“If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

Currently Playing: Amy Winehouse - "Back To Black" Album

Its Halloween eve, and I’m planning out my Halloween: Wake up at 6:30, eat by 7:00, get dressed and leave my Apartment by 8:00. By the way, all these times are “A.M.” Tomorrow I’m planning a mock race day, meaning I will wake up at the same time I will on race day and eat the same thing. I’m only planning on running nine to ten miles tomorrow (yes "only"), as I don’t find it necessary to run a full 13.1 before a half marathon. I won’t lie, as I sit here, seven days out from the race: I’m nervous! I always get nervous before races but this race is different for many reasons including the fact that people have donated money to a great cause because I'm running. Mainly there will actually be people at the race that I know, ie: My parents and friends. (And my parents haven’t seen me race since my last cross country race five years ago, and I don’t like to disappoint them.) I’m pretty ready and excited to run tomorrow. But I have been pondering, as I mentioned before, why I run and at times torture my self with this obsession. The following is a list I've collaborated, it's unedited, meaning, I just sat down and thought “Why do I run?” and started typing. For those who don’t run maybe this will help you understand. (By the way they are in no particular order.)

Why I run?

To stay in shape

To relax

To relieve stress

To clear my mind

Because I like to sweat!

Because my butt looks better when it's toned

Because there aren’t too many other ways to slash as many calories in the same amount of time

To ward of my family “Hauser Hips”

Because I like cupcakes and they aren’t low in calories or fat

Because I like beer, and unfortunately that is not low in calories either

To ward of cellulite… as long as I can

To think about whatever I want for however long I’m running

Because I downloaded new music and want to listen to the whole album uninterupted

To keep my blood pressure low

To challenge myself

To beat my previous race time

Because running shoes are cheaper than a therapist!

Because I believe that it is beneficial to my long term health!

Because some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints... I can't but I can run!

There are probably many other reasons why I run, but this is all I could come up with right now. You don’t have a reason to run or workout but chances are, you do! Just thought I’d share mine! Off to bed to get some rest before my big practice run tomorrow. And while most people are nursing their hangovers tomorrow, I'll have already burned 1200 calories! Pretty great way to start the day!

xoxo

Mary Jo

- Picture is me in high school, one of my last cross country races.

Charity Event - Tuesday Nov 2nd... Don't Miss it!

The following is an official press release, which is why it isn't written from my point of view. It's about the upcoming charity event that Brewskee-Ball, Amped 4-a-Cure and I are putting together on November 2nd at The Blue Post Billiards at 7pm.

Wilmington Brewskee-Ball Gets Amped For A Cure For Cancer

Wilmington, NC – Wilmington Brewskee-Ball, a local competitive Skee-Ball league, is teaming up with one passionate athlete and one inspiring organization to raise money for cancer research. On Tuesday, November 2nd, the league will host a charity Skee-Ball tournament at the Blue Post to raise money for Amped-4-A-Cure, an organization founded locally that supports cancer research through music.

The Story

When Brewskee-Ball member Mary Jo Fish decided to run the Battleship North Carolina half-marathon this November, she was determined to make it count. Teaming up with fellow Brewskee-Baller Ashley Rogers – a founding co-creator of Amped – she committed to raising money for his organization for each mile of the half-marathon that she completes.

Documenting her training on her blog, Fish has spent the last few months writing about her experience, her motivation as she goes through each day, and about her personal goal of making a difference in raising money to beat cancer.

The Organization

Before Fish or Rogers ever joined the Wilmington Brewskee-Ball league, Amped-4-A-Cure was making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Founded in 2007 in Wilmington, the organization has a unique approach to fundraising: utilizing the power of music to raise money and awareness.

By teaming up with recording artists around the globe and leveraging technology, communication, and artistry, Amped makes cancer research relevant to all ages by harnessing the connection of music.

The Event

Because of Rogers' and Fish's membership in Brewskee-Ball, and their collective efforts in making a difference in beating cancer through research, Wilmington Brewskee-Ball decided to bring even more awareness to their cause. On Tuesday, November 2nd, the league is hosting a charity Skee-Ball tournament with all proceeds going to Fish's fundraising campaign for Amped.

With a $10 suggested donation, the league is inviting everyone in the community to come out, play unlimited games of Brewskee-Ball all night at the Blue Post, and "roll for research." With food donated by local restaurants and prizes offered by area merchants, Wilmington Brewskee-Ball promises an exciting and fun-filled night for a great cause.

The Final Word

Help Wilmington Brewskee-Ball, Mary Jo Fish, and Amped-4-A-Cure fight cancer through research. Come to the Blue Post Billiards (1 S. Front Street, downtown Wilmington, NC), Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010, at 7 pm. For more information about the event and Wilmington Brewskee-Ball, email wilm@brewskeeball.com or call (704) 793.6467.

Please come out and support a great cause. It promises to be a great time!

xoxo

Mary Jo

Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence. - Vince Lombardi

Currently Playing: The Dueling Fiddlers –check them out, they are awesome!

I turned off my alarm, turned on my light, and sat up in bed. And all I could think was “WOW, maybe I really have lost it.” (By “it”, I meant my mind) It was 5:30 A.M. I’d attempted going to sleep around 11 P.M. (probably didn’t actually fall asleep till 1 A.M.), and now I’m waking up to run. Why? Well unfortunately I’m not a professional athlete who gets paid to run, if so I wouldn’t have two jobs right now. Plus, I hate to slack on training and making time for my runs can be quite a task especially when they are seven to eight miles long. Therefore there are times that I've had to sacrifice sleep and other things to get running in.

I’ve been told before that my obsession for running is insane (by more than one person), and that I need to not overdo it, or I’ll be in a wheelchair by the time I’m 30 (seriously, that’s a direct quote from a friend of mine). I realize that many people don’t begin to understand why I’d pound the pavement even when I’m not training for a race. Truth is, I run year round, rain or shine, hot or cold. There isn’t really anything that will keep me from running. I’ve been suffering from severe allergies or perhaps a cold, yet I’m still getting my mileage in. I even skip dinners with friends and going out at night so I could get in a run or get up early and run before work. Even more so than ever, I’ve felt that people don’t understand. But for me, running isn’t about whether other people understand; it’s about what I get from running and why I personally do it (I have lots of reasons, I'll post soon). I know that fellow runners understand the obsession. I'm okay with my obsession and competitive desire to want to achieve more, even if it does make me a little insane.

My runs lately have been going great. This Sunday will mark two weeks till race day (EEEKKK!!). The race is more than just being physically ready; it’s about being mentally ready as well. I’ve ran horrible in many races because I beat myself mentally before I even stepped up to the starting line. By the way, this can apply to many things in life. I’m not talking about knowing your opponent or all the plays but just mentally knowing that you can do it. Occasionally I recite mantras to myself, nothing complex, simply “Just Relax” or “Maintain, Maintain, Maintain”(referring to my pace). I haven’t had someone come out to one of my races in years, mainly because I never invite friends, as I find my running and racing to be selfish, and “my thing.” But when you have no one you know to cheer you on for your long training runs or even on race day, you have to be your own cheerleader. I think about a million things when I’m running, and it’s my time to think and clear my head but every once in a while I will come back to reality and realize the pain that’s setting in, and that’s when I just tell myself something positive. It truly helps – try it sometime you will be surprised!

I apologize that I’ve been so slack about. Training is going great and I’ve raised $400 dollars to date. I’m so excited and appreciative of everyone who has gotten AMPED and supporting me and a great cause.

There are only 2 weeks and a few days left till race day!!! Only $100 to go to reach my goal but hoping to exceed that amount! I’m definitely excited but you all should be too because there will be a way for you to get even more AMPED on Nov 2^nd with the BrewSkeeBall Charity Skeeball Event at BluePost Billiards in downtown Wilmington, NC. I will have details to follow soon.

STAY AMPED!

xoxo

Mary Jo

If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you have won your race.

Currently Playing: Mumford & Sons - Sign No More Album

I always seem to have trouble sleeping the night before events; not just races but little things like going on a trip home to Greensboro. I guess it’s the anxiety of not knowing what will come out of the day. With races, I know I’ll run, and in most cases I know I’ll finish (I can’t think of a race I haven’t crossed the finish line, even after twisting my ankle, I still managed to cross the finish line, my time was absolutely horrible but I finished).

I set four alarms so that I wouldn't over sleep for the Run for the Ta-Tas 5k. I hit the snooze button a few too many times yesterday morning which left me with just enough time to brush my teeth and get dressed. I have no problem with not eating before a short run like a 5K, it almost makes me run faster because I just keep telling myself that there is food at the finish line (and at most races there is a plethora of bagels and fruit). It was the most perfect temperature for running yesterday morning. I always ran Personal Records (PRs) in high school in October and November, the cooler weather seems to make me run better. Needless to say I was stoked when my car said it was 65 degrees.

The race went exceptionally well and I was hitting a great pace of 8:15 at times and only slowing to around 8:45 at other times. (Not sure if I have ever mentioned how I track my pace in races. I always run with my iPod but I have the Nike + chip that tracks everything through a chip in my shoe and a connector on my iPod. It is a great tool and the Nike + website is even better.) As I rounded the turn, and the finish line came into view, I just smiled because I knew that my time would be good. I try to hold off on giving it all I have until I can see the finish line to avoid burning out. I finished in 25:56 minutes (This is the official time. In the picture above, it says 26:04 - there's a time delay due my timing chip crossing the start/finish sensor). Which compared to the last race is a huge improvement and probably had something to do with the fact the course was so flat. I collapsed (as I usually do, I’m very dramatic and act like I almost died out there) within 25 feet of the finish line. After I bring myself to sit upright, I enjoy watching the other runners finish. It was great to see so many people come out and support a great cause. All of the proceeds from the run went to The Pink Ribbon Project at New Hanover Regional Medical Center here in Wilmington, NC.

I just want to point out that although women are clearly at higher risk for breast cancer, men can develop breast cancer as well. So I strongly urge any man who feels anything different in his chest to get it checked out. Early detection is key to fighting cancer.

FACTS:

- Exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. With as little as four hours of exercise per week, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer.

- Each year, about 550,000 Americans die of cancer; fully one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying excess weight.

What have you done today to lower your risk of developing cancer?

xoxo

Mary Jo

Success is determined by how you handle setbacks

Currently Playing: Pandora.com – Ani DiFranco Station

Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.
-Mary Kay Ash – Founder of Mary Kay

Training had been going quite well, almost too well. I knew that soon enough I’d hit a wall, where I was not progressing like I wanted. Week four of training was wrapping up, and I was dreading my Thursday run of six miles, four of which were to be run at an 8:30min/mile pace. Sure enough, I managed to psych myself out and the run went absolutely horrible; I was unable to hit the steady pace I needed. As I was finishing up the run, I decided there needed to be consequences for my poor performance. I put it in my mind that on Sunday when I was to run seven miles that I’d attempt to run across the two bridges, Cape Fear Memorial and Isabel Holmes Bridge, which are a part of the course for the Battleship Half Marathon.

On Sunday afternoon, the rain began to fall (and hasn’t stopped since); I laced up my shoes, grab my iPod, and headed out the door. I have always loved running in the rain (call me insane – most people do). I find it to be more relaxing because there are fewer people out; it’s just me, the road, and nature. Sounds kind of corny, but I highly recommend trying it some time; you’ll be surprised how much you enjoy it! I headed out to the Cape Fear Bridge first, which is about a half a mile away from my apartment, and started to think that this was a horrible idea. But once I kicked that thought out of my head and just kept telling myself to get to the top, sure enough before I knew it I was headed back down the other side. I slowed my pace from 9:00min/mile to about 9:30 to save some energy for the Isabel Holmes Bridge. This bridge comes in the first mile of the race and can totally zap everything you have if you aren’t properly prepared or you go out too hard. I managed to maintain a steady pace (about a 9min/mile pace) as I made the climb over the bridge. As I finished the bridge, I smiled because I did something that I set my mind to and I knew that come race day I’d be mentally ready to conquer the bridges! The rest of the run went smoothly and I was absolutely drenched by the time I finished. But none the less I was still pumped that I had such an amazing run.

Week five is a pretty easy week of three-4 mile runs at a 10 min/mile pace. One of which has already been a rain run and if this weather doesn’t let up, tomorrow’s run will be wet as well!

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. I’m kicking off the month with the Run for the Ta-Ta’s Saturday, October 2^nd at 8am out at Mayfaire Town Center. There is still time to sign up if you want to join in supporting breast cancer awareness! I’d love to see your smiling faces.

xoxo

Mary Jo

Help for Today... Hope for Tomorrow

Currently Playing: Tegan & Sara – This Business of Art Album

It was pretty understood that I would become a runner. Besides great genetics, and being a soccer player since I was five years old, I was influenced by both of my sisters who ran cross country in high school. Once I was cut from the volleyball team (I have horrible hand-eye coordination), I realized I needed some other sport to play in the fall, so cross country it was. I have run in hundreds of 5K races by this point in my life, but none have meant more to me than the Women’s Only Breast Cancer 5K in Greensboro, NC that is held every year. I have ran/walked this with my mom and sisters since I was 12 years old. I missed a few years after I moved to Wilmington, but had the chance to run it last year with my mom and sister, Anna.

The Women’s Only 5K run has been going on for the last 17 years and starts and ends near The Women’s Hospital. Proceeds from the Run fund the Mammography Scholarship Fund at The Women’s Hospital, which provides screening mammograms for women who are unable to afford them. In the past 17 years, the Women's Only Run has raised more than $350,000, helping countless numbers of women in the community detect and overcome breast cancer. Last year when I ran, I was overwhelmed by the number of women, and girls that were participating. There are all types of women out there running for many reasons surrounding breast cancer. You see breast cancer survivors wearing pink shirts, you see people with writing on their shirts saying they are running/walking in honor or memory of one of their loved ones who passed away due to breast cancer, and there are runners like me who just love to run and support a great cause. What hit me the hardest was to see a seven year old running with a hand drawn piece of paper pinned to her shirt saying “Running in memory of my mommy.” I realize cancer affects everyone in one way or another but it brought tears to my eyes to see a seven year old who has lost her mother to cancer. Although I’m unable to participate this year in the Women’s Only 5K, I plan to run the Run for Ta-Ta’s 5K here in Wilmington, NC which also is in support of breast cancer awareness.

I have listed out a couple of upcoming 5K races that all support cancer, with the exception of the Bonzer 5K for Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). I raised money and ran for Friedreich’s Ataxia last year. Friedriech’s Ataxia is a disease that affects the nervous system with symptoms ranging from speech impairment to gait ataxia (difficulty walking), eventually worsening and attacking the trunk and limbs. This is a genetic disease that begins to affect children between 5-15 years old and can cause complete crimpling. It’s a very rare disease and in most cases families who are being affected by it cannot afford proper treatment. One of Outback Steakhouse’s owners has two children who both have Friedreich’s Ataxia, which is why Outback has gotten behind raising money for research.

I know I say it all the time, but there is no better time than now to get involved in helping make a difference in people’s lives. You never know when you or a loved one will be the next to be affected by some form of cancer or life threatening disease.

If you have any questions about these races, from signing up or how to get prepared, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope to see you out there!

Sept 25 – Movin’ for Meyloma (cancer of plasma cells) – Carolina Beach, NC
http://www.active.com/running/carolina-beach-nc/movin-for-multiple-myeloma-2010

Oct 2 – Women’s Only Breast Cancer Run & Walk – Greensboro, NC
http://www.active.com/running/greensboro-nc/womens-only-5k-walk-and-run-2010

Oct 2 – Run for the TA-TAs 5k & 1 mile walk – Wilmington, NC http://www.active.com/running/wilmington-nc/run-for-the-tatas-5k-and-1mile-walk-2010

Oct 2 – Susan G Komen Race for the Cure – Charlotte, NC
http://www.active.com/running/charlotte-nc/susan-g-komen-race-for-the-cure-charlotte-2010

Oct 23 – Outback’s Bonzer 5k for Friedreich’s Ataxia – High Point, NC
http://www.active.com/running/high-point-nc/outbacks-bonzer-5k-for-friedreichs-ataxia-2010

Oct 29 – Midnight Run for Ovarian Cancer – Wilmington, NC
http://www.active.com/running/wilmington-nc/midnight-run-for-ovarian-cancer-2010

xoxo

Mary Jo

"One good thing about music, when it hits - you feel no pain" - Bob Marley

“Part of what gets us through hard times is music…” - President Obama presenting the Gershwin Prize to Paul McCartney in June 2010.

Whether it's celebrating a promotion, or sulking over a bad day, or just having a random mix on while cleaning the house, music has a place in all of our lives. Music can represent moments in our lives that we will recall every time we hear that song, whether good or bad.

For me, I use music every day to get through my workouts and runs. And I'd never make it a mile if I didn't have music to get me through it.

So I'm calling on all of you to suggest new songs, albums, playlists, whatever for me to add to my collection. I’m up for seriously any kind of music, it does not matter. There'll be no judgment or discrimination placed on suggestions, so don’t hesitate to throw something crazy out there! My dad has already started out by suggesting a playlist from his own iPod, it's called his “Money” playlist, for obvious reasons.

Money playlist:

If Dirt Were Dollars – Don Henley

Money Talks – JJ Cale

M-O-N-E-Y – Lyle Lovett

Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin & the Full Tilt Boogie band

Taxman – The Beatles

For the love of Money – The O’jays

You Never Give Me Your Money – The Beatles

Gotta Serve Somebody – Bob Dylan

Money For Nothing – Dire Straits

Just Got Paid – ZZ Top

Nobody Knows You when You’re Down & Out – Eric Clapton

It’s Money That I Love – Randy Newman

I am up for anything, so give it to me! You can post here on the blog or on my facebook page !

xoxo

Mary Jo

"A change is gonna come, oh yes it will." - Sam Cooke

CURRENTLY PLAYING: on TV Palladia HD: Gnarls Barkley - Live at Roskilde Festival

Well, week three of training is done as of yesterday morning. The seven mile run went just as I’d planned, and surprisingly the seventh mile added on from the six miles of last week was not completely unbearable.

I’m in Greensboro, hanging out with my dad, for a few days. He has always been supportive of me no matter what but specifically with my dedication to sports and staying healthy. He emailed me last Monday to let me know he biked 13 miles that morning, needless to say I felt like I was slacking off for not doing anything so I hopped on my bike and headed to the beach and back to match his 13 miles. There was no way I was about to let a 60 year old man out exercise me!

It was no surprise that he was completely supportive of my latest venture to raise money for cancer research by running the Battleship Half Marathon in November. His father, Joe B. Fish, Sr. passed away due to cancer when I was about ten years old. I would stay with my grandparents for a week every summer. My grandfather would wake me up in the mornings, tell me to wash my face before breakfast, and then we would head to the farm in his old pick-up truck to feed the cows. We would come home in time for lunch to enjoy the Spam sandwiches my grandmother had made (yes, I realize now Spam is quite disgusting). But I’m fortunate enough to remember these memories even though I was so young. I vaguely remember his illness and his final days. I know he was a great man, based on stories told by my dad and the pictures that were hung in his office of his accomplishments, but cancer took him from his wife, his sons, and me too.

That was my first of many encounters with cancer.

I woke up a few weeks ago with the desire to make a difference and every day that goes by I feel a stronger drive to make an impact on the world around me and with cancer research. I realize times are tough, and people are pinching pennies at this point in time. But there are some things in life that money cannot buy or replace, and that is a loved one and their presence in your life.

Let’s stand up to cancer and start making a difference in the research being done. Today is the day to the find an answer to this problem. Join with me and get AMPED to make a change.

xoxo

Mary Jo

The hardest part is getting out the door.

After some much needed rest after the race Thursday, I am feeling back to myself and ready to get back into training. My Sunday Funday always starts or finish with a long run. I planned it this way so come November my body knows that Sunday is the day to be prepared to hit the pavement for a few hours. Today’s mileage is seven miles at a 9:58 pace. I was debating about putting this off till I head to Greensboro this afternoon but decided that since I am already torturing myself with seven miles, the least I could do is give my feet, knees, and legs a break by running on relatively flat terrain as opposed to the foothills on North Carolina. Time to get this done!

xoxo

Mary Jo

28:02 minutes

That is the time it took for me to finish the 5K today. I’m slightly embarrassed by my performance because I did not do as well as I would have liked. In fact I did not finish anywhere close to the time I wanted to. But finishing in a slower time means more money donated to a great cause! So since I finished in 28 minutes, I’m rounded that up to and even thirty dollars and donated to Amped 4-a-Cure, in part because I couldn't donate the exact amount due to the widget and also as a kick in my butt that I should have hit the time I told you all I would.

Thank you all again for your support. I’m really hoping you all are getting amped about life and starting to realize that you all can make a difference, no matter how big or small it does matter.

I made the mistake of trying something new (a Gatorade Pre-Game Fuel) before a race & now its not settling so I'm headed to bed!

xoxo

Mary Jo