Colleen Caul's Blog

Katie Caul

Shake It Up 

            It’s 6:30 in the morning and my half hour with Katie has just ended.  Now I get to relax until Katie gets back from school and visits me for another half hour.  An hour a day is not a lot of time, but it is enough for me to accomplish my job.  In fact, I cringe on the days when I see Katie more, because it means she is not feeling well and needs more of my help.  Katie has Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and I am one of her main treatments – I am her Vest, an airway clearance system.       

            As her Vest, I vibrate Katie’s chest so that she can clear her lungs and cough up the thick mucus that makes it harder for her to breathe. I have been with Katie for 10 years and she is much healthier now than when we began. During the last several years, her uncle taught her to run, making my job easier, and she continues to run for her high school cross country team.  She is now able to spit out all of that junk without my help most days, but I am still essential to her health regimen. 

            Since I have been with Katie for so long, I have watched her grow up and blossom into the positive, confident, engaging, compassionate person she is today.  I have been with her as she mastered the art of reading while vibrating, so that she could read countless books. On the days when Katie is not using our time together to master the concepts of her challenging classes, I laugh with her, watching The Cosby Show, Bones, or Gilmore Girls.  Nothing, however, could beat the thrill of getting packed up into the green suitcase and waiting to see where Katie’s next adventure will begin. She has taken me all over the country, from 20 minute drives to sleepovers at her older siblings’ homes, to long, bumpy car rides to Chicago, South Bend, and New York City.  I have also flown with her to England, Alaska, Hawaii, and California. The greatest part about the trips, though, is that Katie never once complains about having me tag along.   

            Katie is very open about her Cystic Fibrosis and about me; she is never ashamed about being different. My favorite days at work are when her friends are over, and I get to see all of them hanging out while I am doing my job.  It is completely normal for me to be with them and they only tease Katie a little bit about how shaky her voice sounds while I’m working.

            I know one day Katie won’t need me anymore, because her CF will be cured.  But, until that day, I will treasure all of these great memories and adventures and I look forward to all the new adventures that will happen in the future – such as being packed up and taken to college.

It is hard to believe it has already been two weeks since I crossed the finish line with Katie. Day 65 – the culminatation of everyone’s hard work – still seems like an exquisite dream. We did it, and I am grateful for the support that each one of you gave me along the way. In addition to spreading vast awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, we have raised over $40,000 for Cystic Fibrosis! I sincerely could not have done this without you.

After the run, I spent a week in New York City, playing with my friends and soaking up some vacation time. My last night in New York was the perfect ending to such a life-changing journey. I shared a delicious dinner at Bubba Gump’s with Bill Squires and his beautiful family. After dinner, we took a little walk to Times Square. As we approached 42nd and 8th, the Squires gave me the surprise of my life. On two huge mesh boards on the corner of Port Authority, they had posted a video of me running through MetLife Stadium, as well as a sign saying “Congrats Colleen” with the Run for Roses logo and website. These huge digital mesh boards played the Run for Roses clip 4 times every 15 minutes!!! I finally got my name in bright lights – differently than what i dreamed about as a kid – but so much more meaningful and wonderful. Standing on that corner with the Squires, screaming out in glee every time the video came up, was the most thrilling way to conclude this dream project.

Now that I’m back in St. Louis, the next chapter has begun. I have been pounding the pavement with the job search. This type of pounding the pavement makes running 16 miles a day seem like a breeze. However, I am hopeful that something wonderful will turn up.

I am very excited to begin the next phase of Run for Roses. I have been asked to speak at a lot of schools about my journey and am certain that more speaking engagements will follow. We have received a lot of great post-run press coverage. Tomorrow, Sunday, there will be a Y98 Interview with Jen Myers at 6:30 AM Central Time. For those of you who are not local to St. Louis, you can stream online at: http://player.radio.com/player/RadioPlayer.php?version=1.2.12495&station=106. There also was a nice article that came out yesterday. Check it out: http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-i-2011-10-07-177172.114137-Sisters-Join-Hands-At-Run-For-Roses-Finish-Line.html.

I am currently searching for a documentary editor to weave together the beautiful footage Thom shot during the 65 days. I am also preparing to dive into the world of writing a book. Writing the blogs during Run for Roses ignited my love for writing, and I am excited to explore using the blogs as a launching pad for my book. I am confident that the public speaking, documentary, and book will serve as powerful vessels to continue sharing stories and spreading awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.

Keep checking our website www.runforroses.com periodically for updates!

Send us your email address at colleencaul@yahoo.com to receive exciting eblasts from The Rose Foundation!  We will be sending out eblasts with new information, upcoming events, and updates on our progress with the documentary and book.

Run for Roses was the first of MANY projects that The Rose Foundation will sponsor. The Caul Family has many more dreams up our sleeves and plan on keeping The Rose Foundation very much alive and running until the day that CF stands for Cure Found.

Our hearts are forever grateful to have each of you on our team.

Thank you dear friends.

The excitement was racing through my veins as I finally forced myself to close my eyes at 12:30 AM last night. Three hours later my alarm woke me, and I had no problem jumping out of bed. It felt like Christmas morning. The butterflies were working overtime, as I began my morning ritual for one last time before running into New York City.

As I ate my oatmeal with banana chips and raisins, a banana, and a wheat bagel, I read encouraging emails from so many, and smiled remembering my phone conversation the day before with the 6th and 7th graders of St. John the Baptist. I had taught both these classes ballroom dancing over the past 2 years, so I was thrilled when Bridget, the sixth grade teacher, requested a phone date with me before Day 65. They called me at 2:00 PM Central Time and put me on speaker phone. After a joyous shout of Hellos from the students, several students took turns coming to the phone and asking specific questions they had for me. It was such a rush hearing the intrigue in their voices. The next day, Bridget sent me pictures of these passionate kids running laps around the playground in honor of Run for Roses, followed by a delicious refueling with chocolate milk.

Kids all over St. Louis were running for Run for Roses this weekend. Our Lady of Guadalupe, the parish where my aunt Cathy works as the Pastor’s Assistant, had organized a Fun Mile Walk for families in honor of Run for Roses before their fall festival. Each family paid $5, all of which they donated to Run for Roses. This camaraderie in running that Run for Roses inspired was a dream come true.

At 4:30 AM, my stretching was interrupted by a knock on the RV door. It was Mom, Dad, and Katie, all wearing their Run for Roses t-shirts! I couldn’t believe they were finally here, and Day 65 had actually arrived. After ferociously hugging each of them, they piled into the RV, where I finished stretching and we excitedly discussed the order of the day’s events. At 5:30 AM, we realized we’d better fill up the RV with gas, since it was only ¼ full and getting gas in Manhattan could be problematic. Unfortunately, getting gas put us behind in time, so once again, Mike and I found ourselves racing double time through the first three miles of the route.

We started running in pitch dark, which felt adventurous and thrilling. We came up to the George Washington Bridge, where the one pedestrian entrance was closed. I started to panic. It was dark, and I started kicking myself that I hadn’t done a dry run the day before. We could not afford to get lost today! Luckily, there was a man getting out of his car, and I out-of-breath asked him how to get to the bridge. He pointed us in the right direction, and we let out a sigh of relief as we began flying across the GW Bridge. The only light to guide us came from the little lights that gleamed from the bridge. It was a foggy morning, so the city skyline was hazy.

Suddenly we were running through Manhattan. The hugeness of this had not yet hit me at the time – my only focus was blazing through the first three miles so we could get to Katie and my other running friends on time. We had told them to meet us at the “5 miles to go” point at 6:15 AM. I didn’t want to be rushing with the whole group. I figured Mike and I could more easily make up the time on our end, which is what we were luckily able to do. The city was completely asleep, which worked in our favor. Mike and I raced through the streets and did not have to stop for any red lights. And then in record time we arrived at W. 150th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, just five minute behind. Since I had built in extra time (we needed to arrive at Fox 5 Good Day New York by 7:15 AM), I knew we were going to be okay.

Outside the RV awaited Katie, Liz, Rachel, Melissa (Mike’s wife who had flown in the night before) and my friend Mark. Our posse of seven waved goodbye to Mom, Dad, and Thom as we began the last leg of the Run for Roses journey through the quiet streets of Manhattan. We ran like a united flock of birds – an image I had seen constantly throughout my 65-day journey. And with Katie by my side, and surrounded by old friends and new friends, I felt stronger than ever before. As we descended through Manhattan, the sky slowly began to light up. My friends wore Run for Roses t-shirts, and Katie wore her specially made Run for Roses running tank. We were running at a strong 9.5 minute mile, sharing stories as we quickly got closer and closer to 67th Street (home to Fox 5 Good Day New York, who was taping our arrival). With a mile to go, Rachel and Liz handed out kazoos and rose petals to the runners. The city was awake by this time, and pedestrians walking to work looked at us with curiosity as they blew their kazoos, threw their rose petals, and shouted out “Run for Roses!!!”

As we approached 67th Street on Third Avenue, Thom snapped some footage of us before racing ahead to the finish line to tape the big arrival. I grabbed Katie’s hand as we ran around the corner of 67th Street. And as we ran towards our family and friends, who were holding a big Run for Roses banner, Katie saw them. Her four best friends from Nerinx Hall. They had flown out to New York City the night before to surprise Katie at the finish line. When my mom shared this secret with me weeks ago, it made me shiver and tear up – so happy that my baby sister has such wonderfully amazing friends. When Katie spotted them, she threw her head up to the sky as she began to sob, tears of raw joy. Seconds later we ran through the gap between our loved ones, stopped running, and embraced. We had made it.

Mom, Dad, and our older sister Kelly joined our hug – a hug that embodied the months and months of preparation and sweat and tears………the culminating hug where we knew it was all worth it. We had made our mark upon the world, and that moment of time would forever be stamped upon our hearts.  Katie and I then broke away to hug the many loved ones who flew out to be part of our big day. They flew from St. Louis, California, Chicago, and Colorado. It reminded me of a wedding line after the ceremony. Having so many loved ones from all over in the same room – or sidewalk in this case – was quite remarkable. I had almost made it through the line when I spotted my good friend Julie! I couldn’t believe it!! I had no idea she was flying in – she surprised me by flying in all the way from Seattle! She told me that when your friend says that she’s running from St. Louis to NYC, that’s something you’re gonna be at the finish for!

Minutes later, Katie and I got miked up for our big interview. With Katie by my side, I was no longer nervous for our live interview. They positioned all our family and friends (each wearing a Run for Roses t-shirt) behind us. We were one giant organism; the energy was palpable. Greg and Tai, the morning show hosts, quickly introduced themselves to Katie and me. Greg was struggling with our names and kept calling me Katie. He didn’t quite seem to know what was going on, and his confusion reached a comical level as he looked at Katie and myself and said, “So you guys are brother/sister?” Luckily the interview itself went smoother than the pre-questions.

After the live interview, we chatted and mingled on the sidewalk of 67th Street for quite awhile, no one quite ready to leave this magical section of New York City. Hunger was the thing that finally got the crowds moving. People were ready for breakfast. We had our incredible RV which served as a very convenient taxi for 25. Dad drove this car full of clowns to Midtown where we would eat.

Julie, Thom, and I decided to postpone breakfast so we could drive the RV to the Walmart parking lot in New Jersey, where it would stay until my family would drive it back to St. Louis on Sunday. The drive to Jersey was a long one, but Thom navigated through the narrow city streets just beautifully. I finished packing up my bags and cleaned the bathroom and shower while we were in motion.

From New Jersey, we hopped into a cab and returned to the Millennium Broadway Hotel, where my family was staying. We dropped our bags off at the hotel before venturing to TSQ for lunch. We walked from the hotel to the restaurant through pouring rain, so grateful that the rain had waited until now to launch its fury. I was not dressed appropriately. With only a tank top and capri sweats, I was very chilly, so I hopped into the most touristy of all the Times Square tourist shops and bought myself a pink I Heart NYC sweatshirt. This statement could not have been more true. Julie,

Thom, and I had a fantastic lunch. Stuffed and sleepy (the adrenaline had finally begun to slow), we returned to the hotel. Thom and Julie napped, as I left for my interview with Fitness Magazine. I navigated my way through the rainy, crowded streets in my spiky heels, purple plaid knee socks and black dress. It was the first time I dressed up in 65 days, and I don’t know what I was thinking braving the heels when I had to walk all the way to 50th Street and Third Avenue. I may have done more damage to my feet with that half our walk than with the hours of pounding the pavement during the 65 days. My pinched toes and lack of sleep, coupled with bumping into strangers in the rain, transformed me into quite the crabby woman on this walk.

Luckily, my energy began to return as I was sitting with Samantha, the Fitness Magazine interviewer. She was excited to hear all about the journey, and it really was wonderful getting to talk for a full hour about the past 65 days of my life. Samantha will be posting the Fitness blog about Run for Roses within the week.

I was about to walk out of the Fitness Magazine building, when I listened to my voicemail. My heart leapt as I heard Boomer Esiason’s voice congratulating me for my grand efforts for Cystic Fibrosis. He thanked me as a fellow parent of someone with CF and told me how much it meant to him. He ended his endearing message with the hopes that our paths will cross some day. I called Boomer’s cell phone back, but only got his voicemail. Bill Squires sent me a link to Boomer’s radio show, where Boomer plugged Run for Roses – I will be posting that on www.runforroses.com very soon.

I returned to the hotel – feet screaming, but excited to close my eyes for 10 minutes before getting dressed for the party. 10 minutes flew by way too quickly, but I started to perk up as I dressed in my favorite blue dress and put on my party gloves (little lace white gloves with roses on them). I was feeling so excited that I even braved the high heels again. After all, I didn’t have to run tomorrow. My feet could handle the three inches of leverage.

Thom, Julie, and I walked into The Ainsworth, an exquisite bar in Chelsea whose décor consisted of beautiful wood tables and fancy chandeliers, the perfect blend of earthy and schmaltzy. We were greeted by swarms of family and friends, clapping upon our entrance. The owner of The Ainsworth generously gave the whole Run for Roses party a section of the back lounge, as well some great drink specials. Champagne was donated from the restaurant, as well as friends. We toasted Run for Roses, danced the night away, and had an incredible evening of celebrating.

Rachel brought me a beautiful hand-made finisher medal, which I wore proudly. It definitely stood out, and though I got a few critical looks from the fashion mongrels of Manhattan, it helped other strangers recognize me as “the girl they saw on the news this morning who ran from St. Louis.” I had a really fun time regaling my adventure with them, as they toasted my endeavors.

Around 12:30 AM, we all headed out, still riding the high from the day and the night. It all seemed like a wonderful dream.

I am actually writing this blog on Day 68. The weekend was one continuous celebration with my family and friends, so today was the first time I had to blog. It still has not quite sunk in that Run for Roses is officially wrapped.

I am feeling a whirlwind of emotions – from fierce pride to ecstasy to exhaustion to sadness. What do you do after you have fulfilled your dream? “What is next” is definitely the question of the hour. It’s scary and exhilarating. For now, I have decided to just breathe and enjoy my week of playing in New York City before returning to St. Louis on September 30th. Next week I will begin to pound the pavement once more as I seek that special job that will pay rent and health insurance, while still allowing me to continue my passion in the arts and advocacy for CF.

The great thing about dreams is that there is no limit to the number of dreams you are allowed to have. I believe in the magic of dreams. Because of the astronomical support each one of you has showered upon me, I was given the incredible gift of seeing my dream unfold into reality. Because of you, I will never stop dreaming. I already have new dreams that are slowly starting to churn through my mind. As they begin to take form, I will definitely keep you in the loop, my fabulous partners in passion. You have made what could have been a very lonely journey a journey filled with constant love and encouragement. The stories you have shared with me have profoundly moved me. I am a different woman than I was on July 20th. I am stronger than I ever have been before. Somehow I have regained the confidence that I had lost after years of rejection in the acting world. I am once more that empowered girl of 18. From here on out, I will follow Bill’s sage advice – “Don’t take no for an answer. Failure is not an option.” I can’t thank you all enough for being a part of this. I will forever be grateful. 

And Katie, my dear sister whom I love more than life itself, thank you for daring me to fly – for inspiring me more than anyone ever has. Because of you, sweet girl, I have become a runner, and I will continue chasing my dreams until CF stands for Cure Found.

I’m a firm believer in the motto: work hard and play hard. This weekend has been a non-stop celebration of visiting with fabulous friends and family, delicious food, dancing, broadway musical, improv comedy, and chocolate cake! (and not much sleep) i want Day 65′s blog to capture all the magical details, and so I ask you to wait just a bit longer my patient friends. Tomorrow night the many friends and family who flew in to greet me at the finish line will have departed the apple, and I will have an epic night’s sleep. By the strike of midnight on Monday night, I will send out one last love letter from the road of Run for Roses.

My first homemade tank jersey had white iron-on letters that read “I Run for KT” on the back. Rachel helped me with this artistic creation. I wore that red jersey in almost every marathon I ran for Team CF.

I was twelve years old when Katie was born. This 12 year age difference creates an incredibly wonderful and unique sister relationship. I remember every detail of Katie’s childhood. I remember the tears that came to my eyes when I first held her. I remember how her full head of dark, dark hair looked when she was first brought into our lives, and how bleached blonde it became by the time she was 2 years old. I remember the song I would sing to Katie as I rocked her to sleep – a version of Edelweiss where I changed the lyrics to how I felt about Katie Rose. I remember her first word – “More.” I remember what Katie’s first laugh sounded like. I remember the expression on the stranger’s face in the elevator of Dr. Kennington’s office when Katie smiled at him – how much Katie’s vibrant personality, even as just a toddler, brightened people’s days. I remember proudly watching every move of Katie’s Broadway debut as one of the four audience members they interview and pick in New York City’s production of “The Annual Putnam Spelling Bee.” We joked for a long time that she beat her big sister to Broadway. I remember Katie’s 13th birthday party, where she and her buddies (along with all of their moms and our Mom) flew out to visit me in NYC. I remember Katie’s freshman orientation at Nerinx Hall High School. She started Nerinx as a freshman the same year I started working in Nerinx’s advancement department. I got to see Katie’s life in the hallways…….her friends who love her like sisters love……..the teachers who adore her………

I remember the little Pocahontas doll that I tearfully offered my baby sister as she lay in the Intensive Care Unit of St. John’s hospital. I remember the many nights of pounding 3 year old Katie’s chest, sides, and back as part of her CF treatment. I remember the helplessness I felt in my Hell’s Kitchen bedroom in New York City when Katie had to spend five days in the hospital for a tune-up. It killed me that I wasn’t there to visit her or help make the hospital a more happy place. I remember the embarrassment I felt that first Thanksgiving coming back to St. Louis after months of feeding my depression in New York City. The sweatpants I had to wear because my jeans no longer fit and I was too in denial to buy new clothes was a reminder of my failure. And I remember the shift I felt as I jogged alongside Katie and Little Uncle Thanksgiving morning, the endorphin rush, feeling so inspired by Katie that I returned to NYC to sign up for my first marathon.

I remember crossing the finish line of the Chicago Marathon after raising my first $7,500 for CF. I ran for Katie. And running for Katie brought me back to life. The next three marathons I ran for Katie. She is always in my heart and is the person who I would run halfway across the country for.

I left St. Louis on July 21, set out to run to NYC for Katie, for my sister who means everything to me. And then my world widened. Suddenly, I was connecting in such a deep way with people I met throughout the 65 days, and my list of who I run for began to grow. The names would not all fit on my red tank jersey. I run for Trey. I run for Austin. I run for Lisa. I run for Renee. I run for Chelsea. I run for Alex. I run for Sean. I run for Emmett. I run for Inka. I run for Rachel. I run for Megan. I run for Caiden. I run for Nicci. And so many more………… And Katie, the love of my life, I run for you.

Today was a grand adventure. Mike and I got a 15 minute late start, but if we ran strong like we did yesterday, we would still make it to the Metlife Stadium on time. It turned out to be not as easy as we had hoped. The running was right on – we were keeping a fast 8:20 pace, but the many confusing turns in the directions, with the many unmarked road signs, led to a circus of frustration and panic (I hate being late to things.) Poor Mike saw a version of me that usually only the ones I love the most and are closest to me are allowed to see. I was in rare form. I felt like a dog chasing its tail. We got turned around so many times it was ridiculous. Cars were racing by, and I was in a state of crazy panic and determination. I was at battle with the road, and my legs were fierce. We finally arrived to the stadium, just 15 minutes late (fashionably I suppose).

My crazed spirit calmed down as soon as I saw Bill in the golf cart, patiently awaiting our arrival at the entrance to the stadium. I ran alongside the golf cart, as Will, an amazing photographer, snapped photos of me. I was huffing and puffing, but finally made it to the stadium. Then, Bill sent me off to run through the tunnel, just as the NFL players do before a game. The transition between the dark tunnel and the beautiful bright light of the stadium was phenomenal. And the people! There must have been 100 people gathered around the different corners of the field, cheering me on as I ran a lap around the field. I was being recorded on the huge video boards, and the exhilaration and adrenaline was so powerful that when I looked down at my GPS watch, I saw that I was running a 6:20 pace. I felt like the King of the World. At the end of my lap, Bill, my giant, my fairy godfather, had his arms wide open and I ran in for the kind of hug that stays with you for the rest of the day. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mark Lamping, the CEO of Metlife Stadium, and the former President of the St. Louis Cardinals! Mark is from St. Louis, and I was delighted to hear he was a Vianney boy. We talked St. Louis chat for awhile, before the crowds gathered, and I then spoke for about 15 minutes about Run for Roses. My 9 News interviewed me, which aired tonight.

The rest of the day was surreal and wonderful. Liz, one of my very best friends, who lives in Manhattan, met me at the end of the run to give me a big hug. Seeing her a block away from the finish of Day 64 was goosebump-giving. She jumped up and down in her cowboy boots with such excitement, cheering Run for Roses and blowing her fabulous green kazoo! I was hooting and hollering and laughing, and I’m sure people thought we were nuts, but I didn’t care. It felt great. And then I got the second hug for the day that I can still very much feel.

I will have very sweet dreams tonight.

I never knew Mike and Melissa Scott until Day 13 in Greencastle, Indiana. They are Rebecka’s friends, and she had invited them to run with me on August 3. Mike and Melissa ran 8 miles with me that day, and I instantly was charmed by them. They became quick friends. Mike and Melissa have become a huge part of Run for Roses ever since. They have no personal connection to CF, but were so moved by our project that they decided to really get involved. When I asked for a volunteer to drive Jeff (who stepped in for Thom for a week in August) from the airport to where I was with the RV (an hour away), these two lovely people stepped up. They even hosted two barbeques for Run for Roses at Kroger’s, where Mike is a manager, bringing in over $400. And just a few days ago, Mike surprised me by telling me that he was going to fly in Tuesday night and run the last 3 days with me. Melissa would be joining us for Friday’s run, and they both would be attending the celebration bash that night. I was so moved by this display of support.

You all know of my late Grandpa by now. I write about him often and think about him even more. Found 5 quarters during my journey, which was another sign of him. Grandpa always gave us grandkids quarters growing up – usually to scratch our scratch-offs which he would buy us, but then he’d always let us keep the quarter, to our utter delight. Well, Grandpa worked at Kroger’s for over 40 years as a butcher, and he loved that job. The fact that Mike works at Kroger’s was very significant to us. Mom and I marveled that even though Grandpa passed away a few years ago, he still found a way to run with me.

Having Mike by my side today was wonderful. It was a great running day – nice, cool weather, flat (for the most part), and the adrenaline and excitement of Friday’s upcoming finish fuelled us so fiercely. We were flying.

In the beginning of the run, we passed Wentzville Diner Restaurant, which had two intricate roses etched in the window.

At mile 7, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. My heart stopped. Could it be Fox Studios?! It was! Peter from Fox 5 was calling to tell me they wanted to be the network to greet me into New York City! He went on to tell me that they will record the grand finish at 7:15 AM in front of their studios (205 E. 67th Street, NY, NY), and then they will interview me live at 7:45 AM, their most watched hour. I was thrilled! The rest of the 9 miles I was all smiles. Bill Squires, my magic man, came through once more.

At mile 9.45, I ran past a beautiful, gleaming red vintage thunderbird. I have never been interested in cars before, that is until I met Chris, Lisa’s 13 year old son who walked with me in Ohio. He kept pointing out awesome vintage cars during those 4 miles, and ever since, I notice them along my runs. She was an absolute beauty – Chris would’ve loved her.

 As Mike and I ran onto Valley Road, I saw this cute old man getting into his car. He had white hair, a light purple shirt, khaki pants, and beige loafers. And then I saw his socks – they were bright red. Now that reminded me of my Big Uncle, who LOVED the color red. Every year for Christmas, he would give each family member something red. We’d all get the same thing usually, but it always had to be red. We loved these gifts and every year we would have a contest to see who could guess what he was giving us that year. Big Uncle would have loved Run for Roses…….After all, roses are red………..

Well my friends, only 2 days left. I can’t believe it. At mile 15, my eyes began to well up a bit, as I realized today was the last “just normal, everyday” run. For tomorrow marks the beginning of the grand finale – my run through Metlife Stadium before Friday’s excitement of crossing the bridge into New York City and ending at Fox 5 Good Day New York.

A Good Day Indeed.

Today was a whirlwind, wonderful day. I woke up naturally at 8:30 AM, feeling refreshed and excited to start the day. Just as I was finishing up my prepping to run routine, Thom realized that the video screen monitor in the RV was no longer working. The run temporarily got placed on the backburner as Thom and I called RV place after RV place, trying to see if someone could fix it. Turns out you can never get something fixed on the spot in one day. Frustration was building, but Best Buy expressed confidence that they might be able to fix it. Best Buy was close, so we drove over that way. It was going to be a 45-minute wait until they could look at it. I took a little stroll, and I perked up when I saw a Massage Envy right across the parking lot. I had an hour to kill. I knew it was a long shot, but I walked in, told them what I was up to, and asked if they would be willing to donate a massage. Right away, Kim said “Yes!” And there just happened to be a massage therapist who was free that hour. I was thrilled. Lemons. Lemonade. Boom.

The massage was glorious. Blair worked out all the kinks in my body. Before I walked out, the receptionist, a young woman with dark blond hair and adorable black rainboots, smiled at me, her eyes welling up, “What you are doing is really special.” I left Massage Envy purged of all frustration, with only feelings of warm fuzziness.

I entered the RV, just as the worker was telling Thom that it turns out they didn’t have the right pieces to fix it. Thom and I decided that he would just drive the RV slowly and use extra precaution, and that he would be fine without the fancy help that the video screen offered.

I started the run at 2:45pm. Besides getting the fabulous massage, the other perk to starting the run later was that the rain had stopped. It was overcast and cool, perfect running weather. I talked with Mom for the first mile, and she assured me that everything would work out with the RV, and that I should just focus on the moment and enjoy the run. She was able to lift that weight off my shoulders, and I felt light and happy as I ran today’s miles.

There are a lot of deer out in this area. I saw one beautiful baby deer chewing in someone’s garden, and another deer was just sniffing around a local park, as if it was a dog, completely oblivious to the heavy traffic so nearby. Sadly, I ran by three dead deer today as well. Roadkill is never pleasant, but when it’s a creature as marvelous as a beautiful deer, it’s even more upsetting. The first deer had its intestines exposed and was just heartbreaking. The last dead deer I saw near the end of my run literally made me jump, because I hadn’t seen it until I was just inches away.

At 4.5 miles, I saw a boy wearing a Yankee’s hat riding his bike. This was my first Yankees’ paraphernalia – pure evidence that we are getting close to the Apple!

I finished today’s 15.3 mile run in my best time ever: 2:24. No breaks whatsoever – I literally ran the whole thing straight through. The running felt fantastic, and I truly did savor every moment of it. It also didn’t hurt that it was nice and flat today. The other motivation I had to running fast was Thom and my dinner date with Bill Squires.

Bill picked us up at 7:15pm. He came bearing gifts – Giants’ jerseys and hats for Katie and me! I’ll be wearing this fantastic apparel as I run a lap around the stadium on Thursday at 10:30AM! I’ll be shown on the huge video screens in the stadium, and I believe they’ll be putting a video up on the Giant’s website. The New Jersey CF Chapter sent out a blast to its constituents, so hopefully there will be a great gathering of people there.

Bill took us out to a beautiful restaurant for dinner. The linguine I ordered with garlic sauce and broccoli was divine, but the conversation was even more so. I felt so honored to sit and have a meal with Bill. Not only is Bill the head consultant for the New York Giants, he spent years serving our country in the Navy, which he talked about with such pride and respect. Bill is also the most passionate ambassador for CF that I have ever met. He is Maverick to the CF world. Bill’s passionate, Irish fire is fierce, and he doesn’t take no for an answer. “Failure is not an option.” He’s made a deal with God that he can go the day after a cure is found for CF, but not before, because his work will not yet be done. And we better all hope that deal stays good, because the CF world needs this man.

Bill is my very own giant. I am so humbled by the way he happily stepped forward to be my wingman. He has a huge heart, and you are one lucky person if you are a friend of Bill Squires – because he will do everything he can for you.

Before we left the exquisite meal, Bill introduced me to State Senator Paul Sarlo. Senator Sarlo hosts a race to benefit CF every year. He was dining with a table full of men, who were all thrilled to hear about Run for Roses! I enjoyed regaling them with a few anecdotes. They all clapped for me and wished me well – one gentleman shook my hand, drew it to his lips, and kissed it regally. His old school charm was very touching. Another gentleman approached me and asked how my body was able to keep running 15.5 miles each day, day after day. I told him how I stretch for hours each day and shared with him my favorite tip of all – drinking chocolate milk within 15 minutes of finishing the run. Chocolate milk has the perfect balance of high-quality protein and carbohydrates to refuel and repair exhausted muscles, and electrolytes to rehydrate and replenish what was lost in sweat during the run. After asking a line of questions, this man told me how grateful he was for what I was doing. “I had a friend in high school who died of Cystic Fibrosis.” After expressing my sympathy, I looked into his eyes and shook his hand tightly before walking away.

In the car ride home I felt invigorated, unstoppable, and taller even. I’ve decided to adopt one of Bill’s mottos as my own – “Don’t take no for an answer.” Watch out world. This empowered woman just got a little fiercer.

FTC Disclosure: Run for Roses is sponsored by the Refuel with Chocolate Milk campaign.

I feel uneasy tonight. The butterflies are working overtime, and the noises coming from my stomach are not pleasant. I thought the raisins would help, but I nervously ate them way too fast. All of the details for the final two days are starting to fall into place, slowly, but my mind is working at warp speed. If only my legs were that quick. I have been attached to the lap with my computer all afternoon and evening long, with many a phone call in between the mass amount of emails and facebook updates, not to mention job applications. My mind feels fuzzy. As we are getting closer and closer to Friday, the day I have imagined for so long, the self-doubt still finds a way to creep in. Why are we always so afraid of the future? I worry that this bubble I have been living in the past 61 days is preparing to pop. I am starting to worry about my next job. I fear that I won’t be able to pull off what I have been striving for since graduating from college – getting paid for work that I am crazy passionate about. I long for the day where I can pay the rent from a job that I can’t wait to get out of bed for. I got a big taste of that these past two months – working 24 hours for a cause that means more to me than anything. I realize I’m not getting paid, but food and lodging were donated, so I had no financial obligations. Run for Roses has been my job, and I’m not ready to give my 4 days notice. On a daily basis, I have been challenged, both physically, mentally, and emotionally, and strengthened on so many levels. The exchanges I have had with numerous people have been priceless. Somehow I was able to morph my three loves into one journey – advocating for CF, running, and acting. I’m afraid that now that I’ve tasted its incredible richness, I won’t ever be able to go back to skim.

Maybe I won’t have to. It might take a little while to find a niche as perfect as this one that I carved out for myself, but I will never give up on the idea. Just like when I’m struggling to run up a steep hill, I just need to keep my chest lifted, take smaller steps, and pull my way up. Eventually, you peak.

And sometimes you just need to shut your mind off. I am going to play Tim’s words over and over in my head, “Friday will fly by and be over before you know it. So you have to cheat a little – start celebrating now.” It’s great advice. And I am going to start following it – right now. There’s always time to worry and time to brainstorm for the next move. For now, I am going to start living in the moment – stop seeing this week as surreal, but soak in the reality of each breathtakingly beautiful moment. Instead of counting down the miles until the end (56.4), I am going to start savoring each mile, because they will pass entirely too quickly.

I’d like to end tonight’s blog on a whimsical note. One of the last street signs I ran past today read:

Slow

Goose

Peacock

Crossing

Hands down best sign of the day. Apparently, Flanders, New Jersey, has enough of these fair creatures to warrant signs for their protection. Now how about that. If peacocks marked their place in fair Flanders, maybe I can do the same.

New Jersey has hills. Big hills. Frequent hills. No, my friends, New Jersey is not flat! Luckily, I had a wingwoman this morning. Noreen was kind enough to join me for the first 2.5 miles. Noreen’s friends -Jim and his daughter Erica – came out at the start point to cheer us on as we started the first steps of a very steep climb. As Noreen and I ran, a bunch of friendly honks came our way. People in the cars saw the huge banner on the back of the RV and then saw that we were the runners from the Arch to the Apple. Each honk energized us to plow on through. Noreen’s husband Chris, as well as her sister, waited for us at mile 2.5, cheering and waving as we ran up to them. We waved goodbye to our friends, as Thom and I drove away – taking a little detour before returning to the run.

Our destination was Sports Authority, a few miles away. My foam roll, a device I use to roll out all the muscles in my body (the best form of stretching ever), had finally gone caput. I had worn it out. It was sunk in and no longer would roll. Replacing this lifesaving instrument was key. Luckily Sports Authority had one in stock.

In the parking lot of Sports Authority, I called up Jackie McCoy, the fabulous KEZK announcer whose brother I met at Spectators bar & grille a few nights ago. We recorded a great phone interview, (I will let you know when it’s going to air) and then Jackie had me record a bunch of different PSA announcements for CF and Run for Roses, which she will air frequently on KEZK and KZQZ! It was invigorating talking with her, and I was so grateful for her genuine interest in helping to keep Run for Roses strong! Jackie told me that I had already succeeded in spreading awareness, because in just the past few days she must have told a dozen people about what I was doing, and more than likely, they’ll go off and share that story with another dozen people…….. Jackie promised me that even after the run is complete and I have reached the Apple, she won’t let the flame sizzle. She’s going to be our ambassador for sustaining people’s passion and support for Run for Roses.

After the interview, Thom drove me back to the vegetable stand parking lot where we had last stopped. I was about to start pounding again when a car honked and pulled up into the parking lot. It was Noreen! She was heading out to Marywood University to pick up Sean who had been visiting his big sister for the weekend. It was so wonderful getting to see Noreen one last time before finishing the 13 miles. Her tight hug sent me off with a spring in my step.

The run was great today. Again, fabulous weather! 60s, sunny, and cool. I was able to do the whole 13 miles without a break, and just walked 1.2 of the miles. At mile 4.4, a very cute guy ran past me, smiled and said, “Keep going!” I just love when fellow runners cheer each other on. It’s so neighborly.

At 9.3 miles, I enjoyed a bumper sticker on a car that read, “Relax. You’ll get there.” Noone had to tell me that! Friday is going to be here before I know it.

I finished the run right outside the National Guard building. Thom found a church nearby, but the building was locked. Thom and I were still parked in the church parking lot, when a minivan pulled up alongside us, and I could see the older gentleman reading our signs. I stepped out to introduce myself, having no idea that a simple introduction would turn into a truly wonderful chance meeting with an extraordinary man.

His name was Sidney Clarke. Sidney is 80 years old, but you would never guess this. He had no limp, no problems hearing, still drove, and didn’t even need to hold the guardrail when walking down steps. His wife worked as the church secretary, and he didn’t hesitate in giving us clearance to stay the night. Sidney was on his way to run some errands for his wife when he saw our RV. He was so happy he decided to check it out. “I heard about you, and then when I read the signs on the RV, I thought, ‘that must be the runner!’” He thought what we were doing was just wonderful, and he only wished Mrs. Clarke were there to write a check. I handed Sidney our brochure and assured him that they could mail something in if they liked – it’s never too late! I asked him if it would be possible to fill up our water tank – did the church have an outside spicket? He wasn’t sure, but he told me not to worry – he was going to finish his errands and then he’d be back to help us out.

I had just finished stretching when Sidney returned. The water to the church’s outside spicket was turned off, but we could fill up at his house, just a few blocks away. “My wife called the pastor and he said it’s great you’re staying here, and that I should get a picture with you in front of the RV.” He seemed embarrassed by this request, but when Thom photographed us, I think Sidney rather liked it. I promised to email him the picture.

We pulled up to a small, modest house. Sidney told me his wife had just bought this house, (which was just behind the house they lived in) and he was going to remodel it. Sidney had been in construction forever, and this would be a good project for him. It was just him doing the work, no one else. He seemed grateful. I was utterly impressed. As Thom filled the tank, Sidney and I chatted like old friends. Sidney has 7 children, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. He’s from the Bronx and served two years in the Korean War. His eyes lowered as he mentioned this. “I suffered there.” Sidney went on to say that he never sees any good coming out of war. I couldn’t agree more. I have been a Pacifist since I learned what the word meant.

Somewhere during the conversation, Sidney said, “Life’s a trip. That’s all it is.” He went on to say that he knows he can’t live forever. I chimed in that it sounded like he has led one incredibly full life so far, and that’s really all one can ask for. He readily agreed. As I thanked Sidney for his generosity, he said he’s always happy to help others – that’s the way he was brought up, and he’s 80 years old, nothing’s gonna change his mind on that! After exchanging a very meaningful goodbye (I think both of us felt our little bit of shared time together had been very poignant), I started to walk back to the RV, when Sidney said, “Too bad the church picnic is Sunday. Otherwise I’d come see you at the finish line.” Being welcomed into Manhattan by this fine man would be quite special. I told him that I finished on Friday, so maybe it was possible – that I would love to see him and his wife in NYC! It could be a little road trip for them – a 2nd honeymoon, perhaps?! He smiled at this, and said he’d talk to her, but he worried that her busy schedule wouldn’t allow it. Regardless, I’d make sure he got that picture.

I returned to the RV all smiles. I just love older men.

Today I threw a no-hitter.  It was the kind of day I envisioned when I first dreamed up Run for Roses.  It started out with a free massage from the lovely Jackie at Baskin Chiropractic Center.  Jackie, with highlights of pink in her hair and a gentle smile that relaxed me immediately, left me in the massage room to undress.  As I settled under the sheet on the massage table, I looked around me, and there on the wall to my left painted in delicate letters was the quote that my family loves best:  “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”  After forty minutes of perfect peace, both Jackie and Pam, the sweet receptionist, hugged me goodbye, wishing me much luck.  Pam told me, “I wish I could donate, but I just don’t have the funds.  So you’ll get my prayers instead.”  I thanked her – those were equally important.  I then asked to purchase a tube of Biofreeze (a magic potion to my groin issues).  Pam’s face lit up – “I’ll get this for you!”  Blanche wasn’t the only one to experience the sublime kindness of strangers…….

Today was yet again perfect weather for running….it was in the low 60s, cloudy with sunshine.  The end of today’s route was welcoming me, pulling me in.  Not only would I cross the bridge into New Jersey today, but I was finally going to meet my dreamweaver, Bill Squires, who had gathered a welcome crew for my arrival into his state.

So I ran.  I ran every mile and enjoyed it too.  It was the kind of run that refreshes, not exhausts, you.  At mile 10.22, I passed a sign that read:

New York City 75 miles

I can remember seeing my first sign like this, telling me Effingham (our first city landmark) was a certain distance away.  I had thought that was a landmark.  Imagine my glee in this one.

At mile 15, running through the narrow streets of the charming town of Easton, Pennsylvania, I ran past some sort of outside religious service.  Thom happened to be in the RV right beside me at this moment.  One of the men in charge stepped into the street towards me, smiled, and wished “God bless you.” 

I approached a wonderful round-about, that reminded me very much of Columbus Circle, and as I dashed across, I looked with excitement at the Northampton Bridge ahead of me.  As I ran over the Delaware River, I whispered goodbye to Pennsylvania, the state which had filled my mind with doubt before entering, challenged, terrified, and strengthened me through-out, and left me with a huge sense of triumph upon exit.  And then I saw my welcome party. 

Bill held his arms wide open as he hugged me into New Jersey.  Bill is a giant in my eyes.  He is a lover and a fighter.  He loves his son, Sean – who has CF, so fiercely that he will fight with every fiber in his being until CF is no longer something he has to worry about for his son.  I have never been so inspired by someone who not only has the great idea, but acts on it.  Bill is a doer.  His CF Great Strides team, “Sean’s Pals” raised over $200,000 last year, the most of any team in the country.  And yet, that wasn’t enough for Bill.  He is constantly pushing himself to do more.  I was incredibly moved that a man who has a full-time job, family, and already is moving mountains for CF would eagerly agree to partner up with me to build the climactic ending that both he and I believed Run for Roses merited.  Bill has arranged for me to run a lap in the Metlife Stadium (home to the New York Giants and Jets) on Thursday at 11:30 AM.  All are welcome to join in this Run for Roses rally!  I will begin the route that day in Clifton, NJ, run 8 miles to the stadium, rally in Metlife, then run about 10.2 miles and end in Fort Washington Park at W. 177^th Street in New York City, leaving a mere 7 miles of celebration running  to the final destination on Friday!  Stay tuned for those exciting details…….

Along with Bill, the welcome party consisted of Pam, their daughter Ashley, and Noreen, a mother of a 16 year old boy with CF.  Pam and Ashley were lovely – they looked so alike, their sunny blond hair and bright eyes – you could definitely tell they were mother/daughter.  Noreen’s sweet smile and gorgeous hair resembled Julianne Moore.  Each one of them hugged me tight, and then we took some fun pictures – all shouting “Hotdogs!” as we held the wonderful and large, “Welcome Colleen” sign Bill had made.  We then indulged in Jimmy’s Hotdogs, a Phillipsburg Landmark.  Atop my hotdog was melted American cheese, and it was so scrumptious.  As I bit into its deliciousness, surrounded by such warm-hearted people, all of us tightly connected by one shared dream, I knew that at this same time, folks were chowing down on hotdogs in Crawfordsville, Indiana, supporting Run for Roses through the 2nd Kroger’s barbecue Mike Scott had organized.

Noreen asked where we were spending the night, and I told her we would find a parking lot close by to park the RV.  “I only live 5 miles away, and I’m an empty nester tonight – both kids are away.  Why don’t you and Thom stay with us?”  She was so inviting that I couldn’t resist. 

Noreen and her husband Chris welcomed us into their exquisite home.  We met the new family puppy Riley.  The puppy has a great story behind it.  Noreen and Chris’ son, Alex – who has CF, really wanted a puppy.  Chris did not.  Since their daughter Eva was leaving for college she didn’t get a vote, which left Noreen as the tiebreaker.  She wanted nothing to do with that position!  Luckily, the Phillies, Chris’ favorite, were playing that afternoon.  Someone was up to bat (can’t remember who), and Alex comes racing into the living room, “Okay Dad.  If he hits a homerun, then we get a dog.  If not, we won’t.”  Chris thought the odds were very much in his favor and readily agreed.  That very next moment, the Philly player hit a whopping homerun to the upper deck!  Alex was doing cartwheels, thrilled at his victory, and Chris had nothing to say but, “Well you can’t argue with divine intervention.”  The next day Noreen and Alex went to the house that was selling six puppies.  Riley picked Alex.  It was a match made in heaven.

Noreen had recently been at a convention for CF, where the speaker said that he thinks CF should stand for Courageous Fighter.  Noreen was very moved by this analogy, and then the woman sitting behind her said, “My granddaughter’s name means Courageous Fighter in Gaelic.”  Noreen asked what her name was, and the woman replied, “Riley.”  Now Noreen and Chris had 2 courageous fighters in their home.

Noreen and Chris took us to a delicious dinner at The Tavern, their neighborhood restaurant that was so cozy it felt like Christmas.  White lights draped the bar, and the waitresses knew them by name, and vice versa.  The bartender has CF, and had a double lung transplant about two years ago.  He is doing great.  Donna served our lovely hosts a round of “milk”, which sadly I could not partake in, and a dinner filled with laughter and really good story swapping ensued.  Chris doesn’t miss a beat – it’s joke after joke – his smile so infectious.  Noreen is so warm, and her face just glowed as she shared stories of her Alex and Eva. 

Chris and Noreen are extremely involved in the CF Fight, and they are so hopeful and optimistic.  Chris, a scientist, was able to explain some of the new clinical trials in such a down-to-earth way that even I understood – his excitement for the incredible medical advancements was very noticeable and inspiring to see.  Chris told me, “You come run here in seven years, and we’re going to have a really great conversation, because CF will just be really bad asthma.”

I left The Tavern with a very full stomach and even more full heart.  I felt as if I had just spent an evening with old friends.  And to enjoy the luxury of my own bedroom and bathroom tonight – I felt like I was home.