That SMA thing I run for.

I have failed miserably this month.  To be honest, I'm losing steam as far as inspiration goes right now but that is not a viable excuse.  This month called August also happens to have an "AKA" and it's SMA Awareness month.
I have been training for my very first marathon.  I have been training to raise money to help kick SMA in the YKW (you know what).  The money that goes to Getty Owl Foundation is used to aid Dr. Brian Kaspar at Nationwide Children's hospital to potentially cure SMA. I have not done a very good job of telling you guys about what it is, how it works, and the fact there is currently no cure.  So, here goes...

SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) has 5 "types".  0-4.
*0 being the most severe, where the onset is before birth and the sweet baby isn't estimated to live more than 6 months.
*1- is a close runner up as far as the most severe form of SMA goes.  These sweet babes cannot sit up without support.  Breathing, moving, and swallowing are difficult.  A simple cold can exacerbate the difficulties and can potentially cause death if not handled appropriately.  The average lifespan of children with SMA type 1 is barely 2 years.  However, with your help we can increase this number.  And as a sweet reality to this fact, sweet Getty will be FOUR in March....just saying.
*2- people with type 2 are able to sit but not stand.  Those diagnosed with type 2 have an estimated lifespan that can go into adulthood.
*3-those diagnosed with type 3 can walk but this ability is lost over time because you caught that "atrophy part" right?
*4- those diagnosed with type 4 are extremely weak but can walk and should not lose that ability over time.

Let's talk genes.  Something I don't know a whole lot about and maybe you don't either.  That's why this handy-dandy diagram is dummy proof....

Thing about this carrier thing is it's not in the regular work up as far as prenatal blood work goes.  It's foolish seeing as SMA:
is the #1 genetic killer of young children
occurs in nearly one out of every 6,000 births (and this number seems to be on the incline)
is NOT based on race, ethnicity, or gender

All that being said.  We NEED to find a cure.  Soon. Quickly. Rapidly. Allegro. Yesterday.
My race is November 16.  I am collecting money either in person or online via Crowdrise.
ALL the proceeds go towards Getty Owl Foundation which is a 501c-3 organization.  This means it's TAX DEDUCTIBLE people.
My goal is $1200 because seriously, it's SMA and I'm running a MARATHON.
That would be 26.2 miles guys. 26.2.....

In all seriousness though, please think about donating to this cause whether it's through my Crowdrise site or directly to the Getty Owl Foundation.  We've gotta get on this y'all.  We just gotta.

 

Marathon.

So, it's happening.  I'm officially training for my first marathon.  Right now I don't have a job and I have a lot of down time on my hands.  So instead of sitting around and doing nothing and getting more depressed during the time I'm looking for a job I decided it's time to finally run a marathon.
I am following the Hal Higdon's 18 week Novice plan.  I decided to start off with the beginners so that I reduce the possibility of injury.  My marathon is in 25 weeks but the training suggests a taper so it should work well.
I am not only running to kill time and get healthy.  I am also running to raise money to find a cure and awareness about SMA.
I've written about sweet Getty, one of Teagan's two pen pals once or twice (okay, more, but those are some more informative ones).  When I ran the half marathon I ran and raised over $600 for the Getty Owl Foundation.  My goal for the marathon is to double that.  If you'd like to donate you can do so here.
I will be talking about my progress on here occasionally. Different experiences with gear and runs and gels and all that goes along with training.  I'm looking and desperately needing new shoes, I am looking at watches, and a new knee brace (stupid IT band).  I'll keep you posted on those things as the time comes for them.
I will also be putting together a sponsorship package.  If you have a company that you would like to get some social media attention and a spot on my marathon shirt (it's a boston qualifier) then keep looking back here for more information.

Running progress.

"Everyone who has run knows that its most important value is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day may bring." -Jimmy Carter


Today, I needed this quote before my run.  Sure, I ran according to my training guide but the run kind of sucked.  I wasn't focused.  I wasn't able to feed Teagan at lunch because she was asleep and feeding/cuddling with her in the middle of the day just does something good to my soul.  I wasn't able to block out the spiderweb of thoughts in my head.  Okay, enough of my rainy day blues mood. 
Training is going pretty well.  I've condensed an 8 week program into a 6 week program because I didn't have to start out on the initial building up from scratch thing.  I've been in "official" training mode since Tuesday (oddly enough by the program Monday was a day of rest).  I'm feeling pretty good.  My IT (iliotibial) band is acting up again but should be fine if I remember to wear my brace when I run.  That 13.1 number is kind of daunting but I'm determined to cross the finish line running on December 12th. 
I am however, kind of disappointed in the fundraising.  I plan on starting letters this evening to send out to people.  I realize the holiday's are racing (no pun intended) upon us but all I'm asking for is, well anything.  $1-$1,000 will be gladly accepted.  Also, for any runners (or non-runners) who would like to join my "team" on Crowdrise I would really appreciate it.  Or if you would just like to help raise money or awareness! Just let me know!