Rock for a Cure 2!

I hope everyone joins us for our 2nd benefit concert of the year to raise funds for a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It's an all-ages show at the Midway in JP on Sunday, June 8th. Doors are at 4pm and tickets are $10.

Please join our Facebook event and share with your friends!

We're still looking for a fourth band/artist to join the lineup, so if you're interested please let me know.

I hope to see everyone there!

Waiting for Spring!

So it's April. And it's 30 degrees outside. And it's April.

So where's Spring?

Who knows! What I do know, is this crazy weather that can't make up its mind is driving me into hibernation with one cold after another. It's finally at the point where my doctor has put me on a bunch of meds and ordered me to rest for the ENTIRE WEEKEND.

I guess this is a good thing. More rest means a happier, healthier me, means better runs and training, means better half marathon this summer.

But it's spring.

I'm supposed to be out running 7 miles on heartbreak hill tomorrow celebrating the beautiful weather and the sunshine, getting to know my teammates, and gearing up for "Marathon Monday" here in Boston. But instead I'll be hibernating at home, "resting", and waiting for whatever this sickness is that I have to go away.

I guess it could be worse, a lot worse, and I shouldn't be complaining. I'm just so excited to be part of Team Challenge this year, and finally feeling motivated to do my regular runs, and really just want to be out there running. But, running last weekend and all this week when I was still sick is probably what stopped me from getting better already.

So, I'll give this another few days, let my body recuperate, and next week I'll be out pounding the pavement once again for a cure. I want to wish all my teammates good luck at training tomorrow. I'll be with them there in spirit while they climb heartbreak hill.

In the meantime, I'll work on my fundraising and see if I can't get closer to my goal. I'm 44% there already! Help me hit the $2k mark this week and win the prize for most number of donations by making your own donation at bit.ly/ashleyruns.

Let's kick IBD in the butt!
ashley

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

California Day 2: (1 Day to Race Day!)

Davis Farmers' Market

Today was also quite a day!

This morning, we drove to the Davis farmers' market with Duane, Julie, and Alex. We bought some great fresh fruit for the weekend, some raw apple cider, pumpkin bolani, and chickpea naan wraps with pakoras for lunch.

This market is HUGE. So many local farmers and other vendors, so many people attending, and so many bicycles! I kind of feel like I belong here. Davis, you're turning into my second home ;)

Then, pakoras still hot, we took a walk over to the UC Davis campus to check out Duane's office. The school is beautiful! Unlike on the east coast, everything is meant to be outdoors, including the hallways and staircases. We checked out the sociology department, ran into one of Duane's friends that we met the night before, and then walked to the beautiful campus quad where 10-year-old Alex reenacted the moment when campus police pepper-sprayed the students involved in a peaceful occupy protest.

Alex at the UC Davis campus quad.

Me, Alex, Duane, and Nick at UC Davis

We snapped a couple of pictures in front of the UC Davis sign before heading back to pack up for our drive to Santa Rosa to meet up with our team for the pasta dinner.

The drive from Davis to Santa Rosa was beautiful as well! Perhaps even more so than yesterday's drive because it wasn't all on the main highway.

We drove around a wildlife sanctuary, and had our first glimpse at wine country. The drive took much longer than expected because of traffic, but it cooled off a bit and we were able to enjoy the ride with the windows down.

San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Scenery on our way to Santa Rosa

Beautiful!

You can't see views like this in Boston!

We arrived here at the hotel around 4:45pm, and have to meet up with the team at 5:15 to drive over to the Team Challenge Pasta Party. I heading out now, but forgot one thing about this morning. I had an opportunity to go out for a brief, warm up run this morning around Davis. It's such a runner-friendly city! And bicycle friendly too :) There are paths parallel to each road for runners and bikers. The views are incredible, and it's so clean. Alex wanted to join me for a bit, so after my run he met me at the house, joined me for 1/4 of a loop around the park, then decided it was time to head home. It was a short run, but made me fall in love with Davis. It was also my first run outside of Massachusetts! See a couple pictures from the run below.

Heading to our team pasta party, but will share more after the race!

Running strong,
ashley

The view from the end of Duane's street - overlooking a farm

A circuit station set up along the run/bike path that follows
the streets in Davis - what a cute idea to keep the public healthy!

Prairie dog hole! Found along my run route.

California: Day 1 (2 days to Race Day)

Team photo after landing in San Francisco! Nick and I in the bottom right corner, Dede in the
bottom left (she sat next to us on the plane), and my mentor Leslie just to my left.

 WHAT. A. DAY.

Ginger mimosas!

I am completely exhausted. After a 6-hour flight we hung in San Francisco for a few hours to grab lunch and check out some of the local sights. We had lunch at the vegan restaurant Herbivore in Mission District, which is perhaps my new favorite place in the world. I got the "chicken" shawarma wrap, which was amazing!(Editor's note: after returning to MA I found out that VegNews Magazine, which we also saw in our travels, rated it one of the top 10 vegan dishes in Mission District!)

Vegan "chicken" shawarma from Herbivore - yum!

Then we shopped around for a bit before heading back to the rental car (getting the rental was a whole ordeal in and of itself, please don't get me started on that...).

VegNews Magazine HQ

Yes, their tails wag from solar power.

The drive to Davis was long but picturesque. We are both really bummed that we didn't get a chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge today, but I'm hoping to work it into our schedule another day this weekend before we head home. Instead, my GPS took us east over the Bay Bridge and up the I80. The further and further we got from San Francisco (which was chilly, by the way), the hotter it got. However, to our pleasant surprise, it remained dry  and comfortable.

Sacramento Valley

When we arrived at Duane's house in Davis, the birthday party was already under way. We had the opportunity to meet some of Duane's friends and colleagues from UC Davis, and unwind a bit after the long day of traveling. However, with the 3-hour time difference we both practically passed out at 10:30pm Pacific Time, which was like 1:30am on east coast time.

But I have to say that it was amazing to be able to see Duane, Julie, and Alex again! I haven't seen them for almost 2 years since they moved to the west coast. They're doing well, and we have some great activities planned for bonding time this weekend - I can't wait!

Getting some rest,
ashley