"Every runner has a story and we believe sharing those stories is a great way to share the gift of running while helping motivate others",
The Sexy Mother Runners
Although Louis likes to have fun in the mud, he is also an incredible
family man, runner and individual! His story reminds us to
give back and always know that running will be there for you! Make sure to
follow his journey as he runs with TNT to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.
As his church says, "if everyone does a little no one will have to do a lot".
Meet Louis:
The Sexy Mother Runners
Although Louis likes to have fun in the mud, he is also an incredible
family man, runner and individual! His story reminds us to
give back and always know that running will be there for you! Make sure to
follow his journey as he runs with TNT to fight Leukemia and Lymphoma.
As his church says, "if everyone does a little no one will have to do a lot".
I started running as a child playing freeze tag, football
and other sports with the neighborhood children. When I was in junior high, my dad who was in
the Air Force had an overseas tour duty in which the family remained
stateside. While he was overseas he
started lifting weights and running.
Upon his return, I started jogging with him. Then one day while in high school or college
while we were jogging, my dad said you should be able to run further. So I sprinted at the end of the run and went
a little further. That is when I started
running more than two miles at a time.
I continued jogging in college. One day a classmate mentioned he was doing a
5K that weekend. We rode to the race together
and started together. He set a PR and beat
me that day because I started too fast, but I was hooked. This was my first race, but now I knew about
local races. That summer I raced in a
small triathlon. One of the best things
about racing is the people, both runners and volunteers. You meet many people before and after a
race. Before the triathlon I was talking
to a 50 year old woman. During the race
we essentially rode the bike together. Neither
was drafting, I was unable to pass her.
Although, I out ran her my dream was formed – to be in good shape to race
“strong” in my fifties.
I ran for a couple of more years. I graduated college, got a job, got married
and had children. During these couple of
years a co-worker signed up with Team In Training (TNT) for a marathon in Alaska Hawaii
I competed in 5Ks, 10Ks and various triathlon distances while
in my late twenties for these couple of years.
I raced with professional athletes.
I was not there to beat the professionals, but to have fun, compete against myself and be able
to say I ran with professional athletes.
When my son was six months he sat in a stroller and I pushed him in a 5K
race. I would take a break from racing
afterwards. I was happy. I had no regrets and could live with myself
if I never raced again.
I took a break from racing, but continued exercising. I would run along side my son while he rode
his bike. As he grew and participated in
sports I would participate also. Eventually,
I quit running and/or jogging. The
children are older and going to college, working, or hanging out with their
friends. Our children are only young
once, so again I have no regrets about not racing.
Are you wondering what happened or why I am writing? Read more as I continue with my journey. Since the children are older, I have started
my second running period. Now, in my
late forties I resumed racing and beating many people in their twenties. My dream of being in shape was
happening. The races were short,
5K. I then ran a 10K.
I always wanted to run a marathon and to run with Team In
Training. I kept putting TNT on the back
burner, but finally I ran a marathon. My
desire to run an Ironman is not as big after having run a marathon. However, I love watching it on TV. Besides the winner’s times, the stories of
some of the triathletes are awesome.
Two of three of the biggest differences between running now
and twenty years ago is the internet and quantity of people running.
For my first marathon, I read many blogs. I thought I was prepared. The blogs were informative and inspirational. While the blogs are encouraging, we forget to
put them into context. As an example,
one blogger that I was following was a young female whose training and training
times were close to mine. It was
encouraging. I did not know it was her
second or third marathon. She learned
from her first marathon and did better. I
was not prepared. We need to remember it
is our journey.
This brings me to the next part of my journey. Running a marathon was not enough; I still
wanted to run with TNT. I saw a posting
on a local facebook running club page and decided to sign up. I signed up late and am still training and
raising funds, so I cannot tell you much about it, but will provide you with some
detail.
First, the fundraising is difficult, but FUN and worthwhile. Many blog pages feature a runner every now
and then. I have read about couch to 5K
individuals, those that continued to train until they meet their goal,
etc. We each have our own story or
stories. No story is insignificant. Similarly, each cancer patient and/or family
has a story. I have not reached my
fundraising goal, but believe I will. I
could use your help. I know that we are
helping. Similarly, I know these blogs
are helpful. We need to believe!
It is amazing how we take things for granted or forget the
small things. More people than ever are
running nowadays. When I see older
people and women running I reflect on my younger days and how today I am
running again. These people are still my
role models. My church has a festival
every year. During the fundraising and
volunteering time they say if everyone does a little no one will have to do a
lot.
Running a 10K and further is a major undertaking, with a marathon
being the most difficult. I am running
with TNT because I am capable and because I would like to help. I have donated to charities is the past. When I did, I did not think much of it – it
was a little. At the start of my
fundraising I had a similar thought, but then more funds started coming
in. 75% of the funds spent by The
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) go directly to research the causes and
treatments for blood cancers and better the lives of patients. These small amounts are adding up to a lot –
we are making a difference. To me TNT is
more than the participants on the team.
The REAL team is the contributors.
While I decided to participate to help, I feel like I am
getting more out it than the patients and their families. As for the pain we endure while running, it
is short time and nothing compared to what the patients experience.
Louis
If you would like to help Louis reach his goal of making $2900 and help blood cancer patients in his area, please read his letter below.
Dear
Friends and Family,
Believe it
or not, on June 3, 2012 , I will be running the Rock N
Roll San Diego Marathon in San Diego , California
Team In Training is a fundraising program which benefits The
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Each year, they train 40,000+
runners, walkers, cyclists, triathletes, hikers and snowshoers for the event of
their choice (marathon, ½ marathon, century bike ride, triathlon or hike or
snowshoe adventure.) The group has excellent coaches who volunteer their time
to provide a daily training schedule, advise on gear and nutrition, organize
group runs, offer track workouts, and keep the motivation level up!
I have
pledged to raise money to help fund research and support for blood cancer
patients and their families here in Mississippi Louisiana
Here are some facts about the
diseases and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin‘s disease and
myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Leukemia is the
number one disease killer of children, yet it affects 9
times as many adults! Every 4 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood
cancer. Every 10 minutes someone will die from a blood cancer. Research
sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been the catalyst for the
effective treatment of Hodgkin‘s disease, lymphomas, and breast and lung
cancer.
I would
greatly appreciate any contribution you
can offer. Big or small, it will be put to good use - it goes directly to
patients in Mississippi/Louisiana and to finding a cure. In fact, 75% of the
funds spent by LLS go directly to research the causes and treatments for blood
cancers and better the lives of patients.
There are two ways to make a
donation:
1. Visit my personal
TNT Training & Fundraising webpage:
*All donations are private, secure, and 100% Tax Deductible
2. Please make checks
payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and return
to:
Louis Dusang
I will gladly accept donations after May 6; however, the sooner I meet my fundraising goal, the more I can focus my energy on preparing for the marathon. If you can’t send money now, please send encouragement. I need lots of that, too!
Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting this effort. If you have questions or need additional information, check out The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society web page at www.lls.org.
Sincerely and Gratefully,
Louis Dusang
Tax ID Number: 135644916
Did you like Louis' story?
If so, leave him a comment and encourage him on his journey!
Thanks again Louis for sharing your story with us!
We hope you achieve your goal &
We hope you achieve your goal &
have a wonderful race!
~The Sexy Mother Runners
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