OMG! What are the odds?

What are the odds that 50% of ONE family can be diagnosed with cancer? A million to one... a billion to one? These guys should head to Vegas!

I'd like you to meet my team's newest honoree, Jim Pixton (left). Not only is he an honoree but he'll also be participating in a century with me. Talk about a tough guy!

Here is the story in his words:

The short version is that the Pixton family have three TNT honorees and we love being associated with Team in Training.

The longer version is as follows. It’s all true—I swear. We can confirm that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

My wife Jennifer and I have four kids. The youngest, Porter, is five. He was born in November 2003. In March 2004, he was diagnosed with Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML), a particularly nasty and rare type of the disease. Chemo doesn’t cure it; only a stem cell transplant has shown promise for long-term survival. Fortunately, his big sister , Eliza, now nine, is a perfect match. He hasn’t gone into treatment yet because the cancer hasn’t flared. We feel very fortunate about that.

In April 2004, I joined Team in Training to keep from going crazy and do something to contribute to the fight against blood cancers. One month later, however, I noticed a lump on my neck and went to get it checked out. In June of 2004 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and started chemotherapy. Although I ultimately wasn’t able to ride the High Sierra Century because I was between my fourth and fifth rounds of chemo, I still did all the training rides including the final 80-mile ride at Point Reyes. I went with my family to Mammoth to cheer the team on. I finished six rounds of chemotherapy in October and was one of the first groups of under-65 patients to use a wonder drug called Retuxin to treat high-grade lymphoma. Retuxin was developed by a research fellow using funds from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

We thought the Pixton Family had filled its cancer quota, but in January 2008 my wife Jen went to her doctor with stomach pains. It turned out to be a tumor the size of a football on her right ovary. After an emergency hysterectomy she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and did three rounds of chemotherapy. Jen finished her last round of chemotherapy on April 1, 2008. To celebrate her one-year anniversary she signed up with Team in Training and completed the Solvang Century this year in March.

Our family has been so blessed with support and friendships from Team in Training. The Leukemia and Lymphoma’s website was the first place we turned to for answers about blood cancers. We’ve received financial support through their patient reimbursement program. We hope we can continue be honorees and ride with Team in Training for many years to come.

Keep up the great work. Go Team!

~Jim

Please help me reach my $5,000 goal with a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We can find a cure!

Reasons to Ride

Why do I ride? Because I can. Because I know what it's like to watch a loved one endure chemo. Because I've heard too many stories of cancer diagnoses. Because I have lost someone to cancer. I do this because I want to save someone else from that experience. So when people ask me why.... it's to save a life.

Please read on meet my team's honorees... These people inspire me to get on the bike, climb the steep hills, share the stories of families dealing with cancer treatments and ask for your support with a tax deductible donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

If you know someone who has been afflicted with a blood-related cancer, I would love to ride in their honor. Please let me know their name(s), relation to you & feel free to share a short bio. These people will inspire me on each training ride and I will wear a bracelet for them on race day.

I will continue to endure until there is a cure.

My Personal Honoree - my dad.

The following was written by my mom to introduce the team to my dad when we rode in his memory last season:

First and foremost, Bill Crawford was a husband, dad, and grandfather. He loved his family beyond measure and that love was returned in full. He also loved his friends and made legions on his journey through life.

In 1994 Bill began to feel weak and tired and found a lump in his groin. After a few tests it was confirmed that he had lymphoma. Although a die-hard Cal fan, he spent several months at Stanford Hospital where he underwent an autologous stem cell transplant and chemo treatments to battle Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thanks to advances in research and medical treatments his life was extended almost 15 wonderful years. Those years included the weddings of his children, adventures with seven grandchildren and countless gatherings to celebrate and enjoy all of life’s great gifts with extended family and lifelong friends. He made the most of every moment.

In 2002 Bill again experienced fatigue, he was weak and extremely anemic, sure signs of MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) a pre-leukemia. Bill received the occasional blood transfusion, took maintenance medications and continued living every moment, never showing any signs that cancer returned. While most patients with MDS live a few months Bill treasured another 6 years of life.

On March 19, 2008, Bill passed away from complications of pneumonia. Bill was a great fan and supporter of his children’s involvement in Team in Training. They have completed Triathlons, Marathons, and Century Rides to raise money in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. Bill’s indomitable spirit is with us in all we do, and today we honor him again.

Honoree Myland

Please meet Myland. Here's his story:

At the beginning of TNT's Summer 2006 season, my wife, Carolyn, was beginning to train for an endurance event and raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her goal was to finish the race and meet her fundraising goal. My goal was to stuff fundraising letters and to watch our two young boys while she went to her various TNT trainings, fundraisers and events. In July of 2006, everything changed drastically when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Now our goal was to save my life.

We received the shocking news while on our annual family vacation in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. We had to fly back to San Francisco immediately so I could begin treatment for this life-threatening disease. From July until December 2006 I was in and out of the hospital at UCSF Medical Center for a month at a time receiving chemotherapy. Although the treatments were keeping the leukemia in check, my only real chance for a cure would be to have a bone marrow transplant. Finding a suitable donor proved to be extremely difficult because of my ethnic background. We were told we had a one-in-a-million chance of ever finding a donor. Miraculously, a few days before Christmas 2006, a donor was found! I had the transplant in January 2007. It's been more than two years post-transplant and I'm feeling great!

Carolyn and I never thought we would be on the other side of the fight. However, through our involvement with TNT we never felt or will ever feel alone in our fight. Participants' commitment to TNT and the mission of LLS has given us endless hope, inspiration and strength. We can't put into words how thankful we are to those who decide to join the team and take up the challenge to find a cure. TNT participants ARE making a difference in our lives and others fighting blood cancers.

A'ohe hana nui ka alu'ia. HELE HUI! (No task is too big when done together. GO TEAM!)

Honoree Sheryl

My name is Sheryl Braum and I was diagnosed in 2001 with Hodgkin lymphoma. I had a mass in my chest that was literally the size of a football. It collapsed my left lung and pushed my heart back into my chest cavity and oh yes, it gave me a blood clot as well. I went through several surgical biopsies, bone marrow biopsies, chemo and radiation and went into remission for 15 months. However, I had a cancer relapse and underwent more high dose chemo and an autologous stem cell transplant. Since then, I have had the great fortune of being in remission. I have had a few scares that have bought me some more hospital time in the ICU-but all is good and life is GREAT! I want to thank all of you for taking the time to train and raise money for blood cancer victims. The money that you are raising will help many people out there who are counting on research to save their lives. I know, because I have been one of them.
As a fellow TNTr I have had the chance to ride a couple of centuries in seasons past and have met some phenomenal people-people like you who care enough to truly give back and help out others in need. I am in awe of all of you because of your commitment to train, endure and matter (TEAM)! Please do not hesitate to ask me how I can help you with fundraising. I am only an e-mail away (+:

With much thanks,

Sheryl
Hodgkin lymphoma IIB/large, bulky mediastinal mass Stanford V chemo & rads
relapse 15 mo. later high dose chemo & autologous stem cell transplant remission since 2002 big scare 2009-but biopsy=negative
LIFE IS GREAT!

Honoree Rachel

20 years and 9 months ago, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was 24 years old. I spent most of 1989 undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment saved my life, and changed my life forever. Although Hodgkin's Lymphoma has fairly good survival statistics, as far as cancers go, the treatment 20 years ago was not without some nasty side-effects. I've lived to experience many of them, and am encouraged and extremely grateful to all of you participating in TNT! You are raising money to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society support research that will find less toxic treatments and eventually find cures for blood cancers!

While I spent 6 months undergoing chemotherapy, and 1 month of daily radiation treatments, I didn't have a crystal ball to see my future - I only knew that I had to get through the day, get through the week and get through the treatment plan. Although I experienced the typical nausea, fatigue, hair loss from chemo, and "sunburn", metal-taste-mouth, and even pneumonia from the radiation, I didn't pay much attention to what these might do to me further down the road. I just continued going to my job every day, spending time with my friends and family, and trying to keep life as "normal" as possible while going through treatment. I put my blinders on and trudged through the yucky stuff. Cancer taught me that each day was a gift and time was precious!

Not long after my treatment was finished, my thyroid stopped working. My neck and chest had received a high dose of radiation, and the radiation had this side-effect, which was really no big deal because I could take medicine for it. 5 years after treatment, I had gotten married and wanted to start a family, and discovered that I could not get pregnant. Chemotherapy had knocked out my ovaries and put me into menopause before I was 30. (Eventually, I adopted my two beautiful daughters, so this turned out to be a blessing! ) 10 years after treatment I discovered white patches taking over my skin pigment. Turned out to be vitiligo, an auto-immune disease which I later learned was likely a long-term side-effect from radiation. Not life-threatening, but it sure does make for some interesting body art. 15 years after treatment, I developed a heart arrhythmia and some problems with a scary rapid heart rate, which also turned out to be a long-term side-effect from radiation. Medication and careful monitoring currently have this under control. 17 years after treatment, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, another long-term side effect from radiation. Fortunately, a mammogram caught it very early. The standard treatment for early stage breast cancer is a lumpectomy (where they remove the localized cancer and area around it) and radiation (to get any stray cells in the area). But, I was a special case! Since radiation had most likely caused my breast cancer, I couldn't (and didn't want to!) have any more. Instead I opted for a double mastectomy, even though the cancer showed up on only one breast. The other breast had been exposed too, and I didn't want to take any chances with cancer in the future. I also chose to have a relatively new type of breast reconstruction surgery, where tissue was transplanted from my legs to create new breasts. I was very determined to heal from the surgery so that I could ride my bike again.

20 years after treatment, I joined Team In Training and rode 100 miles around Lake Tahoe in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride! I consider myself lucky to have had 20 amazing years post treatment! When I joined TNT, I wanted to challenge myself physically in a positive way and support the LLS in finding a cure for blood cancers.

Through my own cancer journey, I've made many friends who are in treatment or survivors of blood cancers. Most of us have benefited from support services and information provided by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Some have benefited from clinical trials that were funded by the LLS! But on June 7th this year, I dedicated my 100-mile ride to the family of my friend Vicki, who was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at age 32 while she was 36 weeks pregnant. She went through heavy-duty chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant, while caring for her 5-year-old son and a new baby. Tragically, she lost her battle with cancer in March. Words can't describe the grief her friends and family are left with. But no doubt I felt her spirit the entire ride around Lake Tahoe, gently pushing me up the biggest hills!

So as you all train for your century ride, and raise money to help wipe out blood cancers, I just want to say THANK YOU! You are doing something AMAZING! When the training gets challenging, and you're huffing and puffing up those hills, know that you have my deepest gratitude and a big push in spirit up the hills!

TNT Cycle Team. Curing Cancer. That's How We Roll!

Cycle Team Fundraiser: The above design is available in short & long sleeve tshirts $15-$20, hooded sweatshirt $30 or performance long sleeve shirts (similar to under armor material with a loose comfortable fit) $32

100% of the profits go directly to the cause. Show your cycle team pride!

The design is intended for everyone, current team members & alumni, family & friends.

You can complete an order with payment through PayPal Select "send money", to SDCrawford71@gmail.com, enter amount, select the "Personal" tab & "other" options and in the note section let me know what item(s) you have paid for. Send me an email if you prefer to order and pay by cash or check.

Pre-paid orders received by Aug 25 will be available by Sept 12. Orders received after Aug 25 will be processed as soon as possible.

Go TEAM! Keep on pedaling.

Holstein 100

Long ago it seemed like a good idea to sign up for several century rides before the end of the year. Heck, I was in great shape training for Tahoe. I figured I'd get home & keep up my level of fitness. Well as some of you know I sprained my ankle the night after riding around the lake so my training went from full-tilt to zero. My level of fitness took a flying leap down a steep ravine. I've ridden my bike maybe five times in the last two months.

On Saturday I'm heading to Marin to ride the Holstein 100. I may end up doing a metric century (67mi) or I may end up cutting off at the 35mi route. We'll see what happens. Regardless it will be a beautiful ride & a great challenge.

Thanks to all who've contributed toward my fundraising goal this season. I'm almost half way there! Please consider a donation, any amount goes toward cancer research and patient care. Also, if you get me to the $5,000 mark I have no excuse but to ride the Tour de Tucson.

Help Prevent Chemo Brain

An interesting article on Chemo Brain from the New York Times. ..."Nearly every chemotherapy patient experiences short-term problems with memory and concentration. But about 15 percent suffer prolonged effects of what is known medically as chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment."...

Please donate to LLS so we can find a cure and live in a world where no one else has to suffer from chemo brain

Thanks to the early donors I've reached the threshold that allows for 100% of your donations to do directly to "the cause" Every dollar donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in support of my training will go directly to cancer research and patient care.

Thank you for visiting. Go TEAM!

Now It's My Turn

Dear friends / members of my "support group" -

I'm in my 6th season with Team in Training in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I couldn't have done all of this without your love, encouragement and support. THANK YOU!

This season I want to support you - the family & friends of those dealing with the reality of blood cancers. If you know someone who has been afflicted with a blood-related cancer, I would love to ride in their honor. Please let me know their name(s), relation to you & feel free to share a short bio. These people will inspire me on each training ride and I will wear a bracelet for them on race day.

Thank you for sharing your stories and supporting me in the efforts to find a cure for blood cancers. Click here to make a donation and fund cancer research and patient care.

Go TEAM!

The History of Team Papa

Team Papa is my small groups of friends and family that have joined Team In Training to raise funds for blood cancer research. We ran & ride in homor & memory of my dad, known as Papa to his grand-kids. Our first event was in the spring of 2007 - the team included me and Melanie I. We raised a good chunk of change and I was bitten by the "endurance event bug". Papa was able to cheer me across the first two finish lines before he passed away in March 2008. Since then the team has grown and the fan club too. Here are pics of each season....
At the finish line of The Avenue of the Giants 2007. Raised over $7,500

At the finish line of Nike Women's 1/2 Marathon 2007. Raised $1,875

The Ave 2008 - Running with Lauren toward the finish line.

Solvang's Finest 2008, Team Papa riders raised $16,760

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride Team Papa riders raised over $8,000

I wonder who will join Team Papa next? Teams now forming near you: http://www.teamintraining.org/

In the words of Ms. Spears

Woops, I did it again! Yes, I signed up for another season with Team In Training. Yes, I'm fundraising for blood cancer research and patient care. Yes, I'm asking for your support! Please donate now, donate big, donate small, donate often.

It's Been A While

After a month of ankle injury recovery I decided it was time to dig out the gear, dust off the bike and ride. It's amazing how fast the body can return to sloth! It's also amazing how quickly I felt comfortable on "The Beast".

My ankle didn't hurt to clip in & out of the pedals, phew! My muscles felt strong still, phew! However, my lungs haven't been pushed in over 30 days so that's where I got a good burn. I also haven't been eating/drinking as a rider should so about halfway through the ride my calves started to cramp up.

All in all it was a good 20ish miler with a little up and a little down. Thanks to my ride buddies who held back so I could keep up.

The cobwebs have been cleared and I am a cyclist again.

In case I haven't mentioned it before I am Community Captain for TNT's Fall Cycle Team. I'll be returning to Solvang's Finest, my first century, to see what a year of training will do.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Information Meetings are going on right now for the Fall season. Join Team In Training Ride a century, run or walk a full or half marathon, try a Tri! Change your life while saving another.

Something Else for My Mom to Worry About

Calaveras Road is one of my favorite rides. A few weeks ago there was a huge pot farm bust. Read about it

So now in addition to worrying about cars, getting lost, falling / crashing, my mom can now worry about pot farmers.

Cycling is fun!

Prayers Please

Late breaking news: Miracles DO happen!

Please read the message below from Nick's mom. She has some great news to share with all of you! Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and support! We couldn't have found a match without you!

----------------------------------------

We learned yesterday afternoon that Stanford Cancer Center has found two donor matches for Nick out of the thirteen potential matches that had been developed by the national registry. Human leukocytes antigen (HLA) typing is used to match patients and donors for transplants. The immune system uses these antigens (markers) to recognize which cells belong in your body and which do not. Stanfordwas searching for aset often markers for the best match. Each of the two donor matches that were discovered, match tenout often criterion markers. Furtherevaluationneeds to occur on the two donors by Stanford before a final selection can be made. Moreover, up until the actual transplantevent,the national registry will continue to search for other possible donors that mightmake an even better match.

In any event it looks like Nick is going to get his chance at a transplant procedure which is hearteningindeed for all of us. Nick and his family are so very grateful to all those people behind the scenes at EMC, as well as the other large companies that joined in, The Asian-American Donor Program, the Be The Match Donor Program, all the media involved, and the Stanford/Kaiser medical teams that have helped bring about this hopeful development. We are equally thankful for all of the outpouring of personal support by individuals all over this land and around the globe for their good wishes, prayers, support, and for all the donor volunteers who have come forward this past month.

Five weeks ago, we received the devastating news that there was 0% chance of finding a donor. Due to all of the overwhelming support and response to our call to action, not one, but TWO 10 out of 10 matching markers have been found and secured. We have not been told who these angels are due to confidentiality reasons, but we are so grateful for them! Both donors will be prepped, as well as Nick, for a transplant, which should take place within 30 days. Nick still has a long road ahead of him, so we ask that you continue to keep him, as well as both donors, in your thoughts and prayers for a successful transplant. We ask you to continue to spread the word for the need for donors, as Stanford will continue to search for even more perfect matches, until the actual transplant day. Also, we never want any family to experience the hopelessness of not being able to find a donor match. The harsh reality is that there are thousands of people just like Nick waiting for a donor match to be found. Time is ticking away and they need your help too. Please continue to spread the word that every person ‘in good health’ should be tested and enlisted into the registry. Time is of the essence! This is Nick’s wish, and ours, that every person should have a fighting chance!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God Bless!

I know it's almost two weeks since I completed this season's ride and I haven't posted a wrap-up. I will soon, I promise. However, yesterday our team received a sad update on one of our team's honorees:Nick Glasgow I think this message is more important to share.

Here is an update on Nick, written by his Grandpa.

Our high hopes for remission were shattered yesterday. A sensitive blood test taken Tuesday night showed the cancer cells are still there even after a third round of chemotherapy. Nick's spirits have plummeted to their lowest ebb; he is fast losing his hopes of recovery. For that matter, all our spirits have been jolted.
So, now, instead of the desperately needed respite that remission would have given, the Leukemia nightmare goes on for Nick and Carole. And now, also, Nick is in a much weaker condition, physically and emotionally, in which to face further days of uncertainty and treatment. Carole is confronted with the daunting task of making vital decisions about which treatment option(s) to pursue. Stanford Cancer Clinic is searching frantically for a donor match. While this option appears to be the most promising at the moment, it is fraught with possible complications with no guarantee of success.
"Cord Blood" is another treatment option Carole is considering. This option involves the use of umbilical cord blood as a potential source for the required blood cells, again only if a match can be found for Nick. Treatment is given by the "City of Hope " organization in southern California and Nick would have to be taken there in some medically protected manner two different times. We continue to hope and pray for that miracle!

What can YOU do to help? Get yourself and everyone you know registered with the National Marrow Donor Program http://www.nmdp.org or more specifically, www.marrow.org

What Goes Up Must Come Down

On Sunday I'll be slowly climbing up & quickly rolling down these peaks & valleys around the lake.

Route Map

On Sunday I'll be making my way along this route:

America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride (AMBBR) Century @ Lake Tahoe

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

80 Miles of Smiles, No Tears Here

Thanks to all these amazing women for riding with me. We ride in honor of family & friends who have suffered through blood cancers.On Saturday we had an 80 mile buddy ride that retraced the map from Fall season that pushed me to tears. Re-read the tale here I think I was still in shock when I did the write up since it sounds pretty bland. I remember the ride kicking my a$$ and pushing me to tears. It was awful then. This time it was awesome. I'm stronger & faster than I thought. I've been training more than 1x a week and it has obvious benefits.

The ride was cold at the start but warmed up for the last 30miles. The people were fantastic (see pic above) and made the day in the saddle so fun. The hills were fun, the rollers were fast.

The one bummer of the day was passing an accident on the side of the road & recognizing a few teammates from the fast group. No major injuries so all is well. Apparently a water-bottle caused a wipe-out, a car got rear-ended after stopping to avoid our rider & a 2nd cyclist bailed to the side of the road ditch to avoid the stopped cars. Road rash & shaken spirits were all that was diagnosed after x-rays & examinations.

Be safe out there!

Annoying Yet Edible

Apparently I ride with my mouth open. I can only assume it's for easier deep breathing. However when on the fast descents my open pie-hole is like a bug vacuum. Last night as I got to the last 20 feet of the descent some huge bug flew right down my throat & landed on my gag-reflex. Not fun!

At least they are full of protein, right? I prefer steak.

This weekend we have our last long ride - another 80miles. The route we have planed took me to the brink of tears last season. I hope these past few months of continued training will make it easier this time. Bring it on, Stinson Beach!

Aint No Stopping Me Now!

I'm proud of myself today. Thanks to K. Sue (left) & Kieran (right) I accomplished my first non-stop climb to the Junction on Mt. Diablo!

Longtime readers might recall my first attemp. Following that ride we went back on a fairly regular basis - for a few months we went weekly. Each climb was different due to weather, health, day-light, riding companions. Never have I made it without at least one rest stop on the side of the road for air, food, water.

Yesterday something felt different and I knew from the first pedal stoke that I was going to make it all the way. Perhaps it was the semi-bike fit that adjusted my seat. Perhaps it was the perfect weather & excellent company. Perhaps it was just my time.

Confidence on the bike & experience on descents made the trip down the mountain fast & furious. My first ride down many months ago I hit top speeds of 12mph. Last night I cruised along in the 30s! I feel the need for speed.

Another Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood

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55 miles. 80ish degrees. 8 hours.

One of the most beautiful days, most beautiful rides I've been on.

Last year on this ride my chain broke so I got SAG'ed out at mile 25. This time I was able to ride the rollers and climb all the hills with strength and ease. As I waited for my riding buddy I got quite a few pictures of the course & my teammates. I can finally enjoy the ups & downs (although I think my breaks need some work soon).

60 Miles - 78 Degrees - Mostly Sunny

Saturday's ride begins at Stafford Lake Park in Novato. My groups roll time is 7:30AM. This means no sleeping in this weekend - I gotta be up about 5:30 to eat, pack-up and drive to the meeting spot.

The weatherman calls for sunshine & perfect temperatures.

This will be a great day. Following our ride we'll have a pot-luck lunch with our whole team. A chance to remind us of why we ride - for our TEAM honorees

Ugh!

Some rides are harder than others.
EASY: 50-60 miles

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On Saturday we had a great ride from Kentfield to Fairfax to Pt Reyes to Inverness to Nicasio then back home. The hills seemed easier, the legs felt stronger, the mind was clearer. A fantastic 55 miles in beautiful sunshine.

HARD: 20 miles

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Last night my weekly routine up Tunnel Rd almost killed me. My legs were useless up the hills, the gear shifting never gave a break. We rode slowly and added a few miles to this weeks route. Above is the terrain version of the map so you can get a sense of the up & down.

It was good to get out & push through it but I didn't feel good doing it. Thankfully there is the reward of the sweeping views at the top.

Weekly Workout

In addition to the coached & buddy rides each weekend I've been doing this:
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Every week we climb up Tunnel Road and along Skyline. We get some amazing views. It's a good burn. I'm getting stronger & faster, but as I was telling my co-riders last night it doesn't feel any easier. However it is definitely more fun.

Family Fun

Two riders on Team Papa, Tahoe 2009. My brother Hugh was in town last year for one of my marathon team runs. He got bit by the TNT bug... it took a year for me to convince him to participate rather than donate.

Welcome to the 100 mile club, big brother!

Because I Can

Why do I....?


I do this because I don't want another person to watch a loved one go through treatment. I don't want another person to watch a loved one die. I will run / cycle / endure until there is a cure.

"What makes a great endurance athlete is the ability to absorb potenial embarrassment, and to suffer without complaint. I was discovering that if it was a matter of gritting my teeth, not caring how it looked, and outlasting everybody else, I won. It didn't seem to matter what sport it was--in a straight-ahead, long-distant race, I could beat anybody. If it was a suffer-fest, I was good at it."
~ Lance Armstrong

I'm part of the TEAM working for a cure of blood cancers. Support any of the following people with a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Hugh Crawford
Becky Blessing
Dave Christy
Cassandra Ventura
Megan Votaw

First & Foremost

One year ago today my dad lost the long battle with lymphoma. This weekend my cycle team will ride in honor/memory of him. My local family will wear their "Team Papa" t-shirts and support the riders with food and drink on the route. Below is the blurb my mom put together as an introduction for the team.
Bill Crawford was a husband, dad, and grandfather. He loved his family beyond measure and that love was returned in full. He also loved his friends and made legions on his journey through life.

In 1994 Bill began to feel weak and tired and found a lump in his groin. After a few tests it was confirmed that he had lymphoma. Although a die-hard Cal fan, he spent several months at Stanford Hospital where he underwent an autologous stem cell transplant and chemo treatments to battle Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Thanks to advances in research and medical treatments his life was extended almost 15 wonderful years.

Those years included the weddings of his children, adventures with seven grandchildren and countless gatherings to celebrate and enjoy all of life’s great gifts with extended family and lifelong friends. He made the most of every moment.

In 2002 Bill again experienced fatigue, he was weak and extremely anemic, sure signs of MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) a pre-leukemia. Bill received the occasional blood transfusion, took maintenance medications and continued living every moment, never showing any signs that cancer returned. While most patients with MDS live a few months Bill fought for another 6 years of life.

On March 19, 2008 Bill passed away from complications of pneumonia.

Bill was a great fan and supporter of his children’s involvement in Team in Training. They have completed Triathlons, Marathons, and Century Rides to raise money in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood disorders. Bill’s indomitable spirit is with us in all we do, and today we honor him again.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the life of a patient or their family as they take on the fight for their life please make a donation to LLS. My brother Hugh is training for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride too. Click here to:Support his cause!

Big Team - Little Team

There are over 100 people signed up on our team to participate in America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride on Sunday June 7. This picture is of the attendees for this past Saturday's 25mi ride. We are a big group & this is just about half of us.

To make the rides more manageable the coaches break the team into eight ride groups based on our skills & speed. I am assigned to group 8 as ride support. Last season I was in the 2nd to last group - always pushing myself to improve. Hoping to build my speed, stamina and riding skills. This season I will learn a new discipline - tp ride slowly & confidently.

It was great to see my ride group gain confidence over just one ride. I look forward to watching them improve each week. I already feel a sense of pride knowing that they will make it to the finish line.

I'm Back & Ready To Ride

Sorry for the break in blogging. I spent the last week in New Orleans helping with the continued rebuilding efforts post-Katrina. It's amazing how much work is still needed down there. If you get a chance to go help out please do not hesitate. They need skilled carpenters, plumbers, roofers, etc. Luckily the home we worked on was in need of painting - a skill I have.

I missed the bike & it feels like forever since I got to ride. I look forward to the team ride on Saturday. We have been split up into our pace groups for the season. I will be ride support for Coach Carol with team 1... or 8... depending upon where you start counting. I think we are 8. It will be fun!

Thanks for visiting.

First Ride of the Season

This motley crew is but half of my mentor group. It's my job to get these awesome people through the season of training and hopefully exceed their fundraising goals. They are enthusiastic and I look forward to riding with them.

My TNT experience has also inspired by brother, Hugh. He lives in Colorado but we'll be doing this event together in June. Read more about his plans: Hugh's TNT Training Blog Donation to his $5,000 GOAL

Getting Ready To Roll

On Jan 31 we kick off the spring season with Team in Training to prepare for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.

The 100ish mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe will take place on June 7. TNT groups from across the country participate in this event so don't let your living outside of CA stop you.

Dare to take on the challenge? Sign up now!

You can never have too much spandex in your wardrobe.