Saturday, June 5, 2010

Getting Out Our Running Shoes

Let me start by saying that Cortney and I are NOT runners.  Not. Runners.

The last time either of us ran for anything was in college to exercise.  And the last time we were FORCED to run was in high school.

We don't run.

We also don't exercise.  A MAJOR FAIL on our part.  Both of us have gained weight:  Cort since quitting smoking almost 3 years ago, and me since having Eddie and starting the Celexa I am on for my PPD.

We need to move, but we lack motivation.

Recently I found out a friend from high school, the amazingly strong and beautiful Lynette of the blog Life...And My Journey Through It, was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Not only was this a shock that someone my age, that I KNEW could have cancer, but I immediately started praying for her and her family.  We have experienced the ugly face of cancer in our family and I am pretty sure we would do anything to wipe it off this earth forever.

When Lynette shaved her head before chemo, I cried for her and pledged to cut off mine for Locks of Love when it was long enough.  I felt good about my decision, but it didn't feel like enough. I felt helpless for her.  Stupid cancer was doing it again...making me feel helpless.

Yesterday, my awesome friend, Amy (also Eddie's daycare provider extraordinaire--seriously our life-saver some days) asked how I knew Lynette.  I guess Amy went to elementary school with her.  She mentioned that she and some people we both knew were going to run the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure on Team Bell (Lynette's team).  She asked if I wanted to do it.

At first this was hilarious to me.  Me?  Run?  Bwhahahahaha!  Only if someone is CHASING ME!

Then I thought about it.  I wanted to lose weight.  I wanted to kick cancer in it's stupid teeth.  I wanted to show Lynette I supported her.  Yes.  I said yes.

I told Cort about it and he said, "sign me up too!"  What?  Then my BFF, Tonya, and her hubs decided to come up from Chicago that weekend and do it too!  I am so excited to do this!!!  I can't wait to start training this week!

This is going to be a HUGE challenge for me--the perpetual couch potato.  I mean, you don't write a million blog posts and tweets by moving away from your computer.  But I am going to do this.  I am going to do this for Lynette and for all the other people who have had to have this bee-och called cancer in their lives no matter what form.

*if you would like to make a pledge you can visit the Team Bell page and make a pledge under my name or Cortney's name (or anyone else's name...or to the team as a whole...whatever you want).  You can also sign up to run too!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is awesome mrs. sluiter! If I was living in the U.S. I would come support too! I lost my grandpa to cancer as a freshman in high school and it's definitley something that makes you feel helpless. God Bless you, your husband, your friends, and anyone else willing to sacrifice your time to help others. <3

Jessica (Moyer) Groeneveld

Jessica said...

You can do it! What a terrific cause, if that doesn't get you motivated then I don't know what else could. I hate cancer, I hate it so much and I'm sick of my loved ones lives being disrupted from it!

I am also thinking of chopping off my hair for Locks of Love. My mom's BFF was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She just underwent a partial mastectomy and is now doing chemo. She has her wig already purchased, anticipating the hair loss. She is facing this ugly disease with such a strong attitude!

I'm here for you when you need some motivation! My husband and I are focused on losing 20 lbs each by exercising regularly and eating an organic, healthy diet.

Best of luck to you and your friend! Prayers are with her.

grace said...

Good for you! This will be such an awesome experience for all involved!

P.S. I donated my hair to locks of love once. Super cool!

Praying that your friend can fight the good fight!

Lynette said...

I for one think you are awsome for choosing to chop off your hair! Don't know if I could have ever made the choice to do it myself. I also think you are pretty darn awsome for choosing to run, and I love that Amy is going to do it as well! Not only are you supporting me which makes me feel great, but a great cause as well!!!!! Thanks!

Jeremy and Tonya said...

I am super excited to run this with you for Lynette. Cancer might suck but we kick ass. Holla!

Brink Boys said...

Our team is gonna rock!!!

Miranda said...

Good luck, Katie! I think it's awesome to have a cause, and I can't think of a more worthy cause that this one! I'll be cheering you on from way down here in the South!

missy widener said...

this is fantastic, katie...and lynette is so deserving, too....throw that cancer on the GROUND! you are awesome.

designHER Momma said...

good for you guys! Hope you continue to run even when the event is over...

Deana said...

How awesome for you and so inspiring!

I am following you from blogflow:)
www.momstheglue.blogspot.com

Jessica Anne said...

That's great! What a great cause and no better motivator than doing something for a friend. Following you from blog flow. :)

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"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying." ~Michael Jordan