Fighting Cancer is a Family Affair

Lots of families have unique traditions—maybe they have an annual reunion, meet at Disney World every two years, or take cruises together. But how many can say they are helping to save lives?

The Hawke family certainly can—In 2010, Bill Hawke began treatment for Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma. While in treatment, his daughter Kelsey ran the San Francisco Marathon as part of Team In Training, and helped raise money to fund research and support blood cancer patients and their families. Kelsey also encouraged her dad to get involved, and, while still undergoing chemotherapy, he pledged to complete a 100 mile bike ride to help raise money as well.

That in of itself is impressive, but their story does not stop there. In 2011, Bill’s wife also joined in along with another daughter, Ashley, while Bill did yet another 100 mile bike ride. As if that were not enough, the family came together and set a goal of raising $100,000 to fight blood cancer.

Now, in 2012, Bill’s son Kyle, and sister Betty Hogan, are also joining the Team In Training family and making huge strides towards their $100,000 goal. So, hats off to Bill, Connie, Kelsey, Ashley, Kyle and Betty for their tireless efforts. They are truly demonstrating both their love for one another and their commitment to fighting blood cancer -GO TEAM!!!

A Grateful Heart

When it comes to training for any endurance event, whether it’s a marathon, half marathon, triathlon, or any other event, motivation can be the biggest hurdle. When you train for an event through TNT, however, motivation becomes less of an issue. The reason for this is the amazing stories you hear throughout your training, stories which underscore just how hard many cancer patients fight for life, and how grateful you become for something you may have once taken for granted—your health.

Running with a grateful heart not only makes the snow, rain, and cold weather tolerable, it makes you more aware of how lucky you are to be able to get up in the morning and simply run. In addition, it brings about an increased level of appreciation for the simple things in life.

So, if you’ve ever been afraid to attempt something like an endurance event, take a leap of faith and sign up for one today. You may just find that you are capable of far more than you ever dreamed, and for that, you will truly be grateful.

Finding the perfect running socks

Ah, the quest for the perfect running sock! Second only to the search for perfect running shoes, the perfect sock can make or break a run.

Before beginning your search for the ideal running sock, consider the type of weather you will most likely be running in. In the winter, you need socks which can wick away moisture while keeping them dry. In the summer, you definitely need something to keep your feet cool and free of any moisture.

The material is also very important when choosing a sock. The best choices tend to be Coolmax, or any similar fabric which is designed to remove moisture immediately. Cotton is usually the worst choice, as it quickly becomes saturated with sweat. Once wet, the cotton can start to chafe and cause blisters. Another good feature to look for is any socks which are made with "seamless technology". Fewer seams equal fewer chances for blisters. Many socks today are also made with an antimicrobial addition to the fabric to help prevent odor. While not a critical component, it can definitely come in handy.

Many running socks offer cushioning on certain parts of the foot. If you know what your running style is, you can choose socks which fit that style. For example, if you know that you land harder on your heels than anywhere else; look for socks with extra cushioning in that area.

Another option is compression running socks. Originally developed for diabetics as a way to improve circulation, they have become popular with athletes. Many runners swear by the compression socks, as they do provide a good support while allowing for adequate circulation.

Whatever your running style, there is a sock out there for you. Experiment with different styles, but keep in mind it’s never a good idea to try a brand new style on a really long run or a race. Try them out over a shorter distance first to make sure they are providing what you need. Happy running!