A Surprise That Melted My Heart

Oh wow! Words can not even begin to describe how grateful I am for such wonderful friends and family. I was going out for a surprise night out with Katie and Jordan to celebrate the big 2-5! Yes, I turned 25 yesterday and I have actually come to terms with it. It is just a number and I am truly enjoying my life! Anyways back to the big events. They picked me up from the metro and started driving south. They told me we were going to a restaurant reserved for special occasions so I just went along for the ride. After going south past Woodbridge I started to wonder. Where in the world were we going…just for dinner! Well we ended up at the Melting Pot in Fredericksburg. Lucky for them I didn't think about there being one closer to where we live! It was funny because I told Chris at lunch that I didn't know where we were going and he asked me where I would want it to be. I told him I would like a Japanese Steak House or Fondue (the Melting Pot). I was very happy when our reservations where for fondue! We went inside and Katie and I went straight to the bathroom while Jordan was being seated. As we came out of the bathroom the host told us to turn around to go to our table. I slid into the booth and who came in beside me??? MY MOM AND DAD!!! They drove up to Fredericksburg to meet us for dinner. I truly haven't been that surprised in a long time…I'll be honest it brought a few tears to my eyes! I had a wonderful time talking, opening presents, and eating amazing food! I will brag on the spinach and artichoke cheese fondue and the bananas dipped in milk chocolate. I did enjoy the rest of the meal but those two were to die for! After dinner we had a little photo op and then headed our separate ways. I had such an amazing time and wouldn't trade these people for the world. I love you guys!

 

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.

- Emily Dickinson

 

I'm excited to say I am running my first endurance event with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Please help me reach my personal goal of $2,000 by making a tax deductible donation at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff.
Thanks for helping find a cure for blood cancers!

Runners High and Birthday Week!

Tonight I ran 5 miles with Melissa near her house. I like running that part of town because it mixes things up a little. There are a few hills that make us work hard but we definitely enjoy the down hill! This was a great run for us. Last Saturday I was not feeling the runners high but tonight it was back. I love it when I can get out and really enjoy running!

I don’t mean to toot my own horn but…Tomorrow is my Birthday! I haven’t been my normal super excited self about birthdays this year and I think it’s because I am turning the big 25. I never thought it would be a big deal for me but I’ve been thinking about all that I have done the past 25 years and all that I still want to do. God has truly blessed me with 25 beautiful years of life and I hope he continues to bless me with many more. I am so grateful for my family and friends and how amazing they have been over the years.

A Day of Learning

Saturday we had our long run on the W&OD trail in Vienna. Our mileage went down to 8 this week for a recovery run. It was kind of nice to have a shorter run but the run itself was very challenging for me. I think a lot of factors added to the difficulty. The first thing I was aware of was my food intake the day before and morning of the run. The night before our run I had grilled chicken, a sweet potato, side Caesar salad, and some bread. That was not enough carbs to get me going the next morning. For breakfast I had a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast…again not enough to energize me. The run was a little rough but I pushed through the first half. Then I ate some shot blocks but I wasn't feeling much better. I was struggling with my breathing some and my nose was all stopped up. That part wasn't fun but I made it to the end. I was pretty upset with the way I ran on Saturday but reminded myself that next week will be better. We go up to 14 miles so it will be a huge challenge but I'm determined! J

 

My day began to improve after the run. I went to lunch with Katie and Jordan. We went to the mall and got Chick-fil-A. I love that place! After we ate Katie and I stopped by New York & Co. I was excited to see the sale sign in the window. The store was closing so everything was under $5. I got two shirts for $2 each…that was so exciting!

 

After my great clothing splurge I raced off to the metro to head into the city. I met Julie, one of my dearest friends, at Ebenezer's for a little coffee and catching up. Ebenezer's was pretty full that Saturday afternoon so we went outside to chat and eventually walked up to Union Station when it got chilly. Julie is getting married this summer so we had a lot of fun things to talk about. We hung out for a couple of hours and then I headed back.

 

I love spending time with good friends!

 

"A faithful friend is the medicine of life."

~ Apocrypha

A Lasting Difference!

Today I read a quote that I really liked especially during this season in my life so I thought I would share it with you all!

 

"The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." ~ William James

 

I will be honest, at first I wasn't sure who William James was but thanks to Google I found his biography and more quotes. I couldn't resist posting a few more of the ones I liked most!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_James

 

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."

 

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."

 

"Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact."

 

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."

 

Be inspired and go out and make a lasting difference!

 

 

REMINDER! COME OUT TO FRONT PAGE TOMORROW FOR HAPPY HOUR!

 

 

HAPPY TO CURE BLOOD CANCERS

HAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER

 

 

WHERE: THE FRONT PAGE IN ARLINGTON

http://www.frontpagearlington.com/

4201 Wilson Blvd

Arlington, VA 22203

(703) 248-9990

 

WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2010

 

 

TIME: 5:00PM-8:00PM.

 

 

HOW IT WORKS:

Buy a wristband for $10 and get drink and food specials from

5:00 PM -8:00 PM. Specials include: $3 drafts, $2.75 rail drinks, $3.25

glasses of house wine, $2 miller lites, 1/2 price appetizers and 1/2

price hamburgers!!!

 

 

WHY: Proceeds from wristband sales go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.

 

 

Please tell your family and friends to come out and be HAPPY TO CURE BLOOD CANCERS with us!!!

 

Please help me reach my personal goal of $2,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by making a tax deductible donation at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff

Thanks for helping find a cure for blood cancers!

 

Longer than before!

So I am a little slow getting this updated but better late than never!

 

On Saturday we all met as a team at 4 Mile Run in Arlington to do our long run. All the full marathoners ran 12 miles. At the beginning we ran with Hayley and Brett for a little ways. It is fun running with other people on the team and getting to know them a little better. I was so determined to have a successful run and I am pleased to say that it went extremely well! For me this was the best trail we have been on so far. I loved the wooded area with the stream along the path. It was like a little escape in the middle of the city. It was nice to hear the birds and the stream flowing rather than 12 miles of traffic. I am not exactly sure where this trail took us but we did end up going under 395 and into Shirlington a little bit. Then we went back and took the W&OD trail up and back. We were running along side 66 but I'm not exactly sure where we were. That was probably the loudest part of the run.

 

 

Melissa and I both tried new energy boosters. Melissa tried the jelly beans and she loved them. She said they tasted good and gave her energy without messing with her stomach. That is always a good sign. The only bad part was that they got hard since it was so cold. I think I might have to try them one time to see what I think. I tried orange shot blocks and loved them! They had an extra boost of caffeine that got me going and they tasted great! I also liked that they gave me a distraction for a little bit since they took a little while to chew up. The only problem with them is they are bigger and a little harder to carry on the run. I did wear my fuel belt again and it went a lot better. I guess I am getting used to it now…lets hope!

 

 

This weekend I went home. I love going home and visiting my family! It's amazing the feeling you get when you're around people you love! I had a great time hanging out with Wes, Lindsey, my cousins and their friends. We ate some good food at Quaker Steak and then went back to Wes and Lindsey's for the Colts game. I am and always will be a devoted Steelers fan! However, since they are out of the running I'm cheering for the Colts to win the super bowl. Just keeping it in the family!

 

 

Sunday I enjoyed some time with my parents and then played Rummikub with them and my uncle and cousin. I loved the game the first round but then I started to lose and it wasn't so fun anymore. I didn't totally lose so it ended up okay. After the game we went over to Wes and Lindsey's to hang out with them for the football game. They made this dip that was to die for! I don't even know what was in it but I loved it. We had a great time with a crowd of family and friends!

 

 

Monday morning I woke up earlier than I had expected. Somehow I convinced my dad to go with me on my run. We went up to Newport News Park so I could run and my dad could ride his bike. I was excited about getting in a good run and trying a different trail. That is until we actually got going. I felt like I was truly training for a marathon. The path is nice most of the time but we both forgot that we had a down pour of rain the night before so the trail was flooded in a lot of spots. It's about a 5 mile trail but we didn't go the whole way around since there was so much water. We did about 3 miles in 36 minutes so I was glad that I at least got out there and did something. It was a challenge running in the mud and ankle deep water but definitely worth it. After cleaning up from my run, I went with my sister to the mall for a little shopping trip. It was fun hanging out with her shopping and talking for a bit. Then mom made her famous lasagna for a big family dinner. Everyone enjoyed some yummy food and then it was time for me to head back to the DC area. I had an amazing time at home but now it's back to the real world!

 

 

Help me raise money to cure blood cancer:  http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff

 

The “Susan B. Anthony of running”

I read this article today about "K.V." Swizter, Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to break the gender barrier and officially enter and complete the Boston Marathon in 1967. Her story of perseverance and strength was very inspiring. She went on to win the 1974 NYC marathon and still inspires athletes today (including myself).

 

Here is an encouraging excerpt from the article:

"The marathon has been one thing that has phenomenally changed women's view of themselves.  And charities, Team in Training, and Jeff Galloway - and all these people who often get criticized for dumbing down the marathon - I don't criticize them.  They've made the marathon accessible to everybody, and suddenly, to do a 5-hour marathon is no longer a laugh – it's considered a heroic and wonderful thing to do and that's really great.  A lot of women didn't get into sports and they still don't now because they think you have to be good or you have to be competitive, and you don't.  It's all about participation and getting out there and once you do that, you get that self-esteem."

http://www.heractivelife.com/women/comment/hal-interview-with-the-legendary-kathrine-kv-switzer-part-one/

--
Amanda

I'm excited to say I am running my first endurance event with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Please help me reach my personal goal of $2,000 by making a tax deductible donation at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff
Thanks for helping find a cure for blood cancers!

 

 

Running Update

Last night I ran 4 miles with Melissa. I was glad that is all we did since I have been in pain lately. It was a slower run but quality so it was worth it! During the run we talked about our upcoming fundraiser. If you haven't heard...here are the details. Come out and support us. It will be a fun night!

HAPPY TO CURE BLOOD CANCERS HAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER WHERE: THE FRONT PAGE IN ARLINGTON4201 Wilson BlvdArlington, VA 22203(703) 248-9990 WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2010 TIME: 5:00PM-8:00PM. HOW IT WORKS:Buy a wristband for $10 and get drink and food specials from 5:00 PM -8:00 PM. Specials include: $3 drafts, $2.75 rail drinks, $3.25glasses of house wine, $2 miller lites, 1/2 price appetizers and 1/2price hamburgers!!! WHY: Proceeds from wristband sales go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Please tell your family and friends to come out and be HAPPY TO CURE BLOOD CANCERS with us!!!

I am going to run tomorrow night so I can prepare for our long run on Saturday. It is exciting but 12 miles is a lot. I am ready for the challenge! Check back later for more running updates!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff


"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
– PattiSue Plummer, U.S. Olympian

I <3 blogging

I am always learning new things about the blog world. This is fun!

GO TEAM!

Go Team in Training!

This morning we ran 10 miles on the W&OD Trail this morning! It was a really good run but came with a few challenges. I really like running with Melissa. We usually keep about the same pace and it is fun to have someone to talk to along the way. This was the first time we used the fuel belt which was a little hard to get used to but I think it will work out. The trail was mostly covered in snow and ice so that was a different running experience as well (kind of like running in sand). Another new experience was using gels. They have a really weird texture but didn't taste too bad. It definitely gave me energy so it was worth it! I enjoyed the new trail with new scenery. We ran across a bridge that went over Interstate 495 and I thought that was really cool. While others where driving around the metro area we were running through Vienna! It was a challenging run but totally worth it!



After our run we went back to the community center and had the chance to listen to some amazing people who are fighting and even harder battle. Our honored teammates shared their stories of how they are living through blood diseases. It was a very emotional time and made us all really remember why we are doing this. I was truly inspired by some of my actual teammates who are running marathons and half marathons and are also fighting lymphoma. They truly are my heroes and inspire me to keep running!

Everyone knows someone who has had cancer or is currently fighting some form of cancer. So go out and find a way to make a difference! I am running this marathon for those who I have known that have fought blood diseases and for those who are currently fighting cancers of all forms. Some of the stories we heard really hit home because my aunt is currently being treated for stomach cancer. Knowing that people like my aunt are finding the strength to fight cancer makes me want to finish this marathon even more! I am so excited about running this marathon and raising money for an amazing cause.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/shamrock10/ashaff

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Looking back on the holidays I am happy to have so many fun family memories. This truly was a great Christmas with my family. I was able to go home for a few days and hang out with everyone.

Christmas Eve I ran the Matteson Trail while my mom and Jackson walked. Towards the end of the run I went back and took Jackson for a run. He did really well so I might take him for a run again. That night I went to a candle light service with my mom and grandma. Then went over to Wes and Lindsey's to hang out and play a little wii.

Christmas day Wes and Lindsey came over for breakfast and presents and then we all went to my aunt's house for lunch and a gift exchange with more family. It was so fun to watch Ethan open his gifts and play with them. That little guy is getting so big! It was a great day with lots of family! I was happy that with all of the food I don't think I over did it.

The kids...me, Wes, and Lindsey ready for the big day!


Josh and Jesse enjoying Christmas!


I almost forgot that grandma got a snuggie...that was the best part of my day! I knew someone in our family would end up with one of those crazy things!


Ethan playing his guitar for great grandma!


Ethan loved his new toys!


Lindsey loved her new dvd's!


Toys Toys and more Toys!


Josh with his new mountain bike tire...boys ask for the most random gifts!


The Saturday after Christmas we had to run on our own for the Marathon training. It was scheduled as a 6 mile run but I only ended up running about 4.5. I felt like it was a good run so even though it wasn't the full 6 miles I think I did well. I haven't been keeping up with my running like I should over the holidays but I am getting back on track again. I am determined to run this marathon so watch out I'm getting ready to put in the big miles!

Tonight we had our second ice skating fundraiser at Pentagon Row. It was fun hanging out with some of the girls but it was freezing cold!

After the fundraiser I came home and went for a run on the treadmill. I didn't do very much but I was glad to run a little bit. I promise I will get more miles in (that was for me)!