Sunday, January 20, 2008




I finally have photos from the 2008 P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll marathon uploaded. The one here is obviously of me finishing. What a great feeling and a wonderful experience. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible.

Now What?

So now that my marathon is over, the question becomes, what do I do with this blog? I have been thinking that this week and I think I have come to a conclusion. Until there is a cure for blood cancers, I can't end my job of helping raise awareness for the disease. I am on the board of directors for the Kansas Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and now serve as a coach for the Team in Training program here in Topeka. So myblog will continue at http://secondstorywindow.blogspot.com/ and I will use it to track my running progress as well as the progress and the stories of others that I work with in this program. I will run for the enjoyment, but I will always run for a cure.

And so today I start a new era in my running and I hope that you will continue to follow me. The LLS is a great organization and I am honored to be involved with it. I hope that I have inspired others to become involved. Together, we will find a cure.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Marathon Completed

Well, it’s over. I did it. 26.2 miles. And what a great experience it was. On Sunday, I completed the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in 4:32:24, far exceeding even my wildest goals. Thank you to everyone who sent notes following the marathon, it made those aches and pains a little easier to tolerate.

I have to admit, I feel great. Believe it or not, I just came in from an easy two mile run and it felt pretty good. Today is usually the worst day in terms of soreness.

There are so many great stories I want to share and I will begin to put those and the photos my brother took along the race online. I truly have to say that this was one of the greatest experiences of my life and to have had the privilege of sharing it with so many wonderful people is truly an honor. I will be posting more in the next few days.

Again, thank you for the amazing support over the past few months. Crazy as it sounds, I am already starting to think about the next marathon.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Follow me through the weekend on Twitter


Interested in more than just my time? I'll be posting frequent updates on Twitter all weekend. Click here for more http://twitter.com/GregHillTopeka.

Pre-Marathon Update

Dear Friend,

Friday morning, at about 4 a.m., I will leave for the airport for my flight to Phoenix. I will admit, I am quite nervous about this marathon. But I think it is more out of respect for the distance and for the purpose for which I am running. I can’t begin to tell you how much the outpouring of support has meant to me.

When I began this campaign to train for a marathon and to raise money for the fight against blood cancers, I really didn’t know what to expect. What has surprised me the most has been the meaningful and very personal stories and words of kindness and support from so many people. While packing my bags Wednesday evening, I folded up many of those comments and I will take them with me for inspiration.

Some of you may wish to check up on me on Sunday. The PF Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon website (http://www.rnraz.com/) will be posting the 10K, half marathon, 21 mile and finish times. The race starts at 7:40 a.m. Phoenix time. Based on my best guess, I should probably hit the 10K point at approximately 9:00 a.m., the half at roughly 10:10, the 21 mile mark at 11:40 and the finish at 12:40. I don’t know if it is necessary or not, but my race # is 8546.

I will continue to post at my blog (http://greghilltnt.blogspot.com/) during the weekend and I will update as often as I can. Also, for those who are curious, I have raised $4386, more than $1000 above my required amount. These funds will be used to help find a cure for blood cancers. I am eternally grateful for each and every dollar that has been committed to this effort.

Following the marathon, I hope to share some amazing stories, photos and a wonderful conclusion to this journey which began six months ago. Until then, I will keep on truckin’ down the road toward the finish with a heart full of gratitude and a mind focused on the 26.2 miles ahead.

Thank you,
Greg

Monday, January 7, 2008

Weekend Runs

The warmth has melted most of the snow and ice along the streets and I was able to get out over the weekend. I did an easy six mile run on Sunday after an early morning hour session on the elliptical trainer. I am starting to get nervous. But that is probably a good thing. I have great respect for the 26.2 miles ahead of me and I plan to approach it very systematically. I received an email from the marathon organizers that I need to look through, but I anticipate that it has the race links, etc. that I will post here for you to follow me through the race if you are interested. I will post again either today or tomorrow with more info ...

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Letter to Friends

Dear Friend – With just over a week to go, I am beginning to get excited about my upcoming marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It’s hard to believe just how fast the past 17 weeks have gone. I remember starting out and feeling good about finishing a four mile run. Now, I am eagerly anticipating the 26.2 miles ahead.

This process has been an incredible experience for me personally. Not only have I gotten myself back into shape, I have learned a great deal about myself along the way. I appreciate each and every one of you who has joined me in this journey by contributing, encouraging or even by just taking a moment out of your busy day to read what I have to say or to watch the podcasts I have produced.

I am happy to report that I have met my minimum fundraising goal and am quickly approaching $4000. When I sat out on this mission, I chose to raise $5000, which was above and beyond what I was required to raise. I did so because I believe in doing more than the minimum. To that extent, if you have not already done so and still wish to make a contribution you can do so at http://www.active.com/donate/tntks/tntksGHill.

I hope to do some type of communication from Phoenix, so be sure to check my blog at http://greghilltnt.blogspot.com/. Again, thank you for joining me in this mission and I wish you a wonderful and prosperous new year.

Sincerely,
Greg

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year

Just a week and a half remains before the P.F. Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Marathon. I just finished an easy, but slippery, four miler. I feel pretty good about where I am and I do think I will make it through the 26.2 miles. I do plan to provide daily updates from now until I get back from the marathon.