Let's Kick IBD's Ass!

Last week I hosted my first Punk Rock CCFA Benefit fundraising concert at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. We had a huge crowd to see some great musicians perform. My friend Patrick Simas opened with some earth-shattering acoustic punk, followed by personal favorites The Digs, smoothed by the crooning melodies of The Hideout, and headlined by local legends Zip-Tie Handcuffs.

Folks donated $5-10 at the door, and had the opportunity to be entered into a door prize raffle for an AmEx gift card for every $10 they donated to the cause.

What took me by surprise was that not only did the bands playing just want to play a show, but they were enthusiastically supportive of the cause. All participating musicians donated merch, with which we were able to entice concert-goers for additional cash donations. They all also spotlighted our donations table during their sets to encourage their own fans to give to the cause.

Altogether, we had a kick-ass night, raising over $300 for the cause, spreading the word about IBD and the CCFA to 40+ enthusiastic Bostonians, and, of course, losing our voices from screaming lyrics and cheering on a great cause.

This concert was actually only the first of a series that I'll be hosting all over the greater Boston area this year to raise money and awareness for the CCFA. I only hope that the next show is equally successful!

Thanks to everyone that came out to kick IBD's ass!

Boston strong,
ashley

Event banner for the Punk Rock CCFA Benefit concert.

New Year, New Challenge

Today I embark on my second season with Team Challenge! This summer, I will run my second half marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

My goal is to raise $2,500 for a cure, and to train even harder in order to PR in under 2:15. I'm starting both my fundraising and training now so that I can reach both of these goals, and maybe more!

I will be running the Jamestown Half Marathon in Jamestown, RI. Unlike last year when I ran the Napa to Sonoma race, I anticipate there being a lot of heat, direct sunlight, and humidity on race day - but I'm up for the challenge! This summer's race will also happen on the ocean, which means a salty breeze and sunburn hazard.

This year, to help with my fundraising, I will be hosting a virtual raffle to assist my fundraising, and will host a live event this spring with all proceeds going towards my goal.

Please follow my blog, where I will write about my progress towards both my goals, have opportunities for more entries into the raffle, share information and resources for patients and loved ones affected by Crohn's and colitis, post inspiring words, and share about my experiences running once again with Team Challenge.

Thank you to those that supported my 2013 Run for a Cure, and I hope you will consider sponsoring me once again!

Run strong,
ashley

Starting line of the 2013 Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon

Thank you to my sponsors!

Thank you to everyone that made my 13.1 mile journey amazing through your support, encouragement, running tips, and companionship. I especially would like to thank those that went above and beyond through their sponsorship to help Team Challenge New England become the #1 fundraising region this season! With your help, we raised over $150,000 to fund improved treatments and a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

At the starting line at Cuvaison Estate
in Napa, CA.

Of course, with the help of my own donors, I raised over $5,041 for a cure! I would like to specifically acknowledge the following individuals and companies:

$1,000+
Rich Collins

$500+
Mike Jeurgens
Action Collection Agency, Middleboro

$250+
Liberty Bay Credit Union
Elaine Harrington

$100+
Kerry McStravick, Alarm Central, Quincy
Lynn Margherio
Kylee North
Cynthia Riley
Andrea Tarbet

$50+
Kristin's Breakfast, Braintree

I <3 Team Challenge!

Mary Burns
Leo MacNeil
Ed Morgan & Family
Sara Riley
Ashley Medlar
Hena Rizvi

$30+
Liz Farley
Sarah MacPherson
Donna Bulla
Susan Feld
Wendy Schottland
Suzanne Hinton 

California Day 3: RACE DAY!

Thoday was the biggest day of my life so far. I was up at 4am after little sleep, was dressed, had breakfast, and met my team downstairs by 5:15am.

Team Challenge New England - Napa 2013

We were out of the hotel, on the bus, and on the road before the sun even came up! In fact, here's a photo of the sun rising on our way to the starting line:



Leslie and I sat together on the bus and chatted the whole way. It felt like a long ride, and it was chilly, but we finally made it to Cuivason Estate Winery where the rest of the runners were getting ready:

Dede's panorama shot of the runner prep area

My non-panorama view of the runners at the Estate

Amazing to see all the runners in orange running for Team Challenge!

We spent some time stretching, taking photos, checking our bags, waiting in the bathroom line, and getting pumped!

Team Challenge New England getting ready!

With my mentor, Leslie, during warm-ups

Sporting my Team Challenge gear and getting pumped!

Beautiful view of the vineyards!

Great photo of Leslie with the vineyards in the background!

Then it was finally time to line up, and Leslie and I thought we were going to miss the start because we were standing in line for the bathroom for so long ;) But we made it! The line seemed to go on forever...

The line behind us...

...The line ahead of us!

And then we were off! Leslie and I ran together for the entire race. We didn't see anyone else from Team New England at the very beginning. We tried starting out slow because there was a huge hill right off the bat. But after mile 1 we sped up to a 10 minute per mile pace, and kept it strong until about mile 8.

We ran into Alicia and the other managers/coaches around mile 2 or 3.

Go Team Challenge!

Cheering stations!

Cheering stations in action!

We ran past Sam Madison around mile 3 or 4 - and then we just kept passing people! We were totally on a roll. I wish I had taken more photos of the scenery while we were running, but it pretty much all looked the same - in a good way :) Besides, I took it in for myself, enjoyed it, and kept running!

I took this photo from my teammate Rocco

Photo from my teammate Dede

Photo from Dede

Photo from Dede

Coach Dave caught up with us around mile 8 or 9, just when I was starting to feel exhausted. He ran with us for a couple of miles and gave us lots of kind words of encouragement. He told me what I already knew - that we could do it, and we could meet our time goal. Coach Dave (as well as Coaches Jenny and Chris) were there for us all season when we needed a boost. They seemed to be right by my side when I needed it the most - pushing me to go further or faster, pepping me up when I didn't feel so great, and reminding me why I am running with Team Challenge in the first place. Our coaches really are the best - thanks Coach Dave, Coach Jenny, and Coach Chris!

Coach Dave on the course! (Photo from Dede)

It was at this point though that I new we started out way too fast. We had to slow down for a few minutes and even walk several times. I had my shot blocs and my water, but nothing seemed to help me catch my breath, get a jolt, or stop my knees from throbbing. Leslie (did I mention she ran by my side the entire way?) kept reminding me that, "This is what Heartbreak Hill was for!" and I kept pushing. Leslie, thank you for your constant encouragement and moral support!

We ran into Alicia again around mile 10 or 11 or so (at least I think, I definitely lost track by then). She was so excited to see us, and ran alongside us for a minute to snap our photo :)

I'm actually smiling in this one!

Around mile 10 or 11 bystanders started popping up along the course that reminded us things like "only 5k to go!" and "less than 1 mile left - you can do it!" There were even some guys at the end of their driveway handing out shots of Guinness! (I passed if you hadn't guessed)

The Guinness guys! (Photo from my teammate Dede)

Also from Dede - the last stretch towards Sonoma Square! (Photo from Dede)

That was also around when the sun started to come out in full swing. Previously, It has been cloudy, breezy, and a cool 60 degrees with zero humidity. Perfect race day weather! But, alas, it was time to get my freckle on!

Finally, the end was in sight! Or at least we could hear the music and announcer from the finish line when we rounded the last corner in downtown Sonoma. I looked at Leslie and said, "That's the finish line. Wanna go for it?" She nodded her head, and we sprinted the last quarter or so mile to the end.

Sprinting towards the finish with what Nick calls my "race face"

Just before the finish I saw Nick on the sidelines to my right. I waved and blew a kiss, and that's right about when I started to cry.

Official finish time: 2:18:18 - yes!

I don't know if it it was the emotion from seeing him with his big grin smiling at me, whether it was because I was in so much pain, because I had finally finished, or because I saw the clock and was devastated because I thought I had ruined Leslie's chance at finishing sub-2:20, but the tears started to roll. I tried my hardest to hold them back, but I think everything from the entire weekend caught up with me all at that moment.

They handed us our finishers medals just inside the gate, and Leslie's sister was there to meet us and take our picture (photos coming soon!). Seconds later Nick was by my side and we were embracing. "I did it! I can't believe I did it!" I remember saying to him, trying to hide my tears. And just like that, the race was finished and the four of us were off to the Team Challenge tent to check in and let them know we finished.

But, WOW. What an incredible experience! It took some time for me to wind down, stretch, and prevent myself from just collapsing on the grass. But Nick and I enjoyed the after party with the free music, food, and most importantly - wine! We hung out for quite some time before heading to the local winery to buy a thank you gift for Duane and Julie, and then to the car to drive back to Davis for our last evening on the West Coast.

Finishers' medals that are practically the size of my face!

I did it!

Using Nick to hold me up while I stretch post-race

The last runner coming in!

Music too! (Photo from Dede)

Cheers to victory!

Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, to Alicia (the team manager), and to Nick, for making this day, this weekend, this last 6 months, the most incredible experience of my!

13.1 miles strong,
ashley

Post-race Sonoma scenery

More Sonoma scenery

Pasta with a side of Inspiration!

You all know the tradition of "carbo-loading" before a big race? Well, if you're thinking of this, then that's not quite it:




I won't go into a big rant about what carbo-loading actually is (for that, you can read this great article from Runners World), but I will share with you about my incredible evening of inspiration and carbohydrates at the Team Challenge Pasta Party on Saturday night before the big day!



The Team Pasta Party is a tradition for Team Challenge where all participants and guests get together the night before each race to, well, eat pasta! This year at the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon there were over 1000 guests at the Team Challenge pasta party - the scene was insane!

Alicia, some of our TCNE mentors, and Coach Dave were part of the greeting crew!

It was so inspiring to see how many people stood when they asked how many people were running (over 600!), how many people had run multiple years, and how many people in the crowd were IBD patients. I was proud to be able to stand as a runner, and to have Nick stand beside me when they asked about patients.

One of the evening's speakers was Saskia Madison, wife of former Miami Dolphin Sam Madison, who suffers from both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (you can see a video of her talking about Team Challenge on NBC 6). After 11 years of dealing with IBD on her own and with her family, Saskia heard about Team Challenge and the CCFA and decided to step out of her shell, join Team Challenge, and publicly share her story of living with IBD.



Her talk was moving, truthful, and really hit home for everyone in the crowd. I think I found myself almost in tears several times. She talked about the pain and embarrassment related to having Crohn's and colitis, as well as the struggles she had having children and taking care of her family with severe symptoms.

Thank you, Saskia, for sharing your story and helping to inspire us to continue to move forward, and to continue our work raising money and awareness for the cause!

The other speaker for the evening was Michael Ginsberg of Team Challenge Austin. Michael shared his sometimes hilarious, sometimes graphic, and altogether inspiring story of overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma only to find he also was suffering from Crohn's disease. Below is the video of his speech that made me feel so proud to be able to run with Team Challenge in Nick's honor:



We also found out at the pasta party that Team New England (Boston Strong!) was the region to raise the most money out of all state/regional teams - over $400,000! Altogether, Team Challenge raised $2.4 million to help fund research for improved treatment and a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. That means that each mile we run this weekend will be worth over $180,00 for a cure!

Team New England had the top fundraiser in the country!

And, of course, at the Pasta Party - we ate! I didn't take any pictures of the food as I am usually wont to do, but I can tell you it was delicious! For us vegans, there was quinoa pasta with marinara sauce, an amazing and loaded salad bar, some delicious rolls, and sweet tea. I also stocked up on bananas for post-race :)

After all the eating, laughing, crying, and stands of solidarity, it was time to return to our buses to bring us back to the hotel.

Exhausted and armed with more food for thought, we returned for our team meeting where we received our bib numbers and our Boston Strong ribbons for race day :)

Bib #3516

I've never been so prouder to be part of a team, although tomorrow I think will be even better :) I'm off to bed now as we have an early start tomorrow (breakfast at 4:30am!). But I can't even tell you how excited, energized, and inspired I feel right now!

Running Boston strong,
ashley