“Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.

Most children with cystic fibrosis are fairly healthy until they reach adulthood. They are able to participate in most activities and should be able to attend school. Many young adults with cystic fibrosis finish college or find employment.

Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is approximately 37 years, a dramatic increase over the last three decades.

Death is usually caused by lung complications.” – National Institute of Health

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of running the San Antonio Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 2012 Tower Climb as part of Steph’s Steppers!  Stephanie, one of my best friends, was diagnosed with CF when she was just 6 months old.  Stephanie is an extremely strong woman and fights this disease on a daily basis.  Running the Tower Climb was a true honor.  I’d do just about anything to help raise money to find a cure or a medicine to fight CF.

The Tower Climb has two entry options, the competitive entry which is a 1 mile run followed by the climb to the top of the tower or a non-competitive entry which just involved the tower climb.  I registered as a non-competitive competitor at the recommendation of Stephanie.

The Tower of Americas is a 750 foot tower/observation deck which was built for the 1968 World’s Fair.  At the core of the tower are two stair cases, each made up of 952 steps.  As part of Steph’s Steppers, I climbed every single one of those steps, twice!

Stephanie, Sebastian (Steph’s hubby), Soliel (Steph’s daughter), and I got up uber early Saturday morning to head down to the climb.

I entertained Soliel for a bit while Steph set up her table.

Before we knew it, people were lining up and it was time to start the race!

I ran up the tower, did one loop around the top and then walked back down the stairs (I did not take the elevator down, whoop whoop) in 24:08.  That’s pretty awesome!  I did not however have Soliel on my back… can you believe Sebastian ran the race with his daughter on his back?  Amazing!

The fundraiser was fantastic and I hope that more people will sign up and attend next year!  This year’s Tower Climb raised over $108,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

I hope that y’all will become more aware of CF and the fundraising efforts that exist in your city or state.  I am so grateful for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Ran with Team in Training back in 2010) and all of the other charities, but I really hope that more people will learn about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Stephanie and I had a wonderful weekend together (more to come about our weekend tomorrow)!  The Tower Climb was so much fun and hey, it didn’t hurt to reach my Nike Fuel goal by 10AM!

Weekly Plan: 7 weeks until my dress fitting!

  • Continue tracking my calories with My Fitness Pal every day
  • Eat a snack before heading home each day (between 3 and 5PM)
  • Have dinner when I get home (6PM-7PM)
  • Measure out all food, track calories, and then eat dinner
  • Close the kitchen after dinner.  No eating after 8PM
  • No sweets!  Neal and I have given them up this March (I’m starting early)
  • Meet my workout goal each day!
Workout Other Plans
Monday Cycle Abs @ 5:45AM Grad work
Tuesday Cycle @ 6AM Grad work, Biggest Loser
Wednesday Cycle Bootcamp @ 5:45AM Grad work
Thursday AM run with Neal Hanging out with Katy
Friday Elliptical and weights at gym Happy Hour
Saturday Run with Neal Taxes! and capstone
Sunday Something… Capstone

Have a wonderful week everyone!!  Take control of every day and remember, YOU control what you eat!

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Filed under: Races • Running • Travel • Working Out

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