2 Races to Go - Seven Before 7

Happy Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Hard to believe that it is mid-May already, March and April flew right by for us. Winter finally showed up in March and lasted into early April- even though we thought we were about to get away without much snow or cold.

Colin stepped up his battle with CF getting a gastrostomy tube placed on April 14. He has really adjusted well to his new nightly feeding routine which is such a relief for us - he is even gaining weight already.

May brings us busy weekends with yard work, spring sports, birthdays, a quilt to deliver to Kim and of course, races. We are looking forward to the warmer temps and fun ahead.

Seven Before 7 Update

Race 3

In March, I traveled down to NYC to run a half-marathon with 20,000 new friends. Too bad I had the flu and didn't get to really enjoy the experience. After crossing the finish line I went directly to the aid tent to warm up before heading back to my hotel to shower and catch the train home. Even sick, running the NYC half was such an amazing experience and I hope to get back to the starting line of that course again when I'm well. So many  memorable parts of that race - spending time with my great friends from OutRun38, the seemingly tireless crowds that lined the course, the energy of times square and the roar of the finish line. 

Smiling as I look for the finish line!

Race 4

After getting over the flu and a nasty ear infection, I turned my attention to a very different kind of race, a trail half-marathon on Cape Cod with my friend Robyn. We headed down to Falmouth on Saturday, April 9 for the Cape Cod Trail Race scheduled for Sunday morning.

On our way to the pre-race dinner!

This was absolutely the most beautiful race course I have ever experienced and probably the best organized and executed as well. The morning started off a bit chilly and windy but the sun was warm and once on the trails, the wind was blocked a bit by the trees. I think this race got Robyn hooked on half-marathons and if all goes well, hopefully we'll be back next year to do it again!

Brr, a little chilly at the start

One cool thing about this race is their focus on environmental impact. No disposable water bottles (we had to bring a hydration pack or hand held water bottle) and all trash was recycled or composted. Even the medals were recycled cohog shells.

Gorgeous!

There will definitely be more trail races (and races with Robyn) in my future! 

A very genuine finish line smile! 

Races 5-7

Injury, sickness and over-training have resulted in a bit of reflection. I have scaled back the distance for two of my last three races so I can finish strong at the end of the month.

Race 5 

On May 1, I traveled a few miles down the road to a neighboring town to run a 5K hybrid road/trail race with Robyn for to mark race number five.  Originally, I planned on doing the 10K, but was happy to toe the line for the 5K. Even better, Robyn PR'd and blew away her best 5K time by several minutes. So awesome!

Ready to finish before the rain!

Coming up. . . 

This weekend brings race 6, my first sprint triathlon in 12 years. Adding to the difficulty (because, why not?!), I plan on riding "clipped into" my bike pedals. This could make for an interesting T2 if I can't stop.

The day before Colin's birthday is race 7, Boston's Run to Remember. Originally I planned to run the half marathon but sanity has been restored so instead, I'm going for the 5 mile race. Joined by Robyn and some of my friends from OutRun38, I think this is going to be another really fun event!

After all of this racing for Team Boomer, I'm looking forward to a bit of rest and a hiatus from
training and racing and hopefully a bit of beach time with the family! 

Running (and swimming and biking) through May ~Kim

Quilt Raffle to Benefit the Boomer Esiason Foundation

During the month of April, make a donation of $10 to the Boomer Esiason Foundation to be entered into a drawing to win this quilt - perfect for a picnic, day at the beach or to snuggle with someone you love. The raffle will take place on April 30 and the quilt will be shipped on Monday, May 2 - perfect timing if you are looking for a gift to give to a special Mom or graduate.

Spring Quilt Raffle Drawing on April 30, 2016

Lovingly made by Kim

Quilt details

• 100% cotton, premium quilting fabric and batting (Kate Spain, Canyon Collection for Moda Fabrics)
• Approximate size: 54"x 54"
• machine pieced and quilted by Kim Davis
• made in a smoke free home 
• because the cat (and children) supervise all sewing projects, the quilt will be machine washed prior to shipping 

Raffle details

• $10 minimum donation during the month of April 2016
• additional raffle entry for every $10 donated during the month of April 2016 (i.e. $50 -5 entries)
• If you donated $25 or more before April 1, 2016 you have been automatically granted one entry in the raffle  
• donate through my Team Boomer First Giving Page
• donate using cash or check payable to the Boomer Esiason Foundation (received by April 29, 2016) 
• opportunities to earn bonus raffle entries will be announced on Facebook and Instagram - be sure to follow Chasing Tomorrows and @kadavis975 on Instagram

The raffle will be recorded live and be conducted using an Excel Spreadsheet and www.Random.org. I will contact the winner and share a link to the recording and the final spreadsheet.

Special inscription on the back

Good luck and please spread the word! Kim

Happy Little Trees

Early in March, 15 wonderful friends - including two new friends we met that night - sent a few hours after a long day painting happy little trees at Paint Misbehavin' in Hudson. The owners were fabulous and made us all feel very welcome as we were expertly guided in reporoducing a painting - Gates Pond Walk.

We had wine, sweets, conversation and much good spirit and love in the room. And in the end we all went home with some very nice artwork.

In addition to a wonderful time had by all, 25% of the registration fees for the night went to the Boomer Esiason Foundation! Thanks to everyone who came out on a work/school night to make the evening special.

Painting for a cure ~ Kim

Picking up momentum - Seven Before 7 Update

On February 21, I completed the Old Fashioned 10 Miler in Foxboro, MA and my second of seven races before Colin turns 7 this May. Historically this race is cha-cha-chilly and locally well known for the warm food after and blankets handed out at the finish. Fortunately, the weather was an unseasonably warm 50 degrees and sunny - beautiful running weather, especially for February! I was very excited to wear my short sleeved Team Boomer shirt to proudly represent!

Before, After and the Bling

Nursing a foot injury has led to conservatively slow, easy running with quite a bit of cross training for me lately. My physical therapist gave me the green light - so down to Foxboro I drove planning to treat the race as a training run and gauge how ready I will be for NYC Half on March 20. Other than going a bit faster than I planned, I was very happy with how I did and felt afterwards. 

The race swag was awesome! 

bling, blanket and wool socks!!

Making a Difference

As of today, the Team Boomer athletes running the NYC Half have raised almost $53,000 for the Boomer Esiason Foundation - which is fabulous! I'm about 30% of the way towards my Seven before 7 goal of $5000. 

If you would like to help me meet my goal you can donate directly to my First Giving page or plan on joining us for one of the events/activities we have planned this spring. 

~Telling CF to take a hike! Kim

Kicking off - Seven before 7

Happy New Year from Chasing Tomorrows!

Seven before 7 - Race 1: Freezer 5, Sterling, MA

Today, I completed the first event in my Seven before 7 series, the Freezer Five in Sterling, MA. This was supposed to be my first race of 2016, but instead because I am nursing a bit of tendinitis in my right foot, I was relegated to walking with a few run intervals thrown in to stay warm and a short jog to the finish. The enjoyable company provided by members of the local running club and two really nice people I met along the way, made the miles fly by. I am fortunate to be able to move my body and happy to have started off the New Year in a positive, healthy way.



Training and racing (regardless of pace) is hard work; honoring your body's needs and resting so you can keep moving towards even bigger goals can be even harder. I was happy to bring up the rear today and spend some time in the back of the pack. It really is more fun!

Unsuccessful a selfie with Mount Wachusett

Great turn out by the Highland City Striders

The next race on the schedule is the Old Fashioned 10 miler on February 21 in Foxboro, MA.

2016 Fitness Goals

During today's five miles I reflected on my fitness goals for 2016. Some of the goals are very specific and others are meant to reflect lifestyle improvements.

• Run with my heart and focus on the current mile
• Get outside more with my family to run and exercise
• Complete first Trail Half Marathon (signed up for the Cape Cod Trail Half on 4/10/16)
• Make strength training a priority - target 2x/week (in addition to my regular yoga practice)
• Complete at least 1 sprint triathlon

A bit less formal than the goals listed above, I also plan to continue my yoga practice, keep up with swimming and spend some time cycling (to meet goal 5). I hope this year that Brian and I can run a race together or even better - perhaps the four of us can cross a finish line together.

The medal and running gloves coordinate nicely with my Team Boomer toque, don't you think?

How did you start off 2016?

Kim

Seven before 7

For the past six years we have found ourselves engaged in efforts to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis by partnering with groups including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Rock CF and OutRun38. Our involvement has ranged from participating in walks such as Great Strides to organizing fun runs and taking on new athletic endeavors in an effort to rally support while challenging ourselves.

Living with cystic fibrosis isn't easy. Colin has already shown amazing maturity and commitment to his treatments and routine - inspiring us daily. We know that there are even greater challenges ahead for him. Challenges that in addition to a great team of doctors and supporters he will also need to rely on his own commitment, bravery and inner strength. 

When adding new treatments to his regimen that are time consuming and replace fun activities - he needs patience and commitment to keep up with those routines. 

The first time he needs to spend extended time in the hospital he will need to be brave.

Sometimes medical procedures and tests cause pain and discomfort and he needs to rely on his mental toughness knowing that the discomfort is temporary and will be beneficial in the end.

On a smaller scale, by challenging ourselves to take on new distances and achieve goals that are a bit outside of our comfort zone, we model these behaviors for Colin and show him how to approach new experiences, work through challenges and set-backs and celebrate the results of commitment and focus.

Seven before 7

In May of 2015, I ran my first half marathon to raise awareness and support for cystic fibrosis and Team Boomer. During the first half of 2016, I will tackle seven races before Colin turns 7 at the end of May. As I write this, the schedule starts with a 5 mile race on New Year's Day, 3 half marathons including my first trail half marathon, a 10 mile race and at least one sprint triathlon or duathlon. I'm also hoping to find the perfect 5K for us to complete on his birthday as a family crossing the finish line together. 

Along the way, in addition to raising awareness and seeking donations for the Boomer Esiason foundation, I will also be reflecting on how I can further develop and model the traits of commitment, bravery and mental toughness. I look forward to sharing my journey with Colin and with you. 

If you have a suggestion for a race or would like to run, bike or swim with me, I would love to hear from you. You can also support my efforts by making a donation to the Boomer Esiason Foundation via my First Giving Page.

Thank you for your love and support, Kim