The Secret Formula

January 22, 2013 By Ilona

It’s been a while since my last personal blog.  That’s for many reasons.  First, I hate to write.  Second, I have been busy.  Third, I hate to write.  (See Adam, it’s not just running I hate.)  I’m sure I could have found the time if I really wanted to.  I just didn’t make it a priority.  It’s interesting what we CAN do when we make it a priority.

Seahawk graduationLast night I graduated I think my 5th or 6th Bootcamp.  I’ve lost track.  After getting into a routine with Charlie and letting my hip injury heal I decided to get back in and signed up for the Night Camp.  Wow, what a great decision!  All through the holidays I had something more to keep me on track.  And I actually did a pretty good job!

For the two months I took off I gained no weight!  I was thrilled.  I was also worried that I had lost my momentum and this next camp would be like starting over.  Boy was I wrong.  It’s a combination of mental and physical breakthroughs.  After running the half marathon, I actually believe now that I AM a runner.  That was step 1, belief.  Step 2, physically doing it, came on the first night of the camp when I look around at mile 2.5 and I’m still in the front group.  I was amazed.  Normally I’m the first person of the back group.  The front group always a good 100 yards in front of me.  Not this time.  I was the last person in the front group!  Woo Hoo!

That alone gave me a shot of confidence so big I felt I could take on the world!  Not to mention, I’ll never get tired of hearing how skinny I look when I see someone I haven’t seen in a few months!  That’s a good booster there too.  So with this renewed confidence I saw myself doing things with ease that 6 months before I struggled with.  My physical ability had gone to the next level.

Now, the most important lesson here is this…it started in my mind first.  The truth is, I was probably physically capable of many of these tasks 2 months ago, but I didn’t believe it yet.  It took my mindset shifting before I really broke through.  Now I see why it was so important to Matt that I run that half marathon.  I’m just going to have to get him a keychain that says “you were right again” as I keep finding myself saying that to him.  One day, I’ll stop questioning and just start doing!

So back to the lesson…all of my mentors, all the self help books, even the bible talks about how (whatever you want to do) is not possible if you can’t first believe it can be done.  You have to believe it to achieve it.  I’ve known this for years, yet still didn’t apply it in my fitness life until now.  I’ve been telling Charlie for months now that he has two choices…he can believe he’s going to live or believe he’s going to die.  Everything else will respond to and fall into whatever belief he chooses.  Ever notice how it’s always so much easier to give advice than take it?

boot camp dog tagsFor the second time this month I was given an achievement award.  Last night Adam surprised me with the Honor Graduate dog tags.  Earlier this month I was awarded Agent of the Year at Beach Realty for 2012.  In both cases I really worked hard.  I really wanted to excel.  I made it a priority to do so.  And I believed it could be done.  So there you go folks.  There’s the “secret” formula for success.

This year I plan to lose 30 pounds.  I will fight in an amateur kickboxing fight.  I will earn a yellow shirt, (maybe even a black one) at Bootcamp and I will sell 40 houses on the Outer Banks.  How can I be sure?  Because I will follow the formula.

  1. I will work HARD.  It won’t be easy.  If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
  2. I’ve set goals I really WANT to achieve.
  3. I’ve made a schedule that allows the work required to be a priority.
  4. I have no doubt these things are possible if I follow 1 through 3.As with any great achievement, it isn’t done alone.  I want to thank those who helped me get there and also say, I’m counting on you big time this year!
  • Matt Costa – Head Coach and my Fight Trainer
  • Adam Swansen – Bootcamp Coach and fitness “Pusher”
  • Jay Bowman – Bootcamp Coach and all around Inspirational Guy
  • Re – Bestest Friend and excellent cheerleader
  • Lisa – Best Friend and excellent cheerleader
  • Ann Baker – Best Real Estate Coach EVER!
  • Kimberly, Jean, Beth and Kari – Beach Realty Gals and Lifeline
  • Mom – Well, that’s obvious – the giver of life and creator of my moral foundation
  • Charlie – For your patience and courage.  You inspire me every day to keep going!

 

Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Major changes coming to the National Flood Insurance Program

December 20, 2012 By Ilona

There are major changes coming to the National Flood Insurance Program in 2013 and it seems second homes and vacation homes are the primary target.  If your home falls into certain criteria be prepared for discontinued subsidies and ultimately an increase in your premiums.

Another point of interest in relationship to this is the plans from CAMA to re-map our area effective in 2014.  This will directly impact what flood plain a home falls into and in the end the flood insurance premium paid.

I’ll report updates and new information as it becomes available.

The following was taken from a newsletter provided by the local Outer Banks Association of Realtors.

MAJOR CHANGES TO NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM


Below is additional information from last week’s briefing about new legislation that may affect flood insurance policy rates for home and business owners in your community.
The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) requires FEMA to take immediate steps to eliminate a variety of existing flood insurance subsidies and calls for a number of changes in how the program operates. The new rates will reflect the full flood risk of an insured building, and some insurance subsidies and discounts will be phased out and eventually eliminated. Rates on almost all buildings that are, or will be, in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) will be revised over time to reflect full flood risks. Based on various conditions set forth in the law, subsidies and grandfathered rates will be eliminated for most properties in the future.

Effective on January 1, 2013, flood insurance policy rates for some older non-primary residences in SFHAs that received subsidized rates based on their “pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map” (pre-FIRM) status will increase by 25 percent a year until they reflect the full-risk rate. A pre-FIRM building is one that was built before the community’s first flood map became effective (1974) and has not been substantially damaged or improved. If the building will be lived in for less than 80 percent of the policy year, it is considered to be a non-primary residence. Click here to read a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) bulletin that provides additional details around the legislation.

Effective August 1, 2013, the NFIP will also begin eliminating subsidized premiums for other buildings as mandated by Section 100205 of BW-12. Click here to read the full bulletin and note that key changes include:

• Subsidies will be phased out for severe repetitive loss properties consisting of 1-4 residences, business properties, and properties that have incurred flood-related damages where claims payments exceed the fair market value of the property.
• Properties with subsidized rates will move directly to full-risk rates after a sale of the property or after the policy has lapsed.

• NEW policies will be issued at full-risk rates.

• Policyholders should be aware that allowing a policy to lapse could be costly. A new application will be required and full-risk rates will take effect.

Beginning in 2014, premium rates for other properties, including non-subsidized properties, will increase as new or revised flood insurance rate maps become effective and full risk rates are phased in for these properties. These premium rate increases will include properties in areas that have received new or revised flood insurance rate maps since July 6, 2012 (the date of enactment Changes in the Flood Insurance Program Preliminary Considerations for Rebuilding – Early Considerations for Rebuilding of the new law). Additionally, even if you build to minimum standards today, you will be subject to significant rate increases upon remapping if your flood risk changes in the future.

Important Note on Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs)
As of January 1, 2013, PRPs issued on properties located in a high-risk area may continue beyond the previously designated two-year period until FEMA completes analysis and implements a revised premium structure put in place with BW-12. For some policyholders in areas flooded by Sandy, the impact of these changes could be substantial. For this reason, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages property owners to consider flood insurance costs when making decisions about how high to rebuild. A brochure that details some of the legislation’s impacts on building is also available here. Scroll down and click on the download/print link.

For More Information:
For the latest NFIP Bulletins about the implementation of these changes, visit www.nfipiservice.com/nfip_docs.html. For more details about flood insurance, visit http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/.

Filed Under: Home Buyers' Tips & Advice, Home Sellers' Tips & Advice, OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,

Thankful on the Outer Banks

November 21, 2012 By Ilona

This month’s update is pretty bland compared to some of the things happening in recent months. There are no insurance rate hikes, no damaging Hurricanes, no bridge news…only good news this month!

While a good portion of our beaches were damaged during Sandy, we still remain extremely fortunate not to have received a direct hit. As is typical on the Outer Banks, most everything is cleaned up and businesses affected are back up and running. We do tend to recover from these things pretty quickly and that has certainly been the case with Sandy as well.

Since we have been through this so many times, it was an interesting change to see the 2 HUGE trucks of supplies that our Outer Banks locals sent to New Jersey to help out Sandy victims in that region. Even though we are a small community, when we come together we accomplish big things. I hope if you were affected by Sandy your situation is on the mend or fully recovered.

On to the news in the marketplace. Sales activity for 2012 is up so far this year 21%. Land sales lead the way with the biggest improvement. Inventory is down 4% so far this year. This is a move in the right direction…more is needed.

The most popular selling price range is still $200K to $299K. However, surprising enough so far 50 homes sold in the $1M or more price range, with an average time on market of 186 days! That’s definitely good news.

Distress activity remains the same. There does seem to be a small decline in foreclosure filings when looking at the data over the last several months. The biggest challenge with distress properties is that the median sales price for them DROPPED 22% this year so far. When these homes become your competition, that means a drop in price for regular sales as well, albeit generally not as big a drop.

One last tidbit…I was informed this morning that our Property Management Department is coming off one of the best seasons in history! If you know of anyone needing a new management company, certainly give me a call!

If I can provide you with any additional specific market data, please be sure to let me know.

Have a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving celebration.

Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,

Outer Banks Marathon

November 14, 2012 By Ilona

Marathon weekend has now come and gone.  Boy was it an event.  It started off with a Saturday wake up call to a very sick Charlie.  I was scheduled to run the 5k at 10 am.  Needless to say that didn’t happen.  I was starting to worry that he would not be well enough for me to leave him on Sunday morning to run the half.  It’s so interesting because a week ago, I was wondering if I even still wanted to do it.  Then at the thought of not being able to go got me all worked up.  Of course my first priority is Charlie.  But I realized Saturday morning that I actually wanted to run this race.  I hadn’t felt like that much at all during this whole process.  It was a very strange feeling.

Saturday night I actually went to bed early and slept well all night.  I set my alarm for 5 am but ended up waking up around 4:30.  Not seeing much reason to go back to sleep I decided I would just get up.  I went down to check on Charlie and he was actually doing well.  He gave me the green light to go ahead and make the journey.  So I set off to pick up Lisa and head to Nags Head.  Once we got to the Dream Center…where the event begins…I wasn’t extremely nervous.  I had a few butterflies but was so in awe of the number of people around.  Hugs, well wishes and laughs going on all around you has a much needed positive effect on the nerves.

The plan was to run with Lisa for a few miles and then just get in our own groove and do our thing.  Run our own race, as Matt put it.  We heard the gun go off for the first corral.  That’s a fitting term for it as we were literally corralled like livestock to the front as each group was given the green light to start their race.  It got to be our turn to start and from the beginning my legs didn’t feel quite right.  This isn’t unusual as I am a slow “starter-upper” when it comes to running.  I find it takes about 2.5 miles to get into my groove.  My legs felt like lead.  We started off very slowly.  Lisa and I kept pace for about the first mile.  Even though my legs never did warm up, around mile 2 things got just a tad easier.  I was looking forward to mile 6 as I knew once there it would be easier.

What I found at mile 6 was the Brindley Beach water booth, the “easier” part I was hoping for never did show up.  That Brindley booth was a needed sight as many of them are also Bootcampers.  The cheering and encouragement was much appreciated at that point.  I knew I was nearly halfway.  However, my hips said, halfway?  You’ve got to be kidding, we’re done!  By then most everything else is blurry until Mile 11.  I do remember a brief holler from the Beach Realty water table at Mile 9 or 10.  Then the bridge!  Oh the bridge.  By this time I was fighting the pain with everything in me.  Fighting the hip pain so much that my shoulder muscles got so tense it almost replaced the pain in my hip.  Shaking out my arms, shrugging my shoulders, I boldly took on the bridge.  Within a few steps I knew it.  I knew I needed to walk it.  My feet were numb, shoulders screaming, hip burning, I just needed the small break.  At the top of the bridge, no excuses, it’s all downhill I have to run it.  So I did.  Hit the next water station, got up about a half mile and who finds me?  Thing 2!

Re caught up with me and just as I was about to take off on another jog, she said she needed to walk a bit.  I was certainly not going to argue with her!  So we made the pact to walk for mile 11 and pick up the jog at 12 all the way in.  It’s been suggested many times by Adam that throughout our training we take part in an ICE BATH.  I’ve never been brave enough to try it.  At mile 11.5, I was begging for one!  This is how I knew what trouble I would be in, if I finished this thing.  Re kept assuring me we would finish, even if we were crawling!  I believed her, knowing she would drag me behind her if she had to! That’s what “Things” do for each other!

About mile 11.75, I start proclaiming with every ounce of determination I had that I would NEVER, EVER, EVER do this again!  Why in the world did I agree to do this?  People who do this are just plain crazy.  I’ve done one and I’m not doing another.  Of course at this point I’m not even finished yet…Oh dear!  So mile 12 is upon us.  We take off in a jog.  Re says she has to stop again.  I knew darn well she wouldn’t for good!  I’m jogging away in all the pain thinking to myself, less than a mile…you just have to go less than a mile.  A little ways down I knew I had to be half a mile out.  I kept saying, just a half a mile, you can do it, half a mile.  Then to the corner off the main road onto the side roads a lady yells out “Only a quarter mile to go!”  Oh dear God, I’m so close.  I keep saying to myself, only a quarter of a mile, quarter of a mile.  Then another turn with people yelling “You’re almost there!”  I chant to myself, I’m almost there.  Last left turn ahead I hear the most beautiful words…”Just this left turn and you’re done!”  I start saying left turn, left turn, that’s it…that’s all you have to do.

I get to this left turn and see a HUGE crowd of people standing and cheering.  It’s absolutely overwhelming.  The cheers are streaming in, you hear your name called by a few familiar faces.  I couldn’t tell you who they are right now because I had tears in my eyes.  I had to fight back the emotion as I was about to completely break down.  I look down, gather my composure, look back up to see the FINISH and a few strays in front of me who had passed me at the last minute.  I take off in a sprint, despite the excruciating pain, pass 3 of the 4 and straight into the arms of Jay.  Oh, I love this man, yet have never before been so happy to see him.  It meant I had done it.  I had run 13.1 miles (well about 11.5 of them.)  I finished this monumental task and started crying.  More hugs from Jessica and Joan then I get out of the way to wait for Re.  I see her…she comes in strong.  First thing out of her mouth….Jay said drink Pineapple Juice.  Ha Ha…ok, let’s find the pineapple juice.

On the way home it occurred to me that I had just finished all that running, had burned all those calories and was hungry.  I’m having a BURGER, I exclaim.  And so I did.  It was the best burger I’ve had in a very long time.  Still proclaiming I’m never doing this again all the way home.  The next day I review the results.  I see my time.  2:46. I know I can do better than this.  After all the full marathon winner beat me by more than 20 minutes.  What? I can’t possibly go down like that!  This can’t be the best I can do.  Ok, when does training start for the Flying Pirate half in April?  Yes…I’m hooked.  I suppose there are worse things to be hooked to than running.  I’ll take it!  In April I will finish in 2 hours.

That’s the new goal.

Filed Under: Outer Banks Good Living, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Best Buys for the Week of November 12th

November 12, 2012 By Ilona

Contact Me About Any of These Properties!

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Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living, Properties Tagged With: , , ,

The importance of Support…and I’m not talking about Control Tops or Sports Bras!

November 8, 2012 By Ilona

So the Outer Banks Marathon weekend is upon us.  I will be running a half marathon in less than 72 hours.  Am I nervous?  Well it depends on the moment.  I’m excited half the time and scared to death the other half of the time.  I just have to keep remember why I’m running this.  I’m running for Charlie.  He can’t run.  Heck, he can barely walk now.  And even though it’s painful for him to move around a lot, when I need him to get up, he does it and doesn’t complain…well, not much anyway.  So who am I to complain about the fact that I have the ability to run 13.1 miles?

Really at this point it’s all a mental game.  I’ve been training for this since April, I just didn’t know it!  Matt made sure of that…he’s sneaky like that you know.  If I can just keep my mind in order until about mile 6, I’ll be golden.  I know physically I can do this.  There’s no question.  It’ll hurt some for sure, but it’s supposed to hurt.  Anything hard to get is worth the pain to get there.  Shoot, so much of what we do hurts anyway.  We don’t let that stop us in other areas of life.  Giving birth, that’s a real doozy but women purposely get pregnant all the time, some even for a second and third time!!!  Drinking too much wine hurts…the next day, and yet I still partake in that exercise more often than I should.  When will I learn?

The point is…things in life that are worth having usually don’t come easily.  They’re not supposed to.  What makes it all worthwhile is that fighting spirit and sense of accomplishment when it’s done.  That’s why I’m going to fight through the pain, fight through the mental challenges, get my medal at the finish line, drink a beer and then go home to show Charlie that I did it all for him!

I know the title of this blog is about support, so I’ll get to it finally.  There is no way one takes on an endeavor like this without a support system.  In my case the support system is the only reason I am able to take this on.  My family at Outer Banks Bootcamps is…well…there’s really only one fitting way to describe them…simply AMAZING.  The Outer Banks is a special place to live.  God made this place special through the beautiful ocean, sky, nature and also the people who occupy this island and call it home.  I’m sure there are great people in many places…I’ve had the good fortune to meet some of the greatest people here on this little barrier island.

The strength, commitment, enthusiasm, community spirit, diversity and compassion that our little (growing every day though) group of bootcampers possesses is….well…once again…simply AMAZING.  I have never in my 37 years been a part of something like this.  There is a true sense of family and community amongst us.  We are fiercely loyal to Matt and Jay and they return the protection to us as well.  That’s what the strongest families do. 

I shudder at the thought that I almost didn’t stick with it. That would have been a big mistake.  God has a plan.  Things happen for a reason.  Sometimes we don’t see it until later, but when we do how can you help not looking back, smiling, nodding your head and knowing something much greater than you is in control and always has your back!  I now realize that going through all the discomfort, the growth, the connecting, the sweat, the cursing (well maybe he didn’t plan that) I was in the right place all along with the absolute right people.

From the bottom of my heart I can never thank you all enough for the lifting words. The quiet prayers. The delicious food. The endless encouragement. The smiles. The hand squeezes.  The shoulders to cry on.  The delivery of bed pads.  The text messages. The facebook messages.  The beautiful birthday surprise party.  The 20 minute drive to do a 2 minute limb removal.  The bottles of wine followed by truth or dare.  The running partner.  The reassurance I can do it.  Oh, I could go on and on.  In a nutshell, it’s the SUPPORT.   I am so blessed and grateful to be part of your group, your family.

And lastly, the support from our fearless leaders Matt and Jay has been off the charts.  If you don’t have someone like these two in your life, you’re truly missing out. You’re missing out so much that once you have them you can’t imagine life without them.  I’ve had many mentors in my years and have loved them all.  These guys take it to that next level.  I can’t even finish writing this without the tears streaming.  I hope you know how deeply important you are to us.  You are the head of this family and its strength is a direct reflection of you as leaders.  You surround yourself with the best of the best and I’m so blessed to be a part.

So, to sum it all up…Thank You.  Love You.  See You Sunday at the finish!

Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,

Hurricane Sandy – Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

October 30, 2012 By Ilona

Here are some videos of the damage Hurricane Sandy did to the Outer Banks. Check back often because I’m out and about still taking shots!! Hope all are safe and sound!

Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,

Hurricane Sandy Damage on the Outer Banks

October 29, 2012 By Ilona

Here we go again … seems like we just got over Irene!

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Balance – it’s difficult even with both legs!

October 16, 2012 By Ilona

So we’ve been home from the hospital over a week now and it’s been good to be home.  It’s also been more difficult than I thought to manage everything I want to do.  I’m determined NOT to create excuses, but to create solutions.

The reality is Charlie has cancer.  He’s not feeling well most of the time.  In fact a good day is now described as being able to get him to the bathroom twice a day without vomiting.  It’s an ugly disease.  It’s not welcome in my home or in my adorable Charlie.  In the midst of fighting this disease and eradicating it from our lives, the show must go on.

This is where the attempt at balance comes in.  The bills keep coming and my weight will come back if I’m not careful.  Especially with all the mouth watering foods we’re receiving from all the wonderful friends and family we have.  This was so clear to me last Thursday.  I went for a training session with Matt for the first time in over 2 weeks.  It was hell.  I barely made it through 2 circuits in 30 minutes when a month ago I could have easily done 3.  I felt so defeated.

I realized right then that no matter what is going on in your life, you have to make solutions, not excuses.  I have to keep my physical health up, or I’m no good to Charlie.  I have to keep my business going, or I’ll create another problem I don’t need. So I’m determined to be in SOLUTION mode.

I’ve run every day since that failed training session.  I’m feeling good. I still have some doubts about finishing the half marathon in less than 4 weeks, but I’m just taking it one day at a time.  I’m also taking time each day to prospect and follow up with leads in my business.  I’m determined to stay on top.  I want it, I need it and I’m willing to EARN it.

I’m going to meet my goals for 2012.  Both my physical and business goals.  I have 15 pounds to lose and 4 more houses to sell.  And I will succeed. After all I’m best under pressure.  I’ve learned that much in my nearly 37 years. (Birthday is next week)

Without these solutions I can’t balance my number one priority…taking the BEST care of Charlie.  He’s my inspiration, my love and the most courageous person I know!

Filed Under: OBX Real Estate News & Data, Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,

Ilona versus Running

October 5, 2012 By Ilona

In the last blog I introduced how I got involved in Bootcamp, some of the incredible results I’ve achieved and the idea that running is now a part of my life.  Before we get started, let me be very clear about one thing.  I do not like to run.  As a matter of fact, most (not all, there are some freaks out there) people I’ve met in Bootcamp share the same thoughts about running.

When I first started working with Mike Ferry (the leading National coaching company for real estate) he kept telling us we had to “Prospect.”  He’d say, “You can’t be a successful salesperson if you don’t generate leads every day.”  I soon discovered he was right.  Only one problem though….most of us hate prospecting.  I mean why wouldn’t we?  It’s uncomfortable, brings rejection and if you’re not practiced in it you can get shut down pretty quickly.  So now what?  How can one build a successful sales business without it?  Well one way would be to spend massive dollars buying business through advertising. I didn’t have that kind of money.  Neither did the agents I was managing at the time.

So our only choice was to embrace the fact that while we never have to LIKE or ever LOVE prospecting, we have to RESPECT the fact it’s how we will get to our production and financial goals.  That’s a big pill to swallow and one that takes most a bit of time and a real determination to achieving the goals we set.  See, many agents who had options, or weren’t as motivated to really meet the goals just wouldn’t buy in to this idea.  They will spend a lot of time resisting.  When I decided in 2011 to resign from being a real estate coach and go to sales full time, I immediately started prospecting.  Now here I am a year and a half later on track to achieve my sales goals for the year.  I still dislike prospecting, but I’ve gotten good at it and it gets me to my goals.   So I do it because failure is not an option.

Why did I go into that long dissertation about sales when you thought this blog was about running? Well, because the same concept applies. I may or may not ever like or love running.  However, I now embrace that it’s the main activity that will help me achieve my fitness goals.  Just like prospecting I have learned to RESPECT this part of my training as necessary, essential even.  I will learn over time to do it better.  I will learn some days will be better than others.  I will deal with injuries, pain and being uncomfortable. All because I know this is the way to get where I want to go.

To prove this point last week I officially registered for the Outer Banks Half Marathon.  I am still in shock. In fact seeing these words I am not sure I’m even typing the right blog!  Why would someone who dislikes running so much, voluntarily sign up for AND PAY for the chance to run 13.1 miles? Honestly I don’t know!  Haha, just kidding.  I’m doing it because when I finish I will feel such a personal accomplishment it can only propel me that much faster to completing my fitness goals.

I remember the first listing I took from cold call prospecting.  I was so pumped I couldn’t stop calling.  I took 5 listings that month!  So by finishing this half marathon, a feat most would never even attempt, I will be propelled forward into great things for my physical well being.  I know it won’t be easy.  I know it will be painful.  I’m already very uncomfortable, so I must be doing something right.  Another lesson learned from my mentors in life is that you’re not growing unless your uncomfortable. Check!

To date I’ve run 7 different organized races.  They’ve all been a 5k, which is only 3.1 miles. My best time was the last race run on September 22, 2012 with an official time of 33:02.  During Bootcamp, I’ve run as far as 6 miles during an hour and a half.  Of course there were stops along the way, but it was 6 miles nonetheless. I have some serious training to do in 6 weeks time in order to be ready for the 13.1 mile challenge.  I have no doubt I can do it as long as I keep my mind focused and my training on track.

This will prove to be an even greater challenge now that we’ve discovered just this week that Charlie has another round of fighting Cancer.  This actually gives me even more determination to do this.  What an example of conflicting thoughts…thinking about how much I dislike running and then having the overwhelming appreciation that I am healthy enough to still run.  How could I ever take anything for granted again?

While the time to train will be challenging to find, I’m going to somehow find a way.  I’m running in spite of this damn cancer.  I’m running just to spite it.  I’m running to control my anger that someone so wonderful could be dealing with such overwhelming issues.  I’m running to strengthen my love for life and for God and for my adorable boyfriend Charlie.  I’m running for you honey.  I love you to the moon and back.  And without hesitation I’d run that far to heal you.

Filed Under: Outer Banks Good Living Tagged With: , ,