Special Events

Lottie's First Marathon! October, 2007

I remember when I first realized that people other than professional athletes, people like me, could run a marathon. It must have been at least 25 years ago when I happened across an article written by a woman who trained to run a half-marathon, and found herself, by mistake, on the full Boston (or was it Chigago?) Marathon course, running with the best of the best. While the details of her account are hazy in my mind, I remember that she finished it, many hours later, in tears and with bleeding, blistered feet. It was the first time I had heard of someone trying what seemed to me to be an impossibility. (Keep in mind that this was in the late-1970's.)

While hiking and jogging have long been regular activities of mine, knee surgeries in the 1990's made me shelve the idea of trying. About a year ago, I decided to toss unnecessary prudence to the wind and give it a shot. That goal immediately brought a sense of excitement to my personal life. On Thanksgiving day last year, I met two women running down a trail at Windy Hill, and knew I wanted to run with them. Amazingly, they were at their car when we finished our hike, so through them I learned about the Tattersols, a women's running group. And what a fantastic, accomplished group of athletes! Practicing with them, under the tutelage and watchful eye of Coach Vince, was my first experience of the sort, and I regaled my family with the amazing, "cruel" drills I was attempting. Every week I joined them with trepidation; every week I came home a bit stronger, and more impressed than ever with the generous spirit and encouragement these women share so freely. (My thanks to all of you Tattersols--you've enriched my life! And special thanks to Vince and Leigh for helping me figure out a solution to my leg cramping, just in time!)

The marathon of my choice was the Bizz Johnson, an off-pavement run (my concession to aging knees!) along a former railroad grade in northeastern California. The good footing, beautiful Susan River Valley, and easy grade made it a superb choice. And running through two tunnels added was a hoot!

I'm delighted to say that I finished with no blisters, no cramps, no sore knees, and I never "hit the wall" that afflicts many runners at about the 20-21 mile mark. (Must admit, though, my thighs were sore the next couple of days!)

Mainly I felt extraordinarily fortunate to be where I was, doing what I was doing, when I had previously thought I shouldn't try it! Wow! I'm so glad I didn't short-change myself. Now I'm hooked, wanting to try it again ---maybe I'll be a bit faster --------- hmmmmmmm---- Care to join me?

Check out the run at: www.bizzjohnson.com

P.S: I learned there are strong similarities between running and real estate--whether your goals are physical in nature or being determined to provide the very best service and counsel to buyers and sellers, proper preparation and training is essential!

Client Appreciation Party 2006

Betty & Ernst	The Campos Family & Rachael
Elizabeth, Dinah, Roger, Caroline & Katie	The Plunkett Family
Katie & parents, Tony & Colette

Lottie's Fun Pictures

Daunting Sight-Mountain peak to reach in the Austrian Alps	Lottie, Gene, & Rachael - Rachael's cabin, Brown Ledge Camp, Vermont
Yoga in the Swiss Alps