I entered...4th time

I never know what the year ahead will look like in terms of running schedules, nor how work or travel will interfere with the training schedule for a marathon.

Still, I would have less than 4 hours to decide about whether to enter next year's Virgin London Marathon if history is any indicator.  Routinely, the applications close out at 120,000 applications in usually between 4 -5 hours after opening up.  In other words, the lottery opens and closes on the same day.

Since my future this time next April is totally undetermined and unknown, it is better to submit an application for the marathon lottery and then decide NOT to run.  So, at 8:09 AM this morning, I sent that 2013 marathon application in.

London again?  I always say, "probably not; this is my last one", and then I end up running.  This would be #4.

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

It won't be NYC

Received confirmation last week that I was not selected in the marathon lottery ballot for the NYC marathon to be held in early November. Hey ho... I have run it before but still....

The November marathon choices are now between THE marathon in Athens (very hilly, as evidenced by the 7 hour course deadline) or the Nice-Cannes marathon in France (literally, I will run from Nice to Cannes)!

Both would be fab.. Watch this space.

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

Virgin London Marathon recap

The 2012 London marathon loomed bright, sunny, and a bit cold last Sunday morning - no complaints from me!  After a week of constant rain, any portion of the day bathed in sun would be a plus. As it turned out, the entire day except for the last 600 meters was full on sunshine!  When the heavens finally opened, the rain fell!!!!!!!!!!!



After the Budman and SB dropped me off at the entrance of Greenwich park for the start of the race, I proceeded to drop off my kit bag, and head to the red start entrance.  Sadly, the toilet lines were entirely too long (a later issue along the race course), and after the gun fired, it took about 25 minutes to cross the start line.

Back in road crew central, the team met for breakfast sandwiches and broke into Team A and Team B.  Looks quite relaxing unlike what I was getting ready to do....











Team A along the course.





Team B along the course.









Me along the marathon course.















Me along Birdcage Lane...600 meters to go!



Other sights and sounds of the race...bless those people in fancy dress.  I could not do it, though!















At the finish line....in the rain. My finish time was officially 5:20, but I lost 13 minutes waiting in line at a "bio break" at about mile 9, so the finish time would actually have been more around 5:08 or so. A good solid run, with the last 3 miles being my fastest. There was gas left in the tank!







A great day and now on to Prague in a little over 2 weeks.

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

Special dedication of Sunday's marathon

As is my habit, my "remembrance team" was with me in spirit on the day of my running the London marathon. These are the people that have donated to my charity, Cancer Research UK in honor or memory of a loved one, family, or friend that has been touched by cancer.

As I waited patiently for the race to commence (I had about 20 minutes before I could cross the start line), I read each person's name silently and the donor who had brough them to my attention. In all, there were over 100 names on the list.

On Sunday, however, I remembered a very special HP work colleague who had bravely fought cancer but succumbed to the disease a couple of weeks ago. She had donated for my cause, encouraged me through this journey, and rarely ever spoke of her own challenges with the disease.

Fiona was a lovely person inside and out and it was my great pleasure to dedicate my London marathon run last Sunday to her. Interestly enough, I thought of her a number of times during the day, and had one of my best runs in a long time. I know she was cheering me on.

This is why I am doing what I am doing! To Fiona!

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

Heart of a runner

No matter what the time, the heart of a runner "always keeps on keeping on"!

Thanks to a fabulous road crew who always "kept on keeping on" as well - special thanks to:

(1) Budman - Road crew chief
(2) Cyn - Assistant road crew chief
(3) Paulster – rainman of Transport for London
(4) MY - now, forever to be known as "Blue 6"
(5) ML - road crew CTO(6) SB - niece extraordinaire
(7 and 8) Rolf and Pierre – entertainers for the road crew
(9 and 10) Christina and Stuart – stalwarts of the road crew year after year
(11) Debbie – fabulous fellow runner who always believes “I can”
(12) Dimitrios – the biggest smile greeting me along the course



I could not have done it without you guys and look forward to cheering you all on to victory in your own race one day! Till then…..THANK YOU!

PS – race day summary to follow.

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

It's that time again...marathon #4

Ladies and gents....The Virgin London Marathon 2012 is upon me.  Where did those 5 weeks since Rome go?  Not sure, but on the eve of the big run, and on my home turf so to speak, I am getting excited about the next installment of "12 in 12 in 2012".

A stellar road crew of about 12 family and friends are set to cheer me along the 26.2 miles of my 16th marathon, the 4th this year.  Bags are packed, runnign gear laid out (nothing fancy in the apparel department this time), and breakfast food cooked and ready to go.
Happy to report feeling fairly rested, and no aches and pains.  The main consideration this run has been the weather.  The anticipated "upper 40s and rain" have morphed into lower 50s and partly sunny.   Sounds like the best weather yet.
Fundraising has slowed but has still been trickling in...currently at 56% of goal...please consider suppporting my charity and show your support for me in my marathoning by donating to Cancer Research UK.

www.justgiving.com/Holly-Young2012

So, good night all...check you at the start line tomorrow AM.  Race start is 9:45 AM GMT and I am race number 36231!

Taking it one step at a time!
HY

Happy Easter

Easter morning in Palermo dawned sunny (instead of rainy) as predicted. As the Budman and I prepare for a train journey to Cefalu to see one of the finest Norman churches in Italy, I am reminded of why these churches were built in the first place.

Sure there was an air of "one up manship" amongst the rulers of Europe to see who could build the most splendid church in the world. There is also a desire to honor the God of their faith.. And that is what I focus on when visiting these places.

I am thankful today for my faith and the promise it provides for eternity.

Easter in Sicily

Great day of sightseeing in Palermo. Fab sunshine and high 60's. About 5 miles of walking, checking out all the highlights of Palermo, including the cathedral, catacombs, markets, and the Good Friday Easter parade... Just to name few. Pics to follow.

Early evening in the hotel with a pizza, bottle of Sicilian Nero d'avola and Texas Ranger Baseball. Culture clash, huh?

The day started off right with my favorite dessert... Cannolis at 11am... No problemo!

Happy birthday, Chi Omega!

117 years ago a group of 5 women formed the first chapter of Chi Omega at the University of Arkansas. Fast forward to 1982 and I was fortunate enough to join a group of Baylor Chi Os that are still my dearest friends today. More than friends... True sisters. The ones you call in the middle of the night when you're upset and need a shoulder to cry on, empathize, or laugh out loud at your goofy antics. Sometimes even tell you the truth you don't want to hear.

And one thing is still true for me today. "I lead, I serve, I give!" . Thanks for instilling that in me chi omega!

Happy birthday!

How 'bout those Lady Bears!

National champions in Lady's basketball AND an undefeated season... Best record ever!!!! for Baylor and in history of ladies collegiate basketball.

You did us proud. Sic'em Bears!

Finally...

Hachie Gal is in the land of mobile blogging. Testing, testing... One, two, three.