Tonight is Mark's memorial service. His nephew had him cremated, and they're having a very short visitation and service tonight. My parents, Jerry, the kids, and me are all going up there together. I made a few picture boards out of all the pictures I have of Mark, because I don't think his nephew has many pictures.
My Ragnar SoCal team had the idea to make Mark an honorary 13th member of our team. I found a slap bracelet in the shape of a mustache (Mark's signature mustache!) and I'll write his name on it. Then we'll pass the bracelet from runner to runner along the entire course from Huntington Beach to San Diego. They actually came up with this idea before Mark passed away, but I didn't have a chance to tell Mark yet. Mark was excited for my trip, so I love the idea of making him an honorary teammate.
These are the magnets that we ordered to "tag" other vans with. Dean made our logo, which I think looks awesome!
I finally got my preordered book, Hansons Half Marathon Method, from Amazon. After reading (and loving) Hansons Marathon Method, I was really excited for this book to be released. I don't have plans of doing another full, but I would like to use their method for half marathons.
Since I've been so sick, I've done quite a bit of laying around, and it was perfect timing to get my book in the mail. Once I started reading, however, I was really disappointed! The book is nearly identical, word-for-word, to the Hansons Marathon Method. "Marathon" was replaced with "half marathon" throughout the book, and the training plan is obviously slightly different; but the training plan can be found online.
So, if you already have Hansons Marathon Method, don't waste your money on this book! But if you don't have either book, I highly recommend reading it (either one). Their training plans are unique and very effective. I wrote my thoughts about it here, after using it for the Chicago Marathon.
I wish I had more to write about, but I've been so sick that I haven't done much of anything the past couple of days. I've been doing well with Weight Watchers. Even with all the emotion and stress surrounding Mark's death, I've only had two bad days out of the past couple of weeks. Jerry and I did our week without alcohol, as part of a challenge in our meeting. One of the other challenges was a week without sweets, and I don't know if I'm even going to attempt that one! Maybe when I get back from San Diego I'll give it a try.
Jerry's back on his regular work shift, so he won't be working nearly as much as he has been the past few months--I'm so glad! He was working on a special project, and that's done now. So when I get back from San Diego, things should be much less stressful and I can get back to a routine. I almost forget what that's like! ;)
What a wonderful tribute to Mark to make him an honourary member of your team! Love the magnet! Is Dean a professional graphic designer or just a talented hobby-artist? (not sure if that is the correct term, but I think you know what I mean) Good luck on your half tomorrow. And don't forget to do something special for yourself as you get back into a normal routine. :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Hope you're feeling 100% soon, Katie!
ReplyDeleteKatie
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're feeling a bit better ... you are so right, being sick sucks ! However, considering how much stress you and your body as been under for the last few months... please do be gentle with yourself.
I absolutely LOVE the idea of Mark being a member of the team ! : ) And the logo is super cool !
Life sure is full of ups and downs. I can only imagine your emotions today as you remember Mark and prepare for your Ragnar Race. It is so great that Mark will be a honorary member - what a great way to remember and recognize him.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you feel better soon and your races go well.
My son is sick too, man I hope I don't get it. He is miserable. Hope you start feeling better. I love that Mark will be running with you!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see the picture boards you made of Mark. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that you made Mark an honorary member of the team! That is awesome! Hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteReading about Mark being runner #13 made me tear up a little! I'm sorry to hear you're so sick, and before Ragnar!! After all my training for my first marathon, I got horribly sick just a few days before. It's the worst! Feel better soon!!
ReplyDeleteGet well soon, Katie.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie--I have done the Northwest Passage Ragnar every year since it began in 2007. It is my absolutely favorite event and I would love to do one in another area. We are looking for something to "tag" other vans too and could you tell me where you (or your teammate) got the magnets? I've been looking at stickers and business cards. Don't want to spend a fortune but do want to make our mark--although many returning runners/teams already look for us! :-) Good luck and I look forward to your race report!
ReplyDeleteJohn said he ordered them from Staples. I can't remember how much it cost, but I want to say it was $9/person for 500 magnets. It wasn't bad!
DeleteI just got my copy of runners world with your article I'm so excited! !!
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