For you rookies, simply finishing your first 5k or half marathon is a Big Deal. It may have been something that seemed unimaginable just 4 months ago and now…it’s a reality!  For those of you who’ve done this race nine times now…the training, the course, the build-up may all seem a bit routine, but think back to where you started.  To have 13.1 miles…on this challenging course…seem routine…That is a Big Deal!

While all of you followed the same path on race day, each of your journeys was different.  Your reasons for starting the training…for keeping it up…for actually making it to the starting line…All different.   And each year you do it, your reasons will probably change.   Next time your goal may be to not just finish, but to improve your time…or perhaps to use it as a way to encourage a family member or friend to exercise along with you… maybe you’ll try to run  it…or at least some more of it.   And while your motivations keep changing…they keep bringing you back…Back to the team where some things will stay the same.  You’ll continue to get stronger and healthier… to make lasting friendships…and to show the whole world that organ transplant recipients can and do live active, healthy lives!

And those things…well… those are the things that are the Biggest Deals of all!

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Highlights from the Big Weekend….Recapping a few memorable moments…
•    Watching our 5kers on Saturday morning…We had 11 participants entered in Saturday morning’s race including Vanessa Whitacre, Colin Rines, Carla Trulson-Essenberg, Reggie White, Jennifer Herlihy, and Frank Irigon.    They did an amazing job and showed that the continuum of training sometimes involves backing off and starting slowly…but not giving up completely!
•    Just as exciting was the support crew that showed up to cheer them on!   Believe me…when you’ve got Sam Patterson, Ron Adkins, Jason Stahl, Terry Way, Steve Reynolds, Lenard Yen, and Andy Deckert all rooting for you, you will pick up the pace!
•    Listening to Jennifer Herlihy and Jason Stahl tell their stories at the pre-race pasta dinner on Saturday night!   They did an incredible job and left everyone inspired for the next day’s events!
•    Hearing Janette Morantes say that she couldn’t believe how much better our team members looked coming up the hill on Galer compared to everyone else!
•    Mari-Jo Fraser‘s stealth appearance as she squeezed us in between baseball seasons!
•    Looking up to see Mark Rosinbum running up Galer Hill…and then watching Mark Scott, Lenard Yen, and Jonathon Baird (who, by the way, is totally a public speaker whether he thinks he is or not!)  all follow suit!
•    Anne Hagerty‘s big course PR!  She clipped 5 minutes off last year’s time and broke 3 hours in the process!
•    Dan Tennant’s and Shirley Schultz‘s incredible Team Transplant debuts!  Expect to seem them dipping below the 3-hour barrier very, very soon!
•    Terry Way and son, Jeff, finishing the race together; and Ron Adkins and daughter, Heather, doing the same!  It’s wonderful to see exercise becoming a family tradition!
•    Tami Sadusky…actually this is a missed memorable moment…I missed seeing the gap Tami gained on Mike coming up the hill.  Next time, Michael….I’ll be there!  You can count it!   And Tami…you go, girl!
•    Sam Patterson‘s course record of 4:11:06…Sam is now an HOUR faster than he was 5 years ago when he started with us.  Turns out he also negative splitted the race on Sunday (meaning he did the second half of the race faster than the first!)…an amazing feat in any race…but especially notable with the hills in the final half of this one.
•    Jason Stahl…Talk about continuum of training!   This guy has it down!  Last year he was just too fresh out of transplant to make 13.1 miles, but he still came up to do the 5k.  And this year…Look at him?   He’s a half-marathoner!
•    Having Dick Fitzgerald back!  He hasn’t sported a Team Transplant jersey for this race since 2006.  Good to know he’s returning to form!
•    Micah Gwinn...proving that commitment , dedication, and teamwork is what it’s all about as he finished along with good friend and training partner, Lenore Miller!
•    And last, but certainly not least….Allen Vary‘s debut marathon performance.  He learned the hard lesson that even when you do your best to train, things don’t have to go your way….But he also showed us that even though things don’t go your way, you can still feel pretty good about how you did!
Thanks for an amazing day, everyone!   It truly was a privilege to be out there on Sunday to cheer you all on!

Thank you to everyone who has registered for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon or Half Marathon 2009. This year’s event is shaping up to be the best yet and we hope you are as excited as we are!

Just a reminder that if you have not already entered, online registration closes tonight, November 18th, at 11:59pm (PST). The last opportunity to register will be at Expo, November 27th & 28th and Final Rates will apply.

Final Registration Fees
Full Marathon Run / Walk = $125
Half Marathon Run / Walk = $100

Expo takes place at The Westin Seattle, located at 1900 5th Ave in Downtown Seattle. For more information, visit the Seattle Marathon Association website: www.seattlemarathon.org.
Beautiful Day for a 5k!

Remember to check out the Seattle Marathon 5K Race: Presented by Road Runner Sports. This 3.1 mile run/walk on Saturday, November 28th, is perfect for both runners and walkers. Use it as a warm-up for the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon or Half Marathon, or create a fun, family outing to burn off some of those Thanksgiving Day calories. Plus, with the *Brand New* 1st Mile Awards and High School Team Challenge, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Register online via Active.com through November 18th, 11:59pm (PST) or at EXPO on Friday, November 27th from 11am-8pm.  The cost to regiser at Expo is $25.

Day of Race registration will be available at 5th & Harrison by the EMP on Race Day Saturday, November 28th from 7am-8am.  The cost to register Day of Race is $30.
Westin Room Rates Re-Opened

For a limited time, The Westin Seattle has re-opened the special Seattle Marathon discount for our event participants. Stay in the heart of Downtown Seattle and turn your Seattle Marathon experience into a weekend getaway!

Make your reservation today by emailing caridad.bambao@Westin.com.

*Note: Participants submitting their registration request between 4:00pm on Friday, November 20th and 9:00am on Monday, November 23 will receive confirmation after 9:00am, November 23.

This Westin Seattle is the Race Headquarters for the Seattle Marathon Family of Events and is located less than one mile from the Start Line.

We look forward to seeing you at the Start Line!

- Seattle Marathon Association

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I hope you’re all having a wonderful summer and enjoying this marvelous weather we’ve been having…It’s hard to believe, but we are already hard at work, gearing up for  our NINTH season of UWMC Team Transplant half marathon training!   The plan is to resume training for the Seattle Half Marathon (Nov. 29th:  http://www.seattlemarathon.org/site3.aspx) the week of August 10th.  This means that our first group practice will be on Saturday, August 15th…

I’ll be sending out much much more information (registration forms, entry forms, and information on apparel and membership fees) very soon, but I wanted to at least get the physician release form out to you now.  Remember, all transplant recipients need to turn in an updated physician release form each year!

Let me know if you have any questions…I’m looking forward to seeing you all next month!

Happy Training!

Alysun

Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009

Description:  Half Marathon events and Full Marathon events on 11/29/2009 as follows: 7:15-Marathon Walk 7:30-Half Marathon Run 7:45-Half Marathon Walk 8:15-Marathon Run EXPO/Packet Pick-up at The Westin on 11/27/2009 & 11/28/2009 draws in 40,000 running enthusiasts a year. Come see what all the crowds are about! — All participants are required to pick up their bib & chip packets at EXPO. THERE IS NO RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP! 5K Run/Walk on 11/28/2009 – time and location TBD Kids Marathon on 11/29/2009 starting at 10 am outside Memorial Stadium in Seattle For more information visit our website at: www.seattlemarathon.org
Running Event: 5k, Half-Marathon, Marathon, Kid’s Run
Maximum Participants:  1000+
More:  Digital time tracking (chip timing), Online event registration available

Date, Time and Location

Start Date:  Sunday, November 29, 2009
Start Time:  7:00 am
Location: 
Seattle Center
5th & Harrison
Seattle, Washington, 98101, United States

Contact Information

Web Site: http://www.seattlemarathon.org
Registration Web Site: http://www.seattlemarathon.org/marathon/register.htm
Contact Name:  Race Director
Phone Number:  206.729.3660
Email:  info@seattlemarathon.org

• Friday, Nov. 28th…Expo runs from 11:00am -8:00pm
• Saturday, Nov. 29th…Expo runs from 11:00am to 7:00pm (packet pick-up goes until 8:00pm)
• Go to www.seattlemarathon.org for details….

• Meet at Myrtle Edwards Park at 8:30…We will meet at the Uptown Espresso on the corner of Broad and Alaskan Way (I think this may be right at the start so it may be pretty crowded.  If you’re dressed appropriately, we should have no trouble finding each other!;)
  • Packet Pick-up…You can pick up your race packet (number, timing chip, shirt) on Friday at the Expo OR you can do it before the race on Saturday.  If you choose the latter option, I’d recommend getting there by 8:15 to allow for parking and waiting in line!
  • For more information specific to the 5k: http://www.seattlemarathon.org/5K/register.htm
  • Remember the Team Transplant phone number…(206) 820-8713!
• 5K starts at 9:00am—HAVE FUN!!!

• Arrive at Seattle Center and look for parking…6:15-6:30am.
• Meet at Channel 9 building at 401 Mercer at 6:45 am for team picture and to sign in w/TT Department of Homeland Security.
  • The Channel 9 Building is next to Opera House.  We will be meeting on the Mercer St. side of the building where the main entrance is.
  • Please try to be on time…You’ll need to sign-in with Homeland Security, and we really don’t have that much time before the first race starts.  You will also need to allow time to hit the port-a-potties and leave your things at the clothing drop in Memorial Stadium’s north side tunnel, which is located directly behind the upper stadium seats, as well as warm-up for your race.
  • Having said that, we can’t actually get INTO the Channel 9 building until 7:00am. I’d still recommend getting to the race by 6:45 to avoid traffic (especially if you’re exiting onto Mercer) and to find parking.  You’re free to sit in your car until 7:00am.
  • Don’t forget the Team Transplant phone number…(206) 820-8713!! Call us if you have trouble finding us…and be sure to have it with you during the race!
• Marathon walkers start at 7:15—HAVE FUN, DIANE!!!
• Half Marathon runners start at 7:30—HAVE FUN!!!
• Half Marathon walkers start at 7:45.—HAVE FUN!!!
• Marathon starts at 8:15am.—HAVE FUN, ROLAND!!!

• Where I will be….I’ll be in my usual post along Galer to cheer you all on!
• Other places to cheer…Send your friends and family out to…
  • Leschi Park down on Lake Washington Blvd (This is about halfway)
  • Race crossing at 24th and Interlaken(about 9 miles)
  • Roanoke Park, at the North end of 10th, near the freeway entrance (about 11miles)
  • Water station…We will be at the first one out on the course…Be sure to wave when you go by.  Any last minute volunteers are welcome:  sam_niles@hotmail.com

• Look for TT table in Mercer Arena after the race to sign-out and pick up your Team Transplant lapel pin. Ida, James, and Mikki will be there to greet you!
• Go home and take a warm shower and a nap…You’ve earned it!

• Water Front Activities Center…catered by the Upper Crust.  Menu is attached.  For directions to the Waterfront Activities Center, which is on the UW campus, and a map, go to:  http://depts.washington.edu/ima/IMA_wac.php#wac_hours
• Check with Janette Morantes at morantes@u.washington.edu if you’re still interested in joining us.  There still may be spaces available!