Just some pictures....Weeeee

Listening to announcements at track practice !!!








Cheese....















At Stanford Dish....running up a BIG hill....Phew!









Crunches....see me? I am wearing turquoise and grey.










Planks...SWEET!

And, we're off!!

Last night was our FIRST track workout and it was great!!! It started out with not very many people, but we doubled in size after the first 10min. Our location was different this week, which was the cause in delay for over half of the group. Last night we were at Gunn High School. It was a light workout for those who are 'seasoned', but for the beginners it was a good way to ease into the rest of the seasons’ workouts. The coaches had us do a 10 min warm up around the athletic fields, stretch and then the drills came....we did toe walking, heel walking, low skips, butt kicks, and finished off with high skips. Once our drills were done, it was off to the grass for CORE...yikes!!! At first, everyone was so happy and laughing at Coach Chris' jokes....then the crunches started...1, 2, 3....10. Only 10...WOOOO HOOO. The whole time I am thinking.....just wait it gets harder as we go...HA!!! Core workout continued with planks, push-ups, and more crunches. To end the workout for the evening, Chris had us do squats and lunges (Amy's favorite!!!)

I decided during our warm up to "pick up the rear" to make sure everyone was doing ok. I happened to be behind 2 women Adrianna and Joan(?) who were run/walking. They were excited to be out and doing something good. Within their conversation, comments were made about just doing the best that they could for the 10min. I smiled. I tried to encourage them by saying they could do it and to take note of today, as they will soon be able to run/walk longer than they have before. Both ladies chuckled and said “we’ll see”. For me it is the best when you see participants progress throughout the season and then can reflect with them on how far they have come. Later this season, I will make sure to bring up last night and congratulate them on their accomplishments!! :o)

During our announcement section of track I took the time to observe everyone who was standing around listening to Cal talk about the team traditions, TNT housekeeping info, and fund-raising incentives. We heard about fund-raising ideas and what to expect at this weekends run. It was refreshing to see all the attentive and motivated participants. Keeping them motivated is the key…getting them involved and supporting their fund-raising efforts will help keep the attitude they have now going strong.

This is why I have come back season after season for the past 7 seasons....I love to watch everyone’s progression, I love seeing people accomplish their fund-raising goals and then some, I get motivated to do the best that I can to make their experience on the team as positive as mine, and most importantly I love to see the progress that your donations have created to help our Honorees over come their battles.

Thank you for taking the time to stay in tuned with my adventures.....and THANK YOU for your support, be it a donation or your company during my training.

MAKE A DONATION: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf10/dzlatunich

A Honorees special Thank you -

After sending out my fund-raising email yesterday, I received the below response from on of our team Honorees...

" Dena.....Thanks for including me in this communication.....thanks for all you do for the team...... and thank you especially for allowing me to have the experience of watching my grandkids grow up (among the million other things that I am still doing on this earth).......you are welcome to cry with me for the happiness of knowing that you are doing marvelous things.....like watch fewer and fewer people lose their battles or stated another way.....helping those of us in the cancer community be successful at our fight to win our battle. You are making a difference.....you and your contributing family and friends are saving lives. Thank you from me and all of my fellow cancer patients. Good luck with your training and event this season. Sincerely, Doug"


His words say it all...he and others like him are why I do this season after season. They are why I raise money to fight cancer.

A simple message to start the Fall Season

My Fund-raising Message/Email:

Dear Family & Friends….

As many of you know, I have been involved with Team In Training since the fall of 2007. This fall season marks my 7^th consecutive season with TNT and my 6^th season as a member of the volunteer staff. I will never forget my first season; Diane the mentor who was assigned to me, the coaches who were so helpful, the structure, the workouts, and all the things I learned I could accomplish. I was training to run my very first half marathon!

Now, as I get ready to start my 7^th season, I have accomplished 8 half marathons and 4 full marathons!! I have worked very hard; running anywhere from 10 to 40 miles per week, I’ve purchased approximately 10 pairs of running shoes, been injured, cheered on my teammates, and cried with happiness of what I had completed as well as in sorrow for the loss of life of people who have lost their battle with cancer.

My family and friends….I may work hard every day to be a stronger, faster runner, but nothing compares to the struggle cancer patients have EVERYDAY. I have remained involved with Team in Training and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because not only do I get to do something healthy for myself, but I also have the opportunity to help those who need a cure for their cancer. YOU have the power to help them too!!

This season I am fund raising and hope to raise $2000 by August 31^st to help in the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkins disease…this is where YOU have the power to help!!! Your donations will help me reach my goal and accelerate finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Below is the link where you can make a secure tax-deducible donation:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/nikesf10/dzlatunich

Additionally, last year I had created a running blog…..IT’S BACK!!! Check in regularly to see how my training, fund-raising, and TNT season are going.

http://denamzlatunich.blogspot.com/

I understand that the current economic state may be leaving some of you unable to contribute on a monetary basis, please know that your moral support is just as important to me and my goals. I can't accomplish this without YOU!! There are many ways to help me this season...lets go on a run/walk/hike/bike ride, come cheer me on at a team run, or share this message with others.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your support!!

I appreciate your time and hope this has found you well…

GO TEAM!!!

Dena :o)

P.S. I would appreciate it if you would share this with as many people as you can to encourage them to donate as well. Thanks again.

Disneyland Half and Update

The Disney Half Marathon was AWESOME!!! Definitely one I would do again.....although I may not stay out as late or walk as much the day before...oops! And I would definitely make sure I had food for before the race....double oops!!!

The run took us through both Disneyland and California Adventures, into downtown, across home plate at Angel Stadium and back through California Adventures. I...or should I say my alter self Cinderella (I dressed up) ran a great race. I started out slow, but steady and got faster as I continued each mile. Because this was a practice race for me I chose to do a run/walk method the entire time; a smart choice. By doing this I didn't have any injuries reoccur!!! Yeah!!

On the flip side....because I wanted to make the most out of my very short trip (total of 33hr.), I traveled early Saturday morning, walked all day (and night) at the parks, got only 4 short hours of sleep, ran the race, ate breakfast, found a cheap ride to the airport which only gave me 30 minutes to shower and pack, and finally traveled home. Needless to say I was EXHAUSTED when I arrived home and eventually caught a cold. Was it worth it...absolutely!!! Would I do it again....yes, but not the same way. :o)

Now, a little over a week later I am feeling better and went on a refreshing 3.8 mile run this evening. Time to gear up for San Jose Rock'n'Roll Half in 3 weeks!!!!

Fundraising Events Update:

• Well the Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction was a SUCCESS!!! We raised $6500+ to help in the fight of cancer!!! The top bid of the night was for $2500 for one of our Bachelorettes. However, ALL of our auctionees did a GREAT job and we couldn't have raised that much money without each one of them!!!! THANK YOU!!
• Saturday, October 3rd “Get Pickled While You Pickle”. That’s right...I’m having a pickling party. I will have everything you need to make YUMMY pickles....PLUS free food and drinks.

Please support me and my goals this season!!
I ONLY have $1300 more to raise to reach my goal of $4000!!!!
Whether it is moral or monetary....DONATE, DONATE, DONATE!!!!!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/honolulu09/dzlatunich

August 2 - 16th

Well as the training continues, so do the miles I run. Every week I am trying to run more miles in preparation for the Disney Half Marathon, SJ Half Marathon, SF Nike Women's Half Marathon, Cal International Marathon.

During the week of Aug. 2nd we had some high temperatures outside which created a challenge in my training. For those of you who know my history with running, I don't do well in the heat, so I either have to run early in the morning or late at night. Tuesday, Aug 4th I ran early in the morning with Brian and his South Bay teammates at Almaden Park. Getting up at the butt crack of dawn, aka 5:30am, is not my idea of fun, but once I was out there it was great....AND it was the first time Brian and I have run together! :o) On Thursday it was another HOT day, but I had to get a longer run in and I had track in the evening....so I decided to run right before track at Stanford. I was able to get in 3.8 miles around the Campus loop. Then Captain duties called and I was off to track. It was our second track workout and 2 mi. time trial. I ran another mile at track and then cheered on the participants as they ran for time. Everyone did such a great job and I got in close to 5 miles!!!

The following week (Aug. 9th) I was preparing for vacation, but needed to get in a few good runs. Tuesday I went out with Brian again early in the morning and ran 6 miles at Almaden Park. After my run I met with my teammates on the South Bay team to talk about our Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction. Wednesday I drove up to the woods (Cobb Mountain/Clear Lake) for some quality time with the family. This time of year means hill running for my training. Some stay away from hills, but personally I love them...hate them when I am running, but love how they train me, especially for Nike. While I was on vacation I ran twice, each time 4 miles. The route took me down one hill and then up gradual hills and up one very steep hill....now multiply that by 3 and you get my 4 mile route. I also played golf where I swung the club at least 4x more than everyone else and walked the course....great cross training if you ask me!! :o)

I have much more training to do, more fundraising to raise, more fun to have....

Please help support my efforts by making a donation to support cancer research in the fight against cancer!!!!

Fundraising Events:

I am having a Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction – “TNT Run At Love” on Saturday, September 12th. The venue is being held at the Zen Lounge in Mountain View and doors open at 7pm. Come out and bid on a date...you never know who you will meet!! There will be drink specials, too. $1 Coors Light, $2 Champagne, $3 Martini’s, $4 Don Julio Shots. More info to come. http://www.tntrunatlove.com

Saturday, October 3rd (still confirming date) “Get Pickled While You Pickle”. That’s right...I’m having a pickling party. I will have everything you need to make YUMMY pickles....PLUS free food and drinks.

All proceeds from my events will go towards my fundraising goal.

Online donations: http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/honolulu09/dzlatunich

July 27-Aug 1

What a week...moving, training, interviewing....Phew!! I made it through a very busy week. My training suffered a bit, but I was able to manage a couple workouts with the TEAM.

We had our first official Track workout last Thursday at Gunn High School. It was SO amazing to watch all the new participants go out and try something new. Our coaches gave us a great core workout with lunges, squats, planks, and much more.

Saturday was an early day...I had a hard time getting out of bed. After moving all week, I was exhausted. I made my way to Stanford University for our very first regional run of the season...YEAH!!! We had to switch some things around, but it all worked out. This season I am in charge of getting volunteers out at our water stops. I was a little nervous going into this run because I wasn't sure we would have enough people. BUT we did!! Most of the participants ran further than they had ever run before and it was so inspirational to see the smiles on each of their faces when they finished.

The season is starting off GREAT!!! Next week is an on your own week for TNT, but not for me!! Disney Half Marathon training continues....my miles are increasing and I need to get back on track now that my move is complete!

To help me fight blood cancer check out my website:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/honolulu09/dzlatunich