Less than a Month to Race Day

Can't believe it's almost time to race!  My training is going well.  Feeling really good about the race.  Wish I could do a few more weekday runs, but it's challenging to stick a run in with kids and Shilpa's schedule.  My core strength training with Pete and the other trainers at Evolution Trainers is definitely helping.  They give me a great workout.  For me, running 10 miles is easier than the 55 minute workouts they put me through! 

I've been getting my race day gear ready too.  Just got a new pair of Nike compression running shorts.  I'm going to try them out on my long run this weekend.  I'm also going to test a new flavor or Gu Chomps.  Been happy with apple-cranberry, but just wanted to test out strawberry for comparison.  My shoes feel great (Brooks Glycerin) - my best purchase of the new year!  Still debating whether or not to carry my Flip video camera with me during the marathon to document parts of the race. 

Finally, a word about the fundraising - amazing!  People have been so generous.  Thank you so much to all of the donors.  Without you, this personal project of mine would be nothing.  In November, when I first decided to run the LA Marathon in memory of my mother and to raise money for the American Head and Neck Society, I never imagined that so many would be willing to donate.  We have almost made it to my lofty goal of $10,000!  To see a list of all the beautiful people who have donated in memory of my mother, visit www.crowdrise.com/iyansrun.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

That's all for now.  Into the final training stretch!

Super Bowl Morning Run

Beautiful morning for a run!  Blue skies with a few hazy clouds screening the sun just enough.  Had a great 13-mile run along the Bay Trail - much better than last week's long run in the rain.  After my run, spent the rest of the morning at the Mountain View farmer's market with Shilpa, Kamran, and Dhiren.

Enjoy the Super Bowl - I'm picking the Packers 23-16.

My Boys

This has nothing to do with my marathon training - just a cute picture of Kamran and Dhiren at the Cliff House in San Francisco. Love my two boys!

Running with the Right Shoes

About 3 weeks ago, I had a running analysis done and discovered that I'm not running in the right type of shoe! Had the analysis done at Roadrunner Sports in Campbell, CA. Got fitted for these Brooks Glycerin 8 (Size 12.5) - modeled here by my youngest son Dhiren. I was surprised that I needed a different shoes because I had an analysis done about 4 years ago, and just figured I should still be running in the same type of shoe (Asics 2100 series). I also got some custom insoles. Feel much better with these shoes - no knee pain on my long run last weekend.

Lesson for the Day: If you're planning to run, get fitted for the right shoe. If it's been over a year, get fitted again. I guess running mechanics can change over time.

My Inspiration for this Run

Humble, Thoughtful, Generous, Intelligent, Kind, Optimistic, Respected, Beautiful.  These are just a few of the words that describe my mother, Finnie John.  Here’s a very brief summary of why she was an extra-special person.

My mother was well-rounded, actively involved with her church and non-profit community organizations.  She served full time in the same organization for over 40 years, working her way up and rising to a high level position.  She also always made time to support and help her friends and family (immediate and extended).

She enjoyed hosting parties.  Our home was the regular venue for family Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Eve parties, which she always presented with style.  She also enjoyed inviting people over for no special reason – just to spend time with friends.

She loved to travel and visit new destinations.  Because of my parents, I have visited over 30 countries and experienced other cultures firsthand.

My mother was someone who could be trusted.  Many people felt close to her because they could share their private matters and feelings, and know they would be kept in confidence. 

She always supported me in everything that I did.  She, along with my dad, even attended all 8 of my marathons before she passed away, whether they were in California or the Washington, D.C. area.

She taught me so much, and was a wonderful example of how someone should live their life on this earth.  I miss her every day, and she will never be forgotten.  My life will never be the same without her.  I run this race to honor her and her beautiful life.