Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Happy Birthday Dad!!
Today is my dad's 59th birthday and even though it is dark and dreary out this morning, I couldn't be happier inside. Today my class is having a party to celebrate the end of the marathon and my father's day of birth. We've been looking forward to this all week and I'm sure it will be well worth the wait. I couldn't think of a better way to honor my dad. I pray today that he feels how much he means to all of us and the love that he instilled in our hearts. The students have to run the 26th mile today so I ask that you all pray along with me that the weather cooperates. Even though this marathon for the kids has been hard work, I know that they are all sad to see it be over. It really was a blessing for us all and the kids got so excited when it was time for math, some even cried when it was rainy outside and we couldn't run. I am so proud of the kids, they truly have been good sports and had a determined, positive attitude every day. This has all turned out so much better than I could've ever expected and I can't tell you how much this experience means to me. I pray that this forever lives within the students' hearts as it will in mine. They are amazing and I will never forget this! May today be a glorious day for all!
Much love,
Lacy
Ps. Below are emails from 2 girls who have shared the same experience as me and felt called to contact me after reading my blog. What a blessing!! I pray that God works with in our hearts to stick together and continue to be his disciples fighting against CJD and all of its cruelties. I just wanted to share their stories with you to continue to spread the word. Please check out their blogs and pass them onto others you know. I thank you so much for your support. The journey isn't over, there are many others just like me out there that need your help. We desperately need to know more!
Lacy,
My mom called me today after she read the most recent CJD newsletter. She began reading me posts from your blog and I immediately had to get in touch with you. I lost my dad in February to the familial CJD and found unbelievable strength in your blog. My brother and I completed a run this summer in his honor (just like you and the marathon) and it made me smile. With it being so rare, it is hard for people to completely understand it. I have started a blog as well, as well as writing seperately in hopes of one day publishing a book. My dad was only 54, so you can understand how unbelievably tragic it all is. How are you coping. I definitely have low days, and my mom too. I would love to maybe team up and start a charity in the future or something. I dont know. But it is my passion to live for my dad. I just want you to know how lucky I feel to now have a blog to read where someone understands my head. And I cant wait to hear how the marathon went....congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Hilary Kelley
http://hilarmy.blogspot.com/
Dear Family and Friends,
Our family is holding an awareness walk entitled Footwork for CJD: A Pathway to Hope and Awareness. We would love your help! The walk will be held on Saturday, November 15 at Duvall-Rosier Field on the campus of Fairmont State University. We will hold registration at 9:00 a.m. with the walk to begin at 10:00 a.m. We will have a memorial lap followed by a balloon launch. Please let me know if you would like to help. If you are located nearby I will provide you with an actual registration packet and if you are further away I can e-mail you a file. If you are located REALLY far away you can still help us collect donations and mail them to me.
Thank you all once again for the love and support you have shown during this time. We have made a lot of progress in the fight against CJD and other prion diseases but there is still so much work to be done!
God's blessings to you always,
Nikki
curecjd@gmail.com
www.cjdhope.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Still spreading the word...
Please don't stop!
Wow...life didn't slow down after the marathon like I thought it would. Things just got so busy at school that I couldn't seem to get ahead. I've been coming home from school at around 8pm every night and I basically just pass out on the couch. For the last two weeks I haven't done any exercise and I haven't been eating the best as well. I think I'm ready to get back to normal this week. I'm going to bring my running clothes to school tomorrow and go running around there. Here's hopin' for a good run!
I just wanted to share this article with all of you that I was hoping to post awhile ago, but now I'm finally getting around to it. Sorry. Anyway, this was the story published in the Star Tribune about the marathon that I'm doing with my kindergarten kids. There was a picture of us in the newspaper alongside the article so I hope most of you got to see it. If not, at least here is the article to read. The kids are doing great with their marathon. They look forward to running for Larry every day and the two times we had to cancel the run for the day because of the rain many tears were shed. This will actually be the last week of the marathon for the kids because on Friday they will complete the 26th mile. Like this article says, Friday is my dad's birthday and we will also have a celebration. What a great way to honor him. Truly how all of this has turned out...this blog, the support, the marathon, the kids marathon, etc....has more than exceeded my expectations. This has been an amazing journey and I thank you all for sharing it with me. I love you very much and please don't stop spreading the word. This adventure surely isn't over yet!!
ps. I will be posting pics of the marathon very soon. I will also be writing another blog on Saturday to let you all know about the marathon party and show you some pics. Please keep checking the blog!
-Lacy
West metro school briefs
, Star Tribune
MINNETONKA DISTRICT
Pupils help teacher train for marathon
The Spanish immersion kindergarten class at Minnewashta Elementary School in Excelsior helped Señorita Lacy Hladky train for her first marathon by running a kid-sized marathon of their own -- and tracking their progress in Spanish.
Hladky ran the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday in memory of her father, Larry Hladky, who died Oct. 6, 2007, after he was diagnosed with the brain disorder, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Lacy Hladky said she wanted to raise awareness of the disease and found a good way to involve her students.
"Not only does it help with numbers and Spanish, but as a teacher, you look for meaningful experiences for your kids that relate to everyday life," Hladky said.
Each day during their math lesson, Hladky's students broke into teams of four. After stretching to counts of one through eight in Spanish, each team ran a one-mile relay, or one-quarter mile each. Students didn't have to run if they didn't want to, but most of them were excited to participate, Hladky said.
The students understood that Señorita Hladky was running for her father, and they wanted to help. After each run, they shouted in unison, "Corremos por Larry" -- "We run for Larry."
Then came the math. After the kindergartners counted their miles, they calculated the distance left to complete a marathon. The students compared their finish times with each other and marked off their progress on the classroom marathon map, all in Spanish, Hladky said.
"It's given me the extra motivation when I'm out there running," Hladky said. "Not only do I think of my dad, but I also think of my kids who run every day around that track for my dad."
On Oct. 24, Hladky's Minnewashta Spanish immersion class will have a fiesta to celebrate. Then they'll sing "Feliz cumpleaños a Larry," (happy birthday to Larry) because Oct. 24 was Larry Hladky's birthday.
Wow...life didn't slow down after the marathon like I thought it would. Things just got so busy at school that I couldn't seem to get ahead. I've been coming home from school at around 8pm every night and I basically just pass out on the couch. For the last two weeks I haven't done any exercise and I haven't been eating the best as well. I think I'm ready to get back to normal this week. I'm going to bring my running clothes to school tomorrow and go running around there. Here's hopin' for a good run!
I just wanted to share this article with all of you that I was hoping to post awhile ago, but now I'm finally getting around to it. Sorry. Anyway, this was the story published in the Star Tribune about the marathon that I'm doing with my kindergarten kids. There was a picture of us in the newspaper alongside the article so I hope most of you got to see it. If not, at least here is the article to read. The kids are doing great with their marathon. They look forward to running for Larry every day and the two times we had to cancel the run for the day because of the rain many tears were shed. This will actually be the last week of the marathon for the kids because on Friday they will complete the 26th mile. Like this article says, Friday is my dad's birthday and we will also have a celebration. What a great way to honor him. Truly how all of this has turned out...this blog, the support, the marathon, the kids marathon, etc....has more than exceeded my expectations. This has been an amazing journey and I thank you all for sharing it with me. I love you very much and please don't stop spreading the word. This adventure surely isn't over yet!!
ps. I will be posting pics of the marathon very soon. I will also be writing another blog on Saturday to let you all know about the marathon party and show you some pics. Please keep checking the blog!
-Lacy
West metro school briefs
, Star Tribune
MINNETONKA DISTRICT
Pupils help teacher train for marathon
The Spanish immersion kindergarten class at Minnewashta Elementary School in Excelsior helped Señorita Lacy Hladky train for her first marathon by running a kid-sized marathon of their own -- and tracking their progress in Spanish.
Hladky ran the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday in memory of her father, Larry Hladky, who died Oct. 6, 2007, after he was diagnosed with the brain disorder, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Lacy Hladky said she wanted to raise awareness of the disease and found a good way to involve her students.
"Not only does it help with numbers and Spanish, but as a teacher, you look for meaningful experiences for your kids that relate to everyday life," Hladky said.
Each day during their math lesson, Hladky's students broke into teams of four. After stretching to counts of one through eight in Spanish, each team ran a one-mile relay, or one-quarter mile each. Students didn't have to run if they didn't want to, but most of them were excited to participate, Hladky said.
The students understood that Señorita Hladky was running for her father, and they wanted to help. After each run, they shouted in unison, "Corremos por Larry" -- "We run for Larry."
Then came the math. After the kindergartners counted their miles, they calculated the distance left to complete a marathon. The students compared their finish times with each other and marked off their progress on the classroom marathon map, all in Spanish, Hladky said.
"It's given me the extra motivation when I'm out there running," Hladky said. "Not only do I think of my dad, but I also think of my kids who run every day around that track for my dad."
On Oct. 24, Hladky's Minnewashta Spanish immersion class will have a fiesta to celebrate. Then they'll sing "Feliz cumpleaños a Larry," (happy birthday to Larry) because Oct. 24 was Larry Hladky's birthday.
Monday, October 6, 2008
1 year ago from today...
In this day of rememberance, I revisted the caring bridge site that I did for my dad and read all the postings from Sept.24th to today. That truly brought me back to those days and how real it all was. Eventhough it often feels like it was all a bad dream, I still remember it as clear as day. After yesterday and the whirlwind of feelings, this section of a posting was the one that stood out to me the most.
"I know this for a fact that my dad will be forever alive in our hearts. I also know that we will feel, see and hear him for the rest of the days of our lives. He will be near guiding us, supporting us, protecting us and loving us. He will never let go of us nor will we ever let go of him. He will forever be our guardian angel."
My dad stayed true to his promise to me. When he was passing away I told him that it was ok for him to go, but I just asked that when I call out for him that he comes to be near to me. The night before the marathon while I was laying in bed, I had a true connection with my dad. I cried out for him and instantly I felt a warmth come over my body. As I was shouting out, "I love you dad" I could hear his voice so clearly in my head saying, "I love you too Lace". At that moment, I knew that everything was going to be ok.
Before I knew it, my alarm went off and it was time to get ready for the big day. My first tears of the day were shed as soon as I entered the kitchen and saw a card waiting for me on the table. It was from my roommate Kim and the words within were so touching. It warmed my heart to have the love of such a great friend and the tears just burst out when I saw the amount of her donation. From somebody I know that works hard and still struggles, but yet generously gives of the what she has is truly humbling. From the bottom of my heart, thank you kim and I love you!!
The skies were gloomy as I stepped out the door and it was chilly, but I felt refreshed and ready to go. However, when I got to Michelle's house (my running partner) it all hit me that this was really happenning. I started to get nervous, shaky and short of breath. However, I didn't have much time to worry, because we were running late and actually didn't get to the start point until 5 minutes before the race. We had to use the biffy before we started and boy was that a grueling process. You hear the time clock clicking behind you and the people seem to take forever in there. By the time Michelle and I finally got done with our business, the time clock said 2 minutes and we ran towards the start line. With the crowd of thousands of people standing around me and hearing the roars of the cheers, I just broke down. What a feeling that came over me, indescribeable.
The run started out great, it was like I was running on air. To be running alongside so many people and to hear the spectator's cheers kept me going strong. However, I know that my dad was also feeling all the emotions that I was because the rain just started to pour down so quickly. Eventhough it was no fun to run in the cold rain, I just saw it all as my dad's tears. I even told Michelle, "No worries...he'll get over it soon". However, he must've had a lot to get out because it just kept on raining and raining. I guess we did prove those weather forecasters wrong, but not exactly in our favor. In my head I kept on telling my dad, "It's ok...no more crying now" and I prayed for the sun to shine down on us. My efforts didn't work so well, because by the time we got to mile 7 we were soken wet and freezing. Thoughts of doubt started entering our heads and we just couldn't stop thinking how we couldn't do another 20 miles in these conditions.
I was commenting to Michelle that we should have her parents get us plastic bags the next time we see them and she was thinking hte exact same thing. Thank goodness for Michelle's brilliance, because we couldn't wait any longer. We actually took the extra bags at the recycle bins and made holes for our head and arms and instantly felt 100x better. That definitely helped to keep the warm in and the rain out. We didn't go to St. Ben's for nothing...eh??!!! Our shoes were like lakes inside, but to be honest it was kind of refreshing. It was so funny how the spectators would cheer for us by either saying "Go.. bag ladies, garbage bag girls or trash bags". I don't care what I looked like, because as soon as I had that bag I felt hopeful again and felt the end in sight for us. I also feel blessed that the bags were clear, because people were still able to read my shirt and shout out, "Run for CJD". It especially kept me going when people would say, "Keep running for him".
I truly believe that it wasn't me running for him, but him running for me. He came over me. Through all the rain and cold he brought me through. I was flying! When I saw my mom, step-dad, uncle, step-mom and cousin I just fell into their arms weeping. What a comfort it was to see them there supporting me. At that point, I truly needed to feel their love and the warmth of their embrace. Thank yous so much!
My knee started to give me pain around mile 10, but I took some tylenol and just kept on going. However, Michelle had some really bad knee pain that didn't seem to go away. She said that she has never ran a marathon in so much pain. Even after ditching the bags at mile 15 things didn't get better and I just kept on praying for her. She actually told me to go ahead of her and eventhough it was difficult to separate, I went ahead praying for her the entire way. Not once, did I feel alone during the last 10 miles. I was off in my own world...truly on a high. Thank goodness the rain subsided by then and I could actually focus on all the people around me. Wow...what a motivation that was. The fans were great and I can't tell you how much it helped me along the way. It was also great to hear music along the course. I rocked out to YMCA, Born in the USA, Shoop, etc. Fun times!! There were definitely some interesting runners out there. I passed this man who I guess always runs the twin cities marathon and carries a tall american and veterans flag the entire way. What strength! I also passed by several people in their 70 & 80's going strong. There was even a man who was 83 and running is 300th marathon. I guess he has run a marathon in every state! Wowzers. I also talked in Spanish to two people from Mexico and that was a fun time. I told them that they were loco to come all the way to Minnesota to run a marathon. If I had a choice...I would've picked a warmer state. However, they disagreed and said it is truly a beautiful city. I guess they are right!
Another relief for me were the jolly ranchers that people were handing out. Those definitely kept my mind occupated. When I got to mile 20 and drank some water and gatorade, I actually could feel the sensitivity in my teeth. My mouth was too sugared up! It felt so good to go through the tunnel at the 20 mile mark and know that the end was in sight. However, it didn't feel good when people would say how many more miles I had left. I often heard cheers saying "you are almost done, only 4 more miles to go...etc". After running 22 miles, 4 seems like an eternity away. However, before I knew it I was at the 2 mile mark and there was my family once again to keeping me going. My step-mom and sister actually ran with me for several blocks. That was a great encouragement! Thank you! As I ran down the hill towards the capitol and crossed the finish line, I just looked around in disbelief. My dad was with me the whole time pushing me along. That wasn't me running that marathon, but him. He took over my body and we flew high. I finished in 4 hours and 37 minutes which definitely exceeded my expectations. I didn't see anybody I knew at the finish line so I kind of walked around lost in my thoughts and feelings. Michelle came in only 10 minutes later and I rushed back to give her a big hug. I cried in her arms...we made it!!
The euphoric feeling stayed with me through the rest of the day. Many of my friends and family were at my house to greet me and that was just what I needed. We embraced, we cried, and we laughed. It was a great time and the food was delicious! I even had myself 2 beers! I guess that didn't help to bring me down from my runners high. My family left around 7pm and I quickly cleaned up and went straight to bed! I was exhausted and I definitely slept like a baby.
However, as I woke up this morning I felt the after affects of running 26.2 miles. My knees are killing me and my hips ache. I can hardly walk down the stairs. Thank goodness I took today off. There is no way I would've been able to keep up with those rowdy kindergarteners today. Instead, I'm going to spend this day in rememberance of my dad and do all that I can to be present with him. I'm going to meet my step-mom this afternoon and we are going to go up to the veteran's hospital where my father spent the last week of his life. Jenifer is going to donate a painting, visit the nurses and walk around the grounds. It looks like it is going to be a sunnier day than yesterday. I will probably also stop by my sister's house to be with her and the baby. From there, I will head home and pop in the video of my dad and hopefully sleep tight knowing that he is free and happy.
I don't know how to express to all of you how thankful I am for your all your support along the way. It truly means the world to me. The marathon is over, but the journey is not. I continue to ask for your thoughts and prayers, especially for today. Please keep my family and I close as we grieve together today. My happiness fill our hearts as we remember that, " my dad will be forever alive in our hearts...we will feel, see and hear him for the rest of the days of our lives. He will be near guiding us, supporting us, protecting us and loving us. He will never let go of us nor will we ever let go of him. He will forever be our guardian angel."
Much love,
Lacy
"I know this for a fact that my dad will be forever alive in our hearts. I also know that we will feel, see and hear him for the rest of the days of our lives. He will be near guiding us, supporting us, protecting us and loving us. He will never let go of us nor will we ever let go of him. He will forever be our guardian angel."
My dad stayed true to his promise to me. When he was passing away I told him that it was ok for him to go, but I just asked that when I call out for him that he comes to be near to me. The night before the marathon while I was laying in bed, I had a true connection with my dad. I cried out for him and instantly I felt a warmth come over my body. As I was shouting out, "I love you dad" I could hear his voice so clearly in my head saying, "I love you too Lace". At that moment, I knew that everything was going to be ok.
Before I knew it, my alarm went off and it was time to get ready for the big day. My first tears of the day were shed as soon as I entered the kitchen and saw a card waiting for me on the table. It was from my roommate Kim and the words within were so touching. It warmed my heart to have the love of such a great friend and the tears just burst out when I saw the amount of her donation. From somebody I know that works hard and still struggles, but yet generously gives of the what she has is truly humbling. From the bottom of my heart, thank you kim and I love you!!
The skies were gloomy as I stepped out the door and it was chilly, but I felt refreshed and ready to go. However, when I got to Michelle's house (my running partner) it all hit me that this was really happenning. I started to get nervous, shaky and short of breath. However, I didn't have much time to worry, because we were running late and actually didn't get to the start point until 5 minutes before the race. We had to use the biffy before we started and boy was that a grueling process. You hear the time clock clicking behind you and the people seem to take forever in there. By the time Michelle and I finally got done with our business, the time clock said 2 minutes and we ran towards the start line. With the crowd of thousands of people standing around me and hearing the roars of the cheers, I just broke down. What a feeling that came over me, indescribeable.
The run started out great, it was like I was running on air. To be running alongside so many people and to hear the spectator's cheers kept me going strong. However, I know that my dad was also feeling all the emotions that I was because the rain just started to pour down so quickly. Eventhough it was no fun to run in the cold rain, I just saw it all as my dad's tears. I even told Michelle, "No worries...he'll get over it soon". However, he must've had a lot to get out because it just kept on raining and raining. I guess we did prove those weather forecasters wrong, but not exactly in our favor. In my head I kept on telling my dad, "It's ok...no more crying now" and I prayed for the sun to shine down on us. My efforts didn't work so well, because by the time we got to mile 7 we were soken wet and freezing. Thoughts of doubt started entering our heads and we just couldn't stop thinking how we couldn't do another 20 miles in these conditions.
I was commenting to Michelle that we should have her parents get us plastic bags the next time we see them and she was thinking hte exact same thing. Thank goodness for Michelle's brilliance, because we couldn't wait any longer. We actually took the extra bags at the recycle bins and made holes for our head and arms and instantly felt 100x better. That definitely helped to keep the warm in and the rain out. We didn't go to St. Ben's for nothing...eh??!!! Our shoes were like lakes inside, but to be honest it was kind of refreshing. It was so funny how the spectators would cheer for us by either saying "Go.. bag ladies, garbage bag girls or trash bags". I don't care what I looked like, because as soon as I had that bag I felt hopeful again and felt the end in sight for us. I also feel blessed that the bags were clear, because people were still able to read my shirt and shout out, "Run for CJD". It especially kept me going when people would say, "Keep running for him".
I truly believe that it wasn't me running for him, but him running for me. He came over me. Through all the rain and cold he brought me through. I was flying! When I saw my mom, step-dad, uncle, step-mom and cousin I just fell into their arms weeping. What a comfort it was to see them there supporting me. At that point, I truly needed to feel their love and the warmth of their embrace. Thank yous so much!
My knee started to give me pain around mile 10, but I took some tylenol and just kept on going. However, Michelle had some really bad knee pain that didn't seem to go away. She said that she has never ran a marathon in so much pain. Even after ditching the bags at mile 15 things didn't get better and I just kept on praying for her. She actually told me to go ahead of her and eventhough it was difficult to separate, I went ahead praying for her the entire way. Not once, did I feel alone during the last 10 miles. I was off in my own world...truly on a high. Thank goodness the rain subsided by then and I could actually focus on all the people around me. Wow...what a motivation that was. The fans were great and I can't tell you how much it helped me along the way. It was also great to hear music along the course. I rocked out to YMCA, Born in the USA, Shoop, etc. Fun times!! There were definitely some interesting runners out there. I passed this man who I guess always runs the twin cities marathon and carries a tall american and veterans flag the entire way. What strength! I also passed by several people in their 70 & 80's going strong. There was even a man who was 83 and running is 300th marathon. I guess he has run a marathon in every state! Wowzers. I also talked in Spanish to two people from Mexico and that was a fun time. I told them that they were loco to come all the way to Minnesota to run a marathon. If I had a choice...I would've picked a warmer state. However, they disagreed and said it is truly a beautiful city. I guess they are right!
Another relief for me were the jolly ranchers that people were handing out. Those definitely kept my mind occupated. When I got to mile 20 and drank some water and gatorade, I actually could feel the sensitivity in my teeth. My mouth was too sugared up! It felt so good to go through the tunnel at the 20 mile mark and know that the end was in sight. However, it didn't feel good when people would say how many more miles I had left. I often heard cheers saying "you are almost done, only 4 more miles to go...etc". After running 22 miles, 4 seems like an eternity away. However, before I knew it I was at the 2 mile mark and there was my family once again to keeping me going. My step-mom and sister actually ran with me for several blocks. That was a great encouragement! Thank you! As I ran down the hill towards the capitol and crossed the finish line, I just looked around in disbelief. My dad was with me the whole time pushing me along. That wasn't me running that marathon, but him. He took over my body and we flew high. I finished in 4 hours and 37 minutes which definitely exceeded my expectations. I didn't see anybody I knew at the finish line so I kind of walked around lost in my thoughts and feelings. Michelle came in only 10 minutes later and I rushed back to give her a big hug. I cried in her arms...we made it!!
The euphoric feeling stayed with me through the rest of the day. Many of my friends and family were at my house to greet me and that was just what I needed. We embraced, we cried, and we laughed. It was a great time and the food was delicious! I even had myself 2 beers! I guess that didn't help to bring me down from my runners high. My family left around 7pm and I quickly cleaned up and went straight to bed! I was exhausted and I definitely slept like a baby.
However, as I woke up this morning I felt the after affects of running 26.2 miles. My knees are killing me and my hips ache. I can hardly walk down the stairs. Thank goodness I took today off. There is no way I would've been able to keep up with those rowdy kindergarteners today. Instead, I'm going to spend this day in rememberance of my dad and do all that I can to be present with him. I'm going to meet my step-mom this afternoon and we are going to go up to the veteran's hospital where my father spent the last week of his life. Jenifer is going to donate a painting, visit the nurses and walk around the grounds. It looks like it is going to be a sunnier day than yesterday. I will probably also stop by my sister's house to be with her and the baby. From there, I will head home and pop in the video of my dad and hopefully sleep tight knowing that he is free and happy.
I don't know how to express to all of you how thankful I am for your all your support along the way. It truly means the world to me. The marathon is over, but the journey is not. I continue to ask for your thoughts and prayers, especially for today. Please keep my family and I close as we grieve together today. My happiness fill our hearts as we remember that, " my dad will be forever alive in our hearts...we will feel, see and hear him for the rest of the days of our lives. He will be near guiding us, supporting us, protecting us and loving us. He will never let go of us nor will we ever let go of him. He will forever be our guardian angel."
Much love,
Lacy
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I can't believe this is really happenning....
It truly hasn't hit me yet that I'm running 26.2 miles tomorrow and it probably won't until the start clock goes off. Oh goodness! I went for a little jog early this morning to get myself ready and boy was it cold!! I'm definitely bringing little gloves to wear tomorrow. When I went to go pick up my race number at the Xcel center I also bought a long sleeve shirt to wear. I get so cold so easily and I don't like it. It especially won't be any fun if it rains. Please, please pray for nice weather and that the rain holds out until tomorrow. That would be great! Let's prove those weather forecasters wrong! Even though it was a cold run, it definitely felt good. I prayed to God the entire time to use this marathon to glorify his name. I prayed that He would help me to surrender this race to him and remember that this is not my day, but his. He and my father are running for me and they will bring me to finish line with victory. I'm not alone. May I not focus on the miles nor the tiredness, but instead be totally present in them and their amazing love. I feel so blessed!
After my run, I headed to St. Paul to get a massage. It was a bit cold in the room, but it definitely felt good. My body needed that touch and now I feel much more loosened up. I even set up a massage for Monday as well. I'm sure I'll definitely need one then.
Anyway, here I am now eating some ice cream after my yummy spaghetti dinner and writing my last blog before the big day. This journey has been a tough one and probably even more so tomorrow, but it has been more than worth it. It definitely exceeded my expectations and much of that is because of all of you. This is as much your journey as it is mine. You've been living it right along with me and helping me to make it through each day. There are no words to express how thankful I am. This has all truly changed me is so many ways. I hope this has been an adventure of a lifetime for you as it has been for me. I wouldn't take it back for anything. However, I don't know if I'll be running another marathon any day soon. When I told that to my cousin Laura Gail today, who has run 12+ marathons, she basically said you'd be surprised how addicting it can be. Wowzers...I don't know. I just pray that I see the end of this one.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers tonight and through the day tomorrow. Please also pray for nice weather!!
Much love!
-Lacy
Ps. My race number is F1505. I will be posting another blog on Sunday evening or Monday morning to let you all know how it went and how I did. Please continue to check my blog, because the journey isn't over yet!
After my run, I headed to St. Paul to get a massage. It was a bit cold in the room, but it definitely felt good. My body needed that touch and now I feel much more loosened up. I even set up a massage for Monday as well. I'm sure I'll definitely need one then.
Anyway, here I am now eating some ice cream after my yummy spaghetti dinner and writing my last blog before the big day. This journey has been a tough one and probably even more so tomorrow, but it has been more than worth it. It definitely exceeded my expectations and much of that is because of all of you. This is as much your journey as it is mine. You've been living it right along with me and helping me to make it through each day. There are no words to express how thankful I am. This has all truly changed me is so many ways. I hope this has been an adventure of a lifetime for you as it has been for me. I wouldn't take it back for anything. However, I don't know if I'll be running another marathon any day soon. When I told that to my cousin Laura Gail today, who has run 12+ marathons, she basically said you'd be surprised how addicting it can be. Wowzers...I don't know. I just pray that I see the end of this one.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers tonight and through the day tomorrow. Please also pray for nice weather!!
Much love!
-Lacy
Ps. My race number is F1505. I will be posting another blog on Sunday evening or Monday morning to let you all know how it went and how I did. Please continue to check my blog, because the journey isn't over yet!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Minnewashta Teacher Training for Twin Cities Marathon Gets Help from her Kindergartners
What an amazing, but very exhausting week! I was determined to make it a low key week, but that didn't so much work out. I was all over the place and every day when I got home I would lay on the couch and before I knew it I was fast asleep. My students were especially great this week. I feel so blessed to be their teacher...I love them so very much! Not only have my students been filling up my heart this week, but also there has been a huge outpour of support from family and friends. God is so amazing! My class is now famous because not only is the article below posted on the school's website, but also in the Chanhassen Voyager Newspaper (Thurs. Oct2) and the Star Tribune (Wed. Oct8). The students screamed in excitement when they saw their picture in the newspaper. I actually found out about this article on the school website from a parent when I called to thank her for a donation. Since then, the support just came rolling in. A special thanks to the Gammill Family, Keri Freienmuth, The Johnson Family, Ryan Waibel, KC Kolstad and Julia Antonsen. Your support and love means so much. OH MY GOSH!! I just check my dad's account because I want to post what the total amount raised would be after these donations and my mouth dropped when I saw the balance. One generous person donated a total of $300 and the other $100!!! Wow! I'm in shock! I can't tell you how much all of this support lifts my spirits. I'm in tears! From the bottom of my heart....Thank you!!I continue to ask for your prayers. I'm excited to run, but I don't think the reality of it all has hit me yet and it probably won't until Sunday morning. When I do have time to stop and think about it, I do start to get nervous. I pray that God will bless all of those running on Sunday, including myself, with nice weather and motivation to finish the race with a smile.
Much love,
Lacy
Minnewashta Teacher Training for Twin Cities Marathon Gets Help from her Kindergartners
On Oct. 5, Minnewashta Elementary teacher Lacy Hladky will lace up her shoes for the Twin Cities Marathon.
It will be Hladky’s first full 26.2-mile marathon. She is running in memory of her father Larry Hladky who died nearly one year ago.
Hladky is training hard and she’s recruited her Spanish immersion kindergarten class to help! Each day, during math, Hladky’s students get together in teams of four. Each team runs a one-mile relay (one quarter-mile each).
"On the first day of the ‘kid’s marathon’, I explained to my students that we would be running 26 miles for my dad," said Hladky. "I shared my dad’s story with them and then we counted to 26 together. They were so supportive and excited to do this with me."
Hladky’s students will train during math class until they have completed 26 miles.
"It’s a great way to help them learn math," said Hladky. "Each day, we mark off how many miles we’ve run and then count how many we have left. They are also learning about distances and we compare their race times each day, adding and subtracting for longer and shorter times."
Hladky will run her own 26 miles at the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 5. She runs for her father, Larry, who was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal brain disorder just over one year ago. Very little is known about this disease and it is extremely hard to diagnose, so many cases go unknown. Hladky’s father passed away on Oct. 6, 2007.
Hladky’s kindergarteners are supportive and inspire her each day.
"They are so proud of themselves when they finish one more mile. After each relay, we put our hands together and shout, ‘Corremos por Larry’ (we run for Larry)."
As she trains for the Twin Cities Marathon, Hladky is raising money to help raise awareness of this disease and to help find a cure. The money will go to the CJD Foundation and the CJD Surveillance Center. So far, she has raised nearly $600.
If you are interested in supporting Hladky’s run you can send a donation to:
TCF Bank
Lawrence Hladky CJD Benefit Account #6439197637
7800 Penn Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
or:
Lacy Hladky
5148 Lyndale Ave S #2
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Make all checks payable to: Lawrence Hladky CJD Benefit Account.
Please write the account # in the memo section: 6439197637
Much love,
Lacy
Minnewashta Teacher Training for Twin Cities Marathon Gets Help from her Kindergartners
On Oct. 5, Minnewashta Elementary teacher Lacy Hladky will lace up her shoes for the Twin Cities Marathon.
It will be Hladky’s first full 26.2-mile marathon. She is running in memory of her father Larry Hladky who died nearly one year ago.
Hladky is training hard and she’s recruited her Spanish immersion kindergarten class to help! Each day, during math, Hladky’s students get together in teams of four. Each team runs a one-mile relay (one quarter-mile each).
"On the first day of the ‘kid’s marathon’, I explained to my students that we would be running 26 miles for my dad," said Hladky. "I shared my dad’s story with them and then we counted to 26 together. They were so supportive and excited to do this with me."
Hladky’s students will train during math class until they have completed 26 miles.
"It’s a great way to help them learn math," said Hladky. "Each day, we mark off how many miles we’ve run and then count how many we have left. They are also learning about distances and we compare their race times each day, adding and subtracting for longer and shorter times."
Hladky will run her own 26 miles at the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 5. She runs for her father, Larry, who was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and fatal brain disorder just over one year ago. Very little is known about this disease and it is extremely hard to diagnose, so many cases go unknown. Hladky’s father passed away on Oct. 6, 2007.
Hladky’s kindergarteners are supportive and inspire her each day.
"They are so proud of themselves when they finish one more mile. After each relay, we put our hands together and shout, ‘Corremos por Larry’ (we run for Larry)."
As she trains for the Twin Cities Marathon, Hladky is raising money to help raise awareness of this disease and to help find a cure. The money will go to the CJD Foundation and the CJD Surveillance Center. So far, she has raised nearly $600.
If you are interested in supporting Hladky’s run you can send a donation to:
TCF Bank
Lawrence Hladky CJD Benefit Account #6439197637
7800 Penn Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
or:
Lacy Hladky
5148 Lyndale Ave S #2
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Make all checks payable to: Lawrence Hladky CJD Benefit Account.
Please write the account # in the memo section: 6439197637
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