Can you believe that I only have about two months of training to go for my marathon? I can hardly comprehend how quickly it is coming up! I am really getting excited about it! This letter is an update to let all of you know that I am still training, and I will make it to the marathon. Whether I actually make it through all 26.2 miles of the marathon itself is another question…

For the past four weeks, our coaches have been working us on hills during the week, and endurance on the weekends. We have been consistently increasing our mileage during the weekend runs from 3 miles the first week, to 14 miles this weekend. The long runs are fun to do with friends, so you can complain together about what part of your body aches the most at what mile.

I’ve also been learning a lot of fun things about running, hydration and nutrition. Let me just tell you, I am so sick of hydrating! Hydrate is the buzz word for runners in the summer. This was kind of difficult for me, as I have never really been an avid drinker. But they are very sneaky about it. They start you off slowly with instructions to drink sufficient fluids during longer runs. A few weeks later, they begin to talk about hydrating before a run; and I’m not talking about a few minutes or hours, I’m talking the day or two before! And if that’s not bad enough, then they throw in re-hydration after the runs! OK, I know fluids are important to maintain in your body, but sometimes I feel like I’m afloat with them. And you can’t hydrate for long without thinking about where the nearest bathroom is. Believe me, there really aren’t many in Central Park.

Enough about water…Recently, it has been more difficult to run regularly because I didn’t want to run on the streets here in Newark, where we have just moved. However, the park one block south of us has proved itself worthy (i.e. safe), and I have enjoyed running its perimeter. I also run after work while I am still in NYC, or drive to the suburbs.

The fundraising has been a challenge too. My deadline of October 1st is approaching quickly. Thank you so much to those of you who have contributed and are still planning on sending a contribution. It is not too late to donate! Please know that your money is definitely well invested in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I firmly believe that every little bit counts. Just a few weeks ago, an event happened that served to remind me of why I am doing all this: I learned that a close family member has been diagnosed with cancer. It hits so hard and fast, doesn’t it?

I have a small collection of names that you have sent along with donations. On race day, I will write these names on my jersey to honor those loved ones that we know who have endured the struggle of living with cancer. If you have a name you would like to add, please send it to me. Also, if you know anyone who would like to support me in my marathon and donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, let me know and I will be more than happy to send them a letter. If you have time, please check out our website: www.kennsarah.net/26.2 where we will be posting some pictures of me in action :) and a progress bar for my fundraising.

By the way, did you ever wonder why the official distance of a marathon was exactly 26 miles, 385 yards (26.2 mi)? Well, previous to 1908, the marathon standard had actually been set at exactly 26 miles. However, at the Olympic marathon that year in London, it was decided that the royal family needed a better view of the finish line. Organizers of the race added an extra 385 yards to the race so the finish line would be in front of the royal box. It’s been that way ever since.

(If you would like to make a donation now, please visit the donations page. Thanks!)