And the recipient is……

Boy do I have big, exciting, wonderful, stop the presses news to share with everyone!

(Drumroll please)

The first recipient for the Audrey Fitzgerald Scholarship Award has been chosen. Yes, it is true. I cannot even begin to explain just how elated I am that a mere 6 months ago we were just beginning the fundraising process and already we have been able to choose a recipient for this award.

The goal was to find a Loras student who was not only interested in pursuing a degree in Athletic Training, just like Aud, but someone who exhumed what Audrey was all about. That is someone who embraces his or her relationships with others, participated in athletics and being involved with the Loras community. I am happy to announce that Regan Theis from Waukon, IA  displayed each of these characteristics, and then some. As a Junior at Loras this fall she is an AT major, playing softball at Loras. When asked her favorite thing about Loras, Regan stated that she loved knowing everyone and always being able to say hi on your way to class. During Audrey’s short time at Loras, she managed to make an impact on us all. Regan got it right in her statement about the school. It is a friendly welcoming atmosphere that allowed strangers like Audrey and myself to become such good friends over such a short period of time.

Again, could not be more excited about sharing this news. Congratulations to Regan as you are the start as to what hopefully will be a long running and helpful tribute to Audrey! 

 

13.1 miles of fun!

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Just a few pictures from the half marathon! The day was a complete success. Each member of the BELIEVE team crossed the finish line in one piece ( all in under 3 hours may I add! ) There was a bit of rain, but all in all we couldn’t have asked for better weather on race day! 

Thank you to all of our friends and family who came out to support us, you are what kept us going and reminded us why we signed up for this race in the first place! 

The recipient of the Audrey Fitzgerald Scholarship Award will be chosen soon, and I will make sure to keep you all updated as soon as a decision has been made! Even though race day has come and gone, the award is still accepting donations! If you are interested in donating, please visit the Loras Link on the right side of the page! 

Half marathon…check. Now what to do next? Death Valley Ironman anyone?? (I kid I kid! )                                                                                                                  – Colleen 

 

 

 

 

So this is it…

“Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you’re young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don’t let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself.”
–John Bingham, running speaker and writer

Welp.. this is it. We have made it down to the final 6 days of training before we embark on the Rock n Roll Chicago HALF MARATHON, which leads me to ask… what the hell were we thinking?

With less than one week left of training the shin splints are in full force and conversations have become solely about ipod playlists, mile times and weather forecasts (79 and sunny -keep your fingers crossed). With our minds racing (pun intended) on all of these thoughts I have been trying to put my mind at ease, whether it be changing my running route, finding new songs, or looking up motivational running quotes, however,  I cannot seem to get rid of that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. So, rather than pretend like I am not scared shitless about next Sunday morning, I thought I would just put it all out there, with the hopes that others are feeling the same way!

I started getting into running about 2 years ago in an attempt to work off the weight I had earned along with my college degree. What I quickly learned and now love about running is that your strongest competitor is yourself. Yes, running is a physically demanding sport, but the mental game played when running is much greater than any physical challenge you will have. You have to constantly convince yourself that you can keep going when every physcial part of your being is telling you to stop.

I think back to times in my life where I had to keep going, had to be strong, when I had nothing more to give. When Audrey passed away simple tasks from showering, to going to class and picking up food became challenging. Soon enough, I found myself going through the motions of what needed to be done eat, sleep, class, homework,  repeat, just because that was what needed to be done to keep going. I think of those times a lot on my long runs, go through the motions, keep going and you will get through it. I can’t tell you the point when I stopped going through the motions, and started embracing and living life again, but I do know that if you tell your self to keep going, sooner or later you are going to end up where you wanted to be. What I do know and what I will always remember is that I was able to get through those times from the unconditional love and support from family and friends. As we prepare to run, in honor of Audrey next week I am asking for that support once again. As we run to remember you can give us the strength we need to cross that finish line.

The race will begin at 7 am Sunday morning starting, and finishing at Grant Park! If you are interested in coming to cheer us on there are several designated “cheering sections” listed on the course website, we will be repsesenting Iowa well in black shirts with what else, but BELIEVE on our backs!

Here is the link to the course map: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/chicago 

Again without the unconditional love and support from all of our friends and family this scholarship and this run would not be possible. So thank you again to all of the following donors to the Audrey Fitzgerald Award… because of you we have currently raised $7,381!!!!!!!!!

Don’t stop believing,

Colleen

James B. Riley
Kyle Hosch
Ryan Burbach
Catherine M. Ksiazek
Joy L. Messinger
Justina M. Quade
Shannon C. Cox
Jennifer A. O’Connor
Pam Fitzgerald
Teresa A. Kehe
Kathie Ksiazek
Aaron McLeod
Shannon C. Hood
Mike Huguelet
Jennifer Cook
Cannon Dolan
Kevin F. Sullivan
Brittany A. Martinez
Suellen Olson
Tara K. Riley
John H. Cox
Therese A. Donnelly
Sue Lavine
Erin Cambier
John P. Mousel
Tracy McLeod
John Hosmer
Lonnie L. Janechek
Edward J. Fitzgerald
Timothy R. Johnson
Joel Greenley
Charles Conklin
Thomas J. Barloon
Daniel G. Kegler
Mark J. Tilkes
Gwenlyn C. Paulsen
Marian A. Conklin
Kirk M. Conklin
Craig A. Conklin
Chris Morine
Michael J. Rokes
Steve Shonka Sales & Service
Christina Schnepf
Mary Jo Carballo-Sanchez
Delores Smith
Ethel Doyle
Mollie M. Martin
Connie Higgins
Anthony J. Schmitz
Richard H. Behrens
Nikki Robertson
Stephany Harvey
Kelsey Coulter

 

Amazing things can happen when you learn to BeLiEvE

So it seems like we may be just a little bit behind on blog updates, the month of April and beginning of May seemed to bring nothing but pure chaos, but have no fear many exciting updates are here! 

I want to start by sharing information regarding The Believe 5k Run/Walk taking place in Independence, Ia THIS WEEKEND! This run/walk was coordinated by some of Audrey’s very best friends including Liz Donnelly, Nikki Kiler Robertson and Katie Robertson with proceeds directly contributing to the scholarship. This event is not only a great kick off to half marathon training but has been extremely well organized and is taking place all in thanks to the hard work and dedication from these women, amongst other volunteers from Audrey’s Independence Community! If you are interested in participating please visit the page created on facebook by following the link below! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Believe-5K-RunWalk/219386731410909?sk=info

On another note I wanted to make sure everyone outside of the Loras Community was able to take a look at the article that appeared in the Loras College Alumnae Magazine this spring. Loras has been a wonderful support throughout this entire process and was more than willing to share with the Loras Alumnae community our efforts. To view a PDF version of the article please follow the link below! 

http://www.loras.edu/magazine/flipview.asp

I will be able to give an update of how our fundraising efforts have paid off after this weekends 5k, I have received word from Loras however that we have in fact received enough money to have a recipient for the Fall 2011 Semester! Applications have been distributed to students and I will be sure to update you as this progresses. 

None of this would be possible without the unconditional, generous and overwhelming outpour of support that we have received from Audrey’s family, friends, and everyone else who has been touched by this scholarship that we have successfully begun to establish within the Loras Community. On behalf of everyone involved in this process I want to truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Audrey touched the lives of so many in her short time here and because of your contributions, we are able to provide the opportunity for students to partake in some of the many great experiences that Audrey had during her time at Loras. Thank you again and we hope to see as many of you out this weekend! 

*Believe*

– Colleen 

Spring Updates!

Just over one month ago the Audrey Fitzgerald Scholarship Award was launched. As most of you may know last week would have been Audrey’s 23rd birthday. As a way to keep her in our hearts and minds, we asked you to donate 23 dollars in her memory. We wanted to thank you for all of your continued support as we work to raise money in rememberance of one of the most caring, humorous and loving individuals most of us have ever met. Since we began we have raised over $600.00!!!!

This is only just the beginning, please feel free to make a donation by following the link to your right. Also, if you are interested in sharing a memory and writing a blog post feel free to contact me at Colleen.Savory@ gmail.com

A special thank you to those who have donated thus far:

James B. Riley

Kyle Hosch

Ryan Burbach

Catherine M. Huguelet

Joy L. Messinger

Shannon C. Cox

Justina M. Quade

Kathie Ksiazek

Pam Fitzgerald

Teresa A. Kehe

Aaron McLeod

Shannon Hood

Mike Huguelet

Jennifer A. O’Connor

Jennifer Cook

Cannon Dolan

Kevin F. Sullivan

~BELIEVE~

Reasons to Run

Looking through 1/2 marathon pictures from last years run in a feeble attempt to get motivated to begin training, I came across this picture. Probably one of the only pictures from the race where I don’t look like I am either going to throw up or yell at the paparazzi (aka mom) for snapping continuous photos of me. In an effort to encourage not only myself, but those of you who may be on the fence about running those wonderful 13.1 miles I thought I would share my experience as well as some essentials for my running experience leading up to race day.

During the time that Aud and I lived together she was ALWAYS running. Mostly because Coach K forced the volleyball team to run an 8 minute mile, but she also seemed to really enjoy it. The tanning salon in Dubs cleverly named “JamaicaMeTan” was known for not only its great Tan-ologists (sorry Mags) but treadmills that you could run on for an additional $3 fee. You can bet Audrey knew this was a steal,  who needs a multi-million dollar Loras gym when you have G+T all in one convenient location (Audrey was way ahead of The Situation on that franchise!) Her commitment to the volleyball team and achieving an 8 minute mile was a huge motivating factor for me to start running.

Fast forward to October 2009, I had just recently graduated and very slowly getting accustomed with my new friend the real world. I decided to volunteer and pass out water at the Chicago Marathon, a tradition for my mom and I. If you have never watched a marathon, or any race for that matter, it is something I highly suggest doing prior to signing up for a race if given the opportunity. It is the most electric, encouraging atmosphere that you cannot find just anywhere, I think Shay and Tara can attest to that! That night I signed up for the 1/2, knowing that I couldn’t even run a mile straight. On August of 2010 I crossed that finish line, and have never felt such a sense of accomplishment. I had just ran 13.1 miles…holy shit. So many thoughts raced through my head during those 13.1 miles, but one thing that kept me going was knowing that Audrey was right there with me, helping me put one foot in front of the other and achieve my goal.

If you think you can’t do it, start changing your mind now. This race can change your outlook on life it can make you walk a little taller and is such a great reminder of what we are capable of when we work hard and dedicate ourselves to something. I know it has been said before, but please believe me when I say… if I can do it ANYONE can.

As you can see in the picture above highlighted some essentials for race day… let me explain.

1. Obviously the man behind me representing I-O-W-A is not a coincidence… you can never get to far from a Hawkeye!

2. Attractive spandex- yeah I know spandex are soooo 1993, but run 10 miles with out them, then come talk to me.

3. BIB- proof! It is now hanging on the bulletin board in my room along with my medal (yes everyone gets a medal!)

4. AF- the sweatband we have had since Aud passed away. It was such a wonderful reminder to keep going throughout the race. (Lets get more for this year!)

5. Cheese! – Like I said earlier probably the only one of me smiling, but it proves that I DID in fact enjoy myself.

6. Multiple sports bras – yes I am wearing 2 (Leah gets it)

7. IPOD – making a good mix is absolutely vital to running. By mile 7 I was singing along with my music, and while I probably got some looks, getting into a very big mix of jams really helped me.

There will be more to come as we start training, but after writing this (and it could just be the lack of sleep) but I feel my blood flowing and I am so, so excited to be training for this once again… hope you can make it out to run, or at the very least entertain us along our way!

– Colleen

*Closer to you*

To keep with the trend of posting song lyrics that remind us of Aud, I thought it appropriate to add this one to the list.  Shortly after Audrey passed away, I became obsessed with this song by The Wallflowers, which made me think of her every time I listened.  One of the lyrics … “I remember that everyday, I get a little bit closer to you…”  reminds me that every single day is just another day closer to being able to be with Audrey and see her again.

It saddens me that I did not get to know Audrey as well as some of my other friends.  However, what I did know was this:  She was generous, kind, and absolutely hilarious. The very first memory I have of Audrey is when I was in Independence, IA where she lived, and she so generously picked a bunch of us up and took us home (I think we piled 8 deep that night) 🙂  And I can’t forget going to Goodwill to pick out 80’s outfits for Shan’s 21st…two words:  shoulder. pads.

It is not fair that Aud was taken so soon from this world and from her family and friends. I know she would have done great things and would have achieved all of her dreams.  I will always remember Audrey and I will miss her everyday.

Here’s to you Aud- love you girl.

-Tara

~Believe~

Hey bloggers!

Audrey forever made a indent in my heart and mind. I have so many found memories of Audrey that I will cherish with me forever. Going to the dog park with Audrey was one of my favorite memories. Thats when I really got to know her and we found out that we had a lot in common and got a long great. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her! Miss you girl!!!

I’ve never been really good at expressing my feelings thru writing. I wanted to share this song not only does it remind me of singing our hearts out at gin rickys but it’s also a song that I have on my running playlist on my ipod! Helping me train for this half marathon that im running on behalf of aud! I thought I would share with all of u!

PLEASE KEEP DONATING!!:) THANNKK YOUUU!! DONT STOP BELIEVING!!!!

Also want to give a shout out to colleen thanks for all that you have done for Auds scholarship!!!

~Shay

New Soul

Ah the wonderful world of blogging! When we first started thinking about creating a scholarship for Audrey our vision truly seemed to be a dream. I cannot believe that we are finally at the point of creating a blog. It is a little scary, but very exciting. My hopes for this blog are to create an outlet for all of those who were touched by Audrey at some point in their lives to share memories of her and to remain in touch as we continue on in our lives.

I have been putting off writing the first posting for a while now, not knowing what I would say, what I should say. It wasn’t until I was on my train ride home the other night listening to my Ipod when I figured out the name of the first post could only be “New Soul.” Let me explain…immediately after Audrey died there was a sense of hopelessness felt among a large group of us. We talked for hours sharing the tiniest memories of her, just to feel that sense of connection, we spent hours on her facebook page, and looking over photographs clinging to the life lost. It was during that time that I signed on to my myspace account (oh myspace) and clicked onto Audrey’s profile. Her chosen song was “New Soul” by Yael Naim and since that night each time I hear that song I think of Aud, and smile.

I had not listened to that song it what seems like a year, until the other night. I listened to it on repeat my entire ride home and found myself to be extremely comforted. I took in the lyrics and thought my my friend. I know the timing of this was no coincidence, it gave me the encouragement I truly needed at the time to focus on what is important in life, to accept the challenges face them head on and make mistakes. My favorite line in the song is “This is a happy end, come and give me your hand, I’ll take you far away.” It reminds me that I, that we all have the best guardian angel watching over us, hold our hand as we continue to live our lives.

As fundraising continues, and as we begin the grueling training process for the half marathon we will be updating this blog. Please feel free to share your memories, photos and thoughts to the page. Most of all remember to Live.Laugh.Love.Believe