Thursday, February 3, 2011

A New Direction

Ok, it's not really that new of a direction, but I am jumping out of my comfort zone and attempting a few things this year that I normally would avoid at all cost.

First up: The Big Climb

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

69 flights of stairs

1,311 steps

788 feet of vertical elevation

The Big Climb is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Washington/Alaska Chapter's largest fundraiser. All proceeds go towards LLS' mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. They're looking for 6,000 people who are up for the challenge! If you're interested, click here.

I'm joining a team of a few friends to take on the monstrous challenge. To prepare, I've been walking up and down our stairs, at home, with Ryan. It's been a long time since walking that many stairs and after Ryan had long passed out, my legs were a bit wobbly.

This is a fundraiser. If you're interested in joining us in LLS' mission, stay tuned. I'll have donating information up soon.

Next: Ragnar Relay - Northwest Passage

PICTURE THIS: Running a relay race through the Seattle area, starting near the border of Canada and winding south, all the way down to Whidbey Island. This running event will push you and 11 pals, day and night, through 187 miles of stunning Washington scenery. Starting in the seaside town of Blaine, your team will head south through farm country and along the coast, ultimately crossing over Deception Pass. (copied for the website)

This is, by far, the largest and scariest endeavor that I have signed up for. Especially considering that I hate, no, I loathe running. I'm not very good at it, and it's just not fun. I mean, who, in their right mind, run for any other reason than being chased?? Well, apparently, I am going to join the crazies and run my tail off.

Each member will run three legs of this relay. I have the 5th leg. First run is 5.9 miles, second is 3.4 miles, and the final leg, that I run, will be 6.5 miles. There was the option to pick an easier route, but I am really looking to push myself. I started training for this about a month and a half ago, but have taken a month off when by baby boy arrived. Today will actually mark getting back on that horse and letting it rip.

Unlike the Big Climb, the Ragnar race is set up just for fun. It's not designed as a fundraiser. However, our team will be running in conjunction with Team World Vision. World Vision works with communities in desperate need to help provide things like clean water, nutritious food, education, medical care, and economic opportunities in Africa. I have a personal page set up here for you to read more about what it means to donate to World Vision.

If you have questions about donating to either of these causes, please feel free to give me a call or leave a comment.

Jesse

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

You Might Have Guessed...

This is super old news by now, but we had a baby!! Yep, that's right. His name is Ryan Joel and he's gorgeous. He was born January 3, 2011 at 1:03. I'm having a hard time posting any pictures right now, so you'll just have to use your imagination.

Imagine the cutest thing you've ever seen. Now imagine that there's something just a little bit cuter than what you know. That's how cute my son is.

So, there you have it.

He's awesome.

Now that I'm back at work, hopefully I'll be able to update this more. And hopefully I'll get this picture thing figured out. Cause really, if you haven't already seen him, you are missing out.

Oh, and happy 1 month my son. Daddy loves you!

Jesse