Well, I'm definitely into the home stretch. Only one more week of training before the "big one". I ran 9 miles early on Saturday morning and then drove over to our downtown area where the city hosted a 5K race as part of its annual "Italian Fest". My goal in the 5K was to break 30 minutes and was able to complete the 3.1 miles in 29:27 - it was a little tough after running 9 miles just 30 minutes earlier. It was a fun little race even though many runners of all ages were passing me by. The last and only "real" race I had participated in was back in 1984 when I ran a 10K in San Antonio while in the Air Force's Officer Training School.
There's not a whole lot more to say other than to say I'm mentally ready and anxious for the race. After putting in over 325 miles of training I feel I've done the necessary prerequisites to accomplish the mission. I completed runs of 13, 15, 16, 18, and 20 miles so if I'm not ready now I will never be.
I purchased a minature video camera to carry during the race so I can capture a "bird's eye" view of allot of the race; I'll post it up on youtube for everyone to see - it should be an interesting video.
I want to continue to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 60 sponsors so far. If you want, there is still time to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann”.
I have surpassed $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you (again) for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.
If you are still interested in donating there is still time
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Monday, September 24, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Week 18 Chicago Marathon training update
WooHoo!!! I completed 20.2 miles this past Saturday and I can honestly say I felt like I could have completed 6 more miles. It was a very cool morning so that contributed to the good running. I actually had a second wind at mile 16 and started running faster the last 4 miles; I was sore after the run but no more than usual. During the run I thought back to the early stages of the training where the long runs were 2 and 3 miles; I remember struggling to complete 3 miles on a mile and a half track justr 4 months ago - our whole team "has come a long way baby!" The Team in Training organization has been the catalyst to getting us all to this point - they really can build you into an endurance athlete.
This week I also recieved my race registration and bib number in the mail so I'm pretty excited. A couple other milestones this past week were surpassing over 300 miles in training, surpassing $5000 in donations, and I now have over 60 sponsors!!!
Here's a link to a preview of a marathon documentary being made to showcase the "everyday" marathon runner. I relate to the guy who says "I'm doing it for the T shirt" :>) - it may inspire you to get off the couch.............
http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html - you'll also notice the vast sea of humanity that'll be participating in Chicago - its really unbelievable.
I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 60 sponsors so far. There is still time to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann”. I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.
I have surpassed $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.
If you are still interested in donating there is still time
Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
This week I also recieved my race registration and bib number in the mail so I'm pretty excited. A couple other milestones this past week were surpassing over 300 miles in training, surpassing $5000 in donations, and I now have over 60 sponsors!!!
Here's a link to a preview of a marathon documentary being made to showcase the "everyday" marathon runner. I relate to the guy who says "I'm doing it for the T shirt" :>) - it may inspire you to get off the couch.............
http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html - you'll also notice the vast sea of humanity that'll be participating in Chicago - its really unbelievable.
I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 60 sponsors so far. There is still time to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann”. I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.
I have surpassed $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.
If you are still interested in donating there is still time
Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
Monday, September 10, 2007
Week 17 - 2007 Chicago marathon training update
This past week was another good week of running. Our group was scheduled to run 14 miles this past Saturday and I exceeded the goal by running 14.2 :>) I like to exceed the goal to gain a little confidence; I know I’m going to need every ounce of confidence to complete the 5 hour 26.2 miles. I’m told the marathon will test your mental endurance even more than your physical endurance. A confident attitude will help you keep going when your reach the “wall”. I figure if I give in when my mind says “I want to stop now” during the long training runs it will be too easy to give up during the marathon.
I am nursing a sore and infected “big toe” though. I saw a Dr on Friday and he gave me some antibiotics to fight the infection. It’s not too painful while I’m running so I hope it doesn’t get any worse. The race is less than 30 days away so I do not need anything to interrupt the training.
This coming Saturday is the “big test”- our group is scheduled run 20 miles. This will be the longest training run before the marathon. After that run we are supposed to “taper” the training in order to give the body a chance to heal before the race.
If you haven’t already acted there is still time to be a part of this historic event. I could be the first 54 year old, retired Air Force, 6’1, 195 pound, former coach potato, with size 13 shoes, to run a marathon with absolutely no previous running experience in the past 20 years – it should definitely be some kind of world record.
I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 50 sponsors so far. Time is running out to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann” I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.
I am close to surpassing $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases.
This weekend is the deadline to donate
Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
I am nursing a sore and infected “big toe” though. I saw a Dr on Friday and he gave me some antibiotics to fight the infection. It’s not too painful while I’m running so I hope it doesn’t get any worse. The race is less than 30 days away so I do not need anything to interrupt the training.
This coming Saturday is the “big test”- our group is scheduled run 20 miles. This will be the longest training run before the marathon. After that run we are supposed to “taper” the training in order to give the body a chance to heal before the race.
If you haven’t already acted there is still time to be a part of this historic event. I could be the first 54 year old, retired Air Force, 6’1, 195 pound, former coach potato, with size 13 shoes, to run a marathon with absolutely no previous running experience in the past 20 years – it should definitely be some kind of world record.
I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 50 sponsors so far. Time is running out to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann” I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.
I am close to surpassing $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases.
This weekend is the deadline to donate
Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Week 16 - Marathon training Update
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. It was a beautiful 3-day weekend here with very nice “running” weather. On early Saturday morning our group (of 4) met at the local bike trail and ran a half marathon (13.1 miles). We were only scheduled to run 12 miles but decided it would sound cool to say “I ran a half marathon” rather than say “ I ran 12 miles”.
It’s hard to believe the finale to this journey is now just over 30 days away. It seems like only yesterday the crazy idea to run a marathon and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society crossed my mind. It’s actually crossed my mind to attempt another marathon in the winter to take advantage of all the training I’ve done. I’m hoping that thought will go away soon :>). Certain parts of my body are starting to feel the wear and tear of the over 260 miles I’ve run the past 4 months. Currently my ankles and knees are starting to remind me that they are not happy about the abuse.
I received another letter inspiring me even more to “tough it out” when I feel like this is too "hard". Here’s an excerpt from a letter I received this week: “Rose was a very dear friend of mine- she was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2005 – never leaving the hospital she died Nov 27, 2005, leaving 3 children and me (her very best friend), she was only 44. I miss her so!” What I’m going through doesn’t compare to those that suffer or have suffered at the hands of these diseases.
On another sad note, the keynote speaker at our first Team in Training organizational meeting back in May died this past week. He was 32 years old and left behind 2 kids. For all of those that are successful in beating these diseases there are those that become victims. The sad thing is it can happen to anyone; it’s good to know the money raised through this event will go directly to those trying to find a cure. Your donation is definitely needed and will definitely make a difference.
I have surpassed $4000 in donations and want to thank you again for your generosity. I know everyone is solicited for donations from lots of deserving organizations and there is just not enough to go around. If you are still interested in making a donation I have until Sep 17th for any online donations and all “mailed” donations need to arrive by Sep 12th in order to have them processed by the deadline.
To make a donation click below:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
It’s hard to believe the finale to this journey is now just over 30 days away. It seems like only yesterday the crazy idea to run a marathon and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society crossed my mind. It’s actually crossed my mind to attempt another marathon in the winter to take advantage of all the training I’ve done. I’m hoping that thought will go away soon :>). Certain parts of my body are starting to feel the wear and tear of the over 260 miles I’ve run the past 4 months. Currently my ankles and knees are starting to remind me that they are not happy about the abuse.
I received another letter inspiring me even more to “tough it out” when I feel like this is too "hard". Here’s an excerpt from a letter I received this week: “Rose was a very dear friend of mine- she was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2005 – never leaving the hospital she died Nov 27, 2005, leaving 3 children and me (her very best friend), she was only 44. I miss her so!” What I’m going through doesn’t compare to those that suffer or have suffered at the hands of these diseases.
On another sad note, the keynote speaker at our first Team in Training organizational meeting back in May died this past week. He was 32 years old and left behind 2 kids. For all of those that are successful in beating these diseases there are those that become victims. The sad thing is it can happen to anyone; it’s good to know the money raised through this event will go directly to those trying to find a cure. Your donation is definitely needed and will definitely make a difference.
I have surpassed $4000 in donations and want to thank you again for your generosity. I know everyone is solicited for donations from lots of deserving organizations and there is just not enough to go around. If you are still interested in making a donation I have until Sep 17th for any online donations and all “mailed” donations need to arrive by Sep 12th in order to have them processed by the deadline.
To make a donation click below:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
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