Viva Las Vegas!

"The perfect run - the wind at your back, the sun in front of you and your friends by your side." - Aaron Douglas Trimble

When I was in Seattle in June, I signed up to do the Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas Half-Marathon and six months later, I am happy to say that the race is complete and a new piece of hardware is happily hanging on my wall.

The race, which took runners up and down the Vegas Strip, was actually pretty fun - maybe because casinos lined the course and gave people like me the opportunity to detour to a roulette table and win some cash!  The entire weekend couldn't have been any better - sharing meals with family and friends, enjoying the night life and performing a good deed for a local resident made my time in Vegas even more memorable.

Many runners will tell you that every race is special, and this one was definitely one of my favorite experiences.  I had amazing friends on course (my BFF and TNT fam) and most importantly, had my entire family on the sidelines cheering for me!

At the beginning of the year, I made a plan to complete four races in 2010, and with the year winding down, I am proud to say that I've completed six races, earned 11 medals, met new friends and made a lifetime of memories!

So, what's next?  I don't know.  For the first time since I started running, I don't have another race lined up...and I'm OK with that.  I've joked about retiring because, well, I'm tired and I want to play hockey again, but I'm sure a pretty medal will bring me back to the marathon scene...so stay tuned =)

Blood Donations Needed!!

As you probably know, I am part of Team in Training to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Each team has honored teammates who are all cancer patients or survivors.  

The Long Beach team has several honored teammates, including Alyssa, a six-year-old patient who has battled cancer since 2007.  In August 2008, she suffered from a severe case of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which caused her to lose her ability to see and causes her to experience seizures.

Alyssa is scheduled for brain surgery on November 16 to treat the seizures and is in urgent need of blood donations, specifically O+.  If you are O+, a donation at UCLA's Blood and Platelet Center would be a direct donation for Alyssa (please ask to have your donation benefit Alyssa Howes).  Even if you aren't O+, you can make a donation and the medical staff will decide if you are compatible for Alyssa or other patients.

On behalf of Alyssa and her family, THANK YOU for your help!   If you can't make it to UCLA, please consider donating blood at your local hospital or Red Cross.  Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and of the 60 percent of the U.S. population that is eligible to donate, only 5 percent do.  There is a huge shortage and every donation helps save lives.

We Run LA!

As the first of three Team in Training Winter events, the Rock 'N' Roll LA Half was definitely an exciting race for me.  Most of the Long Beach team participated in this event, which started in Griffith Park and ended outside of my old office in downtown LA.

The course was not that great, but being there with my teammates made the experience memorable.   Our constant screaming when we saw each other was fantastic and seeing my teammate's nephews run on to the course to hug her was - hands down - the best (and most emotional) part of the race.

Good times...and now, there's only one more race left for me in 2010:  Vegas, baby!!

San Jose RNR Recap

Race #4 is officially in the books...and so far, it's been my fastest race ever!  When I completed my first half in June, I finished in about 2:50.  San Jose, with its flat and fast course, gave me a time of 2:37.  Yay me!!

Some race highlights include:

• Running by HP Pavilion - even though I'm a Kings fan, I get a little kick out of seeing other arenas.  
• The neighborhoods - Loved!  The homes were really cute and the neighbors were so supportive...they even had bacon and donuts out for the runners!
• The elite runners - I don't think I've ever had the opportunity to see the elite runners during a race, so it was definitely a cool experience to see them run.
• The BFFs - I've been pretty fortunate to know people who are cheering at every race, but it's such a different experience to have your bestie on the course with camera in hand!  Yay!!!!
• The firemen - Oh yes, the firemen.  One of them helped me climb onto the fire truck and another one helped me down.  Loved every second of it!

Cancer Crisis: Surviving Lymphoma at 24 - An Article from Redbook

During a short stint in jury duty, I found myself in the jury room flipping through the pages of the November '09 issue of Redbook and came across an article about the magazine's assistant art director's battle with cancer and her road to recovery (and marathons).

Please take some time to read her inspirational story...

It's Marathon Season...sort of...

Unlike hockey, marathons don't have a season, so I'm making one up!  The "Joyce's Marathon Season" officially begins in September and ends in December with an exciting line up featuring the Disneyland Half Marathon, the Rock 'N' Roll San Jose Half, the RNR Los Angeles Half and the RNR Las Vegas Half...woohoo!!

First up: Disney.  What a fun event!!  Since Disney fans are clearly on a different level, it was no surprise to see runners dressed like their favorite characters - from Tinkerbell to Tigger, Buzz Lightyear to Snow White.  We started the race near Downtown Disney and made our way through California Adventure and Disneyland, took to the streets of Anaheim, ran past Honda Center and onto the Angels Stadium field, and back to Downtown Disney.  Along the way, we had cheerleaders, bands, dancers, Disney characters and of course TNT coaches and staff to make running 13.1 miles enjoyable!

In less than three weeks, I'll be in San Jose to complete my third Rock 'N' Roll event of the year and will earn my fancy schmancy Triple Crown medal!  So excited!!  For those of you who read this (and I know who you are...just kidding, I really don't), I hope to see you at one of these events with a "Run! Joyce! Run!" sign on the course or at the bar for some post-race drinks =)

You're Invited...TNT All-Team Practice/Beach Day at Dockweiler

Last April, over 200 participants met at Griffith Park for the first ever Greater LA All-Team practice.  It was such a great experience for everyone involved that TNT has continued the event for every season...and the next one is this Saturday!

Bringing together marathoners, triathletes, cyclists and hikers from all the LA teams, this season's All-Team practice will be a fun combination of training and camaraderie, with a fun picnic BBQ to follow.  My cupcakes are making an appearance...and so should you!!  

Here are the details.  Hope you can make it!

Saturday, August 28

Practice starts at 8 am

Picnic starts at 10:30 am

Dockweiler Beach - Tower 53

12501 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey

* Parking lot is $7, street parking is free.  Bring all your favorite beach gear and a towel!

Happy Week with TNT LB!

Mix and mingle with Team in Training Long Beach!  We are hosting several happy hour mixers this week...stop by for a drink!

Monday, August 2
7-10 pm
Bono's
4901 E. 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA

Wednesday, August 4
5 pm
District Wine
144 Linden Ave.
Long Beach, CA

* Drink and app specials last all night long!

Thursday, August 5
Time TBD
Alegria
115 Pine Ave.
Long Beach, CA

Feel free to bring your family and friends...the more, the merrier!  And of course, if you know anyone who is thinking about signing up for a marathon, we'll have plenty of information on hand!

Hope to see you there!

Winter TNT Team: Now Forming!

Just when I was starting to get used to the idea of sleeping in on Saturday mornings, TNT managed to lure me back.  So here I am again, encouraging all of you in Internet land to join Team in Training!

The winter team has fantastic events lined up for runners, walkers, cyclists, triathletes and hikers, including the inaugural Rock 'N' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon, the Honolulu Marathon and the PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half.  Become a medal collector, like me!

To learn more about Team in Training, stop by one of our informational meetings.  We have meetings everywhere, but if you are in the LA/OC area, click here to find a meeting close to you.  And if you want the added bonus of seeing me (I'm kidding, of course), then come to the following meetings..I'll even let you touch my medals =) 

Thursday, July 15 at 6 p.m.
Angelo M. Iacobani Library
4990 Clark Avenue
Lakewood, CA 

Saturday, July 17 at 7 p.m.
Dockweiler Beach
1200 Vista del Mar
Playa del Rey, CA
* Bonfire and s'mores!!  Yummy! 

Wednesday, July 21 at 4 p.m.
Curves
8161 E. Wardlow Road
Long Beach, CA

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

To all of you who donated your hard-earned money, sent me letters of support, cheered me on at aid stations, ran and walked with me, bought my cupcakes, sent my knee good vibes, supported the cause and my efforts...I thank you so much for everything!

It's been almost a year since I made the decision to join Team in Training and I am so happy that I did.  It hasn't been easy (as most of you know), but to be able to say that you've helped me raise $4,350 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society means the world to me and makes completing a 26.2 mile marathon even more special.

Although I spent the week prior to the race completely nervous and constantly on the verge of throwing up, the nerves went away on race morning.  I finished the race in under six hours, just as I anticipated.  It was such an amazing experience and I am so glad I was able to share it with my fellow Team in Training peeps.  And for those TNTers who weren't in Seattle, I know you were there in spirit...I felt the love!

The day after the race, I did some shopping (because I'm a girl and that's what we do).  I wanted to find a simple piece of jewelry to commemorate my first marathon because as much as I'd like to wear my medal everywhere I go, it's just not an option.  And being the excellent shopper that I am, I found the perfect piece: a pendant that reads "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".

For those of you who have been reading Run! Joyce! Run! since day one, you may recall my first entry that shares the title of the pendant.  The journey isn't over, people - I'm returning once again to TNT as a mentor for the Long Beach Winter team.  I've got races to run and medals to earn - and if you want to be part of the 2 percent of our population to complete a marathon, I highly recommend Team in Training.  It is an experience that will change your life...I know because it changed mine!

GO TEAM!

San Diego Marathon Recap

The San Diego Marathon is finally over and what an incredible experience it was for Team Long Beach!  Between the Expo, Inspiration Dinner, Race and Victory Party, we all had a great time being with the Team and sharing the moment together.

Despite the early call time (3:45 a.m. to be exact), warm weather and the brutal freeways, we all made it across the finish line feeling fantastic about our accomplishment.  GREAT JOB, TEAM!

I finished a few minutes earlier than anticipated (2:50:03) and kept a steady pace throughout the race, which allowed me to finish strong at the end.

Seattle is only 19 days away...and I'm ready for medal #2!!!  But I still need your help to raise $210 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Please click here to make your donation by June 8th!!!  Thank you!

And The Countdown Begins...

The San Diego Marathon is in SIX days and to celebrate, the Long Beach team gathered together for our SD send off party.  It was a great way to spend our last practice weekend together as well as a perfect way to honor our team's accomplishments.

At our party, one of our coaches mentioned that one of the most rewarding aspects of being on Team in Training is watching our runners and walkers cross the finish line for the first time.  As a mentor, I can't wait to see the smiles on my teammates' faces as they make their way to the finish!  They've all trained so hard this season - from their first 40-minute run to the 12/20-miler they completed a few weeks ago - and have raised tons of money for cancer patients around the world.  It is so exciting to be at this point with them today.

I'm in such a unique position because I get to share this experience with my wonderful team.  The San Diego half-marathon will be my very first "official" race and I am so honored to be a part of TNT Long Beach.

We've all got an exciting weekend ahead.  And in 26 days, I will be celebrating once again with Team in Training at the Seattle Marathon!  Can't wait!!!

If you will be in San Diego this weekend (for the Mud Run or anything else), I hope you'll hang out 'til Sunday to cheer us on!  And of course, if you can't make it but want to make a monetary contribution to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, you can make a donation here.

A millon thanks for your continued support and well wishes!!

San Diego is Just Around the Corner!

We've been training hard for several months now, and with the San Diego Marathon just 27 days away, the excitement is building for Team Long Beach!  Our full-marathoners ran a whopping 18 miles on Saturday while the halfers did 11 (I did 14, but that's a different story), and many will reach a personal record at our next practice.

I, on the other hand, just reached my own personal record with 14 miles.  Last season, I hurt my knee during a 15-mile run which took me out for the rest of the season and about a month ago, our first 14-miler aggravated my IT band, causing me to walk the last 2 miles.  I still finished it, but certainly wasn't pleased with the outcome.  After taking a few weeks off, I ran 10 miles two weeks ago (instead of 18) and this week, FINALLY got to 14 (instead of 18).  Yay me!

You may have heard of RICE as the ideal way to treat injuries - I absolutely believe in it.  Coupled with a steady stream of ibuprofen, RICE, which is the acronym for Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate, has helped me out tremendously.

My new favorite running toy is the Cryo-Max ice pack.  Unlike other ice packs, the Cryo-Max stays cool forever!!  I actually used it last night because I tweaked my right knee (from napping, not running), and after two hours, my ice pack was still ice cold.  LOVE!

Twenty-seven more days 'til SD!  Forty-seven more days 'til Seattle!!!!

This Weekend's Fundraising Events

One month away from the first of many summer Team in Training events...and more opportunities to help out!  If you like burgers (and who doesn't!!) or are in need of a car wash (like me), then please support my fellow teammates and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at the following events:

Friday, April 30 and Friday, May 7  - 9 am to 11 pm
Burgers for a Cure benefiting TNT LB Marathon Team

Johnny Rockets
245 Pine Ave. #110
Long Beach, CA

Bring the event flyer to have 20% of your purchase donated to TNT.  Other deals include the Manager's Special which is $11.99 for a burger, fries and AMC movie ticket. 



Sunday, May 2 - 9 am to 2 pm
Car Wash benefiting the TNT Cycle Team

Fuddrucker's
5229 Clark Ave.
Lakewood, CA

$5 per car.  Plus, you'll receive 10% off at the restaurant if you bring the event flyer!  I'll be there to make your car shine =)

Hope to see you there!

LA Summer Teams: Over $700K Raised!!!!!

Twelve miles - check.  Hills - ugh, check.  Amazing views - check (this pic was from mile 4).  Two hundred TNTers - double check!

Let me first start by saying that hill training is no joke.  Do I want to run up and down hills again?  Not so much, but I will because Seattle is a hilly course and I want to finish it.

But aside from that tiny obstacle, Saturday's practice was fantastic!  Team in Training set up the first Greater LA All Team Training, in which every LA Chapter (marathon teams from San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Westside, South Bay and Long Beach, the cycle team, triathlon team and hike team) met up to practice together!  Over 200 participants came out to this great event, which featured a post-practice picnic and the wonderful opportunity to meet other TNTers from different sports.

One of the highlights of the picnic was our fundraising update.  This season alone, the Greater LA teams have raised over $700,000 and are set to raise $2.4 million by the end of our season.  How AMAZING is that!?!  As a participant, I have to admit that sometimes it can be hard to understand how my $3000 fundraising efforts will help change the lives of cancer patients, but when you find out that we are raising $2.4 million, it is truly something for which we can be proud!

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  Your support makes it possible for us TNTers to reach our fundraising goals and ultimately help fund important research and programs for cancer patients in our communities!

Season 2: Double Digits

"There will be days you don't think you can run a marathon.  There will be a lifetime of knowing you have."
- Unknown

This morning, I watched the LA Marathon and felt very proud to see members of Team in Training among the thousands running this event.  There is something very special about knowing you've completed a marathon.  Sure, it's one more thing to cross off your list, but more importantly, it's realizing that you can do something that you previously thought was impossible.

Team Long Beach has finally reached the exciting point in training where we conquer double digits.  Last season, I was so excited to reach this milestone and this time around is no different.  We still have a long way to go - more miles to run, more challenges to face, more adventures to experience - but with proper training and a positive attitude, we'll get to the finish line and will have raised a lot of money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

In three months, I hope to be one of the lucky few who can say they've completed a marathon.

Shop For A Cure!

Attention Shoppers:  Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy are offering Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supporters 30% off in-store purchases, with 5% being donated to LLS. 

The promotion only lasts for four days, from March 18-21.  To participate, simply click here and print out the coupon. 

Happy shopping!

San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Relay

Team in Training just announced a new way to participate in the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll marathon...RELAY!

Enjoy the 45 high-energy bands, 2,000 cheering supporters, 19 themed support stations along the way, all the fun in the sun without the distance!  The four-person relay starts at Balboa Park and ends at Sea World (just like the full- and half-marathons).  

How It Works:
The Relay features 4 person teams who work together to complete the full marathon distance. This is an event suitable for runners or walkers of any level that captures the excitement of one of our signature marathon courses.

Leg #1: Start – Mile 7.9
Leg # 2: Mile 7.9 – Mile 14.5 (6.6 miles)
Leg #3: Mile 14.5 – Mile 21 (6.5 miles)
Leg #4: Mile 21 – Finish (5.2 miles)

Sound like fun?  If you want to learn more about the SD Marathon Relay, stop by a TNT info meeting near you!

Week 3: We Were Meant to Practice!

One of the challenges of training during this time of year is dealing with unpredictable weather.  Despite the heavy rain and wind, our dedicated team showed up to practice this morning.  Yay for them!

After our short clinic on the importance of hydration, the rain gods decided to take a break, which gave us PERFECT weather for a 60-minute run.  The entire time we were out there, the sun was out and the breeze was refreshing.  It was a bit cold and although it took some time for us to warm up, it definitely beats running in the heat.

Lesson of the day:  Show up to practice!  Even when the weather isn't pleasant, things tend to work itself out...and as some teammates said at the end of the run, "We were meant to practice today!"

GO TEAM!

Season 2: Week 1. Done.

TNT Long Beach just completed its first week of training and so far, so good!  It felt great to be out on the track again (Saturday's run was my first since early November) and boy, am I out of shape!

We have new coaches this season, both of whom take a different approach to training.  Instead of running four to five days a week like we did last season, we will be doing more cross training (biking, swimming, etc) and stretching.  We even did yoga after our track workout which was a really nice way to end our run.

This season is going to be FUN!!!  I signed up to do the San Diego Marathon on June 6, but might change it up a bit...instead of running the full marathon, I'll do the half and then run the full in Seattle at the end of June.

But that's not it.  I also want to run the Disneyland Half in September, Nike Women's in San Francisco in October (instead of medals, finishers get a Tiffany necklace from a hot fireman...yay) or the LA Half, and then possibly the Vegas Half.  I want to have at least four medals by the end of the year.  I know..I'm crazy, but I don't care!


Side note:  Have you heard the Team in Training radio spots on MyFM?  If not, tune in to 104.3 to hear my teammate Beckie promote TNT!

One last thing:  the LB team will have a lot of events this season, starting with a wine tasting in March.  Details to follow, but if you're interested, let me know.

Go TEAM!

Summer Season Kick Off!

In just two weeks, Team in Training's summer season will begin! Celebrate with members of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter at the Summer Season Kick Off this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Veteran's Memorial Center
4117 Overland Ave.
Culver City, CA 90232

If you haven't signed up for an event (whether you are a runner, walker, hiker, biker or triathlete...yes, we have events for ALL these sports), stop by Kick Off, meet some great people, shop at the expo,have fun and BE INSPIRED!

Learn More About TNT!

Summer season registration is finally here!!! If you have been thinking about training for a marathon - whether it's your first endurance event or 50th - then you need to attend one of our info meetings to learn more about TNT and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

Whittier Library
10537 Santa Gertrudes Avenue
Whittier, CA
Saturday, January 16th - 10:00am

Norwalk Library
12350 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA
Wednesday, January 20th - 6:30pm

El Dorado Neighborhood Library
2900 Studebaker Road
Long Beach, CA
Tuesday, January 26th - 6:30pm

Hof's Hut Restaurant
6257 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA
Saturday, January 30th - 10:00am

For more locations, visit Team in Training's website to find a chapter near you.

You're Invited!

Team in Training's Summer season kick-off is one month away, so for those of you who want to learn more about TNT and our upcoming events, stop by our Summer Mixer for some refreshing drinks, tasty appetizers and lots of fun!

Saturday, January 23
5:00 p.m.
Mai Tai
97 Aquarium Way in Long Beach, CA

For more details or to RSVP, email me at jmalicse@hotmail.com. See you there!