A Fat Ass on the horizon

Sounds nasty, huh?

It's not!  A Fat Ass is a race where you're responsible for you.  You might get a race number (might not), you might get water (you might have to bring your own), no frills and no extras.  "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps".  It's always free too.

I applied to get into Ancient Oaks 100 in August, when I didn't hear back from the RD, I naively assumed that I was not invited.  At the end of October, right before we started packing and driving cross country to our new home, I got my invite!  Ancient Oaks is in Titusville, Florida near Cape Canaveral National Seashore.  The race will be this Saturday and Sunday (12/3&12/4) through the Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary.

My "training" has been absolutely, positively pathetic.  I have continued my one mile a day of walking or running.  I'm on day 653 of the streak!  I have added some longer runs, I was peer pressured into a 50 miler in October and I've lifted weights a little bit.  I have absolutely NO ILLUSIONS about this one.  I will, most likely, not complete it.  I will have my car outfitted for a night of sleep, which is most likely what will occur after a day of running and walking. Besides, I have no physical gifts when it comes to endurance exercise.  My enthusiasm takes me to places I don't belong.  Addison's can be a detriment for endurance exercise too.  I know I stink at endurance running/walking/crawling & crying.  Actually, I'm really good at crawling & crying.  I'm not kidding.

Yet again, I will wear a tiara, possibly a Wonder Woman costume, glow sticks and bring pom-poms to cheer others on.  I will have fun, fun, fun no matter how poorly I perform.

If you want to follow my patheticness, I believe the http://ancientoaks100.com/ website will be updating progress every two hours or so after 7 am on December 3, 2011.  As you have guessed, I will post pictures after the race.  

Why I'm thankful

Thanksgiving is over and I'm sitting here thinking about what I am thankful for.  I thought I would share my thankfulness list with all of you.

I'm thankful for:

• a son who loves me and misses me terribly
• a husband who supports me, loves me and doesn't get between me and my crazy ideas
• a new home.  It's warm here!  I love warmth and sunshine.
• new friends who included us in their family Thanksgiving.  Everyone was so nice and there was no drama!  What a great way to spend the evening!
• my Addison's community.  You are wonderful and thoughtful and supportive.  I am so grateful for all of you.  I'm constantly stunned at the generosity and kindness that you show me.  It's often totally unexpected and always makes my day!  You are the very best part of Addison's.  Without this disease, I would have never met any of you.  Thank you Addison's!
• friends in Idaho and around the world (you know who you are).  Thank you for being there for me, loving me and being like a nice family to me.  I hope that you all know that you are amazing and I miss you so much.  You are the family that supports me, loves me and takes care of me
• the Internet for keeping me connected with the people who love me and care about me
• salt.  Cause I love salt and I'm thankful for it!  Salt is the second best part of Addison's for me
• Dolly, our dog.  Cause she's cute, sweet and only wants to be near us
• my Life.  It's good and I'm thankful for that

To those of you to whom I owe an email or letter, I'm getting there!  I am trying to respond to emails today and tomorrow and the next day.  Do me a favor, don't email me back too quickly!!!!!!!!!!! :)