only a short walk today partly because it was so humid with the high temperature and partly because it is just getting time to do the real thing...bring on the marathon!

I then went to Harry and Tordis' home. Tordis and I had planned to go to the 17th of May Norwegian Parade in Ballard. This was the 119 annual parade. Tordis put on her festive buna and off we went. As we walked along the street a young man came up to Tordis and spoke to her in Norwegian. He recognized the design of her buna as being from the same area of Norway where he was from. He is studying here in Washington. That was really exciting for Tordis to have some one from her area of Norway spot her in the crowd! David (Tordis' nephew) his wife, Terry, and their son found us so we watched the parade with them. The parade was two hours long but we were in the shade and there was a slight breeze although standing was tiring. Next year we should bring chairs. Harry didn't come as his knee is causing him pain. He has surgery on Tuesday to get a new knee. We stood right across from the center stage so we had a good view.

Harry picked us up after the parade and we all went out to dinner. It was a nice afternoon.

Then it was home to bed after a long hot day.

My longest walk yet...from Gas Works Park

Ouch...my feet are sore tonight because today, May 10th I walked almost 18 miles in 5 hours.

Before we headed out Amy gave those of us who walk a turtle pin...for the slow and steady people! Amy usually walks with a stuffed toy turtle on her hat so it was fun to get a turtle to be a part of the "slow and steady" team! We began 7:15a.m. at Gas Works Park in Seattle. The temperature was good - 53 degrees but we did not get the sunshine, in fact at one point we had a rain shower.

I walked along the Burke Gilman Trail just past Mathews Beach. I almost made it to the 9 mile water stop. (It was probably just around the next corner, but you can never be sure and it was time to turn back.)

Half way back I stopped and changed socks. My hot spots didn't look too bad so I thought this is good. I ended up finishing the last 3 miles with some of the team from Tacoma. I enjoyed getting some pointers about the course in San Diego.

As we turned in to the park the TNT Coaches and Mentors were there with cheers welcoming us back to base! There were decorations (Rock 'N' Roll) and Alexxx took my picture after Gerb put my medal on as I walked over the finish line!

I walked down into the picnic area and there was food, the gang, and a kid's pool with ice water in which to soak my feet. It did feel good. Thanks Team for giving us such a great party!

After relaxing for a while I headed up to Lynnwood to help Grant's Mom, Kim, with her laundry. Grant is our team's honorary teammate. He is fighting with leukemia and is back in the hospital right now. I stayed until the laundry was all folded and put away. Kim felt good that her laundry was all done for once. Hopefully her Mother's Day will be a little brighter. Her husband is in Alaska fishing so she is here dealing with Grant's illness by herself....and that is a heavy burden for a mom.

I made my way home, showered and assessed how my feet were doing. It turns out I have a very small blister on the side of each foot. Oh...I was so hoping to avoid them. I'll have to try and figure out why I had rubbing on those spots.

Otherwise, it was a good walk. Only three weeks to go before the big day!

March of Dimes

Sunday, May 4th I participated in the March of Dimes Walk in Seattle with others from CitiFinancial. Ardith was there with her husband, John and two children and Dulce and Gabe two of our Branch Managers.

We begin inside Qwest Field right down on the field. The walk then takes us up the Alaskan Viaduct on the top level...how fun that was walking on the street being able to look below on the city. A view you can only see if you walk on the street! It was a short walk. An hour each way.

When we arrived back on the field the sun was out and it was warm - a beautiful day. The walk was for a great cause...raising money to help mom's birth healthy babies.

The Spirit of the Marathon

Thursday, May 1st a few of us training for one of the TNT marathons watched the movie, The Spirit of the Marathon. I really enjoyed watching it as it helped me realize what an amazing event I am about to participate in on June 1st in San Diego. Committing to walk a 26.2 marathon is no small decision considering the training involved and also because I need to raise $4,000.

There were about four participants the movie followed through their decision to do a marathon in Chicago and what they encountered along the way.

It was an inspiring movie. I am glad I saw it.

Redmond Watershed

Saturday, May 3rd was a beautiful day for a walk through the woods...3 hours about 9 miles. The weather was probably high 40s, overcast and a drizzle here and there. What was really beautiful was where we walked. We were at the Redmond Watershed Preserve. It was a beautiful spot to walk. It was challenging due to the hills and terrain but so quiet and peaceful as we walked the loop. I walked with Mary Ellen again today...we had such a great walk and talk.

And the most wonderful thing...my feet had no problems.

The path was still a little wet in spots but not too bad.
The Trilliums were in bloom along with the skunk cabbage!

I then went and had a cup of coffee and read the paper relaxing after the walk.

Then on the way back I drove into Seattle and watched the end of the Boat Parade.

The amphi cars were just about last but a nice site to watch as these boat cars went through the water. In fact Larry and Nancy Solheim's "Amphi" was in the paper. How special is that!

Warm at last

Today getting up at 5:15 a.m. was tough. It was hard to know how to dress. Waking up the temperature was mid 30s but supposed to be sunny and up to high 50s. Well, I dressed right, to be warm, especially when I saw I had to scrape the light frost off my windshield. I still made it to Marymoor Park in Redmond on time.

We headed out at 7:15 toward Woodinville. It was chilly and then warmed up nicely. Today was 250 minutes. I got to the 6 mile mark and said I have to make it to the 7 mile marker...and I did. Then it was back to base...another 7. I was feeling pretty good. I wore my new orthotics (when I put them on at Real Rehab my physical therapist said I walked with a wider stride already. Wow was that good news!) However, getting home my right foot was hurting. So there is still some issue to figure out.

But I was very encouraged walking the distance and did a 17.24 minute mile.

The picture of the Totem Pole was at the park.

Mathews Beach Heading North

April 19 7:00 a.m. we began at Mathews Beach and walked North. We certainly went by some beautiful homes along the water. There were a couple that were really really cute...I wouldn't mind having one of them!! Today was a 170 minutes walk.

Some of the group were not there this Saturday. Hopefully they are not sick with the bug that has been going around and lingering. The weather was cool again (hand warmers and ear protectors cool) and just as we finished the rain began. That was a lucky break. I just have no desire to do a long walk in the rain.

Today I walked with Mary Ellen. She is training for the Alaska walk but is able to train with us. It was enjoyable getting acquainted with her.

The walk wasn't difficult at all and at the end my feet did not really hurt at all.

Afterwards I stopped in Fremont to buy a cup of coffee from Kerri's shop. She had cut here hair to just above the shoulder. It looks beautiful and very attractive! Then I stopped in to visit Harry and Tordis and had a good visit with them.

Sunday Pat, a friend from New Hampshire was in Seattle visiting with her daughter. They were looking at the Art Institute as a possible college for her daughter to attend. We attended worship at UPC, lunch at the Pelican Cafe and then toured some of the city. We drove by the University some of the houseboats, Gas Works Park and Fremont. We went to the Ballard Locks and watched the boats for a while. Then I drove them out the see Snoqualmie Falls. The view of the mountains as we drove there was really beautiful and I was glad they were able to see that view. We finished the day with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory in Bellevue...our cheesecake was simply delicious!

This week I train to get ready for a long walk on Saturday.

Soon we will be a month away from the big walk. It is amazing to think the time is almost here.

This Friday I'll get my orthotics and hopefully I'll see a big improvement for my long walks.

Warm spring day at last

Saturday, April 12th turned out to be the most beautiful, warm, and in the afternoon hot sunny day we have had. The area had low 80s for temperatures. Our training again started at Redhook Brewery in Woodinville.

The dragonfly is at the beginning of the walk bridge just as you make your way to the trail.

Today I walked for 230 minutes between 13-15 miles, that is half way for the marathon. The walk became a bit tiring at the end. But I stuck with it and finished it, but boy I was really exhausted. The drive home was very long. I thought I would never get there...but I made it. Saturday was definitely a day of hitting the wall!

Only my right foot hurt a little bit afterward. I am waiting for my new orthotics and really hope this will help.

My fund raising is up to $2,300..thanks to all who have contributed.

It is time to come up with some fund raising ideas. Perhaps another Saturday after our walk 2 or 3 of us will choose a QFC grocery store in the area and go stand outside hoping to raise some money as well as awareness of what the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is all about.

One of the ladies with whom I walk mentioned her father-in-law who is dying of leukemia is not doing well at all. Any Saturday now I expect to hear she is not walking with us today because he passed away. He is another reason why I am going through the training, the exhaustion, the hurting feet, the early Saturday mornings...always on the trail at 7 a.m. Training and raising money so research can help bring a cure and a chance to live longer.

Saturday, April 5th

Saturday I did not walk. I have been fighting a cold all week and just did not have the energy to get up early, go out into the chilly air, perhaps even rain and walk for three hours. I sure hope to be back on the training scene next week.

Son Tyler turns 23

Tyler turned 23 on April 2nd.

He was almost an April Fool's baby. However my sister's daughter was an April Fool's Baby so Grammie and Grampie were at their house on April 1st in 1985 to celebrate her birthday so Tyler just had to wait one more day so Grammie and Grampie could come to help watch sister Kerri while Mom and Dad were at the hospital.

I had a lovely evening with Tyler on Tuesday April 1st having dinner together and then enjoying giving him gifts...even some to help him get set up in his apartment he'll have in the Fall when he begins grad school at Gonzaga in Spokane to study law.

Sun, cold, but no SNOW

Last Saturday, March 29th just as the sun rose I drove into Matthews Beach in Seattle for this week's 180 minute walk. During the week the area had cold temperatures, rain and snow. I was so worried it would be snowy and very cold for the walk. I went out this week and bought thermal liners and good walking pants. The thought of being cold is just something I can't imagine. Look at these beautiful spring flowers almost hidden in the snow from Wednesday's snowstorm.

The walk was beautiful with views of Lake Washington on the left. I was very conscious of my feet watching to be sure they were not giving me trouble. All seemed good. Three hours later we were finished. I got home though and my feet did hurt. I showered and then soaked my feet in Epsom salt. They hurt on the bone on the inside of each foot just below the big toe. I mean they really hurt.

Sunday TNT (Team in Training) had a party at Jillians Billiards in Seattle. We are at the half way point before the walk. It was fun being there just to have fun and visit with the team. I talked with one of the coaches. He thought my feet were turning in too much. So this week I will see the physical therapist again to hopefully figure out what I need to be able to walk with out pain.

Spring

Saturday, March 22nd and as the rising sun is still showing the pink of the morning I arrive in Woodinville for another Saturday walk. Today it is 130 minutes. The day is beautiful, a little cool and brisk (37 degrees) as we begin but a gorgeous spring day. The TNT leaders had written with chalk, over the first quarter mile of the trail, names of those for whom some of us are walking. We were asked to walk silently as we passed over the names. I was excited to see Ron's name there...the last name before the runners sped up. The walk went well. I was almost walking a 15 minute mile. If I can keep this up I'll do fine for time on June 1st.

When I came home and relaxed my feet hurt. Same issue on the left side of my right foot just below the big toe and both heels were hurting. I will check this out this week. I am not liking this pain at all.

I turned in my recommitment form...there is no turning back now. I am excited to report I have raised $2,080 of the $4,000 needed. Thank you to all who have donated.

Today, Easter Sunday was a good day. After participating in a beautiful worship service at UPC in Seattle I enjoyed a lovely brunch with some girlfriends.

Daughter Kerri turns 25

Wednesday, March 13th after work I drove to Fremont to meet up with my daughter Kerri, her boyfriend Nick and friends Michaela, Rachel and Joan to eat Sushi and celebrate her 25th birthday. Congratulations Kerri. Have a wonderful year.

Marymoor Park, Redmond on Saturday March 15th

Today was the Ides of March. (The soothsayer's warning to Julius Caesar, "Beware the Ides of March," has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding. But in Roman times the expression "Ides of March" did not necessarily evoke a dark mood—it was simply the standard way of saying "March 15." Surely such a fanciful expression must signify something more than merely another day of the year? Not so. Even in Shakespeare's time, sixteen centuries later, audiences attending his play Julius Caesar wouldn't have blinked twice upon hearing the date called the Ides. Taken from the Ides of March website.) That might be more information than you wanted...but there it is.

It was raining as I drove to Redmond this morning. Thankfully as we began our walk around the park and Lake Sammamish the rain stopped. Today was 120 minutes (2 hours) our longest walk yet. Near the end my left lower hip area hurt. This is the second time I have had this trouble. When I go back for a second consultation at Real Rehab PT I'll have that checked out.

After leaving the park I drove to Everett to a friend's house. There five women made sugar Easter cookies...having fun decorating all of them. Each took home a good portion to share with our family and friends for Easter. This is becoming a seasonal event. What special occasion can we come up with for Summer and Fall? Only time will tell.

In the evening I noticed my feet hurt on the inside by my big toe. I am wondering if my shoes are too small. I may need to go up another half size. Sunday my feet are still sore.

Today, as I write it is Palm Sunday. The service at University Presbyterian Church was very moving. Go to www.UPC.org later in the week and you can hear via podcast the sermon by Paster Earl Palmer.

This week are the days leading to Easter. I trust your spiritual belief will enable you to experience the meaning of the Cross. Blessings to all.

Saturday training at Seward Park March 8th

Seward Park located on the south end of Lake Washington Boulevard is a pretty spot to walk along Lake Washington. Today the temperature was a bit cool and at times there was a little mist as we walked for 110 minutes. The walk itself went well. This is a park that one has to be sure you leave nothing in your car that would attract thieves, put everything away in your trunk. One of our TNT trainers did leave things on her front seat. When she was ready to leave she found her car window was broken and her things stolen. A tough lesson to learn. On the way home I stopped at the Green Fresh Market on Rainer Avenue just near the Renton Airport. While there I met two of our crew, the daughter is our team photographer.

Last Week of February

This week was a bit tough. I wasn't able to train as well. Other commitments prevented me from getting out and training. I went to dinner Friday evening for a friend's milestone birthday. Her girlfriend had them arrive at the restaurant in a white limo. How fun is that! Our dinner at the Wild Ginger in Seattle was wonderful. The three of us had a really fun time. When we finally left the restaurant around 11 p.m. the limo came back and I got in as well and rode around the corner to the garage where I had parked my car. I arrived home and got to sleep around 1 pm. Up again at 5:45 a.m. and up to Gas Works Park in Seattle for my training walk. Today we only had to do 80 minutes. We walked along the Burke-Gilman trail again. Training went well. New donations this week brought my total to just over $,1700. I am just about half way there. Thanks to those who have donated.

Saturday, February 23rd

Today was the beginning of the long training sessions. I had to walk for 100 minutes today. Because I don't walk a 12 minute or less mile - I had to start at 7:30 a.m. at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It was a beautiful day and the walk down Eastern Avenue along Lake Union to the Burt Gillman Trail toward Gas Works Parks was enjoyable. I did find my left lower hip area hurting near the end of the walk. I would not want to have this hurt for 26 miles. Fortunately we had a clinic after the walk with a physical therapist. He said maybe part of it is arthritis. He also said it might be that my orthotics are not completely right. So I'll set up a consultation to see if I can get this corrected. At the end of the walk Cindy and I figured we did a 15.1 minute mile average; that was exciting news! Anything below a 17 minute mile is good as it means we should be able to do the marathon in June in the allotted time. The other exciting thing was that I received the #3 best fund raising dollar amount recognition for the week. Thanks to those who donated this past week. On to Week 4.

Wednesday Walk

I walked during my lunch break...a nice clear warm day in the Great Northwest. Thirty minutes through the park and back to work. Back at work my back hurt a little. I am not sure why...but my herniated disk reminds me I am vulnerable. Guess it just means get to bed early. Saturday I have to be ready for the 110 minute training walk starting at Fred Hutchinson Building in Seattle.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Rock 'N' Roll Marathon

I am in the 3rd week of Team in Training for the Rock 'N' Roll 26.2 mile Marathon to be held June 1st in San Diego. I train 4 days a week usually on my own and then on Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. I join the Seattle team to train together.

Why am I doing this you ask? It is because my college roommate's husband passed away in November last year of leukemia. Please go to my website as I describe it just a bit further.

http://www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/FGrayforRonH

Yesterday, we were at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville, WA. It was cool and foggy as we started out on the trail for an hour. I am walking as I don't think I can do a run. It turned out to be a beautiful day. What a great way to start the weekend!

Today I notice an issue with my left ankle. I'll ask my chiropractor tomorrow when I visit her. After comleting the Cancer 3-Day Walk two years ago I don't feel I should have any problem training and completing this walk in June. But I am always alert to anything I feel is going on with my feet. I dread the thought of having bad blisters or putting my knee out.

I am mailing out letters this week and sending an email out as I do need to raise $4,000. If you are able to help...thanks. I need to raise at least $1,000 by March 14th to stay in the game.