Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Just keep swimming....six years later

My very own Dory to share the love and message of my mantra

Wow… has it really been six years? There are days like it feels like it was a lifetime ago and other days it feels like it was just yesterday. Memories of that day and the days that followed forever etched in my brain. Regardless, today is my life-aversary because it's the day God decided He wasn't done with me yet and thanks to Him, my amazing medical team, and early detection I am six years cancer free. Of course, it's a little hard to be completely joyous about this occasion when I think of my friends and loved ones who are no longer here because of this dreaded disease or those who are struggling at this very moment because of it. But at the same time, those people have made me a better person in one way or another because I am blessed to have known them and it is the legacy of faith, love, hope, and kindness they have shown me that is something I can carry on in their honor and memory. Life is a precious gift and I know all too well that at any moment, everything can be turned upside-down so never take it for granted. Live, laugh, love like crazy, be kind, have faith, never give up hope, and of course....just keep swimming. Today I thank God for another chance at life and thank you, my floaties, who continue to help me to do just that. 

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Just Keep Swimming PopSockets Honoring Cancer Awareness Now Available on Amazon

Just Released! 

Custom PopSocket expanding mobile device mounts from JKS Designs are now available on Amazon and are Prime Eligible. More designs on the way but for starters, our custom Just Keep Swimming design in colors honoring cancer awareness and those affected by the horrible disease.

These Just Keep Swimming expanding phone grips only from JKS Designs is perfect for a cancer survivor or anyone who supports cancer awareness. Five color options but many more to come. Makes a great gift for you or someone you know who is a cancer survivor, currently fighting the disease, or in memory of a friend or loved one.

Breast Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Bladder/Bone Cancer

Breast Cancer



Thursday, November 8, 2018

My Very Own Dory: DCIS Day 6 Years Later 11.8.18

Six years ago today, I received the news that would change my life forever. Lots of thoughts go through my head this time of year, especially today and the days that follow: where I was then, where I am now, and all the days, weeks, and years in between. Rather than make some long, lengthy post, I decide to share a special "gift" I received back in August instead…a logo designed by a childhood friend  given to me after a post I made on Facebook (a post which mysteriously happened to appear in my feed today as I was typing this…things that make you go hmmmm….). To say I was touched is an understatement and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me and my very own Dory so what better message to share to today but that none of us are promised a tomorrow so what to do when given a choice? Live, laugh, be kind, love like crazy, and just keep swimming. 🐠❤️


Thursday, November 1, 2018

Uno Mas: Nike X Regionals

And so….another "uno mas" and another "last” is right around the corner…. experiencing Cross Country Town USA both as a parent and participant. Signed up today for the Nike X Community 5K which precedes the Nike X Regionals race where Rick and his team will be running their last XC race of the season (and Rick’s last XC race ever sniff sniff) on November 11. The race will always be a memorable one, not only because it was my first time ever running an XC course but last year’s race was also my first race running for my IRun4 buddy, Jacob. Now let’s just see how packet pick up goes this year. In 2016 they had me registered as a 15 year old boy named Jefferson from Illinois LOL and last year they didn’t have me in the system at all but thankfully took my word that I did indeed pre-register. Geez, It seemed like the race was so far away and now it’s in a mere 10 days. Sigh.

#theclockisntlistening#notreadyforthefatladytosing #IRun4Jacob#justkeepswimmingandrunning #nxr #nxn

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

JoyCimino.com Digital Marketing and More Customer Spotlight: HippieChick Noms

Thank you, HippieChick Noms, for the opportunity to design your logo and booth banner. What a fun client to work with and what AWESOME natural, whole food, plant-based granola. Yum! They also offer other homemade, healthy, and delicious food items and are available for catering as well. Check them out on Facebook. 

As many of you know I design and sell custom t-shirts and apparel and have a Facebook page JKS Designs (if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to and like my page...and of course sharing is always appreciated). Did you know I also have over 25 years in the graphic/print/web design and digital marketing business and offer a wide range of marketing services? I am available on a project-by-project basis and also on a part-time and/or contract basis on site or remotely should your company have marketing needs but you don't need a full-time staff member. Consulting services also available.

I'd love to help you with your next project no matter how big or small! Visit my new website, JoyCimino.com, to learn more about me and what services I offer. 

HippieChickNoms Logo and Banner Design from JoyCimino.com

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Every mile a memory: Rick's Last High School XC Meet 10.22.18

And THAT, my friends, is how you finish your senior high school cross country (XC) career. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I jumped up and down, I hugged.


I have to admit this has been a very bittersweet season. Awesome and amazing because Rick has done so well but sad because I know this will be our last time as XC parents and it has been such a FUN four years that went by WAY too quickly and I am really, really going to miss this.


Yesterday's XC meet, the Rotem Invitational, was Rick's last high school XC meet held on our school's home course at Garfield Park. Every other sport at Mentor High School has a senior recognition night where seniors and parents are recognized on the field and but our last meet has always been elsewhere so there was never one for the XC runners. Since Rick's coach decided to hold the last race of the season at "home," the parent's club thought it would be nice to have a senior night with a pot luck afterward. Oh gosh, if I didn't need even MORE reason to get teary-eyed. LOL.

So how do you finish you ask? With a lifetime PR of 17:17 and winning your last XC race on your home course…not just winning on your team but winning the whole dang race and placing 1/113 runners and leading your team on to a first place victory! There couldn’t have been a more fantastic finish if we planned it.

There are no words to express how absolutely incredible it was when my Rick-star appeared out of the woods leading the pack the last 2.5 miles of the race to the finish. My kid…the one who joined the team because we really didn’t give him a choice four years ago found something in himself and became a true running rock star. Of course, he could have been dead last and I would have still been just as proud but dang…I will never forget these moments watching him shine for as long as I live. Thank you Aunt Nadine and Grandma Carolyn for being there to cheer him on for this most fantastic finish.

#thanksforthememories #lusciouslocks #everymileamemory #belegendary #proudxcmom #proudmamabear #onceacard

Rick before his first race, time trials freshman year, and after his last race, Rotem. You've come a long way, buddy! 

Rick's award (shirt), bib, jersey, and since it was also Senior Recognition Night, I received a flower.


For all the pictures and videos taken, visit the team photo album here.

Click below to see the videos of:
Rick run at that beginning of the race
The first pass
The second pass
The third pass where he came out of the woods leading the pack with no one behind (mentioned above)
And the finish of all finishes!

On a side note, if you watch as he runs past me, there is an orb. I'd like to think that was my dad, Papa D, letting us know he was there too. He was always at all of the grand children's sporting events and sadly he never got to see Rick run...this is the not the first time I've seen an orb and it always makes me smile when I see one.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

IRun4Jacob: How one boy and his family changed my races...and my life

Have you ever wondered why I sharpie IRun4 Jacob or wear a make-shift sign on by back when I do a race? It's because of this guy. I'd like to introduce you to my buddy, Jacob (left) and his twin brother, Joe. August 31 was a big day for them...that is the day they turned 5! 

What is IRun4 you ask? It's a non-profit organization where athletes of all levels and kinds – runners, walkers, yogis, triathletes, etc. – are paired with children and adults with physical, mental, and developmental special-needs. I first learned about the program in 2016 from one of my Ragnar teammates and she mentioned she sent all of her race medals to her buddy. I thought how cool, I could send my buddy all the race shirts I never wear to someone who would. After waiting for over a year and half to be matched up, I received the news last November right before the Nike Cross Regionals race that I finally had a buddy from Arkansas and that day my life was forever changed. Nike was my first race as his buddy and he has been "with" me ever since. He and his twin brother, Joe, were born at 29 weeks old. While Joe is in perfect health now, Jacob has a host of medial issues. He has an immune system disorder called hypogammaglobulinemia and then low to no antibody response to vaccines, which are two very rare diseases in pediatrics. He also has chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy. Every day is a challenge, especially during cold and flu season because so many people are sick making it difficult for them to even leave the house. His mom, Rebecca, and I have become dear friends and even though we've never met in person, we talk daily and have become the best of friends. 

Jacob has become more than just someone I run for, he and his family are now my family too. So today I would like to wish a very happy birthday to a boy (and his brother) who inspires me every single day. Jacob, you and your family are blessings in my life and I thank God every day for you. Happy 5th birthday's boys and God's blessings for many, many more. xoxoxo


Happy 5th birthday, boys. Love and hugs from the North Coast! 

Sweet Jacob wearing my shirt from the Nike Cross Regionals race.

Nike Cross Regionals with Rick's XC team...my first of many races as Jacob's buddy.
Sharpie credit: Paul Cimino.  He has gotten so good with the sharpie he can have it done in less than a minute.

My makeshift sign when the weather is too cold and I can't be sharpied.

The Run for Someone is a different program but
I got a medal to send to Jacob because I run for him.

Lots of race shirts for Jacob. These are just a few of many.
When my son Rick does a race too, he gets a shirt to give to Joe.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Officer Mazany Blue Ribbon 5K 9.23.18: Here's to You West Geauga Class of '88

Hmmmm, perhaps partying all weekend with people you grew up with IS the key to a great race after all. The inaugural Officer Mathew Mazany Blue Ribbon 5K benefited the family of Office Mazany, a Mentor police officer who was killed by a hit-skip driver on Route 2 during a traffic stop this summer. I wanted to do it because it was for a good cause and the race was right up the street from where I live but hesitated signing up because of my class reunion. Even this morning I considered bailing…after all, I supported the race with my entry fee so did I REALLY need to go? Well I’m glad I did. It must have been the "power of 88" because not only did I NOT hurl at all, but I managed to pull of an AG award. But not only that, ran my fastest 5K of the year AND was only 30 seconds from a lifetime PR. What the???!! Here I was just hoping to not throw up! LOL But get this….what song from my playlist came on during my last mile shortly before the finish but Kick Start My Heart from Motley Crue…. Coincidence? I think not. Perhaps a certain "DJ" was playing "DJ". I smiled, thought to myself "this one's for you, Class of 88" and seemingly out of no where, found there was a little left in the tank for a decent finish so I picked up the pace. When I rounded the corner to the finish and saw the clock just changed to 24:00, I couldn't believe it and out of no where once again, had a little more left to kick it up one more notch. LOL So thank you, class of 88 for an absolutely incredible weekend and getting me to that finish line this morning.

What's more important than my victory though is the reason behind the race; a community coming together and showing support for a fallen hometown hero. That means more than any award or finish line result. Together we raised over $6000 for his family and before the awards, they called Officer Mazany's brother and put him over the loud speaker to address the crowd. You could hear in his voice how touched he was and after losing my own brother in a tragic way, I know how it feels to have the support of complete strangers so I am glad I was there to be a part of it.

Stats
24:20
2/31 AG
12/139 Females
33/243 OA

Splits
7:51, 8:16, 8:04

I even had Paul Sharpie "88 is Great" next to my
IRun4Jacob "tattoo" for good luck.

Of course wearing on of my very own custom-designed  JKS Designs tank tops! 

Race awards and another shirt to send to Jacob! Yay!




Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Patriot Day 9.11.18

17 years later...

And as I was getting ready for my morning run this morning, I found myself doing the same. The words I wrote on Facebook four years ago still hold true every Patriots Day and every day.

Never forget.

+++

When I went on my morning run today, I started to reflect on what I was doing that fateful morning 13 years ago. For whatever reason, my mind drifted to not what I was doing, but to what those who lost their lives that day were doing… I’m sure there were several that were out for their morning runs contemplating the plans for the day just like I often do. I thought about how they had no idea what was going to happen that day, just like the rest of us, and how a seeming innocent morning would change our world forever. I thought about how they must have felt if they were one of those in the towers, in the Pentagon, or on one of the planes. I thought about how their loved ones must have felt, watching in horror as the events were unfolding, or how it must have felt knowing they were hearing their loved ones voice for the last time. I realized that after 13 years, the sadness I felt on that day really hasn’t changed. 

I still get chills when I hear GWB’s bullhorn moment as he stood in the rubble of the Twin Towers…"I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon" and the crowd’s prolonged chants of "USA! USA!" I am thankful we had a president at the time who wasn’t afraid take a stand and go after those who caused us harm. I’m not so confident the current powers that be would make that same decision. I hope we never have to find out.

Many people “say” they’ll never forget, but do they truly live by those words? I can honestly say I haven’t forgotten. Because of my involvement in the Young Marines program and our yearly trips to DC for Veterans Appreciation week, I’ve been fortunate to watch the Shanksville memorial go from a small shack with a flag way off in the distance marking the spot where the people aboard Flight 93 met their deaths to the beautifully designed monument it is now. I've also been there as our Young Marines were one of the first youth organizations to lay a wreath at the Pentagon Memorial and as we toured the Pentagon twice and walked the same hallways that were destroyed by the airplane. No matter how many times I’ve been to either memorial, I can’t help but think about the events that day and think about the lives that were lost. There really are no words to describe those emotions and those experiences are ones I think about often. And watching videos of that day brings about the same sadness today as it did 13 years ago.

God bless those who lost their lives that day, their families and friends who miss them terribly, and God bless the men and women of the armed forces, the police, EMTs, and firefighters who willingly do what they do to keep us safe.

God bless America. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸


At a risk of sounding patriotic, we need to make sure the infamy of this day never slips from our minds. So raise a glass: to those who died that day, innocent of wrong to those who have died, avenging their deaths and to those who will die, making sure it never happens again.
 

#neverforget #neverforget911 #911 #unitedwestand #onenationundergod #shanksville #twintowers #pentagon #flight93 #weremember911 #godblessamerica #911memorial #trueamericanheroes #patriot day

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

It all started with a Kris...My 4 year race-a-versary report for the Race for the Place 5K in honor of 5 special people

The Gathering Place is a local organization that offers free services to cancer patients and their families and the Race for the Place 5K/1 Mile Walk (RftP) is their fundraiser for the year. It is held annually on National Cancer Survivors Day, the first Sunday in June, at a local, up-scale mall about a half hour from my house. I affectionately call it my race-aversary because it was the race that started it all for me four years ago. The first year after my cancer diagnosis, we did the 1 mile walk with my husband's company's team and when my friend, Kris, was called home after her battle with breast cancer the following January, I vowed to run the 5K in her memory. I wasn't an athlete growing up and had really never run before but that March, I laced up and got moving. My only intention was to run the race, however, and call it a day but I fell in love with racing and here I am, four years later.


Glass half full
The hamstring issue that started right before the race last year reared it's ugly head again late last year and in January, it got worse to the point I started PT and I wasn't getting any better. I had to completely stop running altogether for a bit in February and when I got frustrated that PT wasn't making me any better after almost two months, I decided to give a highly regarded sports chiropractor a try and found out the issue wasn't my hamstring at all but rather something going on in my spine (long story, won't bore you with the details) causing the issues in my hamstring and I slowly worked my way back to running. In 2016 I decided to make the RftP my goal race for the year and last year my goal was to rub sub 24:00 which didn't happen because the hamstring issue had just started so I know with the lack of running this year, there was no sense trying to beat my time from last year so accepting the situation as it was, I decided to take the glass half full approach and just be happy I was able to run at any capacity.

The five
I always like to dedicated this race to someone since that's how this all started to begin with but I wasn't sure who. In April, in a span of about 30 days, I learned two women I went to high school with and a friend's sister were diagnosed with breast cancer, a friend of my husband's was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, and a sole sister's brother's battle with brain cancer sadly came to and end so I became clear….I would run this years race in honor of them. These are all young people we are talking with a range of lifestyles. Unfortunately cancer does not discriminate and while there is no way to prevent it, we sure as heck can stand up to it and let it know we're not going to give up hope. As you know, I always design a race shirt to wear so this year I decided I would make a Just Keep Swimming…and Running tank top since that's my team name and chose the color purple because it's the color of hope.
My race get up for this year complete with unstoppable hope running socks
Complete with "unstoppable hope" running socks

So many headbands to choose from
I couldn't decide which headband I wanted to wear.

I thought it was pretty cool the color I picked for my shirt is the same one The Gathering Place picked for this year's official shirt which I didn't know until I went to packed pick up to get my team's bibs and shirts.



I had my outfit all laid out the day before like I usually do. I didn't sleep much Saturday night and woke up pretty early Sunday morning but surprisingly, I felt pretty good. I told my team I'd be at the race by 8 a.m. and thanks to my DH, Paul, helping me make sure I had everything, we were out the door just a little past 7:30 a.m.

The team
This year my team had some of the usual suspects (I even got Paul, to run) but I was also joined by a few new faces. I had donated a race entry to a monthly challenge group called Good Running I belong to so I was joined by the winner, a woman I've gotten to be friends with from the running club, and on our way to the race, the VP of the running club messaged me and said she and her daughter were doing the race and wanted to know my team name so they could sign up under my team. Sweet! Also on the way to the race, we ended up behind a local running legend/superstar, an 83 year old woman who started running in her 40s and even was a professional body builder in her 50's. She can be seen at just about every race every weekend. I had the pleasure of being on relay team with her at the Northern Ohio Marathon last fall. When we parked, we briefly talked and she was in a bit of a hurry so we parted ways. She hadn't been seeing my Facebook posts about the race and didn't know I even had a team so later on when we saw her again, we made her an "honorary" member and she hung out with us and be in the team picture afterwards.

Unofficial Just Keep Swimming...and Running team photo
Unofficial 2018 Just Keep Swimming...and Running team photo.
Hopefully the  official one won't be missing half of our teammate. 

Go time
Eventually we all met up in our designated spot. I went for a short warm up and I felt good. Nothing hurt! It's a good thing because I had gone for a run on Thursday and while I didn't hurt, it was a horrible run and I felt so behind the 8 ball in my training because just running 3 miles was a serious effort. But my warm up felt good and I had decided I was foregoing any race goals this year and was just going to run because of what the race meant to me so I was in a good place mentally. I passed another person warming up and we commented on how perfect the weather was..sunny, mid 60s, cool. Ha, little did we know that would change come race time.

The survivor's ceremony started at 8:45 so we listened to it for a little bit and then headed over to the starting line because I know what a cluster it can be. Surprisingly this year, we weren't totally packed in like sardines as is past years and those of us wanting to "run" the race lined up just far back enough to let the people "racing" have their space. The gun went off and so did we.

The course
I am not going to go into the details of the course because it's been the same course every single year so you can read more about it in my 2017 race report or other previous years posts if you are so inclined. Luckily my hamstring didn’t bark, not even a yip PTL but the race was hot, mentally challenging and tough, my lungs hurt, and there were times I wanted to stop and walk….I had to keep  telling myself I could slow down but walking was not an option, to fight through the suck because the people I was running in honor of were fighting something far worse than a tough race in the hot sun. In my many moments of self-doubt, I would look down at my inspirations (purposely turning my watch around before the race so I couldn’t see my time) and thinking about them kept me moving. The mental game was horrible. I was trying to focus on the songs that were purposely selected for this race but that wasn’t really working. There were several times I'd "kiss" my inspirations (literally putting my lips to my arm) for a "power up" because I was miserable. There were a few times during one song I'd reach up to the sky as I ran. I'm weird, I know, but that's how I roll. And did I mention it was hot to boot? There wasn't much shade during the race so the sun was beating down. 

My 5 inspirations
My five inspirations 

The finish
Going into the race I was hoping for MAYBE a time in the 26s because that’s where my 5Ks have been this year but the way I was feeling as the race went on, I figured that wasn’t going to happen. Imagine my surprise when I got to the final stretch and could hear the announcer calling times in the 24s! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have much for a final kick so I kept my pace, heard my niece-in-law and older sister cheer me on,  and crossed the finish in 25:02. After I crossed the finish line, I was really struggling to catch my breath and almost went into panic mode that something was wrong. But as I kept walking and drinking my water, I felt better. I went over to watch the rest of my team finish and afterwards we stood around and chatted for a bit.

Awards weren't supposed to be until 10:30 (they are usually at 10) so I had our team picture scheduled for 10:15. Since we were all together, we were able to get our picture early which is a good thing because they ended up starting the awards at 10 anyway. This race doesn't have live results like my other ones do so we always stay for the awards because my brother-in-law usually wins an AG place and I won an OA Female survivor award in 2016. A few teammates knew they weren't winning anything so they said their goodbyes, I thanked them for being on my team, and they went home.

My brother-in-law won 2nd in his AG and our local running legend, whom we made an honorary team member, won 1st. They quit doing Top 3 Survivors Male and Female Divisions last year for some reason and once again, had they offered the award, I would have placed.

After the race, we went to the local Fox and Hound restaurant for lunch which has kind of become our "go to" after this race. Good thing because I was STARVING! I don't eat before a race and all they had were granola bars this year post-race. =(

Final thoughts
The other 5Ks I've done this year felt "good." Sure, they weren't a walk in the park but I thoroughly enjoyed them and it was after this race when I figured out why this one hurt (no let's be honest, it sucked) like it did…that's because I was pushing myself and didn't realize it…racing a 5K isn't supposed to feel "good" so it wasn’t that I had lost my fitness, it's because I was actually "racing." I needed a "pick me up" to get out of the slump I have been in and this race did just that!.

My time might have not earned me any AG awards however I was victorious so many other ways. I managed to move up the ranks in my AG to the #5 spot, I was 5th OA cancer survivor, and I was 175th out of 1469 people. HUGE HUGE victories to me. Not to mention I was able to run pain free and as I write this post race, still have no hamstring issues.

I realized when I got home that’s only 19 seconds shy of my RftP course PR of 24:43 which was set in 2016 and only 3 seconds off from my time in 2017 of 24:46. I never guessed in a million years I would even be CLOSE to that. I guess the lack of training this year didn’t put as big of a dent as I thought it would.

Coincidentally, I am a 5 year survivor, this was my 5th time participating in the RftP event and I had 5 people who were my inspirations for this year’s race. Hmmmm..lots of 5s going on there and you know how I am about numbers and their meanings. ;-)

Thank you to everyone who supported a race that means so much to me, whether you were on my team, made a donation, or cheered me on from afar. But the biggest thanks, other than to God of course for giving me another day, goes to the ones who inspired me and got me to the finish line in a race I wasn’t sure I’m make to. You gave me hope when I thought it was lost and crossing that line and running in your honor is my biggest victory and better than any award I could ever win. Just keep swimming!

**Edited to add**
Many people think that because this is fundraising race that it is more of a community-type event  with people just there for the event. While it is such a race, it's also where some serious contenders come out as well. This year was no different as you can see by this year's results here. The top ladies in my AG always run times in the low 20s. The top runner in my AG this year ran 19:59 giving her 3 OA female.  The record for my AG females is 19:37!!! This year to top 3 ladies ran in the 23's and on a good day I don't think I could run this race that pace (my lifetime PR is 23:47 and that was a struggle). The record for Rick's AG is 14:55!! Yeah, some serious contenders for sure!

Stats
Time: 25:02
174/1469 OA
4/105 AG **Updated** on 6/5 the result changed and now I'm #4 not #5 as originally posted because #1 in my AG won 3 OA female so the online results were updated this afternoon to reflect that)
5/135 OA Survivor
3 OA Female survivor

Splits (coincidentally, looking over my past race reports, my 2nd mile is split is always significantly slower than the others).
2018 7:59, 8:45, 8:17
2017 8:07, 8:43, 7:59
2016 7:58, 8:42, 8:04 

Wonder if it’s because it’s the hilliest part of the race or????

The Gathering Place will accept donations through the end of June for the RftP so if you are interested in supporting me, click on this link. As always, thank you.

If you would like to see all my pictures from this race (there are too many to post here), check out my Just Keep Swimming Facebook page.

#NCSD2018 #NationalCancerSurvivorsDay #celebratelife #racefortheplace #justkeepswimmingandrunning #nevergiveuphope

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Flat Joy ready to go: Race for the Place 2018 eve

"Flat Joy" all ready (I think LOL) for tomorrow's Race for the Place, 5k & 1 Mile Walk/Run supporting The Gathering Place complete with my "unstoppable hope" running socks. Now I just need to decide what headband to wear. LOL As it turns out, TGP chose purple for their shirt this year and a few months ago, not knowing this, I chose purple for mine because purple is the color of hope. Hmmm...and LAST year I chose blue because it was Elijah's favorite color, it also happens to be the color of Dory, AND it also happened to be the color TGP chose for their shirts, too. Double hmmm....could this mean good race ju-ju? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Donations will be accepted through the end of June. Visit my personal race page here for more information.

#justkeepswimmiingandrunning #nevergiveuphope #touchedbycancer #racefortheplace #thegatheringplace #facingcancerembracinglife

Complete with "unstoppable hope" socks

Which bandana to wear?? Decisions decisions....

Love that TGP used purple for their shirts this year, too!

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Who's one year old? This guy!

My adorable grandson celebrated his first birthday with a trip to the zoo and a birthday party over the weekend. His party was dinosaur themed and they used my son's dinosaurs I saved all these years from when he was little as decorations. Sometimes it pays to be a "saver." LOL. It was such a cute idea!

My daughter-in-law wanted a "one-a-saurus Rex" shirt for him to wear on his special day so his nona (me) was happy oblige. With my storefront Just Keep Swimming/JKS Designs on Customized Girl, I was able to put my design on the exact style and color she wanted.

Isn't he just adorable? Definitely the cutest one-a-saurus Rex I've ever seen.

Need a special design for your "one-a-saurus" Rex or other special event? I would love to help! Message me for more information.

#happybirthday #oneasaurusrex #jksdesigns

Don't forget to check out more designs available at JKS Designs on Amazon and Just Keep Swimming/JKS Designs on Customized Girl

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Upcoming Facebook and Instagram Changes...What's a Poor Girl to Do?

Did you know that Facebook continues to make it more and more difficult for small businesses to be seen on their platform and Instagram? Even when you like a page and/or follow any other business page like my JKS Designs, posts only reach about 1-3% of you. Sadly, more than half of the followers I have on Facebook will probably never see the post I wrote about this subject today because of the way Facebook decides what gets seen and what does not (AKA algorithm). What was once a great way for the "little guy" and start ups to advertise here (and sister site Instagram) is no more and it only gets worse. Facebook is ready to roll out dual news feed where posts from friends and paid advertisers will show up in your regular feed and businesses like mine and any Facebook groups you are a member of will be buried in an "Explore" feed you will have to check and check often if you want to see updates, that is if you can even find them! This means even posts on my Just Keep Swimming and Running Facebook page will be hard and harder to find. Sigh…..

So what's a girl like to me to do to "just keep swimming" and continue to grow JKS Designs? Kindly ask friends to sign up for my mailing list here. That's what the experts are suggesting to help small business stay afloat in the ever-changing social media world we live in. Don't worry, I hate spam just as much as you so I promise not to bombard your inbox with crap, I just don't want you to miss out when I have new designs or other news to share when things slip through the Facebook cracks. When you do sign up, please be sure to add me to your contacts so I don't end up in your spam folder.

As always, thank you so much for support…and just keep swimming.

Do you have a business page or a group/fan/interest page on Facebook and/or Instagram and you are finding it's getting hard and harder to reach your followers? I'd love to hear how you are dealing with this and what are some of the things are you doing to still stay in the game.

Friday, April 27, 2018

The Race for the Place 5K...This Year's Race is More Personal Than Ever

Purple: The color of hope

The Race for the Place 5K, my race-a-versary and where I fell in love with running four years ago, is in 37 days. It's a race that is very near and dear to my heart for many reasons and I am proud to support The Gathering Place with my team, Just Keep Swimming…and Running. In the past 30 days, I have learned cancer has struck two women I went to high school with, a friend of Paul's, a sister of a woman I'm friends with, and the horrible claimed disease claimed the life of another friend's brother just last week. That's five people in 30 days! Unfortunately cancer does not discriminate and while there is no way to prevent it, we sure as heck can stand up to it and let it know we're not going to give up hope. The race in 37 days is now more personal than ever!

Every year I like to dedicate my goal race to someone. With so many people I know whose lives have been touched in some way because of cancer not just in the past 30 days but even in the past year since last year's race, it's impossible to pick just one so this year I decided to dedicate the race to all of them. As you know, I also like to have a special shirt on race day to wear for inspiration so this year I decided I'd go with my shirt design from last year and chose the color purple….the color of hope…something we should never give up on.


I would love if you'd join my team Just Keep Swimming…and Running! Not a runner? No problem, you can walk the 5K or sign up for the 1 mile walk. Visit my race page and click on my team name to join. While this is a fundraising race and it's certainly appreciated if you do, you are not required to raise money to participate like other cancer-related races so don't let that scare you away. ;-)

If you aren't able to participate in the race in person and would like to help me reach my first goal of $500, you can do so by using the "Donate" button.

My fundraising and team page can be found at:

http://bit.ly/justkeepswimmingandrunning

I hope you will join me in supporting an organization and race that is near and dear to my heart.

#racefortheplace #justkeepswimmingandrunning #nevergiveuphope

Design Services Available

Do you have an upcoming race or other event and you'd like a custom-designed shirt made for it? Perhaps you need several different shirts with the same design but different styles? I'd love to help! Contact me via my Facebook page, JKS Designs for more information.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Donation for a Good Cause: This Town is My Town Cleveland Gift Basket

I have been an adult volunteer for a youth organization called the Greater Lake County Young Marines for about 13 years. I started with the group shortly after my oldest son joined and my husband, a USMC veteran, decided to volunteer as a staff member. My son has long since left the unit and my husband stepped down from his role as XO a few years ago, and I stepped down as unit paymaster when my husband left the unit but I'm still involved as support staff and I also maintain the unit's website, unit communications, and social media presence. 

Every year our unit has a spaghetti dinner fundraiser which is coming up this weekend so I decided to donate a "This Town is My Town Cleveland" basket for the Chinese Auction on behalf of JKS Designs. I was excited when a few of my shirts arrived yesterday and I can't wait to put the rest of the basket together. I will post pictures with the "finished product" once it's complete. What do you think? I would love to hear your comments!

Visit JKS Designs on Amazon to see these and more unique designs and follow us on Facebook to receive our updates.  

#jksdesigns #glcyoungmarines #thistownismytown #bestlocationinthenation #cle #cleveland

Monday, April 9, 2018

Cardinal Pump and Chase 5K 4.8.18


The Cardinal Pump and Chase 5K benefits the Mentor High School track team which my son, Rick, is a member or. The race begins and ends on the high school track and following the local bike/exercise path. Runners get a chance to get time taken off their race time by bench pressing weights. I ran the race for the first time last year and went back and forth whether to run it again but it's one of the very few races Rick and I can do together so I decided to give a go. I am not very strong so I don't get a WHOLE lot of time off but at least I get something. I am not sure why but this race sucked the life out of me. I usually don’t have any problems after a race but I honestly did nothing but lay around all day afterward.

This was the first time running on where it wasn't completely flat in several months so I wasn't sure what to expect. My hamstring wasn’t happy with the “rolling hills”, it was freezing cold and snowing the morning of the race, I ran into the wind for about half the race, and my upper strength has not improved in a year so five minutes was all I could get for a time credit (max was 10 so I am not complaining). Two minutes slower this year but also two minutes faster than my time for a race on the same course in July. 26:44 actual run time but 21:44 with the time credit. I never looked at my watch even once and thought for sure I was practically walking by the end but my splits weren’t too shabby.

As I have mentioned, I decided earlier this year that 2018 would probably not be the year for PRs but focusing on just being happy God is still allowing me to run and this morning before I left for the race, I texted my friend whose brother is battling brain cancer and told her today’s race was for her and her brother so much unexpected second place in my AG was a super surprise and I dedicated it to them. Rick got second in his AG as well so that was cool. Very few of the XC boys can bench press enough to qualify for any time off so the majority of them do not. Nothing like getting passed by every single one of them even when you have a five minute head start. Lol.

Fun race despite the cold. Not running outside and being used to the cold air in my lungs was definitely part of my lackluster performance but the whole vibe was awesome and there is just something about being in a race where your son and the kids you cheer on during XC and track are doing the same for you whether they are working the course, passing you up, or as you enter the stadium for the finish and they are all there “waiting” for you.

Stats
26:44 (21:44 with five minute time credit)
42/130 OA
13/48 females
3/12 AG 40-49 awarded 2nd


Saturday, April 7, 2018

The Best Location in the Nation ... New Design from JKS Designs Now Available!


So exciting that shortly after announcing JKS Designs a few days ago, four shirts were sold. Thank you so much for the support!!

Next up, "The Best Location in the Nation" t-shirt which incorporates another stylized version of Paul Cimino Photography / Skyland Media's cityscape taken from Edgewater Park with the popular saying known to anyone who grew up on the North Coast. Sizes available in men's, women's, and youth. Be sure to check out the other designs at bit.ly/jksdesigns. All items are Amazon Prime eligible.

As always, the original print is available for purchase as well through Skyline Media. Contact Paul for more information.

Comment below if you know what company was the first to refer to Cleveland as the "The Best Location in Nation" here on the North Coast.
 
#cleveland #justkeepswimming #jksdesigns

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

JKS Designs Now on Amazon!


I am very excited to announce that JKS (Just Keep Swimming) Designs is now "open" for business on Amazon. Currently I am limited to a handful of designs and shirt styles but as my brand grows in popularity, so will my offerings. =)

First up is my "This Town" t-shirt that incorporates a stylized version of Paul Cimino Photography / Skyland Media's cityscape (used with permission, of course) with the tag line "This town is my town," a familiar phrase to anyone who grew up on the North Coast. T-shirt colors coordinate with Cleveland sport teams so you can wear this unique design while you cheer on your favorite team or just want to show off your pride of being a Clevelander. Sizes available in men's, women's, and youth sizes. It's also Amazon Prime eligible.

Get one for yourself or the favorite Clevelander in your life today.



Monday, March 12, 2018

March: My Four Year Run-A-Versary and Registration Begins for the Race That Started it All....the Race for the Place 5K

The month of March is my "run-a-versary" where four years ago I started to run after I decided to run a 5K in memory of my friend and sister-in-pink, Kris. How excited it was to learn over this past weekend that registration is now open for the very same race, the Race for the Place 5K. It supports The Gathering Place, a local organization that offers FREE services to those affected by the horrible disease: cancer and is held the first Sunday in June, National Cancer Survivors Day. Fully expecting to run that race and quit after that, it was after that race four years ago where my love/addiction began.

Since the Race for the Place is my "race-a-versary" and running has always been more than just lacing up to me, every year I run it in honor/memory of someone for inspiration. This helps me train harder leading up to the race and also pushes me to do my absolute best on race day. I also decided in 2016 to make it my goal race each year. As you know, I’m dealing with a mysterious hamstring issue and it has kept me from running and training the way I would like to so for this year's race, I will forego a time goal and take the glass half full approach…just be thankful that God is still allowing me to run at all and more importantly, has given me another year of being cancer free. But even much more important than that, I have decided to dedicate this year's race to all of those who have or who are battling something WAY WAY worse than a cranky hamstring…cancer...and will run in honor of the warriors, the survivors, and in memory of the taken. My fundraising goal for this year is $2,018.

Join my team: Just Keep Swimming…and Running! Not a runner? No problem, you can walk the 5K or sign up for the 1 mile walk. Visit my race page and click on my team name to join. If you aren't able to participate in the race in person and would like to make a donation to support our efforts, you can do so by using the "Donate" button.

I hope you will join me in supporting an organization and race that is near and dear to my heart. #racefortheplace #justkeepswimmingandrunning

Link to my race page.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Home Free: 22 years later

"Wish I had me a pause button
Moments like those Lord knows I'd hit it
Yeah sometimes this old life will leave you wishing
That you had five more minutes"


Twenty-two years ago on a cold winter night at 10:59 pm, heaven gained an angel. My brother, Rick, would finally see the stars when he closed his eyes on Earth and opened them in heaven after a senseless act of selfish rage ended his life and changed ours forever. Since 1996, the 19th has only fallen on a Friday again twice, in 2002 and 2007. Today makes number four. Rick's angel anniversary is always a difficult one because memories of that day and the days that followed are etched in my brain forever, but when it falls on a Friday, I relive in my mind the last weekend I saw him alive. He came home the weekend before he was killed to tell us he was leaving Columbus and was going to come home to Chesterland, something we had been praying for for a long time. I am so thankful God gave us that last weekend together and I can so vividly remember so many happy things about it and getting to spend time with Rick. Of course, I didn't know that weekend would be our last or that I would be living the rest of my life without my little brother in it but I am so thankful for that weekend and thankful I had one last hug, one last I love you, one last goodbye. Gosh, what I wouldn't give for just five more minutes!

The forecast for today is sunshine and blue skies I'd like to think a certain someone had something to do with that. Not only that, but I think a certain someone knew I needed a reason to smile today. As turns out, my daughter-in-law needs a babysitter today and I given my current job situation, I just happen to available. What better way to remember an "angel" than by spending it with another angel, my grandson, who makes my heart so very happy. Coincidence? I'd like to think divine intervention.
😉😇

There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my brother and wish he was here but I am thankful for God's promise that this life is not the end and I will get to feel one of his amazing hugs and see his contagious smile once again. Love you always, Slick. Until we meet again….

PS Give Papa D and my two grand babies a hug and kiss for me.





Every year, without fail, I receive a card from POMC, a support group we were active with after Rick was killed. Gone, but never forgotten, even by people who never knew him.