Yay!!!

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am.

With your help, I have not only reached my fundraising goal, but I've surpassed it! This means that we've helped many families, and I'm definitely going to Nashville on April 28th.

When I first started training back in November, I was quite scared that I wouldn't be able to raise enough money or run 13.1 miles. Now, at the first of march, I'm feeling pretty good about both. I've raised enough moo-lah, and I'm pretty sure that I can reach the 13.1 mark.

Last Saturday, my team met in downtown Huntsville for a long run. We ran the Cotton Row course - which is has this super monstrous hill - TWICE! My coach, Dana, and I ended up running 11.19 miles that day.

ELEVEN! I remember a time when I wondered if there was anything past the three mile mark... and now I'm at eleven. Although I was pretty sore the next day, it's amazing to think what our bodies are capable of doing and overcoming. We can propel ourselves for miles and miles, and, with help, we can heal and overcome cancers.

Thank you so much for your continued support, thoughts, and prayers. It's incredibly touching to know that I have so many loving people in my life, and I want you to know that I truly appreciate you. :)

My teammate Bonnie and me with our awards! We both received awards for top fundraising and I received one for attending the most group runs!

My team feasting after a four mile run.

Getting ready for a long run on an early Saturday morning.

After eight days off, I was finally well enough to run again today! Since the sun was out and it felt like spring, Buddy and I headed out for a nice three miler around the neighborhood.

My personal record for 3 miles was 31:22, but yesterday I rocked an amazing 29:51!!! I'm so excited!

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and for your DONATIONS!

I'm just $560 away from raising my goal and being able to participate in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon this April.

Please help me get there and donate today! One dollar or one hundred, I appreciate it all!

The last time I wrote, I was at a mere 33%.

Now look at it! I've raised a whopping $1,140 for LLS! I can't believe how generous you've all been. THANK YOU!

If you've been waiting to donate, now's definitely the time. :)

I am sick this week, so I didn't get to join my group on our Tuesday night four miler.

Surprisingly, I miss running! When did that happen? ;)

Thirty-three percent.

I'm 33% of the way to my fundraising goal!

It's hard to believe that I've raised SIX HUNDRED dollars so far. :)

Last Saturday, after running a beautiful, warm six miles at Point Mallard in Decatur, we had the chance to meet one of our honored patients, Nathanael!

This is my amazing running coach, Dana.

This upcoming Saturday will be the first of three seven mile runs. It will undoubtedly be hard, but I know I can do it. :)

I cannot believe that it's the end of December AND I can run six miles.

Never in a million years would I have thought that my dinky little chicken legs could carry me for six whole miles. Well, in all honesty, those dinky little chicken legs are getting pretty muscular. ;)

My teammates are absolutely amazing. I couldn't ask for a funnier, more encouraging group of people. Believe it or not, I actually look forward to our group runs; they encourage and inspire me to run faster, longer, and happier.

I'm pretty pumped that I already have three hundred dollars; that means I've raised 17% of my goal! I still have a long way to go, though. Going to the mailbox has become the highlight of my day. I'm saving each note that you send to me - your words of encouragement mean so very much!

One of the most inspiring notes came with not money, but a Christmas card from my 5th grade teacher:

My mother's leukemia is acting up again, but the chemo seems to be working. We are very blessed to have her with us still. My wonderful father-in-law, who deals with many health issues already, just got diagnosed with leukemia and hopefully will begin treatments in 2012 to get rid of it. You are running for a worthy cause.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of the great folks I spend my Tuesday and Thursday nights with, as well as my precious Saturday mornings!

This was one of our first 3 mile runs...this one in the cold, cold rain.

This 3 mile run was super cold.

Our first official 4 mile group run.

Thanks to the employees and patrons of the Madison Walgreens for taking our pictures! :D