hairless in solidarity

My friend Jenn started chemotherapy 3 weeks ago, and last week her hair began falling out. Her company hosted a head-shaving party, turning what could have been a painful experience into a celebration. Together they raised over $1100 for Saint Baldrick's... which is an organization that funds research for childhood cancers.

It was a beautiful sunny day, so chairs were set up outside... clippers were fired up... and hair started flying!

Sun Ae did the honors for Jenn

Turns out Jenn's got a great looking head! When my turn came, Jenn did the initial shave...

And then Sun Ae tidied things up a bit at the end.

bald is beautiful

 The lack of hair is surprisingly enjoyable. Can't stop rubbing my own fuzzy head. No bed-head in the morning. No wild hair after my ride with the Team yesterday. Though truth be told, it certainly highlighted the cold temperatures when it started to rain (and then snow!) during our ride. Went to bed in a hat on Friday night!!

Jenn's run/walking the Shamrock half marathon in Virginia Beach this morning... because she's strong and determined, and because lymphoma's not going to stop her from doing the things she loves. Tomorrow morning, she starts her next round of chemotherapy.

If you would like to show your support of Jenn and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society... please make a donation here.

2016 Race Schedule (thus far)

I thought I'd just jot down the races that I have planned for the year... In part as a commitment to run them, and sort of as motivation to start planning to add a few more. Gotta keep up my numbers you know!

Last year was a low numbers year for me, but triathlon training took up a lot of time! I completed 1 marathon, 3 half marathons, a 6 hour relay and a two Olympic distance triathlons...

2014 I completed 2 marathons, 6 half marathons, two ten milers and a bunch of 5 Ks (that's more like it!!).

Thus far this year I am scheduled for the following:

• Dahlgren Trail Half Marathon
• Ex2 Adventures Back Yard Burn 10 miler - Pohick Bay  
• 16 Bridges Thames Challenge  (unofficial event, following actual event course)                         
• Paris Marathon (on my birthday!!!)
• Ex2 Adventures Fountainhead Off Road Half Marathon
• Endless Summer 6 Hour (Trail) Run
• Port City Challenge (Into the Night 5k, Harbour Passage 5k, Marathon by the Sea)
•  Detroit Free Press Marathon (with Team In Training)
• Richmond Marathon 
•  

I'm sure there will be more added as the year progresses... as I am a chronic victim of FOMO, particularly when my friends are doing interesting and exciting events ;)

Also... raffle ticket?

if you're contemplating making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but want more potential bang for your buck than my Leap Day lake video can provide...

maybe you'd like to consider purchasing a raffle ticket with a 1 in 2500 chance to win a new Mercedes?

tickets can be purchased online right here

just put  "Megan Tataje" in the "referred by" line and that's it! you've made a donation to LLS, helped me toward my fundraising goal, and are now just waiting to be told you've won a new car!!

Several successes of the week

Good morning all...

It's been a busy week (and it's only Wednesday!)

Saturday was the first Cycle Team training session that I have made it to thus far this season... We met out in Sterling, on the W&OD trail. Pumped up our tires. Share our mission moment. And hit the trail. Starting temperature 36 degrees F, finishing temperature 42 degrees F. At least the sun was shining and it was beautiful, even if it was cold!!!!!!

Until that moment, I had not heard what our training plan for the day was going to be... Aaaaand... it was a 3 hour ride. First time in the saddle this year, and I rode 32 miles... with a few stops to warm hands and feet, and refuel.

you probably can't tell that i'm wearing longjohns, wool sweater, wooly hat under helmet, gortex socks... and am still chilly!

Then, on Monday my personal honoured teammate Jenn started chemotherapy... It also just happened to be Leap Day.

My "Leap (in the lake) Day" fundraising campaign had been off to a slow and steady start... but on Monday morning there was a wild flurry of activity. I guess my friends, family and colleagues hadn't realized just how much they wanted see me jump in the lake in February until that very moment!

When we reached my "$1000 by noon on Leap Day" goal with time to spare, I called my husband to ask him what it would take to get him to leap in the lake with me... and together we upped the ante. If we reached $1600 by 16:00 (4pm) he would jump with me! His friends and colleagues answered our call and at 15:52 we hit the $1600 mark.

So here we are... taking the plunge, into the 38 degree F (3.3 degree C) lake near our house.

And here is a little video my husband filmed before and during our leap. I hope all my donors feel they got their money's worth! And know that it is going to support a terrific cause.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, it's not to late... you can do so right here:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nca/ambbr16/MTataje