Running Update:

6/6  5.0 miles in 45:04

6/8  9.1 miles in 1:27:30

6/11  5.0 miles in 46:35

6/13  5.0 miles in 46:13

6/14  3.1 miles in 28:27

6/15  7.6 miles in 1:13:49

6/18  6.0 miles in 1:00:46

6/20  5.0 miles in 48:42

6/22  11.1 miles in 1:46:15

Training for the Hartford Marathon started this week, coinciding with the first day of summer!  The kids’ last day of school was the 20^th, and we turned right around and headed to Cape Cod to celebrate.  You know you’re a runner when you look forward to vacation as a time to treat yourself to extra training runs :)

Jane Update:

Jane just finished a whole cycle (one month) back on AZD6244 with minimal side effects!  She had blood drawn last week and her counts all looked good.  She remains on a reduced dose for now. Had a hiccup with Jane’s lab work—they forgot to draw her CBC the day of our appointment, so had to return for a second stick two days later.  Like the trooper she is, Jane didn't complain.  At least no more blood work until we return to NIH in mid-July.

Helen Update:

Continuing with the I-Haven’t-Forgotten-My-Other-Children theme, a paean to Helen!

My oldest daughter, Helen, turns 12 next month, and she is growing into such a lovely young lady.  She is so creative, independent, and positive.  In preparation for her class trip to Lake Compounce she designed and then sewed her own backpack purse in which to carry her belongings.  She was excited and upbeat the day of the trip, despite pouring rain.  She just finished 6th grade with High Honors, and moves up to a new school next year.  So proud of her!

My beautiful daughter

A little rain can't dampen her spirits

Helen's soccer team was Division Champs this season!

Running Update:

5/23  5.0 miles in 45:28

5/25  7.6 miles in 1:12:06

5/28  3.2 miles in 27:30

5/30  5.0 miles in 45:40

6/1  7.6 miles in 1:11:59

6/4  7.6 miles in 1:12:20

Training for the Hartford Marathon starts in a few weeks, and I’ve already got my training plan printed out.  Here is my annotated version of the plan put out by the New York Road Runners.  Gonna nail it this time.

Jane Update:

Just happy news to report!  It has been almost two weeks back on AZD6244, and Jane has not developed any rash!  Every time she scratches at a bug bite we panic briefly, but so far that’s the only scratching she’s been doing.  Still holding our breath…

To celebrate I’ll share some pictures of Jane in our back yard :)

Jane got ahold of my phone yesterday, and took these selfies.

Alec Update:

It may seem at times in this blog that I’ve forgotten my other wonderful children, so here’s proof I haven’t.  Today we attended the Jeffrey School 4^th grade class’s Living Wax Museum, where many Connecticut historical figures were on display.  Alec researched Sachem Uncas, a leader of the Mohegan tribe in the 1600s.

NF Update:

I’ve officially launched my 2014 fund-raising campaign for the Children’s Tumor Foundation!  Make sure to visit our donation page--the link is here:  ctf.kintera.org/nfechooseyourownevent2014/krath4jane