Great Work!

=)

I've been so encouraged over the past couple of days as donations have started to come in. Admittedly, the first day after I sent out my fundraising letter and all was silent on the donation-front, I was discouraged. I didn't understand why donations weren't flying in, after all, it was a quick, easy and safe donation method being online and everything... But the saying holds true: patience is a virtue. Even those who I didn't send a fundraising letter to have donated after hearing about the opportunity from those who did receive a letter (see-- word of mouth works!!). I am beyond grateful for the support and generosity that the donors have shown. Their gifts are fueling not only my motivation in training, but most importantly the pursuit of a cure for blood cancers, and that is the most exciting part of it all. Currently I am at $430 (if you check the fundraising site and see $400 instead of $430 it is because one donation has come in NOT online and will take a little longer to be posted on the website). This is phenomenal progress! We have 5 days to raise $70 more in time for Recommitment Day (June 17th) where we need to have raised $500. Once we get there we can shift our focus to completing the $2,000 minimum. Get excited, friends, it is going to be great.

Training is going steadily. I have been spinning a lot-- I forgot how much I enjoy spinning! I've said it before, and I still hold to it-- the thing that makes spinning great is that you can decide how 'hard' you go. If the rest of the class is pansy-ing out, there is nothing stopping you from taking it up a notch; your intensity does not affect the intensity of those around you. If the rest of the class obviously ate their Wheaties that morning and you did not, you can take it easy for a minute with no consequences outside of a lighter workout. I appreciate that sense of control. There are three gyms that I am bouncing between right now: Galter Life Center , NEIU, and Bally's . Last Saturday I went to Galter on a guest pass to spin and lift. I love that gym and if it weren't an ungodly initiation and monthly fee I'd join it in a heartbeat. They have the Group Ride program, which is what I did at my home gym on winter and summer breaks. It is a great program that I wish I had access to on a regular basis! Spinning has been helpful in getting some of the strength in my legs back since I haven't really run consistently for THREE weeks now (minorly panic-worthy!). Unfortunately the guest pass at Galter was only good for one day, so I also go to NEIU or Bally's. NEIU is good for their pool mostly...it's usually very clam with few people there, and relatively clean. but they also have spinning classes 4 days of the week and a weight room that is better than no weight room. I have ventured to some of their ab classes and yesterday I did a 'muscle sculpting' class. I always feel SO GOOFY in those classes! On Tuesday at spinning, I was the ONLY ONE there! That was interesting, I hate being the only focal point for the instructor. But it was still good. I'd be content with Bally's alone if it were closer! It is a solid and terrifying bike ride to get there (especially on game days for the Cubs-- I ride right by Wrigley Field... it was cool the first time, now I hate it! It's pure chaos) which is unfortunate. While Bally's is crowded and doesn't have the fancy pants equipment that North Park has spoiled me with, it does have the equipment I'm looking for all in one building. I'm working with the authorities at North Park to see what I can do to use their gym even though I am an alumnus, not a current student. Their gym is amazing and I miss it a LOT. So the gym pursuit has been interesting. I'm sure you're fascinated.
My knee still isn't awesome. No huge improvements on the running front but I've accepted that it will be something that takes time and to expect/force it to happen overnight is both ignorant and foolish. Swimming last night was good. Whenever I get out of the pool, my nose is PLUGGED for like twenty four hours afterwards! Needless to say, I have felt like I have a head cold for the past three weeks. Anyways-- last night there weren't many people there which I personally like. I got my own lane which was GLORIOUS. We did a more challenging workout which is always appreciated. I feel some camaraderie with those I swim with which is an unexpected perk. I always go in to these situations somewhat awkwardly because I'm always on the younger end of it all. Most of the people there are at least four or five years out of college and have established themselves in the professional world, etc. (or at least that's the impression I get). But it's still fun and I enjoy the team-ness of it; I think it almost starts to fill the void of not having a soccer team anymore. Almost.

Keep spreading the word about fundraising! We have proved that we can do it, so lets get excited about continuing on in the journey we have started! Bike training is this Saturday, and as long as I can find a ride and the Iron Horse doesn't putz out before then, I will definitely be there. We'll hear another mission moment, too, which is always super inspiring and motivating-- look forward to a recap!