Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sexy Mother Runner Featured Runner Friday: Meet Louis

"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:
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.  It sounded interesting.  I wanted to run a marathon, the Ironman in Hawaii and to run with TNT.

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. 

We can relate “doing a little” to “taking small steps”.  When I started running I could only run a mile.  While I have completed a marathon, I have not run the entire distance.  The research takes time.  We hear often how small steps towards cures are being made.

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. I can hardly believe I signed up for this but, I recently came across this opportunity that would train me how to run, as well as raise money for a great cause!

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/ and Louisiana. My personal goal is to raise $2900! This is a big challenge, I know, but not nearly as big as the challenge these patients face everyday. 

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
794 Cambridge Drive
Biloxi, MS  39532

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 &
have a wonderful race!
~The Sexy Mother Runners


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