Update, eternal wisdom from Honored Hero Jordan

I've copied an except here below from Jordan's most recent online Journal entry:

As I continue my recovery, I’m learning the difference between ‘well’ and ‘healthy’. Patients can leave the clinic healthy and cured, but may not be well....Right now, I am definitely recovering well and quickly, and am well...

Thank goodness! He continues:

There is no rhyme or reason to who gets it. It doesn’t care if you’re in shape or not, it doesn’t care if you have a family or not, it doesn’t care if you’ve got the insurance coverage or the money to handle the medical bills—it just takes and takes and takes from whomever crosses its path...

But we can take back. We can’t take back our normal kidney function and we can’t take back the health we had before we had to do the things we have to do to survive cancer, but we can take lessons—we can learn. WE CAN BE WELL. We can learn to be happy with what we have...

...in time and with training I’ve been able to take back my body and compete in strenuous athletic events that even most normal people cannot do. I’m referring specifically to the triathlons I did...Cancer took my strength and athleticism, and I took it back...

Read the full entry on Jordan's CaringBridge Journal. I'm sure you'll be struck and I am by the fighting spirit of Jordan and his family and by the elements of eternal wisdom Jordan has earned through his multiple bouts with cancer.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

CaringBridge. Free Websites That Support And Connect Loved Ones During Critical Illness.

A short history of Team In Training's 20 years

It's been too long since I've shared a heart-thumping video. Here's a good one, produced as part of the 20th anniversary of TNT. Enjoy!

Check your Inbox

My first email message and fundraising appeal launched today. Check your Inbox. Since I'm using a professional email service (VerticalResponse) you may need to check your junk mail folder as well. Such is the nature of email...

If you did not get the email and would like to be added to my list, add a comment to this post, send me an email, or use the sign-up form to the right.

Thanks for your support!

P.S. Making a charitable donation was among the top 5 tips for reducing your 2007 tax burden according to the NBC Today show this morning, December 11, 2008.

The Rev James Grace runs for autism, son

[this letter is reprinted with permission by my friend Jimmy Grace - please consider extending your support]

Dear friends and family,

I am running in the RUN FOR AUTISM on January 13, 2008 in conjunction with the Chevron Houston Marathon.   Aside from training over the past few months and the next two months to come, I have decided to turn my sweat and blisters into something really meaningful.  I am contacting you to help me raise money for autism research.  To learn more, please visit my Web page http://www.firstgiving.com/jamesgrace .  My fundraising goal is $3,000.00.

I am dedicating this run to my oldest son, James, who was diagnosed with a form of Autism earlier this year.  I am running in the hopes to raise money for the Organization for Autism Research, a national non-profit organization that funds research and resources for individuals diagnosed with autism and their families.  Your pledge of support will help individuals whose struggles often exist outside the spotlight of society. 

Please consider sponsoring me in the RUN FOR AUTISM.  Every donation really does make a difference.  To find out more about the Organization for Autism Research, please visit their Web site  www.researchautism.org

Please forward this message to friends and family who might be interested in helping.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Peace,

Jimmy

The Rev. James M.L. Grace
Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
9600 South Gessner
Houston, Texas 77071

Still my favorite holiday

No presents.
Just family, food, and football. (Parades... I can take 'em or leave 'em).
Thanksgiving is the best.
I'm especially lucky that my wife does wonders with a turkey (brining was the secret this year), my in-laws specialize in sumptuous sides, and my mom adds old family favorites (Jello salad just like our Grandma used to make).

I hope you all had a great day. And thanks to all of you.

Who makes swim goggles for those with big noses?

I had a lot trouble finding a pair of swim goggles that fit my head. That was my predicament a year ago at the beginning of Season One (Winter 2006/07). I have a prominent nose. Swim goggle manufacturers seem not to take my kind into account when designing their products.

Alas, I did find a solution in a particular pair which looked not at all like those performance eye goggles that the Olympic swimmers wear but looked rather much more like a kid's scuba mask appropriate for the back-yard kiddie pool pretend dives. But they stayed on my face, kept the water out, and did not attempt to crush my nose as many others seemed designed to do. I came to like these goggles (made by TYR and named Hydrovision). It all ended when they quit working this past week. Two workouts, viciously cut short due to unexpected equipment failure. The seals leaked and my eyes were repeatedly splashed by chlorinated H2O. From Coach Tarp, expert on all triathlon, I learned of a local sage of goggle fitting arts. Located at the local run shop, a masters swimmer can be found, working the odd mix of retail hours, who provides for the local endurance athletes in training. Perhaps she has the answers I seek.

In my haste to return to the pool I took another course and visited the local chain sports warehouse. On a narrow aisle, I see the left overs which survived into the off-season. I read descriptions looking for a marketing term that is code for "big nose" and I think I actually found it. It's called the "Technoflex," another TYR goggle. So who makes goggles for those with big noses. TYR does. Thanks TYR! As I have a prominent nose.

Though I still think I'll visit the goggle sage... I'll let you know what I find.

Season Two: The Fundraising Plan

I just learned that our Winter team has already raised $29,588. Sadly, Team Goodman has not contributed to the team total... yet!

Here's my plan for hitting my goal of $3,000. The total will actually be a mix of real money and "credits" I get for volunteering. I figure the smart folks at TNT/LLS know what they're doing and the credits support the cause nearly almost as much as cold hard cash.

The plan for your review:

Fundraising Goal	$3,000
Source:	Planned amount to be raised:
Local business donation	$700
Volunteer credit	$1,300
Friends & family donations	$800
Personal donation	$200 or whatever is left over!

In Season One - I relied heavily upon Friends and Family, and everyone came through in amazing fashion. My two sisters, my mom, dad, aunts, uncles, family friends, co-workers, former co-workers, college friends, Fort Worth friends, fraternity brothers, and even some people I have never met in person who are friends of TNT/LLS and supporters of the cause all made generous donations.

In Season Two - I really want to diversify and work hard to get a few local businesses to pony up. I figure my increased calorie intake during triathlon training alone is benefiting the local economy. They really should give back. I'll keep you all posted here.

Share your thoughts on this plan (and feel free to make a donation!)

All the best...

Jameson 5k at Southwestern University 2007

This was my second year to run the Jameson 5k at Southwestern, which occurs Saturday morning during the annual Homecoming gathering each fall.

Two observations from this year's event:

• The field of runners both grew and got faster from last year to this year.
• I got slower.

A bit about the Jameson 5k:

The Jameson 5K at Southwestern began in 2001 as a way of honoring the memory of Jaysn Jameson and to increase the endowment of the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Each year of the race our goal is to improve upon the last year and build the race to a premiere event for Southwestern University and Georgetown.

Kenda Evans, sister of Jaysn, is the event organizer is doing a fantastic job in realizing that goal.

This year's results? I dropped to 122 (from 80 last year) and my time got worse. It may have been that extra G&T at the alumni hospitality on Friday night (I'm pretty sure of that actually...).

I absolutely plan to be back next year. And complete the run in under 25... we'll see how my Friday night goes next year :-)

Casino Night, Friday, Nov. 9th

Attention all gamblers and charity-minded silent auction fans!

The North Texas TNT group is sponsoring "Casino Night" at the La Cima Club, Las Colinas, from 7-11 PM, Friday, November 9, 2007.

You can order tickets online.

I also have advance tickets in my hand - so you can buy from me directly.

Of course, all proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Tickets are $40 each or $75 for two.

A few more reasons to come out for Casino Night!

1. Great for a date night!
2. Silent auction includes sport tickets and other super cool stuff!
3. You or your honey has a reason to pull that favorite cocktail dress out of the closet.
4. Guys, you can act out your James Bond fantasies and order a drink "shaken not stirred."
5. Did you think I was going someplace else with that James Bond thing?
6. Did we mention all this fun supports the fight against blood cancers?

Austin Race for the Cure®

My dear friend Katy is raising funds for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate by participating with "Team Tatas" in the Austin Race for the Cure®

Here's a word from Katy:

As many of you know, breast cancer research hits really close to home for me, as I am surrounded by survivors in my family: My mother, her sister (my aunt), and my eldest sister are all survivors of this disease. In all, we consider ourselves to be blessed, but it does not mean that our future as a family - and as a community - will not reveal many more instances of this deadly disease.

I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Austin Race for the Cure® on November 4th in the fight against breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more Susan G. Komen for the Cure Austin Affiliate can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.

Please join me in the fight by contributing generously to the Komen Austin Affiliate. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!

Komen Austin
P.O. Box 2164
Austin, TX 78768

Please include your information as well as the particpant you are supporting.

Or, donate online here.

Team in Training (TNT) turns 20

From a recent announcement about commemorating TNT's 20th year:

In 2008, Team In Training (TNT), the world’s largest sports endurance training program, will celebrate it’s twentieth year of saving lives, one mile at a time. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s TNT provides coaching and support for people to cross the finish line at marathons, cycling and triathlon events. Participants raise funds as they train.

TNT participants say that changing your life, making lasting friendships with teammates and impacting the lives of thousands of blood cancer patients is what makes the experience so rewarding.

This participant thinks that sums it up quite nicely.

Why we do this - Jordan's story continues

Jordan Deathe is the Honored Hero for our North Texas team.

He's got t-cell lymphoma. He just turned 22. He's already completed an event with TNT. He's been back in the hospital these past few months and this week he will undergo a bone marrow transplant.

He found a perfect bone marrow match. Jordan and his doctors are very hopeful.

Jordan shares his story via this Web site provided by Caring Bridge; he and his family keep a regularly updated journal of Jordan's progress and status.

I've met Jordan just once at our Summer Team kick-off, just prior to his cancer returning in this current relapse. He's a regular guy. As his writing attests he's also quite extraordinary. Take a few minutes to meet Jordan and consider offering a few words of support. He asks that everyone sign his guest book. It's not too much to ask, don't you think?

Ironman Hawaii - McCormack & Wellington top finishers

I'm just reading today's results of the IronMan Hawaii.

"You have to believe you can win." said McCormack in a pre-race interview. He gave a Aussie-style straight-up assessment of this past years rivalry between himself and the Germans, in particular Faris Al Sultan.

Last year's champion Normann Stadler and Al Sultan dropped out of the race with various ailments. New Zealand's Cameron Brown pulled out during the bike leg with complications from stomach virus.

Of the remaining men's field, McCormack took the prize.

Of the woman's field, Chrissie Wellington, a newcomer of sorts came in first.

$80k raised for LLS and more join ranks of triathletes

36 more (not so) regular folks joined the ranks of accomplished triathletes this past Sunday after the Dave Scott Texas Man.

This group also raised over $80,000 for research in the fight against blood cancers and for patient services for those with these diseases.

Note: at the time of this photo, we're still awaiting our Half Iron Man finishers! More photos to come...

Summer Team: Dave Scott's Texas Man

I just returned from the Summer Team's Victory Party - a big pasta dinner with a formal program of appreciation, inspiration and motivation.

I'm delighted to report that Nancy, Sean, & Mike are all ready for their race. I've been out the past few weeks and have not heard from Kelly so I really hope to see him tomorrow.

The Summer Team raised over $80,000 for LLS.

Doug Campbell gave his testimony as a both current cancer patient & TNT alumni. I can't even begin to describe the tenacity of Doug. Since being diagnosed with his cancer in 2001, he's undergone four rounds of chemotherapy among other treatments, trained for a full IronMan distance race which he had to abandon with great reluctance, completed a Half-Ironman at the LoneStar where I was able to cheer him across the finish line alongside 22 other Doug fanatic's all of whom wore "Team Campbell" t-shirts, and demonstrated his amazing tenacity again this evening describing his current relapse and ongoing fight. He's a total badass and has an amazing life force which cancer has seemingly managed to inflame all the more. His wife and young daughters are never from from his side.

For your consideration: A new season with TNT

I'm sharing my thoughts about committing to a new season of training and fundraising with the North Texas Team In Training. For anyone reading this blog, I'd love to hear your thoughts, perspectives, stories or advice on making this commitment. Be forewarned: Should I commit, it won't be long before I'm back asking for your support!

Serious consideration...

TNT is a big commitment for every participant. It supports a great cause. It demands the support those closest to me and it involves my asking nearly everyone I know to lend their financial support.

Connecting everyone to the cause...

The cause is always there, in the background, during every Saturday morning training and during the exciting moments in which we cheer fellow teammates across the finish line. TNT walks the line of educating without preaching and of exposing the issues without forcing the issue. I want to be able to do the same. I want to learn more about how this disease comes about and how medical science, patients, non-profits and the rest of us each play our various roles to combat and win battles against these cancers. I hope to provide some level of amplification for the message coming from patients, medical science and the non-profit groups like LLS in support these groups.

Connecting supporters to the journey...

Is there something compelling for all of us about dozens of regular folks embarking on endurance sports training in support of cancer research and patient care? I think there is.

I'm trying to envision effective ways uncover and report on the stories and the underlying personal narratives that push forward these long seasons and huge efforts - and not my own primarily - so that everyone involved gets a bit more out of this wonderfully crazy concept of "saving lives one mile at a time."

Selfish reasons...

I want to train and complete a Half IronMan distance race. I would go back to the LoneStar Triathlon in Galveston.

I have a borderline obsessive interest in new media (Web logs or blogs, podcasting, and other social media) and I want to use fundraising and training with TNT as an excuse to experiment in and produce these new media, not just consume them as I've been doing.

December 2007 will mark our third year in Fort Worth. We're still relative newbies in this town and in North Texas and TNT gives us a great way to participate with and contribute to the local community.

While I don't have a personal story of a loved one or immediate family member with a blood cancer, LLS leads an important front against caner in general; and the odds suggest that either I or someone close to me will battle cancer in my lifetime and I want to get a head start in that fight!

What do you think?

A "break" in the action

I fractured my right wrist this past Sunday while trying very hard to work on my trail riding skills on my mountain bike.

Mountain biking is not on our triathlon training schedule - but it offers one heck of a great cardio work-out.

Mike W. (fall participant who is crazy-close to hitting his fundraising goal) and I headed out to Sansom Park in Fort Worth, where the local mountain biking association is doing an excellent job of developing a superb trail. It offers plenty of challenge for a novice level rider like me, and technical runs, drops, and climbs for Mike and his ilk.

On our second loop of the morning, I tumbled off the trail and landed hard on my wrist. It's minor and will heal well- you might barely notice the hairline on the big bone.

I'll be off the bike and out of the pool for 4-6 weeks.

The Goatneck

July 28, 2007 saw over 2,600 cyclists descend upon Cleburne, TX for the 20th Goatneck ride, supporting the local Jaycees Club.

Our TNT Fall Triathlon Team used this as a training ride in preparation for the Dave Scott and Pacific Grove events, both of which are quickly approaching in September.

The team did great! I did the 41-mile course and had a decent ride. Several of our Half Iron-Man team rode the full 100k course. Tiffany M., a true talent to watch in amateur triathlon, smoked all of our team on her new Cervélo P3 Carbon.

When asked about the importance of her new ride, she did confirm "It's all about the bike!" Well done, Tiffany!

Our team is in the final days of training and fundraising. All donations support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

A little help from my friends...

Emily, a Fall Triathlon team participant, had a very nasty spill on her bike a couple of weeks back. The short version which I heard, (since I was not there on the day), was that upon coming down a steep hill in downtown Fort Worth (which our team regularly uses to add a bit of hill work when riding on the Trinity Trail), Emily realized too late that her brakes were not properly clamped. She rode at full speed straight into a street curb at the bottom of the hill. Her bike stopped and she flew 15 feet or more.

Thankfully, she got up, and although shaken, was not hurt seriously in any way.

Her bike took the brunt of the impact and it endured: a broken front fork, a broken seat post, a broke handlebar, and bent rims.

I should also mention that Emily is a college student. Bike repairs are not a budgeted item as you'd expect.

Well, Tim, one of our mentors and my former teammate from the Winter Team, organized an effort to help Emily fund her unexpected and sizable repair bill. Cut to the end, here's Emily's note to the team upon picking up her bike:

Hey TEAM!

I am still in shock today after picking up my bike and learning that I owed only 1 cent!! ARE YOU KIDDING? It was completely unexpected and I don't know if words could really express my gratitude to everyone. That is by far the nicest and most thoughtful thing that anybody has ever done for me. I feel really lucky to be on a team with such AMAZING and SNEAKY people.

I wish I could say I went to group training and events all the time to train, but for me it's always been just an excuse to see and hang out with all of you. It's rare to be truly grateful for things, but I am so very grateful for my TNT TEAM!! So Thank you Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys!!!! Expect HUGE hugs when I see you!!

Best part, I get to ride at GOAT NECK this weekend!!! WHOOHOO!

A very happy, not quite so broke college student anymore,

EMILY

P.S. I'm thinking that the bicycles inc. men are not used to a girl crying in their store....awkward...

Local media coverage: "From couch to the running track"

The Collinsville Herald ran an article on the father of one of our Fall Triathlon Team participants; the father is training for the Chicago marathon. The article captures the spirit of TNT quite nicely .