PanCAN

So as you know, the reason I started this blog was to keep everyone updated on my marathon training. So here it is...

Since I've been back in Madison after break, I have done a few 6 mile runs (on the few warm sunny days) and some shorter tredmill work. Today I went on my longest run EVER!! 7.31 miles! Woo hoo! And I'm feeling great! I like to run on the weekends because I have more free time.

I have been talking to one of my friends that did a marathon training class and ran her first marathon last summer and according to her, during these early months of training, it is best to do no more that one long run a week. Right now I should be focusing on building up strength by cross training (biking, weight lifting, etc) because when I start training more intensely I will be doing A LOT of running. She and I are getting together this week to put together a training schedule!

I want to thank everyone that has donated to my fundraising page!!! It is going to such an important cause and the donations are actually keeping me motivated to run! Please continue to spread the word and send the link to my page to anyone you think would be interested in donating.

I have some other exciting news concerning PanCAN ~ After getting in touch with the coordinator for the Madison Affiliate of PanCAN and attending some of their meetings, I started the Students for PanCAN student organization on campus! I have already had over 10 people contact me with interest! Our first meeting is April 16th but I will hopefully get a good group together to volunteer at the American Cancer Run/Walk to spread the word about panceratic cancer and our volunteer action network.

I am VERY VERY excited about creating this organization and I can't wait to see what it shapes into!

Mom's Weekend

So it's Pi Phi Mom's weekend this weekend and I am just looking back on what a great weekend me and mom had when she come to visit me freshman year. Ever since I can remember I knew I wanted to be in a sorority like she was. I was jealous every 1st Friday when she would leave us kids with Dad or a babysitter and go out and have a fun time with her sorority sisters. Though I never got to hear what REALLY happened during her time living at the AOII house at U of I, I knew that I wanted to experience whatever she had and make lifelong friends like hers.

When I was looking at colleges, mom would always make an effort to point out whether or not the school had an AOII house. When I decided to go to UW Madison, which once had an AOII chapter but no longer does, I know that she was thrilled that I went greek and pledged Pi Phi. Living the college life again through me was something she found pleasure in.

When Mom's weekend finally came in the spring of my freshman year, she couldn't have been happier to be here with me. We had a fantastic dinner out with some of the other mother-daughters and then went to the Madhatters Concert. For those of you who are not familiar with the Madhatters, they are an acapella mens group of about 10 rediculously good looking and extremly talented college guys. It is not only a musical experience but a comedic experience. She love it.

The next morning we had a lovely brunch with the mother-daughters and went shopping together the rest of the sunny afternoon. That night we went out to a martini and dessert lounge in style!

I think her favorite part of coming to visit me at college was walking along Langdon Street, admiring the greek mansions, and reflecting back on her college experience.

I wish she could be here to see what I have made of mine.