I Need Africa More than Africa Needs Me

This video says so well what I have had a hard time putting into words since my return from Ghana.  Please watch and you will understand a little more about just how powerful my whole experience was there.  Out of so much that is not present in their lives there is so much joy, hope, hospitality and generosity of spirit.  I need, the whole world needs, a lot more of what they have in their hearts. 

I'm back in the states!

Thurday morning, at home typing and sharing from my very own desk in my very own office.  The trip home was eventful, including getting stranded overnight in New York City due to a canceled flight, and when I got home, finally on Wed., my luggage did not arrive with me.  The canceled flight was really a blessing because it allowed me to spend the night with my sister Lauren who lives right in Manhattan, and we had a chance to talk, catch up, etc. and she made me a huge breakfast on Wed. morning!  Funny how life works out--- we both are pretty certain our dad made sure my flight got canceled ;>))

It was so exciting to see Richard, Nigel and Carson last evening--- I haven't seen Nigel smile like that in quite a while!  We spent the evening opening souvoniers, trading stories of the time we spent apart, and also looking forward to what's next--- practice, parent's night, soccer and football games this weekend, etc.  Reality just won't wait!!!

It was amazing trying to summarize the whole trip into small stories and tales, hoping to give as full an account of what I saw and experienced in Ghana--- and everything I shared, brought up something else to share, so it went on and on, until homework was done, and I was falling asleep on the dining room table.  If I were to share highlights, I think they would include:
- Seeing a country full of people making their way and a life out of so little, yet people who are happy, hospitable, and very hopeful for the future.
- A people very tied in to technology to stay connected with each other and those around them.  I was amazed at how FB is just everywhere and on everything technology related.
- A feeling of connection with my own spirit and spirituality that I've never experienced before.  As I told Richard, up to now my spirituality has been very much outside of me and experienced in my church life, my prayer life, through service to others, etc.  This was a very new and certain feeling of my own internal voice and spirit from inside of me that has not been a part of my experience thus far. 
- A new knowledge and understanding of the saddest part of the African story, through visits to the  Cape Coast and Elmina Slave Castles that allow one to experience and see into that past in a way that is not possible anywhere else, except in the places where those atrocities took place.  Those places moved me deeply inside with a sense of sorrow and anguish that really is impossible to describe adequately. One needs to see, touch, smell and experience what those places were/are like to completely connect with the history and legacy of our ancestors.  
- I now have such a desire to tell African Americans how much we still look like our African kin back home on the continent.
- A new desire to learn about my own family lineage and ancestral story and how that connects to Africa, whether it's in Ghana or some other areas or countries.  There may very well be a book in the making; more on that, perhaps, another time.
- A very strong and renewed desire to assist my friend and business partner Nana Gyepi to pursue his vision and dream for the people of Ghana as well as Africans throughout the world to build the "Tower of Return" and bring new life and opportunities to the entire Ghanian country. 

There is so much more to tell, and I think it reasonable for me to continue to think and reflect on my experiences until I have a clearer sense of where I go next with my experiences and new found knowledge, and what "next" really looks like.  The exciting part of the trip seems to be over, and I am grateful to have had the experiences and opportunities that I have had.  I am truly blessed, and have really enjoyed sharing my journey with you and so many others.  I hope to continue writing, and will keep sharing this journey, which may eventually make it's way into a book, "My Journey Home: 400 years in the Making." That is just a beginning thought, and I am open to the process which I know will be necessary to transform this story into a more public offering.  Hopefully some of my "writer" friends might be open to helping me begin that new part of this journey. ;>))

STAY TUNED . . . . and thanks so much for letting me share this with you!!!

Nature can be unkind!

It was a great morning.  Cab and Nana picked me up around 4am, and we were on our way.  Met up with Nana's daughter Crystal as well, who was my "stuff keeper" while I ran.  The marathon started an hour late, while we waited for buses of people from several hotels.  Met some great people from here in Ghana, as well as 3 Australians, a guy and his wife from Germany, and a really amazing American who ran his 337th marathon today, in his 105th country!!!  So, we were off, and just as I started running, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.  Wow, what a testament to the fact that I was in the right place at the right time!  The weather was great, cool breeze and certainly pleasant compared to some of the mornings I've run in Richmond.  So, I was last as I predicted, but I was okay with that, really! 

Started off with a good supply of water, and I was feeling great.  Talking to myself a lot to push my way through the negative messages that come, like "you know you're too tired to go on", or "you have no business out here, just stop now and preserve your pride."  Got through some of that, when low and behold, stomach problems at mile 8, the kind that are impossible to run through, unless you want to leave a real mess behind you (sorry to be so graphic).  Well, I kept on as long as I could; the police were very worried about how far behind the rest of the racers I was;  they even went and bought me a bottle of water when the support from the marathon had moved on to the fresher runners who probably needed the relief badly.  So, at mile 12.5 or so, I gave in and hopped into the marathon van, figuring things would get much worse on the road than I was capable of handling. 

By the time the van arrived back at the marathon finish, some of the runners were beginning to come in for their finish.  It was great to see them fulfilling their goal, and lots of the 1/2 marathon runners were arriving in also.  I, needless to say, was very disappointed!!!  Made me remember all the people who warned me that an international marathon would probably not be like ones in the states--- how right they were.  I'm really glad I ran, though, and I'm proud of the money I raised, and the consciousness that I spread about the health and life expectancy of those living in Ghana. 

I'm in my room now recovering from the 12 miles, and the stomach issues (can't go too far); then hope to get in the pool a little later.  Total rest day today, I feel like I've earned it!!!  Tomorrow, we'll run around looking for souvenirs and gifts to bring home, and then flying out early on Tues.  I get back in Richmond late Tues., so will hope to be in touch with lots of you later on in the week to show pictures, tell stories, and give the best accounts that I can of this amazing journey and adventure that I had here in Ghana.  So much more than I ever bargained for, and now that it's almost come to a close, I'm feeling sad that it has to come to an end.  Joyfully, my work with Nana has been renewed and he and I hope to move forward with some projects that will make life here in Ghana so much better for all. 

Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement, prayers, energy, cards, time, hospitality--- I could go on and on.  It has meant so much to me as I moved through all that has happened since I started this adventure.  I am enriched, renewed and invigorated and I look forward to seeing you all soon.  Much, much love, Cheryl

One day to go!

Well, it's Saturday, one day to M-day (marathon day)!  We left Cape Coast on Thursday after a morning of running around, visiting with a few people, packing up and coming to Accra.  Nana's brother came to visit so I had a nice chance to meet another of his family members, and his two nieces were just adorable.  Once in Accra, I began to appreciate the many contrasts between this large densely populated city and the much smaller town of Cape Coast.  The biggest problem here--- traffic, and I mean traffic like LA freeways.  It took us 2 1/2 hours to get from the van drop off point to the hotel, and it was bumper to bumper the entire way (hard to estimate how many miles it was, but suffice it to say we never left the boundaries of Accra).  And you think NYC has terrible drivers, imagine a place where there are few if any stop lights, no stop signs, pedestrians on both sides of the road and sometimes in the middle on the yellow lines, and NO SPEED LIMITS!  Can you say "formula for disaster?"  You have to see it to believe it.  Needless to say, I've spent as much time in a cab in Accra as I have seeing the actual sites.

Friday was quite a day.  Nana took me to visit the memorial sites for W.E.B. DuBois who lived and died right here in Ghana, and is a great national hero here.  We also visited the memorial site of DuBois' best friend and first President of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah, a god and savior to the Ghanaian people.  What an awesome experience to be in the space and presence of two giants, human beings among the greatest perhaps to have ever lived.  There is much too much to tell about each one, so I'll share something that struck me about both.  At DuBois' house and burial site, (and it is in the actual house where he lived and where he died), I was struck by how much the world loved this man, this scholar and humanitarian Pan-Africanist, yet how sad it was that the United States of America, his home, denied his return and entrance back into the country in 1961.  His heart was broken and he was probably never the same--- perhaps he became even better for it.  At the President's memorial, again, a man admired and revered the world over; my favorite picture there was of him in the back of a car with President John F. Kennedy, both talking and sharing with each other, I imagine, the fun and the horrors of ruling a nation! 

Then, while once again trying to exchange travelers checks, I got a call to arrange a radio interview about my run on Sunday, and Nana received a call to come directly to the President's Office (yes the President of Ghana) for a meeting, right away.  To say the least, we scurried quickly over to the Castle (as they call it here), for his meeting with what Nana thought was a meeting with one of the President's close advisors.  As one might expect, we sat and waited for quite a while and the time came to decide if we should wait or try to make it for the radio interview.  Nana being the pragmatic and flexible soul that he is, asked if he could reschedule his meeting that afternoon to Monday, so that we could leave and get to the interview.  So that's exactly what we did!  The interview was fun, but not at all the big deal we thought it might be--- they asked me two questions, and I talked for a total of 2 minutes I think.  But it was fun, another learning opportunity, and Nana was able to network with some really good people, so it was well worth the trouble to get there. 

After that we stopped by to see an American friend, someone who's lived in Ghana for 27 years though all of his previous children still live in the states.  He has children aged 53 yo - 3 yo!!!  Yup, he made a joke about planting seeds in as many places as he could.  Baba was a film maker, screen writer, actor, turned engineer and says he could never live again in the US after so many years here connected to the people and places of Africa.  From there we finally made our way back to my hotel, cut up an avocado and pineapple which became a light and satisfying dinner.  I'll talk about the food in my next post. 

In the states, my father was buried and carried off to heaven in services that called back many, many friends and family members to honor him.  I, here by myself, went down to the beach around 9pm and gave him my own personal send off, as I, too, told him I was ready to let him go off to the better place in which he will now rest.  I made him promise, though, to be back here, bright and early on Sunday--- we've got a long race to run!!!  I loved my dad--- and feel that I must have a special purpose somewhere in the world to have been born his daughter. 

I'll share a poem my sister Lauren wrote for him, I think it says so much:
If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye,
you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness, and my tears still flow.
What it means to lose you, no one will ever know. 
                                           ~ Lauren Groce, September 23, 2010

Until next time, hopefully after I've successfully run, AND COMPLETED MY VERY FIRST MARATHON.  Oh, by the way, my bib number is . . . . . . . #1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where I'm supposed to be!

How to even start this post--- what's been happening in my travels, or honor my father's memory?  Let me start with my travels, the rest will come as I write.

Monday, an eventful day, after the rain forest, changing $US to cedi's, lunch, and dinner looking out on the Atlantic.  Cape Coast is a paradox of very old Africa, very poor Africa and yet very new and very rich Africa in it's dependence on technology and it's beautiful and generous people.  Cape Coast is a fishing town, the first capital of Ghana until it moved to Accra, 2 hours to the northeast.  Nana Gyepi, my host is a traditional tribal chief of Cape Coast and everyone knows him, and he gets special treatment wherever he goes.  There is a real split between the traditions of the tribal culture and the modern world; everyone here has at least one, some two and three cell phones, thus my reference to the modern.  So Nana and I have spent a great amount of our time together in conversation about his vision and mission in life, to create the "Tower of Return" here in Ghana.  His dream is to build a grand complex of historical, cultural, educational, and economic significance so great that it will draw Africans of the Diaspora (those of African decent spread all over the world), and all others wishing to come to Africa to connect with the African Motherland.  It will be sort of the mecca for those coming to/returning to the continent.  So he foresees museums, a library, conference and convention offerings, schools, cultural centers, hotels--- everything one would need to learn about and connect with Africa.  I learned of his work when we met in 2000 in Richmond, and I have been in touch with him since that time trying to do what I could to help his mission along.  So my visit here is as much about running my marathon as it is engaging in this endeavor and continuing to support and help Nana realize this dream.  So that's a little about Nana--- there is a lot more to tell to this story, but time and space won't allow that right now. 

Tuesday was spent at the Elmina Castle, another slave castle in the town of Elmina, with a similar and horrific story about centuries of colonization, torture, and grief for Africans taken into slavery.  Pictures can only scratch the surface of telling those stories, but I'll try to post some to give a bit of a glimpse. 

And now, I guess the news from home that my father, Herbert Monroe Groce, Jr. passed away on Monday September 20.  It has been a very difficult to receive and process this event, this news, so very far away from home, from my family, my friends and those that care for and support me.  Understanding the timing has been the hardest, really, knowing that there is absolutely no way that I can be there in person for his home-going services on Friday of this week.  My sister Lauren has been a great support for all around her family, and I send her all my love and support as she and all our loved ones and friends prepare to celebrate my dad's life and legacy.  He and I had a distant relationship, and I suppose we were as "close" as a distant relationship will allow.  I last saw him at the celebration of his 80th birthday in Sept. 2009, and it was a great event, and a wonderful chance to see him, and also reconnect with Aunts, Uncle's and cousins I had not seen since we were all children.  My father was a man of great force, force of personality, force of conviction, and force of volume (spoke, laughed, and lived louder than anyone else I've ever known).  Nana will help me do something to honor his memory and his life and send him along here in Ghana on Friday; Nana is a very spiritual person, of the Akan tradition so it will be African in nature, which I think might really please and delight my dad, at least I hope so.  My heart is broken that I cannot be with my family on this occasion; they will hopefully know and feel that I am with them all in spirit!!!

So, that means I have him to watch and run with me on Sunday--- an angel closer to me than perhaps anyone else in the universe.  With that support I know that I will indeed run like the wind--- the wind beneath the wings on Sunday will be my father--- I couldn't have asked God for a greater gift.  Nana thinks my dad had something to do with this arrangement--- I can't help but believe that someone/something did!!! 

Look out for pictures, either here on my FB page.  So much to show you, only so much bandwith to tell it!  Best for now, Cheryl

I'M "HOME" IN THE MOTHERLAND!

It is Monday, 12:55pm and I am in an internet cafe with my friend Nana, while we change $US to Cedi's so we can get on with our day!  This morning--- wow, we went to see and experience the African Rain Forest, and it was an EXPEREINCE!!!  Pictures to come once I can download them, but let me paint a picture--- a canopy walk that is supported by one steel cable, and then rope, ladders and boards!!!  The canopy walk was precarious, no way to do it if you are afraid of heights; I'm not afraid of heights, and it was scary to say the least.  We walked through the canopy above the rainforest floor, looking down on the kind of vegetation, trees, vines, and bushes so thick you cannot readily see the ground, or the rainforest floor in technical terms.  We heard sounds of monkeys, but did not see any, and many many birds, and insect sounds.  And lots and lots of ants--- ants so thick they made a "highway" of sorts for themselves.  We saw a tree that, when cut, sheds fresh water, fresher than any spring.  Kind of strange coincidence about ants, when I traveled to Austrailia in 2002, I was told by an Aboriginal man that ants are my animal totem.  What that means I have no idea, but the fact that we saw them in such abundance, here in Africa, while I am on such a personal mission spoke volumes to me!!! 

Nana (I'm going to post some information about him later today or tomorrow) also took me to the Cape Coast Castle, a slave castle on the Atlantic coast, from which Africans were taken and sold into slavery for 400 years +.  The dungeons where male and female slaves were held--- haunting.  The smells and signs of the kinds of business and commerce that took place on those grounds and within those walls still palpable.  The dread and grief felt as millions left their homeland and kin still imaginable--- devastating to be in the same space.  Again, I will post some pictures when time allows. 

Also was able to catch up with the marathon folks, so I will be going to stay in Accra on Thursday, that is where the marathon will be run.  And here is how small the world is here in Ghana--- the lady "in charge" of the marathon, Anna Bannerman-Richter, her father is best friends with Nana's cousin who runs the hotel I am staying in.  Can you beat that?  Feels a little like how everyone knows everyone else in Richmond!!!  ;>))  More to come, XOX, Cheryl

THIS IS IT!!!!!!

I'm sitting in the Richmond Int'l Airport (they do fly out of here to Canada), it's 2:56pm and I fly out to Atlanta at 3:55, arrive there at 5:45, at fly out directly to Accra, Ghana at 7:00pm!  Richard, Uncle David (Richard's brother), and Carson drove me to the airport--- Nigel stayed home to watch some chicken on the stove; and surprise of surprises, my running buddies Mary and Terri met me with a sign, "Run Cheryl Run"!!!  How sweet are my friends!!!

Almost had a luggage emergency--- my one bag was way over 50 lbs., so the solution was to get a second bag and split things up, versus pay $200 in overweight baggage fees!  OMG, who knew?!!!  Guess what the two bags ended up weighing?  . . .  Wait for it . . . 47 and 39 lbs!!!  Whew, dodged that bullet, and happily, Delta still allows you to check 2, yes TWO bags, FOR FREE!!!  Bless them.

Ran my last long run of 7 miles this morning, with dear running partners Mary and Mia, and what an awesome run it was.  Cool weather makes all the difference.  Also saw Carson play his second Wildcats football game, lost 22-zip!  Those boys did play hard.  And then it was home to finish preparations, eat lunch and hop in the car--- and here I am. 

So I'm feeling excited, very excited!!!  This dream that I conjured up last December is now coming true and I just can't believe my good fortune to be doing this now.  I still feel like it's a crazy, wacky thing to do, and I also know that I'm going to have the time of my life.  Thanks so much to all who have run with me, encouraged me, sponsored me, prayed for me, honored me, believed in me, and anything else that you've done--- it is by the grace of God that I am making this journey, and I am really, really grateful for this incredibly amazing, opportunity!!!  I'll keep you posted as best I can from here on . . .  FROM GHANA, WEST AFRICA!!! 

Details, details, and more details!

Today seemed to be the day to tie up loose ends with things like my cell phone and how to make international calls, and see if our health insurance covers me while in a foreign land, and whether I can carry my own coconut water into Ghana.  I had a very loud and long chuckle when Anna, the Accra marathon director (from what I can tell she is the marathon!!!) told me that they are trucking in loads of fresh coconut from the central region of Ghana to provide water straight from the coconut, so there would be no need to bring my own (which would be in a box).  She said bringing coconut water to Ghana would be like taking ice to Alaska (that wasn't her exact comparison, but same idea)!!!  Ooopps, felt silly about that one!   I'm certain it won't be the last blunder I'll make, but at least we both had a very big laugh.  I cannot wait to meet her, and so many others that I will be spending time with.

Oh, and how cool is this--- she asked me how I would feel about being a part of a media project they are producing about the marathon.  She asked if I would be a part of some behind the scenes filming before the race, and then some subsequent filming later on and during and after the race.  Carson said, "mom, looks like you're going to get your 15 minutes of fame!"  I think he may be right!  ;>)) 

And if you need to get a tetanus shot, be prepared for a sore and painful arm.  My left bicep muscle has a fever--- I mean the muscle is hot to the touch, and swollen.  Who knew that would happen?!!! 

I have wonderful people in my life!

As I approach the last week of life pre-Ghana, I am struck by how many places and spaces that I am blessed with generous, kind, thoughtful, and giving friends and family.  This came most directly into focus as I looked at the afternoon transportation needs of my two delightful sons, one 14, one 11, and panicked with the realization that Richard would not be able to be in 3 places at once.  So, I put out a general request to some of my closest "mom friends", and they all said "Just tell me who, what, when and where, and it's covered."  So, I set about trying to put people in those slots between pick-up at the middle school in the afternoon, ride to football practice at 6pm, then pick-up from soccer practice at 6pm (yes same time, different place), and getting homework done, etc., etc.  It only took calling on four of those "mom friends"--- JoAnn, Mary Cay, Catherine and Helen, and the whole seven days are not only covered, they are covered and have back ups in case people have unexpected "issues" that always come up when you least expect them to!  I can't thank these friends enough, they are just tops in my world!
I'm also told that Uncle David (Richard's brother) is coming into town the night before I leave for Africa to cook up some of his best meals, and I mean the brother can cook, so that Richard will have ready made meals he can just heat up when the three of them walk in the house at 8:15-8:30 some nights.  That will help out a whole lot!!!  I hate to miss the smorgasbord ;>))

My church family will pray for me this Sunday, and I've asked for special prayers on Sept. 26, at 5:30am Ghana time (1:30am eastern time), so that I will be equipped and blessed with the strength, stamina, endurance and safety to run my race, and complete my goal of running and finishing my first marathon.  How blessed am I?  Everyone at our beloved school, Collegiate, is just so excited for me, wishing me the very best, rooting for me, keeping me in thought and prayer as well.  And one of my coaches from the Richmond Marathon Training Team sent me a lovely message that they are all rooting for me and know I will do great!!!  She said just keep those mantras going, and putting one foot in front of the other!  I mean, WOW, how much more support can a girl get. 

I must mention my many sponsors who have donated toward the charity Project Longevity Africa.  They have helped me raise $1,460.00; they are Heyden, Sally, Micheal, Susan, Pat and Sue, Jennifer, Annette, Ron, Stephanie, Rosann, Jo-Ann, Beth, Susan, John and Carrie, Carey, Angela, Kipley and Steve, Beth, Ann, Jenn, Steve and Peggy, Carol, Pattie, Chris, Ellen, Molly, Beverlie, Mary, Catherine, Cathy, Kathy and Jay, Jerry, Craig, Marella, Patti!!!   You are all my heroes for supporting me and showing your love and confidence in this adventure and mission of mine.  I love you all and appreciate you so very much!!!   

I could go on and on, as I think about all the ways that people in my life are behind me.  I'm just one super lucky girl on an amazing journey, that is unfolding each and every day--- and I haven't even left American soil yet! 

Last day off before big trip!!!

Labor day, a nice punctuation to a great summer!  Celebrated 11 year old Carson's birthday with friends on the East River in Mathews, VA--- lots of fish and crabs caught; and a Sunday smorgasbord of sprimp, clams, crabs, croaker and trout!!!  Wow, it was fantastic! 

Today I began real physical preparations for my trip to Ghana, which begins on Sept. 18, 3:55pm.  The past two Fridays I have made trips to the MCV Travel clinic for shots--- yellow fever, typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Polio; still need Tetanus and meds for malaria and stomach ills (praying I don't get anything like that).  So, there are some clothes in the suitcase, I'll be treating my clothes with a mosquito repellent, and have 100% deet with me.  Lots of aids to stay as cool as possible, and of course, all my running gear and supplies--- man, I hope I don't forget anything! 

Running this past week was pretty pleasant, the weather has really been very nice for running.  Saturday morning was actually a cool day for a 7 mile run.  Breaking in new sneaks will be a good thing.  All in all, not so much to talk about, just an awful lot to get done on a daily basis.  Just 11 days to go til I leave, 20 days to the marathon! 

My newfound guardians!

Sunday was recovery day, or at least the beginning of recovery from Saturday's excruciating run.  And so, the boys and I went to 3 Lakes Park, a delightful park in Henrico Cty.  They fished, I walked, for nearly 1.5 hrs. The goal was to walk off some of the stiffness in my muscles.  As I was walking, a beautiful female dear, a doe, darted in front of me--- no more than 20 yards in front of me.  And we both stopped, stood still as the trees around us, and looked at each other!  What she was thinking I can't even imagine; what I was thinking was how lucky I was to observe such a majestic sight, such an awesome split second in time.  We starred I think for about 3 minutes, and then she went on her way.  Most beautiful thing I've seen in quite a while.  So, I kept on walking, and about 20 minutes further along the path . . . three fawns--- yup, same park, same day, same everything.  And they stood and starred at me as well.  And then shortly after that, I saw what I think was the same doe as shortly before, and again we just looked at each other as if we couldn't believe what we were seeing.  What an amazing thing to happen to me, on a day that I was feeling pain, exhaustion, depletion, quite honestly, I wasn't feeling very human.  Not sure what those moments could have possibly meant, but a dear friend of mine said to me today, maybe they were there as your guardians.  I sure do like that possibility; sure did make me feel kind of safe and comfy there in their home, the woods!  Maybe their presence was giving me permission to use their sacred space to heal myself, my body.  I know, maybe I'm going a little too deep ;>))

Any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.  I will remember those moments and images for the rest of my life, and I will definitely carry them with me on my runs, and on my marathon! 

1/2 marathon and 25 miles--- AWESOME!

Well, looks like I'm as close to my goal of the full 26 miles as I'll get prior to the marathon in Ghana!!!  Today was a awesome day to run--- 65 degrees was such a gift!  Day started leaving the house at 5AM to get to Ashland, VA to run the Patrick Henry 1/2 marathon.  My strategy to complete the full 26 was to park my car 6.5 miles from the race start, run to the start, complete the 1/2 marathon, and then run the remaining 6.5 back to the car.  Best laid plans!!!  It actually went very well, the first 6.5 very comfortable, and the next 8 or so, no sweat, especially given the nice temps!  Then things got tough right around miles 15-18.  Lots of great support out on the course, and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other. 

Just as I was making the turn at mile 12 of the 1/2 (mile 18 for me), LEG CRAMPS!!!!  OMG, they are so unkind, and unfriendly!  Both legs, both hamstrings and calves--- what to do!  Stopping wasn't an option, not today.  Then my hero and MTT coach Chelle Quinn came running through the woods, cheering me on--- she helped me count it out, and I ran the rest of the way to the finish line; yes, I ran there.  Well, after a bit of a rest, and stretch, I was hoping my legs would forgive me for whatever I had done to cause the cramps--- but NOOOOOO.  Each time I tried to jog even a little, the death grip came back with a vengeance, and it is not pretty (my legs are still twitching and spasm-ing 5 hours later!)  So, I walked, and walked, and walked.  6 miles back to the car, with a couple attempts to jog just a little, but to no avail.  Well, I'm still proud of this day, AND very proud of everyone who was out there; met some really nice people!!  And I have now completed the hardest mileage  of my training program.  I have 7, 6, and 7 miles left on the next 3 Sat.'s, and weekly runs of 3-5 miles.  And then, I'M OFF TO ACCRA GHANA ON SEPT. 18TH!  Incredible, is it not?!!! 

I'm feeling proud as a peacock, never thought I'd get here--- and you know what?  I feel more powerful and more optimistic about my future than ever in my entire life!!!  For anyone who has shared in this journey with me--- running with me, encouraging me, sponsoring me, being proud of me--- I THANK YOU FROM THE WHOLE OF MY HEART, my gratitude and love is overflowing!!!

Sharing my "story"!!!

You'll never believe what kept me awake last night?!!  This blog and what I could write about next--- pretty bizarre, right?  Yah, I know, and pretty lame?  Well, I decided to start this blog assuming that people who came to read it would know my story, and that is taking a whole lot for granted!  So, I'm going to tell about where this whole journey started, and answer the question that everyone asks me--- WHY GHANA?

My running journey began in January 2009.  I had been walking a good amount, and in winter-time the treadmill was my "friend."  I liked walking but started feeling like it wasn't offering quite the level of workout that I needed and I asked myself if it was time to see what jogging might be like.  I started out really slow, I mean running for a minute on the treadmill--- yes, one minute.  That felt alright, not as bad as I thought; didn't hurt like I expected it to.  Then one minute became two minutes, and that started feeling pretty good as well.  After about a month, I could run for about 3-5 minutes without dying, and without hurting and I thought I owed myself the chance to see if I like it off the treadmill, out on the roads.  Fortunately for me, that was right about the time that the YMCA was forming training teams to train for the March 2009 Ukrop's 10K race, so I signed up.  The first run of 2 miles was a new experience, first time I'd run more than 5 minutes at one time--- and miracle of miracles, I didn't expire.  Quite the contrary, I felt very good for having accomplished that distance on my first outing and run outside.  Well, the training continued, I stayed with the program, trained all the way up to 6 miles, in preparation to run the 6.2 miles in the 10K race.  The race was fun--- I ran it faster than I expected, and it was from there that I was pretty much hooked, at least as a casual jogger/runner to get a meaningful workout in at least several times each week.

That was April 2009, and after the race I did keep running, but not as much as I expected.  In June 2009, at the urging of my mom, and then my OB/GYN, I had a bone density test and I discovered with much disappointment, that I already had Osteoporosis--- at 48 years old!  What a shocker!  Well the prescription was calcium, vitamin D and WEIGHT BEARING EXERCISE.  Since I was already running, that was my motivation to keep it up, and to make a really serious "rest of my life" commitment to it for as long as I possibly could.  The next major decision came in conversation with a woman I admire tremendously, Mary Damon (she's my running doctor, M.D.! :>)) who urged me to train and run the half marathon, yes-13.1 miles, in November 2009. 

Fast forward, November 14, 2009.  With the help of the Richmond 1/2 Marathon Training Team, (1/2MTT), good friends and family who encouraged me, M.D., Mia White--- my race-runningmate, and the fans and supporters all along the route, I completed my first 1/2 marathon that day!  It was a cold, misty/rainy day, and I felt like a real winner when I was done!!!  In looking for my next race to keep me motivated and excited about running, I clicked on the international 1/2 marathon schedule to see where they ran races all over the world--- some interesting US races, then there were interesting races all over the world--- wait, Africa--- wait, Ghana--- wait, September 26--- wait, a week before my 50th birthday--- OMG, would that be amazing to try to run a 1/2 marathon in Ghana.  I'd been trying to have a reason to travel to Ghana since 2000, and visit a business associate, and finally visit a place in the world that has been calling to me for years.  Was this the reason, and my best next opportunity to visit Africa?  It seemed so, and all I had to do was mention it to a group of women I ran with in Dec. (including Mary, Terri, Mia, Beth, and Nycola) who asked "Why wouldn't you?"  Why not indeed.

So the planning began.  A 1/2 marathon in September 2010!  I did all the research I could, and decided it was something I wanted to do, and Richard and the boys were on board, and the hope was that we would all make the trip.  I also, at some point, decided if I was going all the way to Africa, I might as well try to run the entire marathon--- how amazing would that be to run, and maybe complete, my first marathon in Ghana?!!!  In March 2010, I discovered the Jeff Galloway run/walk method of running, and in April, after trying the program for 2 weeks, I was a believer--- it made running much more pleasant, and much more comfortable for me, and I could run and do the distances with a level of ease that I couldn't before.  From that point forward, April 2010, I began my training with dedication, and never looked back.  The trip planning has been exciting, and not at all what I expected.  My fund raising has gone very well, and I'm pleased to be raising money for Project Longevity Africa--- I'm up to $1,220.00, http://www.firstgiving.com/cherylgrocewright, thanks to a group of very generous friends, colleagues, my church family, and people I just love and admire!!!! 

I leave for Accra, Ghana on Saturday, September 18, and will be met by my friend and business associate Nana Gyepi, Tribal Chief of Cape Coast, who will be my gracious host for 10 days!  Check out the AIM website for all the details of the race.  http://aimghana.com/index.html.  It will be the trip of a lifetime and I'm asking everyone I know to think of me, and most especially pray for me while I'm there, and pray with gusto for my strength, stamina, and safety on September 26, 5:30am (that will be around 1:30am EST)!!!  It's not far off now, and I'm READY for it all!!!!!  PRAY FOR ME, PLEASE!!!! 

Getting closer and closer!

Had a chance to run today with a wonderful friend and colleague from Collegiate--- having company really does make the runs go by like the wind.  Three runs since my last post and they've been . . . uneventful.  The heat has returned so not as comfortable as a couple weeks ago, but this weekend is forecasting mid-60's in the mornings and that will feel just heavenly!  

Going to run my final LLLOOONNNGGG run this weekend; yup the big 26 miler!  I'm running the Patrick Henry Half Marathon (in Ashland VA), and will tack on 6.55 on the front end, and 6.55 on the back end . . . or at least that's the plan as of now.  Realizing that having people around me is going to be key, so for at least the 13.1 there will be company, and people I've run with on the MTT team, oh, and the coaches that will be on the course will be a big, big boost--- shout out to the MTT Coaches--- you are awesome!  After that run, I taper back to 7, 6, and 7 miles on the following Sats. and then run the big one on Sept. 26!!! 

Also giving a shout out to my good friend Cathy Cooke who recently completed and received her Doctorate in Psychology!!! She's Aunt Cookie to my boys, and they spent a long weekend with her and Michael fishing on her mom's dock on the East River!  Congratulations Cathy, you deserve it, and . . . took you long enough ;>)) Love you lots, gurl! 

For all you runners out there, the cooler weather really is just around the corner!!!!  I'm so excited for it!  Catch you later, C

Great runs can be so motivating!

Haven't had internet at home for a few days, so I've been out of touch for longer than I'd like!  We arrived back home in Richmond after our 10 glorious days at the beach in NC, and back to all the realities of real life.

What I'm very excited to share is that I have had two really great runs in the past few days, and I'm so pleased!  First one was on Sunday, Aug 15--- woke up pretty early, around 6am, knowing I did need to get up and get my 6 mile run out of the way.  Opened up the front door to let our big cat Congo in from a night of prowling, and what did I feel--- a rush of COOL AIR!!!  OMG, I raced around so I could get out on the road while it still felt cool, and I was out there around 7am.  I mean it had to have been around 70 degrees F or so, and cloudy/overcast skies--- I just couldn't believe my luck.  So, I started out feeling great, expecting to get hot and bothered, tired, all the usual sensations.  One mile down, I felt cool; second mile down, I was still feeling fresh; third mile down, 1/2 way and I felt better than ever; 4th mile down and I had more energy than when I started; 5th mile down and I didn't even need to take my walk breaks; 6 miles, and the very best run I think I've had in maybe 2 months or so!!!  What a gift--- an unexpected one that I wanted to reveille in!  The rest of the day was wonderful, and I felt just so great and so proud of having run such a great run!

The second really good run happened just this evening, as I decided to take a break from running on the roads and ran the track while I was at football practice with my youngest son.  A fairly cool evening, maybe 80-85 degrees F, overcast, so the sun wasn't beating down.  And again, first mile felt pretty great, didn't need a walk break; second mile also really good, not out of breath, didn't have to talk myself into keeping up the pace; walked for a minute, and then finished out mile three with ease, feeling just awesome.

I tell you, at this point in a very grueling training program, it just did my body, mind and spirit a world of good to have these really successful runs to give me back that memory of what feels really great about running; remind myself why I decided to take on this incredible challenge; and also, to help me recharge my motivation and look forward to completing this very important training process so that I can get to my ultimate goal of running this marathon in Ghana on September 26, 2010.  I just took a really good look at my motivation poster that I made back in January 2010 when I first decided to do this, and it's got me pumped up again and really motivated, on top of my great runs!  So, all in all, I'm feeling on top of the world and really, really thankful and lucky for what lies ahead of me in all areas of my life.

All for now, thanks for sharing my journey!!!!  Peace and Blessings, Cheryl

First marathon dream!

Well, it was bound to happen--- a dream about the marathon.  Unfortunately, it was a bit of a nightmare!  There were only 3 people running, or at least running with me, and there was no real route, we just kind of ran around in a circle, very small circle.  And I distinctly remember that I forgot my water hydration pack, I was so thirsty I was about to die.  Yup, seemed like it went on for hours, like 12 hours--- wow, I didn't think I ran that slow?!!!

4 mile run last night was . . . HOT!  It was about 8pm, and it felt hotter than a daytime run.  Very cool, though, while returning back to home base, there were these amazing clouds and right in the middle of them was lightening that just lit them up like a powder puff.  Luckily, the lightening never hit the ground, and I made it home before the real storm started.  All I wanted to do when I got back was jump in the pool, but sure didn't want to get electrocuted!

Back to Richmond, and reality, tomorrow.  Sure have had a great time in Oak Island, I hope we can come back sometime real soon!  Fishing, beach & ocean, pool, light house, miniature golf--- fun had by all!!!

Keeping you up to date

Well, friends, family, loved ones, interested parties--- I'm starting this blog because so many of you are interested in what's happening with my marathon training, my new business endeavors, and my trip to Ghana.  This is a fast, and easy way I'm told I can do that so here goes.

It's August 10th!  I'm enjoying family vacation time in Oak Island NC where the beach is a block away, and a pool is in our back yard (Thanks Amy and Scott)!  This is my final down time before really hitting the roads, and my new business demands in a week or so.

I'm down to my final long run in my training program, which will be 26 miles on Aug. 28 (more about that another time).  I attempted my 23 mile run on Sat. Aug. 7, and completed 21.5 of it--- very proud of myself, though 23 would have been sweet!  My college roomies (Connie, Holly, Liz, Patty and Kristie) were here to root me on, bring me reinforcements, and when I decided I was finished at 21.5, came to get me at the pier and acted just like I completed the whole thing anyway--- thanks girls!!!  It was a tough, tough run--- did a 1/1 run/walk interval most of the way, since the heat and the sun were really, really awful.  I'm pretty sure I had adequate water, eats, carbs, protein, etc.  I think the weather was just more than I anticipated.  Wasn't at all sure how the 1/1 interval would go, but I was really pleased to see my time at the end of 4:17; really not bad the first time running so far and so long!!!

Ran my first run since that day this morning, a short 3.3 miler at around 7am, which was already hot!  Went well, and I did the 1/1 again, and felt great to manage the heat.  Think this realization may be really important as I prepare for the heat in Ghana.  I feel more and more ready each day and with all the enthusiasm of those around me, I am certain I'm going to not only get there, I'll be there and I'll do well!  Thanks in advance for all the support!!!