Less than 6 days til White Rock!

I can't believe it it's only 5 days and 20 hrs. until we start our first half marathon. It's amazing to think that just a few months ago we were couch potatoes and now we will have become endurance athletes! This is quite the transformation.

This week our coaches gave us a new theme "NOTHING NEW", this will be our theme for the rest of this week. This is to keep us from injury, illness, or interruption of our plans. We are hoping this week goes quickly.

We do have a new addition for our cross training but I promised Coach David I wouldn't use it until after White Rock. But that's another story...

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

We participated in our first Thanksgiving 5k. It was a massive event 40,000 people. It took us almost 45 minutes to get to the starting line after the horn sounded and people began running. It was a little disappointing to hear the first runners were crossing the finish line when were so far from the starting line we couldn't even see it.

All in all it was a fun experience and we were joined by; Nate, Jovi and Grandson Colin. I think next year we'll try a smaller local event.

Latter in the day we enjoyed our traditional Thanksgiving feast (which Ginger cooked all day long). She did a great job on everything!!!

We have so much to thank God for. He has blessed us with health, provision, and a wonderful family (especially the Grandbabies!!!)

THANK-YOU to all our supporters!!!

We made it! We have reached the $3,000 goal!!! It seemed impossible in the beginning but you made it possible. Just as Pastor Randolph always says "You do the possible and God will do the impossible!"

Together we are making a difference in untold numbers of Cancer patients. This money will be used for research, treatment, assisting family members and finding a cure. With your help we are that much closer to finding that cure.

Now that the fundraising is over, now comes the FUN...13.1 miles December 4th.

We will be having a "warm-up" 3.1 mile race on Thanksgiving Morning, joined by Nate, Jovi and our Grandson Colin. It will be a fun new Tradition that is very Nontraditional for us!!!

God has been so good to us and we have met so many new friends in this new adventure. We look forward to our next events on the planning calendar:

Dallas Turkey Trot (5k-3.1 miles) 11/24/11
White Rock 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles) 12/4/11
I am Superman (5k) 12/31/11
Cowtown Marathon (26.2 miles) 2/25/12
Dallas Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon (13.1) 3/25/12

Time to Taper

WOW, our coach told us to let all our friends and fam know what we yesterday morning before most of you woke up and ate your breakfast. We did 12.7 MILES in training for the 1/2 marathon that happens in just 2 weeks. We have 68 hours to collect the remaining $81.59 so we can get our packet for the race which includes our bid, timer, race shirt, etc. What ever you can do to help would be FANTASTIC.


Go to: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/brooksruntherace to donate securely or mail to us asap. 

Yesterday we logged 12.7 miles!!! This was out highest mileage yet, we will taper next Saturday then the race a week later. This training season has flown by!!!

It's unbelievable; in less than 2 weeks we will be racing for our Honored Heroes, and in Memory of those who's earthly lives were cut short due to cancer. We will also be focused on finishing the 13.1 miles as fast as we possibly can. If we can the distance with in the prescribed time limit we will earn a Finisher's Medal.

Another Injury

Ginger is suffering with shin splints. She was able to finish Thursday's 4 miles but had to take today off to rest and recover.

Darrel was able to put in his 10 miles with an average pace of 16:32 and an average speed of 3.6 mph.

Ginger should be recovered for next weeks high mileage workout. The White Rock half Marathon is only weeks away!!!

Less than a Month til White Rock!!!

Hi Everyone,
We are getting so excited about the race. It's less than a month to go. Only 3 Saturday trainings to go and 7 weekday trainings. Last week we increased our speed. Since Darrel's injury the doctor only wants him walking, so we are learning how to walk really fast. Well, Darrel is doing much better than I am so I have to add running. New level, new pain, new sence of accomplishment. It's all worth it to help those fighting cancer.

Our mileage yesterday was 10.25 miles under 3 hours! This was our personal BEST for a workout over a 10k distance. Our average pace was 17.23 min/mile. This included 2 bathroom stops. We will continue to shave off some time but our main goal in this first half marathon is just to be able to stay below the 18:00 pace; so we won't be kicked off the course and we will be able to FINISH the 13.1 mile White Rock course which includes several hill climbs. Yes, Darrel said FIRST. We have decided to make this our new lifestyle and participate in more races. Ginger's blood pressure has come down to 115/73 this last week. Very exciting!!!

We might come in last but we will finish and get our finisher's medal. We have almost finished raising $3000.00 for the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society. Ginger made her required goal and Darrel has about $100 to go. If you have not already given but planned to, IT'S TIME. Please use the link in this email to donate online quickly and securely plus learn more about our progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email and we will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntxok/Whiterck11/brooksruntherace

We have a whole new perspective on all the Biblical references to running or racing.

Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. Philippians 3:13-14

Thank you for your continued prayers and your gracious giving.
Love and Blessings, Darrel & Ginger Brooks

P.S. I would appreciate it if you would forward this Blog to as many people as you can to encourage them to donate as well. Thanks again.

10 miles!!!

Well our mileage yesterday was 10.25 miles under 3 hours! This was our personal record for a workout over a 10k distance. Our average pace was 17.23 min/mile. We will continue to shave off some time but our main goal in this first half marathon is just to be able to stay below the 18:00 pace; so we won't be kicked off the course and we will be able to finish the 13.1 mile White Rock course which includes several hill climbs.

We might come in last but we will finish and get our finisher's medal. I have a whole new perspective on all the Biblical references to running or racing.

Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

Philippians 3:13-14