Celebrity Sighting in Central Park

Ok…so what now J

I suppose our Journey can’t just run into the brick wall from the cancellation of the marathon.  Maybe it was a trick to make me feel like the “big” goal wasn’t technically accomplished so we must keep doing more.  Not that I didn’t have that intention anyway….

In regards to the question I’ve gotten a few times….yes donations can still be made regarding our quest for this in honoring Team Fox for running the Marathon (At least in Central Park) J  I’ve mailed in a few more, and also on  behalf of a donor on the Michael J. Fox Board…they chose US (Team Spangler) as one of their 4 teams to donate an additional $500 to on behalf of our efforts in Central Park...how cool is that!?…so with the additional funds I’ve sent in that places us around $10,700 once it gets credited….so maybe we should shoot for $11,000?  Sorry..I know…always asking for more. , don’t act surprised.

I had to share this picture because my first thought was I hope dad doesnt' see this.  I'm in a "race" and I'm smiling...he would quickly respond with..."You weren't running hard enough"....  I actually think he had several talks with me about why I would smile in a race :)  I suppose I've forgotten my "game face" over the years.

 

I’ve been asked a few times what they are going to do about the marathon…to be honest, I have no idea J  We received an email from the marathon stating they were still figuring things out and needed some time and would get back to us. 

I have to share this chuckle from another running/blogger friend I’ve met (via social networking of course), who stated he feels like the email was a breakup email with the typical excuse “We need space…it’s not you it’s me Email” from NYRR (You can check out his NYC Marathon feelings on this post of his…it’s funny) J  http://markmatthewsauthor.blogspot.com/2012/11/never-mind-ill-find-someone-like-you.html

It made me chuckle….I even had a few thoughts of the movie “He’s just not that into you”…the marathon is over ME….so I assume while anticipating what will come of it…hopefully we will just makeshift a project in 2013 with the motto NYC Marathon…take 2…. Who’s with me? J

A few highlights we got lucky with regarding publicity from this is an article ESPN did….YES ESPN J  You can see it here….

 

Also, the Charleston Daily mail did an article on the “adventure”, our cause and still running! 

http://dailymail.com/foodandliving/201211070291

I am working on a few ideas for 2013 for Team Spangler…and I’ll keep you updated J  Just be ready to get your runnin’ and walking shoes on with me J  I probably won’t be doing any more races this year…however I’m working on a game plan for 2013.  It will certainly be bigger than this year (Of course!). 

Soooo…for today’s laugh…because that’s what we do….is for me to share another big highlight for me in NYC (For those of you who know me…know this pretty much is one of the best things that ever could have happened to me in Central Park and my obsession with the movie)

 That’s right…I saw Elf himself while running in Central Park! J  I have abided by the rule of not being allowed to watch it till Thanksgiving Day…..but I just keep thinking I’m not going to make it this year….  I told the guy it’s pretty much my favorite movie ever and I wasn’t afraid to admit it.  Somehow that didn’t creep him out…. Most people would have preferred some big named celebrity while walking through Central Park…but this made my day….I could spot this outfit from a few hundred people back and I made sure I Picked up my pace so I could get my picture with him J 

Just remember….. I just like to smile…smiling is my favorite (I think I'm suppose to put a registered trademark or something on this?) J

Run Anyway Marathon NYC 2012

So….Yes….the marathon got cancelled…..  You might want to grand a beer, glass of wine, stiff coffee, sweet tea, or something and sit back in a chair to read this as I have a feeling this blog post may be a long one.

Now…before someone wants to go off on a tangent of saying I’m a selfish, only out for myself runner, didn’t want the better good for people, and whatever other crazy things I’ve seen you publish all over social media…I will politely ask you to move along and maybe this blog post isn’t for you….because you are going into this single minded not wanting to actually understand what I am about to express.  Nor, do you really know me as a person and want a place to rant and rave as if everything we have done isn’t enough.  I will make this statement now….It was the right call….but it was terrible timing. 

Now in saying that…. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about what happened this past weekend in New York City.  Now…I am going to talk a little bit about “me” here so forgive me if it seems insensitive as to what was going on around the outskirts of the marathon course….I’m simply expressing my journey…..that is why I ended up in NYC in the first place…. for the NYC Marathon on behalf of Team Fox.

So upon the rise and shine at 3am on Friday to make it to the airport in time to catch our connecting flight in Charlotte to JFK …. I hated I still felt this tension of “Should I be doing this”…I let the words on social media sites allow me to feel guilty for keeping my word….(which is something I don’t think happens as often as it use to.)   Upon leaving I grabbed some Team Fox stickers and stuck them all over our carry on luggage and tied my orange shoes to the top of my bag.  This is why we are doing this….

 I kept checking the flights of Mom & Kelly, and Holli & Melanie’s departing through DC and LaGuardia.  So far so good…..  We arrived at JFK no problem…actually 20 minutes early.  I had been in a panic trying to pre-arrange a ride to the hotel from the airport….there was a gas crisis and I wasn’t sure of the details…also they were requiring 3 people to be in a car to cross over the bridge into the city.  Upon leaving the plane we made our way to the public transportation line.  I had asked a representative at the transportation help desk her opinion….she said you could share a cab/flat fee…in the midst of me standing there another couple walked up asking the same questions….the representative said “She is looking to get into Manhattan why don’t you all share a cab and go together”…  Well…talk about pressure…. The gentleman had a Livestrong backpack and I hoped deep down they were runners and had some sort of common ground.  I assume there was a 2 second judgment period taking place then we kinda picked up our bags and said “OK”….  We made our way out to the cabs (No line to wait in and easy)…upon talking they were from California….they’d run the NYC Marathon a few times and were so excited for this to be my first time.  They had run in the London Marathon last year and we shared lots of running stories and laughs.  (Perfect)….  He was teasing Brock upon his first experience in NYC when a cab pulled up next to us and was yelling and honking his horn….he chuckled and said “Welcome to NYC” my friend.

Upon arrival to the hotel and getting settled, mom and Kelly arrived not too long after…Accomplishment #1 they made it J  They shared a ride with someone as well who was running in the marathon…they even met someone not too far from us….small world.

We went and enjoyed a lunch….walked around a little bit to take in the city.  Mom kept saying “Ohhhh the city smell”.  J  Weird… kidding!  We got back to the hotel to get checked in and settle in a bit before going to dinner.  Mom drifted off to sleep…Kelly was getting ready and Brock and I went down to the lobby to wait on them…. Upon entering the lobby restaurant they had a big screen TV displaying news station and a big banner running across the bottom of the screen displayed “NYC MARATHON CANCELLED”….  I think Brock was scared of the edge I might fall off…..REALLY….you’re going to tell me this FRIDAY NIGHT....after all this months of preparing….months of promising this to my dad…this goal… everything in a split second just rushed over me.  I was speechless…my phone started buzzing with messages, texts, notifications, emails, etc…. I just didn’t even know what to say…..A sense of failure somehow snuck up over me….  (and again before someone wants to stomp all over my emotions that’s fine but these are my feelings).  Yes…a sense of failure…tears didn’t seem appropriate but I questioned them for a slight second of discouragement.  And again…it isn’t the REASON…..it’s the TIMING.  This marathon wasn’t for ME….it was FOR a purpose.  In our lobby were runners from France….Italy…. and other locations…. A gentleman had just walked in with his Expo bag in hand filled with all his marathon registration..and I kinda tried to speak to him to show him the news and then I realized he didn’t speak English and I don’t think he knew what I was saying…but then he saw the news….and then I wasn’t sure what he was saying but I don’t think it was great.  I messed Holli & Melanie as I knew they currently where in flight from Charleston to DC….and at least wanted them to know…..

I will re-address my previous statement….I don’t blame the reason…..just the timing.  As a marketing person I almost immediately questioned if it wasn’t some sort of set up to get all these people into the city to spend money without having to actually put on the marathon.  So please refrain from the negatively opinions of everything else I should have been doing at that point and time and how I should have been feeling.  I can’t help but feel a little frustration when they allowed the NBA games to go on….as well as the football games….but yet the marathon was getting blasted left and right.  The food and water for runners should be used to help those who need it more….however there were concession stands etc at the games?  I’m not arguing the point…don’t get me wrong…I’m just a little questionable as to why one got so much negative publicity against the others.   The marathon raised millions of dollars for Sandy Relief in a matter of days…we were giving back to the city….runners donated their clothing….money...I don’t understand at what point we were such terrible people.  I did enjoy a good laugh over a Facebook post stating “All these runners are so selfish coming into our city wanting to run for Prize Money”….  Ummmm I’m going to assume you weren’t referring that post to me personally because I knew when I made this decision 6 months ago to do this, I wasn’t doing it for the prize money nor did I even have a shot by at least 20,000 people to be in contingency for it.  But almost everyone else I have encountered through this…they aren’t doing it for the prize money…somewhere you have missed “the runners” point, that you so categorized as “THE RUNNERS…..those TERRIBLE RUNNERS”.  I guess this has hit me soooo hard and bothered me soooo much because these people were all telling us what we should be doing….not having a clue what we’ve been through or done to already get there.  I know it shouldn’t get to me the way it was….but it did.  I just know going back a month ago when I was running a 3 hour run to dedicate this journey to Parkinson’s  maybe one of these hypocrites were sitting on a boat on a lake enjoying themselves….I never felt internally to myself “That person is selfish…I’m out here running for Parkinson’s and you’re just out there sitting on a boat drinking beer”….. We all do the best that we can and try to do what I can…..I should have avoided the social media…it really really bothered me.  (Can you tell?)  I’m so sorry for devastation, and I was ready to make the most of whatever we had.  I just felt bad at the travel expenses it took for those supporting me to get there….and everything in between when the timing of the announcement of the cancelling should have been sooner (I realize this isn’t comparable to what others are going through….but I see devastating stories go on everyday….I’m not taking away from it..I’m just telling my story)….however, I’m also grateful is wasn’t, because like many other blessings…..this was in disguise.  There is so much I wouldn’t have gotten to be a part of it they had cancelled the marathon sooner.

On Saturday they presumed with the Team Fox Dinner……so we all gathered at the restaurant filled with “Team Foxers”….met some new ones I hadn’t had the chance yet….and put some faces to some voices/names.  Most of all….standing at the entrance to greet everyone was no other than Michael J. Fox himself.  The inspiration to all of this that displays that One Person Can make a difference.  I hugged him and he knew I was to be a runner for the marathon.  A million things raced through my mind to get to this moment…..and I hardly knew what to do.  We proceeded into the dining room and sat at a table surrounded by others involved with the Parkinson’s Community.  Sharing stories and so much more it was such a wonderful evening.  It was an evening that was good for the soul and it was nice to share in laughter after everyone having mixed emotions about it all.  Michael J Fox’s speech gave light to the evening as well….and you know it speaks volumes to have someone so involved with their own charity, some it’s only a name connection….and he….he’s the inspiration behind it all.   This is definitely a group I want to stay involved with and do everything I can to help make tomorrow a better day for Parkinson’s Patients.

 

Now….on Marathon Sunday….it may not have been exactly how it had been planned….but like I said….runners make the best of everything they can.  We set out on a mission…and we were going to complete it.  At the Team Fox Dinner we met the Creator of Charity Miles (You all have heard me rave about this app many times)….what an awesome person!  Probably my biggest inspiration to get a iPhone so I could get the app J  He announced some were still meeting at Central Park to get a run in….we were meeting other Team Foxers around 9:30.  Well to my surprise it was an AMAZING event.  I really didn’t have true intensions of running 26.2 miles that day….I just thought we were going to run…and the atmosphere took over.  Brock and I ran to Central Park (Yes the little sprinter ran about 3 ½ miles there with me)…. Once we got closer to the entrance we could hear cheering, cow bells, whistles, clapping and more.  These runners and charity goers were doing exactly what they came to NYC to do……run for their cause.  I took off on the first lap (6 mile loops in Central Park)….thinking I would just run a loop with my new found Team Fox Friends…..the atmosphere was marathon frenzy….supporters all around the loop at the park….cheering for “Team fox”…or even yelling Missy (My jersey had my name on it)….  I got my 1^st lap in (a lot faster than I anticipated…adrenaline gets me EVERYTIME)….  2^nd lap I kept going and another Team Fox Runner met up with me and chatted…I even was asked “How many people did you bring up here…they are everywhere”…. I said there are 5 of them but they are professional race location specialistJ. I had in my head that I would run 2 laps after I bypassed the 1^st one…upon finishing the 2^nd one…I was egged on by “Charity Miles Guy’’…sorry I keep wanting to call you that…his real name however is Gene J…..and Brock volunteered to run a lap with me….so lap 3 here we go J  I think Brock learned a thing or 2 about the running world during that lap.  He had on the Team Spangler shirt, and everyone was cheering “Go Team Spangler”….handing out water…Oreo cookies, pretzels, and so forth.  See distance runners may be crazy…but they are awesome! J  Complete strangers wanting to help those seeking to still get their promised marathon in…..one word…. “Amazing”….  Thank you for your support along our journey and reason for being in NYC…..  we all have a story why we were running that marathon…and thanks to all of you standing along the side, cheering, runners supporting runners….maybe this experience was worth more than the actual marathon itself.  I had no intention to run that far when I woke up that morning, I hadn’t prepped like I would have for the actual marathon for that specific day…and I just couldn’t stop once I got there.  Between the run to the park, around the park..and even some walking later that day….my GPS actually had me going 29 miles…  So there dad….how about a few extra miles…just because J

 

This experience left me wanting to do more….this is something that truly helped me feel a part of something bigger….and I am looking into a few other races to set goals for now.  Possibly Miami in January…and even the marathon in CA that goes through the vineyard hills with our new Team Fox friends we made…… 

Thank you to the best support group a girl could ask for. I had the best cheering section in the park…I am somehow not surprised they found pathways to run to get to a couple spots during the loop at the park….must be all the Cross Country experience for that J  I couldn’t have reached our goal without each of you who helped support with donations and involvement…I received a $100 donation today that I will be mailing in tomorrow that is the icing on the cake for this adventure….today we were at $9,983…so that will put us at $10,083.  That my friends….is called achieving a goal….something dad has taught so many of us to do….and I couldn’t have done it without the entire group of “Team Spangler”

Now…I will go back to complaining about how sore my legs are and walking funny if you don’t mind…hopefully only for a few more days J  Having some little kid ask me when I was walking down the steps in the city “Are you ok?”…..made me realize I may not be pulling off a normal walking pattern after all J 

Stay tuned….there will be lots more to come! J

I'm IN to Finish 2012....

I’m feeling so many mixed emotions at this point….  Between feeling guilty that I’m frustrated getting into NYC along with everyone coming with us at different times and making sure everything is set ok for everyone…..but yet I shouldn’t feel “guilty” when my problems are logistics when so many others have problems at a higher level of my silly logistics.  What seemed to be a fun idea in the beginning has turned into a not so great idea of riding the train now when the tunnel is still filled with water into the city.  So given a last minute distress call to the airlines and a hike in airfare during the 15 minute conversation I had with the representative I bit the bullet and said Let’s do this…so JFK here we come.

I’m reading mixed reviews of being accepted as a runner into the city because some feel the marathon shouldn’t go on.  However, some say they need the marathon to happen to boost morale and spirit as well as the economical impact the marathon can have on businesses.  So…what is the right way to feel?

I’ve read blog entries and articles from one extreme to the next.  About booing the runners and throwing the water at them as opposed to handing it to them….really?  At any point in time is that truly what you think someone should do?  I will be happy to pick up my own cup of water if it means a volunteer can be helping someone else in need from the storm; I’m completely ok with that. 

Now given, I’m well aware that’s one persons opinion and sometimes the craziest comments sneak the attention of publicity….but I will say…to claim these runners are selfish is beyond something I want to debate on, I don’t feel it’s a necessary argument.  Many runners have dedicated months of their own lives to raise money for charities (some of which are probably benefiting due to the circumstances right now), spent their weekends doing 3 hour runs, etc. I am not a New Yorker (nor am I claiming some of that justifies what others are going through right now)…. I am a West Virginian so my opinion could be different than a local’s.  I never want to see devastation; I would never celebrate it, nor ignore it which has been some of the claim along the way.  Do people really think we are “celebrating” Hurricane Sandy by running the marathon?

Plain and Simple…I am running this marathon to honor my dad who battles on a daily basis a lifestyle far worse than Hurricane Sandy.  This disease is life altering just like Hurricane Sandy.  But I’m not going to point fingers for things others do while my dad is struggling and say they are celebrating Parkinson’s Disease.  I will do whatever I can to help New York City given the opportunity while there…because that’s what people do.  I’m not there to intrude on your lifestyle and infringe on things that have happened due to the hurricane.  West Virginia has had our share of Hurricane/Super Storm Sandy, as well as a horrible storm this past summer, I never thought once at insulting people coming into our area while we were getting trees removed from our properties and so forth.  I will be the first to admit I don’t understand the extreme of race logistics, this is my first race ever of this size & magnitude…but I’m ok with some amenities of the race being altered so people can be utilized elsewhere to help others….this race means a little something different to me.  I'd even meet a new friend and see if they wanted to run 26.2 miles to still complete what we set out to do, with or without bleachers full of people and parties along every block.

I questioned at one point if I should withdraw from the marathon when the first E-mail blast went out due to everything that has happened, but I realized I’m doing this for a reason…and quitting now is going against everything I decided to prove months ago.  Things will never be perfect, there will always be obstacles and we still have to do what we set out to do.  We’ve raised ALMOST our goal of $10,000 and I have people counting on me to do this….most of all…my dad.  Tomorrow will not be any better for any Parkinson’s Disease patient if I don’t strive to make a difference now.  Now…I may sound selfish that my heart is set on the Parkinson’s Community for this effort, but there isn’t a time if someone needed help I wouldn’t do what I could to assist in it… 

I'm IN to finish for my Dad

Many people who run the NYC marathon do it to accomplish something, to honor a charity/person/a reason, and to prove you CAN do anything.  One of the reasons I love NYC is because they are a city of “do’ers”…when 9/11 happened they embraced community and set forth a plan to recover, which is exactly what they are in the process of doing now.  I just hate I’m feeling “guilty” for still moving forward with the marathon a little bit.    

I’ve been reminded by many…if anyone can do this….Team Foxers can….  And that’s just exactly what Team Spangler is going to do for Team Fox.  So if you want to throw your cup of water at me….so be it…I’ll compare your throw to my dad’s quarterback arm and I guarantee yours won’t be as good.  Ok that was a rant and I take it back J

I suppose this is my most controversial blog post ever….probably will stay that way as well…and I’m certain I’m missing the point of some people’s resentment of the NYC marathon going forward.  Please just know…if there is something my group of 6 can do while we are there…we will do it….but we are also there to prove to my dad he taught us to never quit when we’ve put our mind to something.

So as of today I’m still “IN TO FINISH 2012”

 

Thanks for the visit "Sandy".....

I’m no so sure who invited “Sandy” to NYC (well the entire east coast for that matter) but someone really should have slammed the door in her face.  I’m speechless as to the damage this has done to the east coast and the pictures that display what the storm has left behind.  New York City is dealing with water filled subway lines and I’m sitting here in West Virginia with snow falling around me on October 30^th.  I swear…just last week I was running in a tank top and shorts, I mean really?

I wanted to blog yesterday to highlight fellow “Team Spangler” runner Johnny Hogue with his amazing performance at the WV State Cross Country meet but instead I spent most of my day rearranging our NYC plans to postpone arrival and departures to figure out exactly what’s going on…so instead…sit back and relax and prepare for a novel J

This past weekend was the States Cross Country Meet….Ritchie County had 1 runner make it (Johnny)…  His mom has told us, Johnny probably never would have ran if dad hadn’t had a big talk with him one summer at a little basketball camp he hosted and encouraged him to take up the sport….  Junior year in high school Johnny has made all state for all 3 high school years….  It appears Johnny made a good decision J  Congrats Johnny and thanks for giving us someone to “yell at” during the race so we could run around the course like crazy people cheering. 

 

Johnny Finished 3rd place in this years meet :)

 

 Also…now I can’t remember if it was Holli or Melanie who said when the 2^nd place team took the stage…”That was us 12 years ago”… TAKE THAT BACK!  Actually it’s ok…they tried to charge me student admission to get into the State Meet…so the age 30 breakdown is still pending.  I also wanted to note, I’m a bit jealous at the way they put on the State XC awards now….We didn’t get flashing lights, grand reveal, and so forth back in my day.  It really gives kids something to be excited about and want to work for.  Never forget at that moment at the ceremony when you tell yourself “I want to make All State next year”…. Realize it’s from that moment until the start of next cross country season you have to work to make that happen. 

(this was us...12 years ago..I mean...I few years ago) Just to play "remember when"

 

Now..I had promised some an update of how to track me during the NYC marathon….  Well that is…if it’s still going to go on…I’ll keep you posted.   I believe you can insert my “bib number” into a few different programs (depending on your preference) and track my progress of the race….. I told a few but if it seems a “delayed of progress” with me on different areas of the course…you just might want to research the stores in that given area and see if I got side tracked.  (You know..Tiffany’s…cupcake shop…Starbucks…there could be a lot of things) J 

My Bib Number is: 17238

My Start time is 9:40am (I’m in Green Wave #1, Corral #17) Whatever that means.  There is a chance I will start in the Blue Wave depending on the opening ceremony of the flag presentation and being a WV State Ambassador

Here are some programs they referred to us:

You can “Support your Marathoner” through this Asics Program: (I think it tracks somehow too)

 Support Your Marathoner Link- Asics

There is another program, however I think it costs something…this is what was sent through the NYC Marathon emails that the Marathon endorses.

Track My Runner Info Link

This is also an option for some tech savvy people, this website displays some options:  (I however just crossed over to an iPhone and completely overwhelmed and get excited at the concept of accomplishing downloading an app…so some techy questions I may not be your best source for answers.

Info Link

I’m starting to wonder if this storm may have scared the Kenyans away…if so I just might have a chance at this…   Oh gosh I’ll catch havoc for that, and please understand my expression of extreme sarcasm on that J  Kenyans or not…you can find me making friends among the slower pace crowd.
 

As for the fundraising….we are kickin’ butt if I may say so myself.  We’ve had some amazing surprise donations that keep creeping us closer and closer to our big goal of $10,000…seriously who would have thought we’d be here?... I mean I kinda pushed for a little extreme when I issued this as our goal to make us reach a little further….and if my estimations are right with what is pending (See it’s tricky….depending on some donations I have to mail them to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to be issued so they take a little bit longer then via online). BUT….I think we are around $9500… (We are currently in 6^th place for fundraising for the NYC Marathon group of Team Fox not counting pending donations mailed in)   We have truly come together as a “Team”.  I have been emailed a few times requesting the donation link again (I realize some of my blog entries are lengthy and it’s hard to find something upon going back through to come back to)…so…. Here it is.

Fox- Missy Spangler Donation Link

Also… we would LOVE for you (if you have one) to wear your Team Spangler Shirt on Sunday November 4^th for race day!  Take a picture and post it to my Facebook or dad’s Facebook…or even email me!  Just for fun to see all the Team Spangler Followers! J 

Don't Forget!

 

 

Single Digit Days....

You see this disease (Parkinson’s Disease)….it’s tricky….  Some days are good….some days are “bad”…actually everyday is “bad in the eyes of the beholder”  but some things don’t seem to be as scary when you have experienced the worse days.  I guess I should talk about the disease itself for those who don’t really understand it, I mean this is why I want to do this and make a difference for someone else.  I don’t want some other daughter/son  to feel the anxiety to turn their phone to “phone calls only” setting before they go to bed every night just so IN CASE there is that terrible call of something wrong  because of Parkinson’s Disease….  (That is usually my last thought before I go to bed of my anxiety something could go wrong)

Some days dad can speak to where we can make out the words a little more clearly, his muscles in his face have been taken over by the disease making it extremely difficult to have control over them that creates the hardship with eating and speaking. 

Some days (when dad could walk) he would shuffle his feet more than other days causing difficulty for him to walk.  Maintaining balance is tricky too…causing many falls through this process.

Some days, his hands would shake a little more than they did the day before….those days he would sneak his hands in his pockets and proceed.

NOTHING….nothing stopped this man when things got difficult….he was at Cross Country meets with a cane still making sure he could get to a few spots and cheer on the kids. 

We take for granted how “easy” we have it even on days we think are hard.  This disease scared the $h*t out of me when we found out.  (Sorry there was no other word to express the truth there)….. It was even scarier because we didn’t know exactly what it was….”Dad has Parkinson’s Disease….what’s that”…then proceed by the Google searching, which we all know the worst case information make the top search results.  Then the freak out stage…which for me was years….maybe even my own stage of denial…I mean dad still “seemed fine”…maybe if I forget this because he isn’t like these other cases online it will make “all this” easier.  Well….nothing is easier.  We discovered the Michael J. Fox story…over time it was so much easier to say “It’s what Michael J. Fox has”…then people were like “ohhhh……”  When you can say that….that’s when the truth comes out that YES…ONE MAN/PERSON can make a difference. 

Dad has had a few pretty difficult days due to the hardships of being confined to bed and the effects of the effects are sometimes the worst conditions.  His vitals were low yesterday morning, he’s been a lot sleepier then normal, and he has an infection in his leg.  His alertness has been a little shy of normal…. Those are the scary days.  I called to check on him a short bit ago and they teased and said he woke up around 10:30 or so and he hadn’t stopped eating since J  He hasn’t eaten much if anything in about 3 days….  So this is GOOD NEWS…and a BETTER day J  Denny made his visit with a chocolate milkshake in hand…and that always makes the day better for dad.  If you ask me I think dad’s spoiled J

I feel as if I’m having a “Dad Day”…I have so many stories and things to tell you….Dad never quit talking J   

We had a GREAT and successful evening at the Parkersburg Country Club Wednesday evening.  It was so nice to have an evening to catch up with many, and just share in doing this for dad.  I was so touched by those who were able to make it.  We raised around $1450 at this event!  Watch out….next year will be bigger and better J  (I’ll try to organize it with a little more than 20 day notice) J   We were SOOOOOO close to reaching our goal…we just needed a few more “things/events” to push us just a little bit closer.  As I type this our online total amount is  $7,611.45.  I have mailed in the checks to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to be credited to our account, so those are pending, and a few more I received in the mail today.  If my math is right (give or take a little for me in case)…we are around $8,400.  I would LOVE to tell dad when I stop to visit on the way to NYC and give him the Team Fox Banner we all signed at the Country Club…to tell him we reached $10,000! 

Some of the Silent Auction Items on Display

Showing of the Team Fox Video

 

I know several have been wandering about dad so I wanted to send a little blog update….thank you for all your continued prayers, support, and thoughts of our family.  They have made “all this” a little easier to deal with knowing we have so many people thinking of dad.

Have we really officially snuck into the single digit days until the marathon?....I swear we just started training for this last week it feels like……

Now…..this hurricane Sandy better get her route heading in the other direction….we have a marathon to run in NYC J

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!

Where in the World is Team Spangler?

COLUMBUS!!!

 

We had some support for Team Spangler in the Columbus Half Marathon this past weekend J  Shaun Snodgrass and friends sported Team Spangler shirts for the run! 

If anyone ever needs to know a sports fact, ask this guy J  I think he kept me straight about statistics most days when I couldn’t remember numbers from specific games.  Of course Shaun had to move to Columbus about right after I moved back to WV for me to have a WV friend nearby J  I think Dad and Shaun spent MANY conversations on reflecting about sports, memories, strategies, and opinions J 

Thank you Shaun for helping us in this journey J