PFA Updates

Aug 10, 2020

(Marathon Training Update #5)

Thanks to your amazing generosity and support, we have now raised $9,190 for our “The Longest Day” fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and are so close to our $10,000 goal! We are so grateful to all of our wonderful clients who have donated!

If you are still interested in donating to this worthy cause, please help us reach our goal by following the link below:

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=608952&fr_id=13035&pg=team

And now let’s hear from our 5th leg Relay Runner, last but certainly not least, Emilee:

How long have you been a runner and what other races have you done?

Ha, I would definitely not call myself a runner by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve only been running since May 2020, which is why I'm running the shortest leg of the relay. Saving the best for last! My experience with running has always felt like some type of cruel punishment for talking too much, and I talk a lot! This will be my first race, and I'm still a little shocked I agreed to it, but here goes nothing.

What are you doing to prepare for the relay? How is your training going?

To prepare for the race, I had a fantastic training plan. Unfortunately, I fell short of my training plan somewhere around week 5…

I have been running three times a week with a good friend (on opposite sides the road, of course, to maintain our social distance). Although I haven't increased my distance much, my times have improved. I can now hold an entire conversation throughout the run, which is definitely an improvement. I've continued my normal workouts—weight training, barre and cycling classes—which, coupled with chasing my two sons around has helped me keep relatively active. I can confirm that I still don't actually enjoy running, but I have enjoyed the routine and quality time with my friend. 

Who will you be running for?

Alzheimer's is such an awful illness that impacts so many families. It's difficult to put into words how hard it is to watch a loved one fade away. Unfortunately, I've witnessed first-hand how devastating the disease can be, as my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia two years ago and is now in the "late stages" of the disease. It is not only his deterioration in health that is difficult to watch, but also the impact the disease has had on our family and friends. I'll definitely be thinking of my grandfather on race day and listening to Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra. I'm so happy to partner with the Alzheimer's Association and help raise money for their organization. The work they do is so important. 

Final thoughts?

2020 has been an interesting year to say the least. I'm thankful I have the ability to participate in the race and be a part of our team, though I won’t be signing up for a full marathon anytime soon! Go team!