Conquering the Grand Canyon

I feel like I’ve been pushing my mental strength to all types of different extremes to test it out.  I think as a competitive person in some distorted way I like the challenge within these different mind “toughness” adventures I keep thinking are good ideas.  Now given, I still think they are good ideas, they just become nervous ideas the closer they comeJ

 

I’ve blogged about this before, but I take for granted the attitude of “If you want to do it, make it happen!”  An attitude I realize I have my parents, close friends, and family who have influenced to me and provided the support and encouragement to do so.  I’ve discovered some people can never see the ability to dream of something happening because there are multiple reasons why it isn’t a good idea.  I mean; is this something we learn in school?  I’m lucky to have teachers who just so happen to be parents, coaches,  grandparents, aunts, and uncles etc, who are to thank for a lot of children’s goals and dreams in life, so I guess with the double impact from being a family of teachers, coaches, that serve parents as well I just got lucky.  I find myself too quick to answer sometimes when I go off onto an idea, dream of some sort when someone quickly says “WHY?”….. I’m as quick to answer back…. “Why Not?”  I think self development is pushing yourself outside of what you once felt you were comfortable at.

 

It’s funny the reflections that come upon you about certain things when you are “training” for the marathons…for the hikes….for anything where you are able to allow yourself to escape maybe the hustle and bustle of everyday hectic “to do list’ life and go off into a different thought process.  I was always a nervous child (now that certainly hasn’t changed), I thought too much for whatever given age I was at for the time.  I was scared to leave my parents or spend the night a lot of times when I was younger because I always had this constant fear something would happen while I was gone.  I usually always had an exit strategy to anything that was going on at a given moment just in case.  I really didn’t like the thought of separation from my parents and I believe I was 5 or 6 years old before I ever slept by myself and didn’t sleep in my parents bed, or in the middle of the night create a make shift camp out bed on the floor next to them.  I’m certain there were mornings my parents stepped on me because upon hoping I’d slept through the night alone I had made my way into their room in the darkness and stayed there.  I am even still in possession of a childhood blanket that during the cleaning cycle of the washing machine I would be perched on top waiting, probably crying waiting for it to be clean.  (This blankets name was pinky by the way, and just to put it on record, it is no longer pink) 

 

It’s funny now, because through growing up and being nervous about so many “new” adventures…..I’m ready to just hop on a plane and see where the next place I can go is.  Now I’m still a planner and all that sorts, but looking back some I’m proud of myself for “letting go” a little bit and opening myself up to so many adventures that has allowed to change my perspective and understanding of things so much. 

 

“Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and there’s got to be a way through it” 

-Michael J Fox

 

Sometimes not knowing how to get through something leads you to do something amazing…to challenge yourself…and to do great things that you never thought you’d be able to do before.  I still struggle daily at the acceptance that so many things I still wanted to have my dad around for won’t happen.  I still struggle at him not physically being here to experience some of these things with. 2014 will begin the first year I have to conquer without my dad.  I was that little girl who sat on top of his foot when he had to leave to go somewhere screeching that I was going with him.  I was that little girl standing alongside the sidelines of sport practices/games repeating everything he was yelling at his players.  I was that girl who had the basketball shooting form just like her dad.  I was that girl that went to college and played sports…just like her dad.  I was that girl who was inducted into the Mid-Ohio Valley Hall of Fame…….just like her dad.  I’ve followed in my dad’s footsteps for so long; I’m not sure where to go now that he’s gone.

 

I do know one path to follow though…it is to continue to find a way to make a difference.  For every future daughter who has to fight this fight….. I will fight to make a difference in the development of a cure for Parkinson’s.  For every other person now I have come to adore, idolize, and cherish the friendships and family bond through Team Fox…I will fight for a cure for Parkinson’s.  I will continue the path to be a positive role model for kids, because that is how dad changed so many lives along his journey.  I will follow a path to carry on this legacy of his because I have seen firsthand just how much of an influence he was to so many which truly made a difference. 

 

I will keep finding a way “through this”, and part of this journey will start on our next challenge.  We will be leaving tomorrow to fly to Phoenix, AZ and meet up with 18 other Team Fox challengers to make a difference.  As a group we have raised around $36,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation.  We will be tackling the entire Rim to Rim challenge in one day (24 mile and 6,000 vertical feet).  I would have never thought hiking Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon would be part of this journey, but sometimes things just happen at the right time and you realize this is just how it was meant to be.  After dad’s passing I wanted to do something outside the box of what I’d done before, and when Team Fox announced they were going to try this new event this year it just seemed fitting.  Dad had always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon, I’m certain to hunt or fish would have been part of the trip, but it was something fitting for him.  He may not physically be there, but I know he’ll be there with me.

 

A few things I have discovered upon prepare for this.  1)  Hiking is slower than running (obviously)…but it’s been a bit of a mental approach change up.  When we went out for our long hikes a part of my just wanted to run to run and get the miles in and over with…..and not really taking in what was actually happening.  I haven’t really allowed myself to run a lot while training for this just for the mental block of accepting it’s ok to not be running.  2)  Do not “Google” Things that could go wrong while hiking the Grand Canyon.  There are no good answers to that search.  It’s like “Googling” a medial aliment, it’s bad….really bad….  3) Brock was a sprinter in high school…..  Reminding him over and over that we don’t have to sprint this or that at mile 3… it will pay off not to 18 miles in.  4)  Hydration Back-Packs….. who knew how fun a backpack with a water reservoir would make you feel so outdoorsy and rugged?   5) Unlike the NYC Marathon…if I drop out of the hike because of injury or etc ….. there will not be a subway station to hop on to take me to my final spot…..  So… once you’re in….we better get out.  Does anyone have the phone number for the donkey service?

 

I’m a bit nervous about this trip.  It’s just out of my typical comfort zone, but like I’ve been discovering…every new challenge has brought a better acceptance of many things, and the final result is going to be worth it.  We will be 24 rugged miles closer to a cure for Parkinson’s and my dad will get to visit the Grand Canyon.

 

 

Thank you all for continuing to follow this journey and for your continued motivation and support…..I’ll see you on the South Rim

The Next Challenge

The Next Challenge:

 

Sometimes not knowing how to get through something leads you to do something amazing…to challenge yourself…and to do great things that you never thought you’d be able to do before.

 

2014 will begin the first year I have to conquer without my dad.  I was that little girl who sat on top of his foot when he had to leave to go somewhere screeching that I was going with him.  I was that little girl standing alongside the sidelines of sport practices/games repeating everything he was yelling at his players.  I was that girl who had the basketball shooting form just like her dad.  I was that girl that went to college and played sports…just like her dad.  I was that girl who was inducted into the Mid-Ohio Valley Hall of Fame…….just like her dad.  I’ve followed in my dad’s footsteps for so long; I’m not sure where to go now that he’s gone. You see I lost my dad November 30th, 2013 to Parkinson’s disease.  A disease that took the toughest, strongest, most inspirational man I knew too early.  

 

Through Team Fox I have developed a 2nd family.  I have to say, it’s a pretty awesome family.  They will convince you to just about do anything (trust me they are good), and you’ll have more support than you ever knew you’d need. 

 

I have ran the Vancouver Marathon and the NYC Marathon in 2013 for Team Fox and now I am beyond excited for this new challenge for 2014 to continue my dad’s legacy and fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.

 

The Next Challenge:

Grand Canyon Challenge…… hiking 24 miles and 6,000 vertical feet Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon in one day.  May 18th.   People ask if I’m crazy.  I’ve started to debate how to actually answer that because the no limits attitude I feel with Team Fox may have highlighted this characteristic within me.  

Our donation website we will be utilizing for Team Spangler this year is:

http://www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/teamspangler22

 

The best part about this journey this year is I will have my fiancé joining me in this challenge, through my struggle with my dad’s illness he has been right there beside me and we are doing this together for him and our Team Fox Family.  

I Challenge You.......

I challenge you……

I need some help….what’s new right?..... 

I want to truly take advantage of April being Parkinson’s Awareness month….  I feel like I want to slip on my headphones like I use to before a game….a race…click on some crazy fast pace music to round up the motivation and get the blood flowing…. (I think quickly followed though with me was the urge to want to throw up because my nerves would spike….but we’ll leave that part out for this) J  Should I insert a little Rock Theme music here to help get you ready to want to help or can you just play the tune yourself in your head and create the urge to do something?

Ok…just in case you aren’t good at imagining things…..Rocky Theme Music  (Click on the link)

We’ve discussed this many times, but Parkinson’s is a bit of a hidden disease.  Many who have it don’t really know how to talk about, many may live in a quiet world of confusion because they don’t really know where to turn for guidance, help, advice etc. Many “early signs” of Parkinson’s aren't that noticeable so they think it’s ok to hide it for awhile and just “get by”.  I think with us living in a more rural area the diagnoses and cases of Parkinson’s are spread out more…. so the larger cities have that opportunity of support groups or opportunities to seek out for help with the disease a little more with “numbers”.  Many may just need a little info to know they have somewhere to turn to.  This is what I need some help with from you….. Many may work in an office setting, retail location, restaurant, or even have a social media opportunity to help us. 

What if you could just take one day….Just ONE DAY…..and do something just for Parkinson’s Awareness (With the excuse it's Parkinson's Awareness Month)….just to present a connection with Parkinson’s….you know my dad…you know me…you may know someone else.  BUT…… the people I have discovered through this journey who said “I didn’t know anyone else who knew about Parkinson’s so I didn’t know where to turn”….. All because I’ve opened up about it, I’ve talked about it; I’ve made myself visible in the world of Parkinson’s.  That’s what I want us to get out of this….is someone knowing someone else who needs this….needs a reason to fight this…..needs a shoulder to lean on…..needs another Parkinson’s patient to ask questions to…..

                      Needs a reason to NOT GIVE UP….. I’ve met 2 people who said “There isn’t anything I can do….I’ve got Parkinson’s and that’s that”….. You know one of the biggest “side components” of Parkinson’s is depression?..... It’s so easy to be consumed by “what’s coming” it turns into depression….. We’ve been told by so many nurses/doctors etc.  “You’re so lucky your dad is who he is…his sense of humor….his spirit…..so many people turn slightly hateful, bitter, and depressed”….. You know….. I know I’m lucky….very lucky.

If you’re asking….”But what can I do”….. Ohhhhh I love that question! J 

                Here are some suggestions…..but also please know you can Email me personally to help you pull something together, that’s what I LOVE to do, I Just need to know you want to do it :) My email address is: MissySpangler22@Yahoo.com for anyone who has questions!

·         Host a “Wear Orange Day” for Team Fox…..welcome anyone to wear an article of clothing etc that is orange….donate $1-5 to do so for that day(Something totally easy…but that helps a little bit)  It raises money, it gives you a little opportunity to do a mini explanation of Parkinson’s.

·         Have a morning where people donate a cup of coffee mini donation (Even just $1)…the concept is to give them a reason to do SOMETHING towards the cause.  Have a little 5 minute “coffee break” to explain about things

·         Bring a Brown Bag Lunch Day…donate the $5 you would have maybe spent on lunch maybe going out somewhere

·         If you work in a Restaurant Style Setting……Pick a Day/Week where something associated somehow with Parkinson’s (Orange Cupcakes etc) that So much of something Goes towards the restaurants donation towards our Project….I can help provide you with media/information to have available as well

·         Take up Pennies for Parkinson’s or loose change…..have a little sign with info… include a way for anyone needing/wanting information we can have them contact  

***Something as simple as posting it on your Facebook or twitter pages!

Well…see you get the idea…. I’ve got 1000 more of those ideas so if you want….. Pull together your co-workers and make something happen….. Every $1 TRULY makes a difference.

If you host something you can go directly to our Team Fox Website and submit the donation (list your business name or however you’d like)…. And it’s Tax Deductible (Don’t act like it isn’t 2012 tax season deadline so it’s crossing your mind for this tax year) J

 Team Fox Donation Page for Missy

So…. My question is who is up for the challenge?.....  We don’t call ourselves “Team Spangler” for nothing…..    

****I will also Challenge you.....to Challenge someone else****

 
P.S…..I’ll blog more about this later…but Mom and I are heading to NYC on Friday for the Team Fox MVP Dinner we got invited to with other Team Fox Goers…… and I REALLY want to put in a word we are continuing to make big things happen here!!! 

2013...Here we come!

2013 Here We Come J

So…everyone is all about resolutions…goals….promises…lists….

All of which I’m pretty sure I’m somewhat obsessed about on a daily basis as it…so therefore the whole “New Year” thing just makes it worse.  (Except I should probably update my blog layout etc to keep it current)…I’ll add that to my “To do List”……  I’ve been debating some serious goal setting for 2013 and some hopeful events we can continue to do for this year.  The battle against Parkinson’s won’t stop until they find a cure….so why should we?  It also isn’t so much everything having to be about the money level we raise….the awareness is so much more to a person searching for peace a mind and support.  One of the greatest things I feel like I got from just last year were a few individuals who found me to discuss Parkinson’s with me that hadn’t even told anyone else yet and was searching for others to understand.  That is what I want to continue to happen because we’ve gotten the word out there that there are others who understand.

I gave dad the picture of mom and I with Michael J. Fox atthe NYC Marathon Team Fox dinner regarding the marathon. He seemed puzzled at first and then laughed when Brock told him He’d have to go Back to the Future for it….  Mom and I have spoken often at how lucky we are regarding disease (not that we are LUCKY)…but….  Depression is something that stems a lot from this disease and it’s so nice to see dad keep his sense of laughing, sense of humor, and still enjoy what is going on around him.  He got the biggest kick laughing at the kids tearing through the wrapping paper.

 
I want that picture of Michael J Fox along with mom and I to stand for a sense of hope….that he can see it and know there are people everyday battling the same thing he is and working towards a cure.  I also want him reminded of all the other people we have met through this journey that have helped us along the way and better understand this disease.  There have been so many inspirational people we've met in just a year through Team Fox and we want to continue to help and support all of them on behalf of our community and to be an active group representing WV for this. 

As for my continued journey…I’m still finalizing the NYC Marathon details for 2013 to make sure of our ability to have a guaranteed spot even through Charity involvement…and then I think I have another marathon in May we are looking at that will be a fun filled adventure to see an old friend J  I better get to running in these cold temperatures though to keep up the training.  Excuses can be so easy if I don’t hold myself accountable.

We should have the ability to register for 2013 soon via Team Fox and get a Team Spangler set up and I’ll continue to pass along that information….I’ve got a few calls out today as well regarding a few other opportunities we can pursue to raise awareness as well as a few fundraisers to keep the spirit going for 2013.   It’s all about being bigger and better then the year before….so that’s what we’ll be doing in 2013 J

Now…I’m off to go to basketball practice and hopefully sneak in a little run on the little path they just built there before the kids arrive.  Actually I should probably have them run with me so they are borderline tired and may actually listen at the start of practice..we have our first game on Saturday and I'm a little worried :)

Happy New Year and I look forward to hearing some goals from everyone and we hope you can jump in on some Team Spangler activities this year!

Panic Mode....

As many of you have discovered if you didn't know already....I get nervous...almost about everything. I have been trying to keep my hives under control but the buildup of SOOOO many things coming up is starting to ignite this panic mode (however they say that comes with tapering).....

Yes...I know... "Relax...it will all be ok..." (mom has been saying that for 30 years now)  Well, easier said than done. I'm a perfectionist and a people pleaser, we don't really relax.  I really want our event to go well tomorrow…. In case you’re thinking “What event”…well you now have plans for tomorrow at the Parkersburg Country Club! 

 

I wanted this to be a BIG fundraiser for us, but most of all it’s an excuse for an opportunity for us all to get together for awareness.  I keep stressing about the little things, and I know it will all come together. I just hope for a large crowd.  So please feel free to bring a carload of people (and in the meantime tell 5 others) and enjoy the evening! J  We have some great silent auction items (and would always welcome more) and will have T-shirts there and lots of fun!

Now…on the fundraising side of things, I am trying to keep my fingers crossed because if we can make this a GREAT event….this could push us towards our goal of $10,000.  I’ll be honest, I really didn’t think we’d get that far in the beginning….as I said then…dad always said to make a goal, but then push it a little more.  The committed amount needed to raise was $5,000…so in my over-achieving obsession of ways…why not double it…just thinking it would be something to strive for.  With 12 days to go till the marathon….we actually are really close!  (A couple pending donations we are about $6,700)

**Please don't forget tomorrow...I have a Team Fox Banner I want everyone to sign that I will be giving dad before leaving to NYC....he LOVED the poster we did at the Fair...so we hope to fill the banner for him to hang for the race :)

We are currently in 9^th place on the NYC Team Fox Runners (over 200 off them) for fundraising…how awesome is that!? 

I do think having this fundraiser coming up has allowed me to stress about it and not the 26.2 mile run!  It’s been such a mental game, mostly because I have to convince myself…I am not RACING this….I am finishing this.  This is such a new territory of a challenge....I will be surrounded by people at all times of this race (there are 47,000 people you know)….and passing someone and passing the person in front of you take on a whole new meaning….  This will be my motto:

The run last night was scenic and peaceful.  The temperature was perfect, the leaves are BEAUTIFUL…and I “only” had a 40 minute run. 

 

I kept thinking ohhhh legs please feel like this on November 4^th….temperature….please be this temperature on November 4^th….   I think about just how far we have come in this journey.  There are moments I doubt what I’m doing…only because I know I can be overbearing in wanting things to be the best, wanting to make sure all I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.  Pushing…and Pushing…to get the most out of someone/everything.  I second guess myself at that…but then I realize…I’m exactly that way because dad raised me that way.  Walking off the gym floor after scoring 40 points….and dad’s words to me, “You know….you would have had 42 if you would have made that lay up”….  There is always something better you can do…always….and NEVER chose to be satisfied.  So…. I try not to be mad at myself for pushing for the best, because at the end of the day, I don’t think that’s necessary a bad thing….it will only make me better. 

Now….I hope to see you tomorrow….let’s fill the room!

We Would Never Win a Spelling Bee......

I’ve decided dad and I possibly should have our own sit-com when it comes to us partnering together using his “Spell Chart” Sophie made for him.  For many of you that know, dad can’t actually “speak” anymore to where we can understand him (it is a condition over time with the loss of muscle control that is a side effects of some Parkinson’s patients), so…. there is a Letter chart Sophie made him for him to spell things to us.  Well….for those of you who know dad….spelling isn't one of his best traits (and I think I’ve touched on it before)….  Well if you’ve also picked up from my blog or communicated via Email much with me….spelling isn’t one of my best traits either J  I’m not even sure which words came first in our massive case of laughter during the day…but I fixed dad tomato soup…I was feeding it to him and towards the end of the bowl he kept trying to say something….I thought he was telling me he was sick and tired of it J…..I then got the letter chart…..he started to spell out letters…. C….R…..A…..C….K (well either I interrupted him or he kinda had a paused moment to get his fingers going again…another Parkinson’s effect)…but I kept saying DAD…I don’t have any Crack…what in the world… (laughing of course, knowing well enough I’m certain he didn’t actually mean CRACK) J….but my brain was stuck on CRACK…he was laughing to where he couldn’t spell anymore….then I finally realized he was trying to spell CRACK….ERS….  Oh of course…who doesn’t want crackers in their soup!?

This happened several times throughout the day……it tends to be dad and I’s biggest struggle when we are on schedule together J  I suppose it could always be worse…..you just never know how we may TRY to spell things between the 2 of us, but you’d think we’d be on the same level of bad spellers and it be easier…..  I’m just glad he doesn’t’ have to dictate what is capitalized or not….for those who have received notes/announcements from dad via him being a “coach to athletes” before where everything was in CAPS LOCK…… 

So after dad got his crack…..I mean his crackers…we did what 98% (that statistic is estimated…but probably suitable) of West Virginian’s were doing at Noon on Saturday…..watching the WVU/Baylor football game…our fist big game of the Big 12 conference…..  I will highlight the game in my blog…because we won J  See…. Let’s go back a few years…well…SEVERAL years J…… dad actually went and played his freshmen year at WVU….  He had gotten a scholarship graduating from Sherman High School in southern WV (which is a very small town)….and got noticed by WVU for his athletic talents.  I suppose he’s got some bragging rights…but let’s not get him started  J  Dad discovered though it just wasn’t “him” (And I think he missed playing multiple sports) and transferred later to play at Glenville State where he ended up taking over the record books...and of course the best thing…..he met my mom….therefore allowing me to be here today (and mom to help him with his homework) J  I’ve grown up answering the question MANY times… “Are you Terry Spangler’s Kid?”  When I answered with a “yeap”….it was usually responded very quickly “Ohhhh Man…I remember one time when he…….” (Sports related story)……   We use to tease dad we didn’t believe his stories, and now we have some random person justifying them to us…..   There are very few times we could top dad’s stories that started out...”When I was your age….”

The running continues to go well….I’m just lovin’ this time of year…. This past weekend’s long run was “only” 2 hours….it was funny how my approach to the run was feeling like it was such a short little thing compared to the 3 hours the weekend before….And it will be 3 hours this coming weekend.  Being out at the farm has helped a lot with the mental approach to a change of scenery and being further out where I have the road to myself most of the time.  I had some fun pictures I took to share (and of course have seemed to misplace my camera cord somewhere).  On Sunday I laced my shoes up and got my run in and had them pick me up on their way leaving the farm.    Last night’s run was nice…the sky was beautiful when I returned home, but the picture doesn’t seem to really do much justice. 

 

I’m booking our train tickets today….so NYC Watch out! J  We decided to make it a fun adventure up, driving to DC and visiting a few friends and then taking the train to the city. I’ve never taken a train in the US before (always Europe…but now feel bad not here)…so this will be a fun adventure all around J

We keep pushing towards our goal…..and I finished the flyer for our upcoming event on the 24^th of this Month….so if you’re interested…We’d LOVE to see you there…and make a little party before the trip to NYC.  Sponsorships for the event are available, tickets on sale….and we’ll see you there

AND....today marks the 30 days out.....AHHHHH :)

Team Spangler Wednesday Highlight

Be on the lookout for Sharon Headley running the Half Marathon for Team Spangler on Saturday too! :)  We are so excited to have you :)  I remember Melanie always letting me tag along as a little kid with her when she was in high school :) 

"Learn to run when feeling the pain: then push harder." William Sigei

I’m choosing to be positive today because being grumpy about my foot won’t do any of us any good :) It has felt A LOT better today so maybe we are onto something…  I’m just NOT good at this “give it a rest” crap they tell me.  (Yes…it’s crap in my book because I need to be logging some miles not dealing with this stupid pain in my foot)…

Now that I got that off my chest (blogging is funny…I question if any of you really care about my inner thoughts such as that at times) :)

Now Bring on the week of the Parkersburg Homecoming Running Festivities: Parkersburg 2 Miler and Half Marathon!!!



Dad Running the Parkersburg Half Marathon in 1999.....Yes I went on record to admit he beat me :)



I can’t thank Jim Butta enough for his article he wrote in yesterday’s paper in the Parkersburg News highlighting Team Spangler…I have to say Jim has always been one of the Spangler’s biggest supporters….and I owe a lot to him, but I’ll work on that blog post someday soon…I’m not sure how to write in words about a man who has given so much help to all us Spangler girls in the form of media and try to put into words something that writing in words comes so naturally to him.  He won’t be surprised to know I’ll have to prepare for it; he’s been teasing me about being over-prepared for years now.

http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/564025/Spangler-running-in-Half-Marathon-for-a-cause.html?nav=5063#.UCj9HXgZa8U.facebook

Be sure to check it out…..also be sure to cheer for all the Team Spangler T-shirt wearing and supporters in the 2 mile and Half Marathon Race on Saturday!   Together we will make a difference in finding a cure and doing so as a team is only perfect for all of us.

I’ve been emailed a few times asking for the donation link again…so just in case here it is: http://www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/missyspangler

And if you still want a T-shirt, please don’t worry…I ordered extras and will do my best to get it to you before the race if you still need one….. and if you just need a T-shirt… we’ll continue to put orders in so feel free to email me and let me know what you need J  Email: missyspangler22@yahoo.com

I’ve been saving this picture for awhile to highlight the right moment (and slight embarrassment I hope) for our cousin Betsy.  Betsy has been training for this half marathon and she told me several months back she was doing this…and I’m so proud of her for it!  Even if I have given her a little hard time teasing her with her training soreness J    So… Betsy…from the Country Roads Kids Race to the Parkersburg Half Marathon Race….Thank you for helping us with Team Spangler! :)

That's actually Kelly and Betsy (last 2 on the far right) at the Starting Line of the Country Roads Kids Race                         (no idea what year)

Betsy Finishing Strong with some Help :)

Weekend at the Fair...

What a great weekend…between the Ritchie County Fair and another long run in the books it was a weekend highlights of why we’re on this journey.

It was so nice to be back “home”.  There were so many people I hadn’t seen for a long time at the fair and it was a nice opportunity to get the chance to catch up.  We hosted a ring toss game to help us raise money and highlight our project for Team Fox in running the NYC marathon.   We had many people who didn’t know about it and it was such a great chance to just spread the word about what we are doing. Everyone won a prize (don’t tell dad)…so it was fun to just interact with the kids. (Oh..and the adults of course too) J

I think mom was most popular at the tent….I kept hearing “Mrs. Spangler!” exclamations…or after she left asking where she was.  (Apparently 3^rd grade teachers are popular in the summertime) J  Mom was especially touched by one younger boy (who didn’t know dad..he was too young to have ever had him in school) as he asked mom why her husband couldn’t be there when she asked him to sign the poster. Mom mentioned to him that he was really sick and had to stay at home and the little boy without hesitation told mom…”well I’m really sorry…I’m going to keep him in my prayers for you”.  Kindness goes a long way.

We had MANY people stop by to ask questions and it always turned into sharing stories of dad, and them highlighting memories they had about dad.  Hearing that from people we were even too young to remember really spoke for itself as to why we are doing this.  THANK YOU to all that dropped off donations and played the game, and know how much it means to us all.  Just hearing people share stories about dad and the awareness of making a difference for the future with this was our biggest goal for the experience.  Dad loves our community so much, and there isn’t anything else I’m sure he’d rather us be doing then pulling people together for a common goal.

When we got home on Saturday night a little after 11pm he was still a little bit awake….we surprised him with his poster to show him everyone who signed it and stopped to check up on him.  He couldn’t stop smiling and I told him I’d leave it by his side so he could look a little closer tomorrow.  Mom said he’s turned the poster around several times reading closely the notes and names…so thank you everyone!  Keeping dad’s spirits up is the most important thing we want to do. 

As far as the running goes..I was a bit aggravated at myself for not sneaking in a few runs….Friday I was at the fair till late right after work, and Saturday I was mad at myself all day for not getting up early and running before we had to leave.  Excuses….Excuses….  However I was going to run laps around the Fair if Brian Morton ran with me, but I couldn’t get him to do it with me J

As for Sunday I swapped long run days, and took to the road for my 1 hour 55 minute run.  It had looked stormy all morning, so to avoid guilt any longer I took off saying if it starts to storm come and get me.  The humidity almost seemed like it was ready to burst just waiting on the storm to hit.  Of course it never did till AFTER I was home J  I had to laugh as I had to run 2 laps around the house to add the additional minute onto the run so I didn’t cheat myself.  I suppose that’s a life of a runner J  I’ve ran many “mini circles” to finish out the clock. 

Spread the Word!

The weeks just fly by sometimes with all these to do lists I have created!  Friday has snuck up and I was hoping I’d had another blog post on here J

I’ve got lots of info to share, so prepare yourself!

Team Spangler Shirts are designed and ready to be printed, so get your order in by August 8th for our first order submission (don't worry if you can't yet...we'll have more)  We need to get the first order in by the 8th so we can have them ready by the Parkersburg Half Marathon comign up and all the Team Spangler runners/walkers who watn them to wear for the big day!

Back Up Close...  "We Run for those who can no longer Run Themselves"
Inside the letters are motivational words dad has encouraged us with through the years

You can order them by E-mailing me at MissySpangler22@yahoo.com , we have order forms at the Ritchei County fair too.  Each Shirt is $15 with all proceeds going towards our fundraising campaign! Also...if we need to mail the shirts...we may need to add $5 to help with shipping...I can cram several in there for that price :) Also..make checks out to "Team Spangler/Missy Spangler" and you can mail them to  Missy Spangler/ Team Spangler P.O. Box 403 Ripley, WV 25271

We’ve had a big week of planning activites for raising money.  Last night, today and tomorrow we have a tent set up at the Ritchie County Fair to spread the word about Team Spangler for Team Fox, we have items of information, donation sheets, T-shirt order forms, cupcakes, Team Fox color Mardi Gras beads, light bracelets, and MORE!  So Stop on by and see us…. 

Don’t forget to sign Dad’s Card for us to take back to him too so we can show him how big Team Spangler is!

As far as the training goes... well I’ve been running J 

Tuesday- Ran around 45 minutes on the road…to the dairy barn and back J

Wednesday- It was a fun run day!  I headed out to Ritchie County and ran with the high school cross country team on the Rails to Trails.  I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve been there!  It seemed in high school we lived on it! J  I didn’t get to the “speed workout” aspect of the workout on Tuesday so I tried to sneak some of it into today and do 6 200’s “faster than usual”.  I won’t call it sprinting because I don’t think my pace was much of a sprint J

Thursday- Got a little run of about 20 minutes snuck in with a little core workout.  My training is a little off of schedule this week, but getting it all in.  My long run will probably have to be on Sunday instead of Saturday as it’s a 2 hour run.

I’m off to the fair this evening and tomorrow, so if anyone is up for doing laps around the 4-H grounds with me let me know! J

Nerves...100 days...

If anyone knows me…they know I always panic to be prepared, prepare more, and overly prepared for about anything I do.  (That’s probably why in cross country dad got us team bags big enough to fit clothes for a month in, however my argument is you NEVER know what to expect at a cross country meet!)  I realized today we have snuck upon the 100 days till the marathon and I won’t lie, it makes me nervous!  I mean 100 days seems like a lot to some…but I have 26.2 miles to run here!  Fast isn’t my concern at this point J  (Fast was a goal 10 years ago…)  I’m as motivational as can me, but I’m a nervous mess when it comes to myself!

You’ve heard me tell the stories about hives before races and basketball games, while dad had to convince me of everything I can do at the moment before I’d have a nervous breakdown.  When giving a speech at the West Virginia Awards banquet I remember Jim Butta teasing me about the speech notes I had prepared and had organized throughout the page.   When I started my insurance agency in OH, they wanted a 1 page business plan (I didn’t realize at the time they meant 1 page)…so 12 pages later I submitted my analysis of the market and my plan.  So I suppose this process is normal …but….100 days! Ahhhh

Me probably wanting to throw up before the state meet in this picture...dad being side tracked talking (of course) to the Scott High School Coach I believe :) 

We are in the midst of planning a fundraiser for Team Spangler at the Ritchie County Fair…it’s definitely going to be a fun tent so be sure to come out and look for us! We’ll be decorated out with Team Fox colors, mardi gras beads, prizes, while hosting a game! 

We also will have a big poster for everyone to sign for us to take back to dad!

I suppose your wandering about my running….

Monday evening I ran about 30 minutes on the road then came back home to run another 10 with the dog.  He’s been running off lately so we’ve had to keep him tied up more, so I was hoping I’d wear him out a little bit more by running him around.  I think the only person who got tired was me.

Tuesday evening I had enough guilt to consume me as I didn’t have time in the schedule to run….  I did get to see dad however and visit for a short bit while going to meet mom to work on a rental house project o(f course)

Last night I went out for about a 40 minute run…which I had to finish in the dark because the evening somehow snuck away from me by the time I was able to get my run in.

So I suppose I better get off here and realize my triple digit days are gone and tomorrow begins 99 days till the big day J 

100 days     16h     10m     30s

TILL RACE TIME

"Change the World" **Charity Miles**

Today I wanted to just send a little note and update on a program I have discovered through this adventure of mine.  The more I have read about the creator and program of Charity Miles the more I love this concept!  (That isn’t just because they sent me a free t-shirt either) J

For those of you who want to “get involved” here is a little way to get out and bike/run/walk and make a difference.  As much as I would love to say Choose Team Fox, this gives you the options to pick something as dear to your heart as Team Fox Is to Mine.  I have mentioned this app before in the blog, but here is a video which helps explain this program much better than my “wordiness” of words.  (Plus we all pay more attention to pictures) J …it’s a proven marketing fact.

Check out the video here:

Charity Miles Video

Also their website is: http://www.charitymiles.org for more direct information

The sponsored Charities represented are:

·         Achilles International

·         Autism Speaks

·         Feeding America

·         The Global Fund

·         Habitat For Humanity

·         The Michael J Fox Foundation

·         The Nature Conservancy

·         Pencils of Promise

·         The World Food Programme
(More to Come) 

Now…my next mission is to get an IPhone (Android works as well), so I can jump in on this madness of lovin’ this program and start practicing what I preach, but in the meantime I’ll feel better if a few others jump in too.  I think the concept of incorporating fitness into fundraising is wonderful (Also truly appropriate for dad’s career as a coach, Health & Gym teacher) J…  He always use to do the project where you could “Run Around WV”…he knew how far each lap around the gym was and then turned the laps into distances so kids could keep track of their travels. Now with GPS options on phones, you don't even have to do any of the calculating...you just have to run/walk/bike!

I would love to hear from you if this program worked for you and keep me updated on the progress J   As the creator Gene Gurkoff mentions, together we can “Change the World”.

As for yesterdays run…yes I ran and didn’t bike for cross training….please don’t tell on me…..  I attempted to defeat mother nature and sneak a run in between storms…I should have known she’d only teach me a lesson by sneaking another storm in on me while I was about a mile away from home, apparently it appears a monsoon was her inspiration.  Needless to say it turned into a great 35 minute run, finishing with a torrential downpour J  Can’t say it was the first time nor will it probably be the last J

If you don't want to listen to me telling you to get out and do this....I'm sure dad is here :)


**Team Spangler**