Posted by Lindsey Mastis on November 5, 2011 at 6:34 AM
There’s a lot about Andy Rooney I didn’t know. I’m not talking about the private Andy Rooney– I’m talking about the writer Andy Rooney. After reading his obit on CBS News, I realized just how dynamic this man was from beginning to end.
We all know him as that old guy on 60 Minutes that talks about stuff. Many think of him as a curmudgeon (even though I would argue that he should best be known for his curiosity). Now, I learned that he was also active in the Civil Rights movement. As a soldier in the 1940s, he was arrested for sitting in the back of the Army bus– an area designated for blacks only.
And I also learned that he was the reason so many people tuned in to 60 Minutes. According to the obituary, ratings would spike during his segment. I guess that’s not surprising. But I think Andy was surprised. I truly believe he didn’t understand why people wanted to watch him. He just knew he enjoyed doing what he did.
I always hoped I’d meet Andy Rooney. I sometimes thought about questions I would ask him if I ever got the chance. I wanted to write some of these down and perhaps one day I’ll understand the answers…
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Posted by Lindsey Mastis on October 31, 2011 at 11:31 PM
I woke up before the alarm went off. I was so excited. I spent the night before attaching stars to my costume. Each represents a $50 donation to the American Cancer Society. And many people dedicated their stars to loved ones affected by cancer.
Why run a marathon? It was on my bucket list (as is a triathlon). I wasn’t sure whether I’d run one again and I wanted to make sure it meant something. (My husband Patrick ran his first marathon in Alaska and raised more than $4,000 for the Arthritis Foundation. I got the idea to sell mile sponsorships from him). I chose the Marine Corps Marathon because it’s one of the largest (The 5th largest in the US), and because I would be able to practice along the course. I researched charities for days and decided the American Cancer Society was a perfect fit.
My mom survived breast cancer twice. My Yia Yia (Greek for Grandma) survived lung and brain cancer. My husband’s father died of esophageal cancer 15 years ago. I have many more families members and friends that have survived, died, or are battling cancer now. I signed up for the American Cancer Society’s Determination team…
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Posted by Lindsey Mastis on October 25, 2011 at 10:04 PM
“Go Guitar!” That was my name while I ran the Inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Louis Half Marathon. I wanted to run this race because it’s in my hometown, and so many people I know were running it with me: Andrea (sister), Patrick (husband), Devin (cousin), Amy (friend), Delaney (family friend). My parents were there to cheer us all on with cow bells.
We got down to the race early (for once!) and were able to get some great pictures together. I heard the mayor (Francis Slay) over the loud speaker, so when I got up to the starting line I got my picture taken with him. (I’m sure he was thinking ‘am I really getting my picture taken with a human guitar!?!?)
I decided to dress up as a pink guitar for this race to keep with the Rock ‘n’ Roll theme. Because it was an inaugural race, I figured people would respond well to a rock instrument. Well… I was right! The whole way people cheered me on. And as always, I took time to thank the families that came out early, as well as the first responders that were blocking the streets and on standby for medical emergencies. I wanted to let each of them know how thankful all of us 21,000 runners are for their work. We couldn’t do something is incredible without them…
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Posted by Lindsey Mastis on October 16, 2011 at 8:17 PM
I ran eight miles Saturday morning. It’s the last long training run before my Half Marathon in St. Louis, and my full Marathon (26.2 miles) in Washington, DC. I can’t wait. I am supposed to run very slow in St. Louis (because I’m not really supposed to run a half marathon one week before a full). For me, it’ll be a fun run. The very next week is the serious run: Marine Corps Half Marathon.
I’ve raised more than $1,500 for the American Cancer Society and I’ll be wearing silver stars on my race day outfit to honor all those touched by cancer. For my last official long training run, I thought about getting into the mindset of running a full marathon. I’ve been training with a great group of people and I think it will help me engage in conversation on race day. (I’m secretly hoping people ask me about the silver stars I’ll be wearing).
I’m also debating on whether to carry my cell phone. I want to tweet, foursquare and facebook my journey, but not if it distracts me too much during the race. I did this during the Cherry Blossom Race and it was difficult to take my eyes off the track and try to type in the midst of hundreds of people running fast next to me. I’m going to see how I feel that week. If I can find a good case to attach to my running outfit, I may bring it along…
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Posted by Lindsey Mastis on October 10, 2011 at 8:35 PM
On Saturday I planned to run 21 miles with my team. I ran four, walked three, and then had an organizer drive me back to my car. What happened? My hip flexor became so painful it was difficult to run and walk. Why? I haven’t done my weekday training runs. Solution: Formulate and stick to a new plan.
Even though I didn’t complete my run, I’m not upset. Most people’s training plans only include one 20 mile run. I already did that– and I was successful. I’m glad I listened to my body. I’ve had an injury before that started at my hip flexor and I know stopping was the best course of action. Now I have to focus on stretching and easing myself back into training. With three weeks left before the race– it’s perfect. And this temporary injury is probably a blessing in disguise. It will help me really focus on being ready for race day.
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