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

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

Anything Is Possible

On September 12, 2015, Brian and I traveled to the coast of Rhode Island to meet up with a group of like minded friends we met through social media. The plan was to have dinner and then get up very early the next morning to run and spectate a race. I would be running my second half marathon and Brian would be cheering on a group of more than 100 of us running the 5K or tackling 13.1 miles.

Misquamicut State Beach, RI

We both knew this experience would be unforgettable but we didn't anticipate the extent of the impact it would have on our lives.

Dinner was fabulous, we met the founders of OutRun38 - including Liz who is the inspiration for the the group as well as other parents with children fighting cystic fibrosis. We also met a courageous woman with CF who would be running her first half marathon accompanied by her doctor and would be cheered on by her family - including her son, also fighting CF. We felt so welcomed by this group of virtual turned real-life friends - the conversations flowed easily and it felt like we had been friends forever.

It wasn't hard to wake up early on Sunday morning to head to the starting line. I was excited but felt amazingly calm - my goal, to run with my heart and take in every moment, every sight and every conversation I had along the way. I got to run with so many wonderful people all supporting each other running for the greater purpose of raising awareness and proving that with a bit of effort and focus anything is possible.

Anything is Possible

During the race I had the pleasure of running several miles (and cartwheeling) with Nicole, one of the founders of OutRun38. We spoke about life and our families, Colin's diagnosis, her friendship with Liz, our hope for a cure and the future of OutRun38 as the organization was nearing its first birthday. Of course as it happens whenever two type A mothers who want to take it all on get together - the creativity flowed and so many ideas percolated during that conversation, so much possibility to raise awareness and to spread the message that anything is possible.

Chasing Tomorrows

Just shy of three months later, I still haven't processed that weekend fully. I came away knowing that there is more we have to do and more for us to share. This blog and social presence is the start as we chase a future of tomorrows for Colin and others battling cystic fibrosis.

Brian and I started running so we could be healthy and strong to care for Colin but also to set an example for Colin and his sister, Taryn. Not just sharing the practical lessons of self care and health but also what we learn about ourselves and others along the way. We are not waiting around for a cure to happen - we will fight for it and encourage others to join us because anything is possible.

We hope you will join us as we Chase Tomorrows.

Chasing Tomorrows