During my Saturday morning trainings, I found a true friend and walking partner in Dolores, a teammate who was also planning to walk the full marathon in San Francisco. Her daughter, Danielle, is a sophomore at TCU who is battling leukemia. Our team captain, Don, is a leukemia survivor who ran his first marathon while he was still going through chemotherapy. Not too long ago, he ran another marathon in Rome, where views of the Vatican helped keep him inspired. He often trains with his wife, a wonderful woman with a huge heart.
I found many other friends in TNT as well. Running coaches Manuel and Carlo always offered fabulous advice and support. Manuel drove me to my car after my first 15-mile training session when my feet hurt so badly that I didn’t think I could walk the half-mile back. He also encouraged and comforted me on the day when we were supposed to complete 20 miles (let’s just call it a very bad training day for me). As for Carlo, he was a former classmate of mine that I never officially met during my days at TCU. We became fast friends and share many friendships with people in the community.
Our walking coach, Liesel, spent many hours with Dolores and me. There were lots of days when she kept us going, kept our minds off the long training and kept us focused on our goal. Her support made a huge impact on my training; I couldn’t have done it without her.
Liesel’s good friend Dianna was a mentor to many of my teammates. One time at El Scorcho, a 50K ultramarathon, Dianna’s determination inspired me and brought me to tears. And then there was Cara, who was my mentor. She called me regularly to check in on me and offer her support. Some days she would even curb her own training to walk with me.
Dee was another walker who gave me invaluable advice and became a dear friend. We’ll always share a laugh recalling the 18-mile walk where we were forced to ford a flooded trail during a torrential downpour.
Meredith was our TNT staff member support. I’ll always remember her as the first friendly face I met before training even started. I can’t forget Dawn, who trained for the half-marathon along with her good friend, Regina. These two gals have tremendous energy and spirit (and I’ll never decline one of Regina’s post-training massages, either).
Renae was one of the first trainees I met. She has beautiful children and I loved hearing the stories of how they supported her endeavors. Chenene and JJ were two more of my team of fabulous walking friends. Sweet Jennifer trained through pain in her hips and some of the worst blisters I’ve ever seen. Melissa, who was my amazing roommate in San Francisco, began as a non-runner and quickly became a super runner. Beautiful Beverly lost her husband prior to the start of our training season. She trained to heal.
And then there was Sarah. Her mom and dad both suffered from lymphoma before Sarah was diagnosed herself. She trained to support those who supported her during her own illness.
I also found tremendous support from the friends and family members who donated to my fundraising efforts. As part of the TNT program, I was required to raise $3,900 for LLS – I raised more than $4,100. I was particularly touched by my family friends who donated, including one of my sister’s students and several of my dad’s golf buddies. A friend from high school, who I haven’t seen in 13 years, donated more than $50. One of my favorite college professors, a woman I admire beyond words, donated $200. I was overwhelmed.
