Thank yous; First $100 in; 6% towards goal!

Just a quick update... I can't resist thanking the folks who have donated already. We are already 6% towards our goal of $1750. What a great start! We'll get that goal by July 2 yet.

My tremendous thanks to...

• Susan S., MN
• Emira I., NM
• Michelle R., MN

You guys are great. I'm so lucky to have such supportive folks in my life!

Training has started to gradually pick up. I've been feeling out the intermediate training program (no promises there, we'll see how it goes), and last week got about 20 miles in. Last Saturday's group training was a trail run in Minnetonka, where we managed to avoid the rain. I saw a mallard, just hanging out next to the trail as runners and bicyclists passed, and a lot of beautiful wildflowers. One reason I love training with TNT (aside from the great mission, of course) is the variety in our training locations.

This week, I'll probably be logging about 23 training miles (including hopefully 12 miles on this Saturday's team run; we'll see!), plus two half-hour cross-training sessions (I've been experimenting with some weight training and a yoga/strengthening DVD.) Yesterday's scheduled run called for 5 miles, which, though I wasn't trying to go especially fast, apparently managed in just under an 11 min pace! A snail's speed to more experienced runners, and not even a personal record for me, but compared to my usual 11:30ish pace, an accomplishment. And for anyone that really, REALLY wants to know more about my training, I log all of my runs here on DailyMile.com.

Tonight, I'm getting a run in on my own, and then heading out to a team fundraising fair and injury prevention clinic. I learn something new every time I attend these clinics and will be sure to report back. More soon!