April 7, 1999

Runner steps up training to aid leukemia research

By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
       When does a comfortable routine become a rut?
      For city resident Laura Jolly, her 20-year running regimen got blown out of the water in January by some people who may not be able to run at all.
      Jolly loves running and was quite content putting in three or four miles four days a week, faithfully completing this program year after year in all seasons. Then she heard about the Leukemia Society of America's Team in Training program, where runners nationwide train for and complete a marathon to raise money for leukemia research. A spark was lit and Jolly decided to run and help others
      "When I think about the people with leukemia and what they are going through it is inspirational to me," said Jolly, who works in marketing for Buck Wilder Adventure Children's Books in Acme. "Running a marathon sounded kind of painful, but with that kind of incentive, I decided to do it."
      Jolly and two other area runners, Joe Lapekas of Long Lake Township and Jack Lantz of Yuma, have been training together since the end of January. They meet every other week to complete a long run together and in between correspond via e-mail to encourage each other and swap training tips.
      The Team in Training spring marathon this year is held at the Mayor's Midnight Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 19. Last year, 500 runners from Michigan participated in the Team in Training marathon events and raised $2.3 million for the Leukemia Society. Nationwide, the 1998 races netted more than $50 million for research to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease and myeloma.
      The Leukemia Society of America matches each runner with a local leukemia patient to help inspire and encourage them. The society also assigns each team a local certified coach to help them prepare for the rigors of a marathon.
      "The coach provides the reinforcement and inspiration," said Lapekas, owner of Grand Traverse Auto Salvage in Traverse City, who is training for his second marathon. "Positive reinforcement is a real plus because I know I am slow and when you run so much by yourself you need encouragement."
      Jeff Gaft of Honor is the local coach who leads Jolly, Lapekas and Lantz through the society's training schedule, which slowly increases their miles each week. Gaft, who has completed numerous marathons and ultra marathons, coached last year's local team of seven runners. He knows the tips and tricks needed to successfully complete the 26.2 miles, no matter the pace.
      "I don't inspire them, they inspire me," said Gaft, who manages the new Running Fit store in Traverse City. "My goal with the team is to get them to the starting line healthy, that's more important than their finishing time."
      Each Team in Training runner has a goal of raising $5,000 in pledges to qualify for the race. Lapekas set himself a personal goal of $10,000 and is already halfway there. Lapekas is motivated by a personal stake in the fundraising, plus the lure of visiting Alaska, where he hopes to return one day and climb Mt. McKinley.
      "One of my favorite uncles had leukemia and one of my good customers has leukemia and I've watched him with his progress and remission," said Lapekas, who has been training six days a week since December. "It's not easy to run up here in the winter, but I made a commitment and sent my registration in to the society in December."
      Jolly is already well on her way to raising her goal and is holding a breakfast fundraiser at Scott's Harbor Grill on April 25. She is also planning a garage sale and a radio auction in May.
      For more information on the local Team in Training or to make a donation, contact Jeff Gaft at the Running Fit store at 933-9242. An informational meeting for runners interested in participating in the Leukemia Society of America's Team in Training fall marathons will be held Wednesday, May 5, at the Running Fit store in Traverse City.