Intro to hills, Twin Cities Marathon map and 41% towards goal!

I apologize for not posting more frequently this week - it's been busy at work. Sufficed to say I have been running, probably more than I should be for a first-time endurance trainee. Have to figure out a few more options to cross train without putting all that stress on my joints.

First - thanks to your support, we're now up to 41% of my goal of $1200 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by July 2. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the support I've received from friends and family has been truly inspiring.

A tremendous thanks to donors in the last week:

Mary, Minneapolis
Mark, Minneapolis
Bob, Boyceville, WI
Elena, Minneapolis
Adrienne and Neil, Minneapolis
Linda, Minneapolis
Elizabeth, Madison, WI

Thank you so much, again! We still have four weeks from tomorrow, exactly, to raise the remaining 59%. Together, I know we'll be able to do it.

Tonight, our team training was an introduction to hills. I am still learning a great deal about proper running form, and it's all I can do not to take off down that hill - but it's important to remember that my muscles are going to be just exhausted and it's easy to lose control. Going UP the hill is something else entirely - I want to run right up it, but you're supposed to shorten your strides, lean forward a little and use your arms more. Not what I naturally do, but a far more efficient way to get up a hill!

Finally, I thought yall would appreciate a map of the Twin Cities Marathon I'll be running in October. Exciting and frightening all at the same time.