Ginny Pierce Finishes RRR in record time!

Hi to all walkers, runners, bloggers and fans,
My plan to "Walk Ohio" fell through with the connection of me and a bacterial/sinus infection the day I left. I spent my two weeks in bed mostly instead of working out!! It was miserable but I did still enjoy being with my family and my grandchildren, 7 year-old-twins, AJ and Ashlea. They were my nurses and always made me feel better even when I didn't physically!!

I returned last week in time to finish fighting the worst of this awful infection off and was able to walk on Saturday. I even shaved 5 minutes off my time from last year and was I proud of that! I saw so many people I knew cheering me and all the walkers and runners on and it was an absolute wonderful feeling to cross that finish line.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members and participants that made this happen. You all worked so hard and gave so much to the kids. I know it's truly appreciated and I'm proud to be a part of something that continues to grow each year to support our local kids and give them a safe place to go if that option arises.

See you all next year!

Ginny Pierce

RAP River Run this Saturday!!!

I am so excited that the RAP River Run is this Saturday! I am elated that this is my first 5K, and I am proud to be participating for such a great cause!

My fitness regimen has been somewhat interrupted during the past couple of weeks due to work and home/family obligations; however, I have managed to squeeze in some training time. I do feel like the heat does get to me a bit, but I am sure that I will be able to finish at around the 48 minute time. I feel a bit disappointed that I have not been able to reduce this time much...but I am at the same time quite proud of myself for being able to participate at all! My body has been through a heck of a lot during the past year, and I am going to continue to work on my fitness level. I feel so inspired by preparing for the RAP River Run...I hope to see all of you this Saturday!

P.S. I love cheering and clapping...bring it on!

Ginny Pierce Off To Walk Ohio!

Greetings,
Well, not all of Ohio, just around Columbus and southern Ohio where my kids have their lake house. Lots of hills though so that should finish getting my calves in shape for the Rap River 5K Walk. I'm also looking forward to a little break from the heat and anyone that knows me that I detest the heat and humidity that our summers serve up. I leave Thursday morning and will return June 7th so I will catch everyone up on my training just before the event. I am happy to report though that I am walking 2-1/2 - 3 miles daily and I'm so excited about the upcoming Walk this year. With the new route and many, many more walkers and runners we owe kudos to those have done all the organizing. Thank you Rap River Run Team. This is proving to be one of the most popular events in the surrounding area so that means we will be able to help more children reach a safe place when they are in situations of abuse and neglect.
Sincerely
Ginny

Shaving off Some Time!!! by Victoria DeWaters

Well, this past week has been a whirlwind of activity for me! I have been working, taking the dog to the park (and the beach), and exercising regularly! During the past few nights, I have been focusing on reducing my time for the Rap River Run 5K...just a few short weeks away!

Since I have been using my trainer, Kyle Woodward for help with weight-training activities and nutrition advice, it has really been up to me to focus on my running and walking. I still struggle very much with running for any distance--I seem to have to do short intervals of jogging mixed in with walking at a fast pace. Last night, I completed the entire 5K distance in just 48 minutes! Tonight, after an intense weight-training workout, I completed a mile in just over 15 minutes...woo hoo!

I have still struggled with getting out in the heat to jog/walk very much. I seem to get very tired, very quickly. Luckily, I can complete the entire distance; however, I cannot keep up the same level of speed that I can indoors. So, I have decided to work in some short bursts (of faster walking and jogging) to help shave off some time!

Check back in next week for an update!

Ginny Pierce's Neighborhood Cheering Her On!

Hi Walkers and Runners,
I live in Nature's Hideaway and the residents on my street are really close, friendly and spend alot of time outside. Most of them have small children, dogs and cats and it's really an ideal neighborhood to raise children with great neighbors. Rick and I are the older (in age and time of residence) people at the end of the cul de sac. They all helped see me through the bad times, surgeries, rehab and even helped take care of me when Rick had to work so they really give me the high five and cheers when they see me walking every day. I've given out flyers and am hoping to get some of them there with me for the 5K Walk or Run. Alot of them didn't even know about the RAP House and the wonderful safe shelter they provide for kids that are less fortunate than theirs. If nothing else I hope to educate them about our mission, our needs and build some support. They all know I'm a Rotarian and am on the board for the PACE Center for Girls. They save news articles for me about my activities when they see them in the paper, especially if I happen to appear in the photo. It's amazing what you can learn about people when you walk your neighborhood and I feel really blessed and grateful to live where I do know my neighbors and I can call on them if I need to. I also hope they know they could call on me and I want to say "thank you neighbors" for supporting me in all activities and especially giving me encouragement for the RAP RIVER RUN and the kids we are walking for!
Ginny

Wait, she's going inside and I'm headed out?...by Victoria DeWaters

Goodness! The last couple of weeks have been hectic for me. I went on a trip to Baltimore/Washington D.C. for a memorial service, and I have been traveling around a lot for work (including an overnight stay in Orlando last week). I seem to have found little time for any sort of structured exercise.

Thankfully, I have been able to get up to the gym during the last couple of nights. I continue to meet with my trainer Kyle, who is now working on helping me gain some upper body strength (yeah, I apparently cannot bench press a sandwich.)

The Rap River Run is just 1 month away! I have got to re-focus on my 5K time...and getting out to run/walk in the HEAT! I've exercised so much indoors, that I am unsure how I will do outside. We shall see...

I Would Have Never Guessed It....by Mary Rozycki

I am now on to week 7 of the C25k program! Here is the routine for the week 5 min walk warm up run 25mins 5 min walk cool down. When I saw this pop up on my IPhone for the week training I almost fell over. No way was I ready to run for a full 25 mins, just last week I was still doing intervals, with breaks in between!!!!

The day came that I had dreaded it was workout day! The heat was just too much for a 25 min run so i broke down and went to the gym. Wow I realized what I had been missing by running outside, AC!!!! And TV. This combo made the 25min run no problem ! Can you imagine 25 min of running in a row!!! Me either but it is true and looks like I am increasing next week. Check back to see if I am able to keep up this pace of training!!!

Ginny Pierce Hoping To Inspire Ohio Family!

I will be leaving on May 27th to visit our sons, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, sister and brothers in Columbus, Ohio for a couple weeks (GO BUCKEYES!) so of course I am in constant "brag" mode about how great I am doing with my walking and how forward I'm looking to the RAP RIVER RUN on June 12th. Melissa, "daughter-in-law one", said maybe you can me jump started while you're here and I will walk in the mornings with you even though I probably couldn't make one mile! I assured her she could and would! After all she's only big as a minute and is in a panic because she went from a size 4 to a size 6 during their awful winter months. My other d-i-l, Rene, said I would love to join you guys but I think I'm busy in the mornings!!! Of course the sons, grandchildren and brothers are all very athletic, play golf, workout and don't need to walk, especially with Mom!

Now to my sister Becky. Her take on this is if we don't go too early she will go with us. We will pick her up to go the walking trail. Once we arrive she will get her lawn chair with umbrella out just in case the sun is out, haul out her thermos of coffee, peanut butter crackers and cigarettes and wait for us to return!!! That's her version of supporting us!! I hate the cigarettes and have begged her for years to quit smoking but she is someone who loves nothing better than sitting outside with her coffee and cigs and enjoying the fresh air. Never mind she's killing the husband, the dog, the cat and the creatures outside! But, can't change her so guess we will haul her and all her gear that makes her happy with us and she will patiently wait at the end of the trail for her sister and Melissa to return all hot, sweaty and thirsty. Maybe she might even have a tall cold one waiting for us!

Ginny

Ginny Pierce Walks and Rocks to the Music!!!

Wow, I never knew what I was missing until my husband bought me an IPod for my birthday the end of March. What a great walking companion! I love all kinds of music but can't sing a note (even though I must confess I am a shower and now a walking singer). My office is filled with CDs, boom box and I work best and fastest when I am rockin' out. So, it makes perfect sense for me to be walking around the neighborhood walking and singing and singing and walking. That 3 miles goes by so fast and it really gives me energy to get the day going. Of course my husband says I look like Eddie Murphy from the movie 48 Hours when he was plugged in and singing on a stakeout!! He pretends not to know me when he drives by me with my walking outfit, fanny pack, visor, sunglasses, wires hanging from my ears and I'm in my own world!!

Things are going great and I'm feeling wonderful and I'm proud to say that I walked 2-1/2 to 3 miles a day almost everyday in April and dropped 6 lbs. I have been watching, but just a little, what I eat and truly I think I sweated most of it off especially the past week or so. Remember to hydrate and keep on walkin' and runnin' for our kids, they are counting on us!

Ginny

I Think I Have a Problem by Amanda Murphy

It’s been a few weeks since the Iron Girl race and I have to admit, I’m running on Mother’s Day in another race! There is no way to do justice to the excitement I had in running the Iron Girl. For all of you who have never done anything like this I want to take you through race week.
Being that I have NEVER ran in my life I had no idea what to expect so I again talked to everyone and anyone that has ran a 5k. I received all kinds of advice from very helpful people and will give you the run down.
Starting 3 days prior to the race I was told I should not run again until race day. This was so that your body had rest and was craving the run. At this point all of you who have never done this are on the floor, get back up that’s seriously what I was told. Think about it like this, I had been jogging or walking just about every night for months, all of the suddenly a night without activity is strange. On Thursday there was a packet pick up and I went to get mine and Savannah’s items thinking that this would give us extra time to sleep in on race day. I’m already so nervous that I take my envelope without looking at it and head to the car. I didn’t want to look like a nerd and review everything right in front of all the other racers so I waited until I got to the car to pull my little envelope out. As I looked at the envelope I was extremely confused, the packet I just picked up was for another Mother/Daughter team. Now I had to get out of the car, walk back up the stairs and admit that I had not paid attention. Well, back I went and I did retrieve the right packet. For a moment, before I returned the packet, I had the thought about keeping this teams information because they might be better runners. So correct packet in hand, off I go to get my bags packed and make sure I had all items ready for race day. Yes it’s only Thursday but my husband was nice enough to get us a hotel so that we didn’t have to get up too early on race day. Also, you should know that the bug spread and my sister-in-law, Sadie, started walking with me and was also racing! The three of us were doing our first race together and all very excited not knowing what to expect.
So back to the preparation. Friday comes and my husband and I head to Clearwater for dinner and to check in to the hotel. Savannah, Sadie and Jessalyn (my sister-in-law and 5 year old niece) will head down later that evening. My husband and I head out and he wants to get a bottle of wine. Is he nuts? That will dehydrate me, I
could pass out on the course and never finish. I was told I needed to go buy at least a 32 oz Gatorade and drink this tonight so I don’t dehydrate tomorrow. I can’t believe he’s trying to kill me or at the very least make me sick. At this point I must tell you that my husband ran track in high school and this is quite funny to him. He is trying not to laugh at me but I can tell he is holding back. I’m explaining that I must have this Gatorade the night before because drinking it in the morning doesn’t give your body enough time to use the fluid. That’s when he stepped over the line, and said to me, “It’s just 3 miles”. I stopped dead in my tracks, head spun , pea soup started flying. Just 3 miles, I have been training for months, still have to stop and start, and thought this was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. How dare he say “just 3 miles”. At this point he is laughing and trying to retract his statement. If he thinks 3 miles is so easy then he should try it with us as I say this I stick my tongue out and decide I could be a little nervous. So we had the marital compromise, he had a glass of wine and I drank 32 oz of Gatorade while watching the sunset. Very romantic.
Sunset comes and goes, it’s getting late and our roommates have not arrived. By 9:30 they finally roll in and the bed shuffle begins. Everyone vying for a spot where they could be comfortable. We finally have lights off at 10:30. No one warned me about how nervous I would be or that I might have trouble falling asleep. I guess none of my experienced runners remembered or ever had a problem with falling asleep the night before a race. I was not that lucky, I don’t think I slept 4 hours that night. I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to run but when the alarm went off I was up and ready.
My husband drove us as close as he could to the starting line and then he and Jessalyn went and parked the car. Walking up all you could see were people, mostly women since it was Iron Girl. Thousands of people everywhere. We
headed over to the start to look for a race map because I had forgotten to print a course map prior. We walked around for a little while but never found a map which put all three of us in another panic. Not only did we not know what to expect but now we didn’t know where to go. I tried to reassure all of us that we could just follow the people who were in front of us but to make sure they were not 15k runners. Then I remembered someone telling me that we didn’t run over the Memorial Bridge so if we started over the bridge we had gone too far. That relieved us and then we realized how cold it was. We huddled outside the start for a little while, then we thought it would be warmer inside of the group of people so we squeezed through to the center of the group. Here we were, our first race was moments away and then another thought popped into my mind, “I hope I don’t have to go to the bathroom until I get back”. What would I do if I had to go to the bathroom I hadn't asked if I could stop during the race and no one even mentioned what can happen out on a course. I am going to let all of the newbies a little horror, I was later told that you could have an accident while running. Thank God no one told me that beforehand I would have had a nervous breakdown. But here I stood thinking don’t think about it and saying to myself you don’t have to go, if you think about it you’ll make yourself have to go.
This thought didn't last too long because the next thing I new the gun went off and we were starting. I didn’t want to start jogging until we got the official start line, I didn’t want to wear myself out before we even get started. Savannah didn’t feel the same way so there she went. Next was my turn, Sadie had started late on training so she knew she would be slower so I left her. I’m weaving in and out of people who were slower than me or walking. Moving right along to my iTunes trying not to think about time or distance. I haven’t seen a sign but I know that I should be at a mile by what song is on but I have no idea if I’ve made the mile. I finally start relaxing into this and look ahead to see the bridge coming up, I’m not supposed to go over the bridge so I look around me to see if I am still with the 5k runners. I am still with my group so I continue my pace when I again start to panic thinking about the bridge and wondering where the turnaround is. Up ahead I see a water stand but I can’t stop that will ruin my time so I keep going. Finally there is a nice man directing us to the turnaround point. Since we are up on the bridge a little bit I thought I would walk down for my break, I hadn’t taken one yet and I have to be over a mile so I start to walk. Ha, Ha, jokes on me, it’s too hard to walk down the bridge so I start to jog again. I jog down and get to the bottom and decide now I will take my walk break. I start walking again and look ahead to see if I can see a distance marker and this is when I saw the photographer. I can’t let him take a picture of me walking since I have been jogging until this point so I start jogging again. Now I’m going so I might as well continue and I do until I get to the next little bridge and I slow up for a minute. This is the point I finally look at my watch and check my time, I am doing really well and I know I’m on the last stretch so I start jogging again. I don’t stop until I get the fourth mat (another piece of advice from a seasoned runner, don’t stop until you get to the last mat because that’s the one that is timing you). I look back at the clock is at 40 minutes 20 seconds so I beat my best workout time. I’m so excited I can’t stand myself. I did it!
My official time was 38:16 and Savannah’s was 32:55. We were in 29th place out of 116 Mother/Daughter teams!
For anyone who says they could never do this, I’m here to say that you can. I loved the excitement and the challenge. This will be something that I keep up with because of how great it made me feel.

We All Need Someone for a Little Positive Support...by Victoria DeWaters

Wow! This has been a busy week for me! I have been to the gym 4 times since last Wednesday, and I am feeling great!

Since I already know I can do the full 5K on a treadmill, I figured I would start on shaving off some time from my one mile. I was so proud Monday night when I was able to do a full mile in 16 minutes--goodness it feels good to improve so quickly! Woo hoo!

This week, I also worked with my trainer Kyle Woodward, who is helping me to be in "tip-top" shape for the run in June. I'll tell you, it is nice to have a trainer work with you and help you focus to achieve your goals. Kyle is good...he doesn't laugh (much) that I can't even bench press a sandwich. Luckily, you don't have to use your upper body much in a running event!

The kids who stay at RAP House, I know they appreciate having the YFA Youth Care staff to help them focus on achieving positive goals too! Support our YFA RAP House staff and youth this June at the RAP River Run! See you there!

Ginny Pierce Hits the 3 Mile Mark!

Hi fellow walkers and runners,

I am so proud of this 62-year-old body tonight! I did 2-1/2 miles a day Friday, Sat. and Sunday, and I walked in the heat of the day. So walking early, early this morning when it was cool, I went for the 3 miles and I did it right at 60 minutes and survived and worked all day!!! It was halfway through May last year before I even attempted 3 miles a day!!! I do, and encourage you, to walk and run during different times of the day even if you don't go as far because it does prepare you for the heat on race day. I couldn't have dreamed last year I would be so hot and so in need of hydration as I walked off those miles and they hydrate us all along the course. It's amazing how this little thing of walking for the RAP House (and I'm just one out of 1,000) can give me such great satisfaction. It's a wonderful time to think, look at nature, and plan or review the day. Hang in there guys and keep walking and running for "Our Kids"!
Ginny

The Woods are Lovely Dark and Deep, but I Have Promises to Keep, and Miles to go Before I Sleep, and Miles to go Before I Sleep by Mary Rozycki

This week was a GREAT RUNNING week, it however was not a great work week. I had lots of "stuff" happen this week that really seemed to push me to my limits at work.

So what was the best way to deal with this added stress? Yes to run it out!!! So that is what I did, day one was walk 5, run 5 repeat four times. This running day was good, when I finished I felt strong not too out of breath.

Day two was warm-up 5min walk 8min run, 5 min walk, 8 min run then cool down this was insane how was I able to run this in the Florida sun and heat but I pushed and made it. What loomed for me was day three 5min warm up walk and then 20min run, no breaks just run!!! This scared me to death to actually run for a full on 20mins, I decided this run needed to be alone. I wanted to really focus on the run the feeling and the pain? if any . 10am this morning I headed out and at 10:30am I was home and I DID IT. I ran for a full and total 20mins! Never in my life would I have ever guessed that would be possible, and yet I did it.

I am half way to my goal but every week I get closer and closer. I will run this 5k!!!!

Check back next week to see how I am keeping up........

Back in Action! By Victoria DeWaters

Well, I have been Ms. Lazybones during the past couple of weeks...haven't been able to workout at all due to my radiation burns. FINALLY, I was able to get back into the swing of things this week.

On Monday, after 2 plus weeks off, I figured I would start in a bit easy on myself, so I did 2 miles on the bike and 1 mile on the elliptical. I also did some abdominal exercises and some legwork with weights. Okay, so that is really not 'taking it easy' on oneself, but it felt really really good!

Tonight I was so tired, but I headed up to the gym anyway...and this time, for the first time, I did not wear a beanie or a ballcap. Tee hee! I feel a bit goofy yet, but hey, it is much cooler without a hat!

I timed myself on the treadmill for a mile: 16 minutes and 30 seconds! WOW! I am impressed with this! And let me tell you, I was huffing and puffing! If that wasn't enough, I decided to do another 15 minutes on the elliptical...then some squats. Yeah, I was exhausted after this. I was also soaked with sweat...and I had no idea my head sweat so much!!!

I am so glad to be able to get back to the gym...I am determined to gain back my fitness level, surpass it, and kick some booty at the RAP River Run in June!

Ginny Pierce's Feeting Are Walking Again!

I'm back and the good news is no surgery needed! Just had to have the foot doc do some fix up and give me some tips to feel less pain and pressure on the bone when I'm walking. I've waked 1-1/2 miles three days in a row and I'm feeling great, ready to move up to 1-3/4 to 2 miles in the next couple weeks then the last few weeks before the race, including my Ohio vacation, hopefully 3 miles at least every other day. I know that's great aspirations but you gotta have a goal! That works for me.

I've had so many people tell me that they are excited about the Rap River Run for various reasons. They are all having a blast reading our blogs and keeping up with our problems. Some wonder why in the world would we want to put ourselves through this in the heat and humid Florida weather (like my Ohio family!). Some have never participated in any form of organized walking or running (can you even imagine that?) - blood sweat and tears just to say you participated in the Rap River Run! Some participate because this is a real achievement and accomplishment for them as it was for me last year. And my favorite is that many do it just because it's for a wonderful cause and we are touching many lives of the youth in our community and I believe that is probably the best reason of all!

Tune in next week to see how we all fared another week and get walking or running - we need you there!

Ginny Pierce

Back to the running by Mary Rozycki

This week was one I was looking forward to! I was really ready to get back to running and working out consistantly.

The schedule for Couch to 5K week 4
5 min walk
3min run
90 sec walk
5min run
2 1/2 walk
3min run
90 sec walk
5min run
2 1/2 walk
cool down walk

Looks much worse than it actually was. I was amazed because I could do it. Not only was I able to do but at the end I really found it not bad. I was able to get breathing normal again by the end of my cool down.......

If you are looking for a great program to Couch to 5K, to get you ready in 9weeks.

This week I also was happy to go out shopping for some new workout clothes, needed shorts and tanktops. What a fun way to spend my hard earned money !

See you next week come back to see how week 5 goes for me, it is the big run on day 3.

For Ginny Pierce Foot Problem Rears Its Ugly Toe!

I must admit I've been trying to play "fix your own foot" with a toe problem that has caused me to lose a toenail, so good thing I sell printing and not fix feet and toes! Then there is the ugly hammer toe that is really bothering me when dressed in tennies and a bone injury problem on the inside of my foot! And, do you believe this is all on one foot?! After walking Saturday, I was rendered to the chair with pain and throbbing so it's off to the foot doc on Thursday. I'm scared about what the prognosis will be. I won't be walking until after I see the doctor, which saddens me, because I was really back on track. Please keep your toes and fingers crossed for me that this problem isn't serious and definitely won't need surgery!

I've always wondered why people would want to put themselves through pain, injury, sweat and tears to just say they finished a 5K walking or running but with this being my second year and knowing what a great cause this is for, I have nearly been reduced to tears over this hurdle. To say I completed the RRR 5K Walking two years in a row, would be one of my major accomplishments of the year. With all the metal in my body (two legs, lower left leg plate and five metal rods in my back) a silly foot problem is not going to keep me from being at that start line!!!

Stay tuned for my toe/foot/training update next week and keeping me in your spiritual thoughts wouldn't hurt either!

Spring Break by Mary Rozycki

This is at the end of the Main Street Mile!


This week started off great Saturday morning I jumped right out of bed and started this break off with a morning run! No problem!!! Then Monday came and it was time again for a run, I was able to recruit my good friend Erin to join me for a run, no problem. During the week I went for a walk with my family at night how nice to enjoy my family and excersize together.

I was feeling very good about the training and then....... well..... it is break and I just kinda slacked off. Everyday I look at the alarm set for 7am and turn it off and roll back over for a much needed extra hour of sleep.

Friday was going to be the get back in gear day and now it is raining outside, so I will be off to the gym to get back to it.

If you would have asked me a year ago if I would have even cared about working out the answer would have been a big resounding NO. But now I understand the value of excersize and a healthy lifestyle.

Be sure to check back next week, I will be back to my couch to 5k full steam ahead!

What have I gotten myself into....by Amanda Hickman Murphy

Hi, my name is Amanda Hickman Murphy, and I will be 40 this year - this is not making me a happy person but it's better than the alternative! My title is Senior Vice President, Investments at Raymond James & Associates which means that I assist individuals and families with wealth accumulation and preservation. I am celebrating my 11th year with Raymond James this month. I feel extremely blessed to be in this industry, even with all of the negativity of the last few years. I love what I do and can't imagine any other career being as rewarding.

I got involved with RAP River Run three years ago, having no knowledge of 5Ks or running. I could not understand why people would want to get together on a hot morning and run not just 1 mile (which I had NEVER done), but 3.1 miles. I met Jim Simms at a BPW meeting, and he started sending me emails regarding the runaway shelter and this wonderful group of volunteers who wanted to help raise money for the children. The emails touched me, and I quickly signed up to help in any way I could, as long as no one asked me to run/jog/walk or do any exercise!

The first year blew my mind! All of these people came out to sweat together with the only goal to run 3.1 miles. The interesting thing to me was the fact that not everyone was in top shape, but they were out there to participate. Seeing the excitement still couldn’t get me off the couch, however, year two rolled around and I was learning more about this group of really (bizarre) people who like to run in different races throughout the Tampa Bay area. Talking to the individuals and hearing the excitement they had with reaching the finish line gave me a little better understanding of what was so foreign to me.

So, year 3 began, and two of the runners on our committee (Pat and Robin are to blame for my slip into this crazy world) challenged me to try a 5K. I am very competitive with most things in my life, so I agreed to get off the sofa and complete a race before RAP River Run. Since exercise has never been my strong suit, I quickly recruited my 16 year old daughter to assist with motivation. She is nothing like her mother, a strong athlete who finds running to be a enjoyable activity (I didn’t know I had one of the crazies living in my own home)!

The start of this process was extremely difficult, to say the least. I started by walking and quickly found myself in so much pain that I could hardly move. After a month with Dr. Hanson at Tarpon Total Healthcare I was released to start walking and exercising again. If the pain wasn’t enough, my daughter trying to motivate me with no success was more than either of us could take. I just couldn’t do this running thing. It wasn’t fun. I couldn’t breathe, and I would do ANYTHING just don’t make me run. Well, I felt so bad that I was letting my daughter down and holding her back from running at her pace. It was so easy for her, and I just couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do this. In the back of my mind was the realization that I had accepted the challenge of attempting a race and failure was looking like my only option. Realizing that there are people twice my age doing this, and the fact that I need to lose 25 lbs, I decided I had better find someone who could help me, if this was possible. So, instead of giving up, I started talking to everyone that I knew who is a runner. I told them what I was going through and asked how they started and what keeps them out there. The person I listened to the most was one of my co-workers who ran her first 5k this past year. I figured she would understand where I was coming from and she did. Her advice make it to the first mile without giving up and you will be able to do the rest of it with no problem. DON’T stop on that first mile.

The other thing I quickly realized, THERE IS NO MAGIC PILL…I learned that it’s not that people LOVE to run, it’s the feeling of accomplishment they have when they complete the run. This made sense to me. I thought that everyone who participates in these races are like my daughter and love to run. Thankfully, I now know this is not true!

The other advice that has truly helped was given to me by Pat. She told me to try the Jeff Galloway training method. This has made the training much easier. My daughter does not like this method, so it is an individual thing, but if you are having trouble - please try it.

Stay tuned, this Saturday I will be running in the Iron Girl 5K race in Clearwater. In my next blog I will let you know which tips and tricks worked for me so that you can try them for Rap River Run. This will be my first 5K but not my last! I'm hooked!

A Forced Rest by Victoria DeWaters

Well, I have had to take it very easy during the past week. My radiation treatment has caused some significant swelling and skin damage; therefore, I have been unable to do any training for the Rap River Run 5K. Ugh, so frustrating to feel like you are making some progress and then you get knocked down! I am feeling hopeful though, as my last radiation treatment is on April 8th--I am ready to be done and get back to my life!!!

For now, I must rest, and let my body heal.

Hmmm...I am feeling a bit antsy though, so I wonder how long I will be able to put up with this!

Walking RRR Part One, Year Two by Ginny Pierce!

Hi to all walkers and runners,

This is Ginny Pierce. Hopefully many of you remember me from blogging last year. I'm 62 years old and last year RAP River Run was my first ever race. I was thrilled to finish it because the year before my health was so bad I couldn't even volunteer. In fact, I could barely stand. But I made it and was so proud. Follow me again this year as I go for two RRRs in a row!

I have slowly have gotten back into my walking routine to prepare for this year's 5K Walk after this cold, cold winter! I'm back to 1-1/2 miles every 2nd or 3rd day but plan to add more time so I'm doing 3 miles a day for the month previous to the race. I'm so excited and my goal is to improve my time of one hour and 48 seconds.

If you remember I have had two knee replacements in the past three years and back surgery with five metal rods implanted four years ago. My health this past year has been good other than a gall bladder bout and once they removed it I felt like new!!! I do the walk to support the RAP House and the great work they do with kids in our community. They have suffered tremendously and the small amount of effort and pain that I endure to train and do the race is nothing compared to what we can do for them by raising dollars. I will keep you posted weekly on how I'm progressing and I hope to see you all there with friends and family!

Walking for youth,
Ginny Pierce

I think I can, I think I can....by Mary Rozycki

My best Friend Michelle and I after finishing The Main Street Mile in April!


My name is Mary and I am a 5th grade teacher here in Pasco County! I have been a teacher for 13 years and really enjoy making an impact of the live of the children in my class. In addition to my 20 plus students, I have a set of 3 year old twins that keep me beyond busy. Having such a busy life I found it hard to make time to make me a priority. And then one day I did!

March 27 , 2009 was the day that I decided to regain my life back. I was ready to get healthy! So that day I started to eat healthy and leave behind the days of fast food, tv dinners and yes even soda. In exchange I was eating fresh fruit, veggies and homemade meals. I increased my water intake to a min of 1 gallon of water a day.

One year later my results have been dramatic, I am done almost 60lbs! Truly AMAZING! However, that was only part of the goal now I need to get in shape.

So I set my goal to run and yes I mean to run an entire 5k. Before I tackled this feat I needed to start with baby steps, so in April I ran the Main Street Mile, and yes I ran it, in 11min. Not to shabby considered before training for this, I had NEVER run before.

I am very lucky to have such great friends who also decided to take on the challenge I set before them of a 5k!

The training program we decided to use is called Couch to 5k, it states you can go from a couch potato to run a full 5k in just 9 weeks!

This is now week two and so far so good!
Follow me on my journey as I update you on my goal to run my first 5K at the RAP River Run !!!

The Training Begins: Some Progress...and Some Setbacks by Tory DeWaters

Well, after deciding to walk/jog my first 5K, I challenged myself to walking the entire 3.1 mile distance (around my neighborhood) within one hour. Luckily, I can do this without too much trouble; however, I'd really like to get through the race in a bit less time. Wasn't I able to "run" a mile in 14 minutes in Junior High? I think I was awarded with a "C" for that! Honestly, a 14-minute mile would be an A++ for me right about now!

Well, considering I am currently receiving daily radiation treatment, maybe I should keep my goals more attainable?

Last Thursday, I timed myself at the gym on the treadmill...no incline. One mile took me just over 18 minutes, and yes, I hustled at the end to get that time. I huffed and puffed and sweated profusely. Burns from radiation treatment mixed with sweat just plain stings; plus, my knees growled and my shins and feet barked at me. Ugh, 18 minutes times 3.1 is...will there be any food left by the time I finish this race anyway? I might could finish faster if I focus on the food...

I decided I might want to enlist the help of a trainer at my Gold's Gym in St. Petersburg. I signed up to work with Kyle, and I have worked with him 3 evenings so far. He is aware of my goal, and is also working with me to regain some of my strength and stamina that I lost during chemotherapy. He is also being mindful of the fact that I am still in treatment (well, he's pushing me a bit, but that is what I asked for!) I still need to have him help me with some stretches to ward off the growling and barking from my lower legs.

On Sunday, quite spontaneously (and without regard to the 1st and 2nd degree burns on my chest, armpit and upper back), I decided to time myself on the treadmill for the entire 3.1 mile distance--while working as hard and as fast as I felt comfortable. Well, I am unsure if I was actually comfortable, but I finished in just under 48 minutes. Woo hoo! I celebrated by doing some strength exercises for about 2 minutes. Yeah, I was pooped.

Unfortunately, my skin had gotten so bad by Monday afternoon that I had to cancel my next appointment with Trainer Kyle. As of now, I am having to wait a few days for my skin to heal up a bit. I am using compresses and creams to ward off infection and pain. Honestly, the radiated areas hurt badly enough that I am not really interested in going to the gym (or even walking around the neighborhood).

I am optimistic that I will be ready to train again very soon! Stay tuned!

Training for my first 5K, during cancer treatment and beyond!

My name is Victoria DeWaters, and I have never had much of an interest in jogging or running. Folks who know me have probably heard me say, "The only time I am going to run is if a dog or a police officer is chasing me, and the likelihood of either is very small!" So, why have I decided to walk/jog my first 5K at the Youth and Family Alternatives RAP River Run in June?

In 2009, I experienced one of those "life changing" years. Early on, I had decided I needed a lifestyle change. I wanted to re-tool my diet and introduce regular exercise into my life. By mid-year, I had worked off some extra weight, and I was exercising around 5 days a week at my local Gold's Gym. Then, just a week before my 35th birthday, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Breast Cancer. Soon after this, I endured two surgeries (including a double mastectomy), and I began an aggressive course of chemotherapy in mid-October 2009. Radiation treatment would begin in early 2010.

By the end of 2009, I had experienced 4 chemotherapy sessions...I had no hair, about 13 pounds of extra weight from strong steroids (meant to combat allergic reactions to the chemo medications), and not a lot of strength or stamina. Yet, I continued to work, and I even managed to go to the gym...about once every other week.

After chemotherapy ended in January 2010, radiation treatments soon began. This entailed daily treatments, Monday through Friday, for a total of 33 sessions.

With work, radiation treatments, and a dog who enjoys his evening visits to the dog park, one would think I had enough on my plate--especially for someone in the middle of cancer treatment! And yet, I was determined to regain my health and fitness.

In early March, I decided to set a new fitness goal for myself. As luck would have it, local Pasco County community members and my employer, Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc., were beginning to gear up for the 3rd Annual RAP River Run. This event raises money for youth in crisis who need shelter, counseling and/or life skills services. As a proud supporter of my employer and the services we provide at the RAP House, this seemed to be the perfect challenge to me (physically and mentally) to participate in our annual fundraising event--a 5K Run!

In the hopes of inspiring others to overcome and conquer life's challenges, and to help raise awareness (and funds) for the Youth and Family Alternatives RAP House, I am honored to offer my words--my story of preparing for this event. Please check in every Wednesday for a few words about my progress, and please also plan to join me on June 12th, 2010, for the Third Annual RAP River Run!

Let The Adventures Begin!

Thanks to a great response, we now have several people who have agreed to blog about their training and goals for the RAP River Run. We hope you follow along and give them lots of support as they work hard to achieve their goals. Hopefully, they will also inspire others to do the same.

Here's a little information about a few of our guest bloggers.

Ginny Pierce: Ginny blogged last year about doing the RAP River Run after two knee replacements and barely being able to stand the year before. She's back again and after again dealing with health issues, she is ready to tackle the 2010 RAP River Run with her amazing will and great spirit.

Tory DeWaters: In the past year, Tory was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone surgery, aggressive chemotherapy and now is enduring radiation. But, she is determined to complete the 5K at the RAP River Run. Her story is one of great determination and inspiration.

Mary Rozycki: In March of 2009, Mary made a life changing decision to get healthy and fit. Today, 60lbs lighter, Mary is following the couch to 5K training plan and will run her first 5K at RAP River Run. Mary's story will show us that anything is possible when we put our minds to it.

Our bloggers will be updating us very frequently so check back often. Be sure to give them encouragement and join in on the conversations.

The 3rd Annual RAP River Run Is Getting Closer!

It's hard to believe, but the 3rd Annual RAP River Run is less than 90 days away. With the weather finally turning warmer, it's time to get out and start training whether you are going to run or walk.

Planning for the race is in high gear, and this year's race promises to be bigger and better than ever. Some of the things planned for this year include:

- Race fees that have not gone up! RAP River Run is still the best bargain in town at $15 for the 5K and $10 for the One Mile Fun Run. We haven't raised prices since our inaugural race.

- A One Mile Fun Run that will be chip timed and will start at 7:30. Now you can do both the One Mile and the 5K!

- Vendors/Expo. Be sure to bring some money along with your running shoes. We will be having vendors at Sims Park offering a wide variety of items

- Post Race Party by Carrabba's in Lutz. Carrabba's has handled the post race party since the inaugural run. Sugar n'Spice will be back this year too with lots of post race goodies.

- Collection boxes for shoes. These shoes will be distributed to those in need in the Tampa Bay area. We'll also be posting collection locations shortly.

- We're on Facebook! Become a fan and get updated with all the latest news, training tips and more. And, we're giving away free race entries to our Facebook fans. Become a fan at www.facebook.com/rapriverrun

We're also looking for guest bloggers. If RAP River Run is your first 5K run or walk or if you are trying to achieve a fitness goal by race time or have any other story you'd like to share, please comment to this blog or send an email to pat@pattersonmarketing.com