On March 7, 2015, our 5th cycle practice, I shared my Mission Moment with the Team. A story of my connection to cancer, my journey with Team in Training and my reason to continue to fight for a cure. I thought I would share it here as the countdown towards Tahoe continues. 4 days TO GO!
 

A few years back, I didn’t know anything about blood cancer. I didn’t know there were different types of blood cancer. I didn’t know anyone that had blood cancer. I didn’t know anything about The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Team in Training. But that all changed  about 4 ½ years ago.
It was the summer of 2010  and it was coming to a close, I had just graduated  college  and around this time my family started planning our annual trip to Pismo beach . When we began to start planning my dad went to the hospital with this cough that he couldn't shake. He ended staying in the hospital for 2 weeks with what they said was pneumonia. But after those 2 weeks his cough was still there so they ran more tests. Bringing me to a day I will never forget. August 18, 2010, while sitting at the kitchen table, my mom told me that my dad had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  My dad. One of the healthiest people ever, he ate pretty well, didn’t smoke or drink and would be at the driving range or on the golf course practically every day, had cancer. For close to 2 weeks my dad had been in the hospital for a cough and after multiple tests and consults from a Nephrologist, Pulmonologist, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, and finally Oncology- the mystery had been solved. The cough and difficulty breathing was caused by the Lymphoma in his lungs as well as his spleen and abdomen.
When I woke up that next morning I remember thinking that it was just a horrible dream, that I was going to go visit my dad at the hospital that day for his pneumonia and soon he would be home with us and we could continue planning our annual family vacation to Pismo. But it was not a dream, and reality set in. We put our vacation on hold, and family and friends rallied together as ONE to FIGHT. We became TEAM CELERA. I had bracelets made n all, TEAM CELERA on one side and T.C.K.C.A (Team Celera Kicking Cancers Ass) on the other.
For 4 ½ months I stood by my dad’s side as he fought his battle with cancer.  The highs and the lows. From chemotherapy treatments, to  X-Rays, to  MRI's, blood transfusions, and dialysis. Every procedure, I was there. Whether in his room or the waiting room I was there.  I witnessed first hand the roller coaster that is CANCER. From seeing my dad bed ridden, to days my dad was able to get out of bed and walk those hospital hallways.  From month long hospital stays to homecomings.  To sharing In-N-Out burgers in the comfort of our home, to days we had to try with all our might to get him to eat. It was a time when family came together and took over the waiting room. Family and friends dropping off food, showing support, bringing my dad loads of laughs, probably the most positive and hopeful group in that waiting room.  We saw my dad both strong and weak.  My sister and I would help feed him. My mom would bathe him. We would help him in the bathroom. The man who was the pillar of strength to all of us, the one who took care of us, the roles  were suddenly shifted and we were the ones to take care of him.  I am so grateful for the fact that he was able to be home for Thanksgiving and back home just before  Christmas. Although  I’ll always remember the 911 call we had to make for them to take my dad back to the hospital the day after Christmas, because he was in so much pain. I remember my sister and I trying so hard for him to take his medicine and eat, but him saying “It’s too hard. I’m tired”. In that moment I knew we didn’t have much time left.
For the 2 weeks after Christmas I watched the man I admire, the man I saw as a superhero, in pain. I saw the cancer taking over. From low blood counts, to failing kidneys, to high creatinine levels, low platelets, fever, fluid in the lungs,  we stormed heaven with prayers.  Surrounded by loved ones, I watched as  he took his last breath on January 7, 2011. I listened to the machines stop beeping and instead the sound of crying is what filled that hospital room. My dad’s cancer journey was not just his but my families as well. It was a journey that has impacted my life forever.

In an effort to do something in memory of my dad, 4 ½ months after we lost my dad to cancer I found Team in Training.  After searching lymphoma so much during my dad’s battle, Team in training had kept popping up in advertisements. So I had to click on them! And to my surprise there was a season that was just about to start, so I decided to do a half marathon in memory of my dad. May 2011 marks the start of my Team in Training journey.  As difficult as it was losing my dad, and as fresh as the wound was, I thought this would be a great way to honor his  memory as well as heal my heart. Before Team in Training, after my dad passed I had more bad days than good, I had more tears shed than I could ever imagine, I had closed myself off from those around me, I had pushed people aside, I had my spirit withering away and I had a heart breaking with every passing day. But from that first practice, that moment I met my Team--- everything changed. I knew I was where I was supposed to be. To witness such passion from teammates, to see their drive, their courage, their strength, their unbelievable support, to listening to their inspiring words—it was truly a sight to see. I was surrounded by understanding individuals that had their own stories to tell. Surrounded by like minded people that had been touched by cancer and wanted to do some good.. My journey with the team has brought me such joy. it has given me more good days than bad, more smiles than tears, a spirit fully alive and on fire, and a heart being put back together each passing day.  It has been instrumental in my healing. That’s why I keep coming back season after season. After my first season my brother was inspired and joined the marathon team as well. And after seeing our journey, my sister joined Team in Training for cycling. And last year she was part of this team and spoke so much of the camaraderie and the amazing people she met. After 6 seasons with the marathon team I decided to take a little TNT break, and to let myself heal from injuries. And after close to 10 months without the team, I felt incomplete. I felt lost on Saturday mornings, although I will say I did enjoy sleeping in. But something was missing, I missed gathering together for something far bigger than myself, I missed being able to surround myself with incredibly inspiring people. But I knew that I would probably injure myself too quickly if I went back to the marathon team right away, So I showed up at The first cycle team practice to check it out. Just to check it out, and surround myself with great people. And what did I do just 10 minutes after standing there with all of you, I signed up. And I must say I am honored to be a part of the cycle team, to stand in your midst, to fight with you by my side for a cure, to be surrounded by people who live with such passion, to be a CANCER KILLER and to call you my TNT family!

This mission moment is not mine alone. It is the story of so many others. With every pedal, with every mile, with every practice. We carry every fighter in our hearts. Their fight is our fight. They are the reason why we ride. Let us never forget why we are doing this. Maybe you came to TNT for someone in particular, maybe it was to cross something off your bucket list, maybe it was to do some good, whatever the reason it may be, just remember all the good that you are doing .  By cycling , by giving up your Saturday morning, by your fundraising. By being a part of this team you are saving lives. You are touching, inspiring and impacting the lives of others, whether you know it or not. I am grateful to all of you, for taking that step and being a part of this team.  A cure is what we long for, and there will be a day when a cure is  found. And we will be a part of it.

Go team!

As the season went by I asked friends and family to let me know if they had anyone they would like me to honor and remember through my miles. I received many names of loved ones. Many stories. I wanted to do something to remind myself of WHY i ride, WHY I fundraise and WHY I have to push through with every fill I am faced with. During the second to last practice I decided to write the names of my loved ones and the loved ones of friends, family and teammates on my bike, so I could look down at my bike during a climb and remember the reason to ride. During my last practice I had 70 names on my bike. I will carry these names, these stories with me in Tahoe across 100 miles. I will dedicate every mile to each of these individuals. I will keep fighting and fundraising for a cure. <3

Practice #12 (04.25.15) Long Beach [Laguna Beach/ Laguna/ Newport Coast/ Back Bay]

70 miles. 70 freakin' cancer killin' miles on the bike.
Today I biked the same amount of miles I drove to/from practice.
How sweet it was to be reunited with the rest of the BLUE CREW and spend hours together on our bikes. There were a whole lot of laughs, I think that is why my side hurts right now-- it's not from cycling, but from laughing so dang hard.
From Long Beach to Laguna to Irvine to Back Bay and back to Long Beach! It was quite a ride!!! Lots of miles, some beautiful scenery, zero falls (although there was a close call but Carly totally saved Sheila ), delicious snacks from the SAG stops, crazy drivers, rain and wind the last 20 miles, and a whole lot of cancer killing!
I can't imagine doing this without my awesome teammates by my side. They encourage, they motivate, they support and they bring sunshine even in the gloomiest of days.
I can't imagine completing these miles without the support from all of my donors, you have helped me through the years. You are the fuel to my miles. You are the encouraging words, you are the cancer killing dollars, you are the life savers.
70 miles on a bike allows for a lot of thinking to happen. There was a moment when we waited to turn at a stop light to let a ambulance pass. The sounds of the siren and watching it pass by brought back memories of my dads fight. Those 9-1-1 calls for them to take my dad back to hospital, I will never forget. I remember vividly sitting on the stairs crying watching as the medics entered my house, and as they brought my dad into the ambulance, and as they drove off to the hospital, with us following behind. That memory is what got me through those last miles. In the wind, in the rain, we pushed through and made it to our finish.
70 miles.
70 heartfelt miles.

Practice #13 (05.02.15) East Valley [San Gabriel Valley River Trail]

The original plan: bike on the San Gabriel River trail for 40 miles then head up highway 39 and turn on East Fork for a few miles and head back, for 70 miles for the day.
We learned that we have no control over what may happen, there was a car fire turned brushfire up hwy 39 so we were not able to ride there, plus our SAG was stopped from entering, so even if we did we would have no SAG after all that climbing.
So plans changed a tad.
I ended up doing 50 miles for the day (I'll be doing more miles today). And let me tell you, it was one freakishly hot and windy day. I think temps hit 95 but it felt ever hotter and if you add that to the hot winds, oh my!
Definitely a struggle and draining. But, more cancer killing miles were conquered, and we are that much closer to our century ride in Tahoe.

Practice #14 (05.09.15) Thousand Oaks [Cruisin’ the Conejo metric century]

Let me tell you, those hills were no freakin' joke and there were a good amount of them. At one of the very first hills I tried using my lowest (easiest) gear to help with the climbing and my chain wouldn't stay on it, so I was unable to use the easiest gear the entire ride.
The weather was pretty darn great, it was a well marked course, some gorgeous views, some awesome downhills, the scent of strawberry fields made me want to get off my bike- stop at a strawberry stand- and put some strawberries in my pocket. Great and well supported SAG stops with adorable Boy Scouts there to hold our bikes for us.
But, it was definitely challenging both physically and mentally. I had to say my mantras hundreds of times while climbing up those darn hills. I had to get off my bike a few times to take a breather and get mentally ready to get to the top of those hills, to push forward.
I was going through my list of honored teammates on my ride, I was thinking of the rollercoaster that is cancer. I kept pedaling.
I was thinking of my dad, the chemo treatments, the blood transfusions, the toll cancer took on his body, the days when he couldn't get out of the hospital bed. I pedaled on.
I thought of every mission moment I have heard through the seasons. The struggles, the battles, the courage, the heart, the loss, the strength, the love.
I pedaled with all my might.
70 miles is a lot of miles. There is a lot of thinking that goes on. A lot of emotions that rise to the surface. A time to reflect and remember the WHY.
Why I train. Why I fundraise. Why I decide to wake up at before 5am on a Saturday so I can ride 70 miles.
Because I can. I have a body that allows me to.
Because I would be surrounded by fellow cancer killers doing the exact same thing.
Because the awareness we raise in our training and fundraising makes an impact.
Because the dollars we raise have the ability to MAKE A DIFFERENCE. My team has raised over $130,000 this season, so far. Those fundraising dollars have come from our supporters, from you-- my amazing donors. Knowing that those dollars will help others in their cancer fight, how incredible is that.
I will keep pedaling on, pushing forward, climbing hills, raising awareness, and fundraising--- to my finish line in Tahoe and to the cancer finish line!

Practice #15 (05.16.15) Malibu [PCH to Freedom Park]

Malibu to Oxnard -75 miles.
I left my house for practice at 6am and I got home at 7pm. 'Twas a long day.
The night before practice I knew I needed something to help me push through the miles, so I ended up writing every single one of my donors names from this season on blue tape so I could look down when the miles got tough and remind myself of all the people support and encouraging me through this cycle journey. We started from Zuma Beach down PCH up a 2.5 mile climb on Yerba Buena and a bumpy descent down. Then we made our way to the strawberry fields in Camarillo, I was drooling because the scent was so enticing. So first 1/2 of the ride, awesome. And then there was the strong headwinds, side winds, I'm gonna knock you off your bike winds. That was tough. Darn you Las Posas!! From there we made our way back to PCH and to 3rd SAG stop, where I had a hard fall into mud that hardened with rocky asphalt underneath it (shout out to Cassie for dusting me off). After some icing, we made our way up Mulholland Hwy for a 5.4 mile climb. This was not easy. I stopped many times. I had to look down at my tape to remind myself to keep pushing on. I had to read your names, and remember that you are supporting me through those miles. I wanted to turn around but I pedaled on, I kept telling myself "remember why you do this". I had to focus on"the why" to get my to the top. Every mile. Every climb. Every pedal. It's for a reason.
Once we made it to our turn around we had a nice ride down and back to PCH for the homestretch.
It was definitely a ride that took a lot out of me. But, it brings me one step closer to Tahoe.

Practice #16 (05. 23.15) Playa del Rey [Tour de Westside- Playa del Rey / PV/ Mandeville]

81.7 miles conquered. 55 names of those we honor, remember and love written on my bike and many more carried in my heart.

It was a long ride. We did routes we had done before, but they were combined into one ride. From Marina del Rey to Palos Verdes to Santa Monica, up Mandeville and back to Marina del Rey. There were a lot of stop signs, there were some tough climbs, there were awesome downhills, there were peacocks, there were spectacular views, there were loads of laughs, there were memories made, there were many miles conquered--all for a reason.

81 miles.
It wasn't easy, but I can see the growth from the season. I look back at where I started 16 weeks ago and where I stand now. Such change. I am beyond grateful for the journey.
Last week I put the names of all my donors from this season on my bike. For yesterday's ride I put my honored teammates down. Those that I personally know and those that my friends and TNT family have asked me to honor and remember on my ride.I had 55 names written on my bike. 55 Cancer Fighters. 55 cancer stories. 55 reasons to ride and keep pushing through. These are not just names but loved ones, that have a story to tell. They were what got me up those hills (library hill & Mandeville), they were my fuel to push through.

There were moments when I was climbing up the hills when I was riding alone and all I could hear was the sound of my pedaling, the tires moving along the ground, the wind blowing and catching the leaves on the trees. I realized sometimes a silent moment has the ability to speak volumes. A time with your thoughts, a time to embrace the moment, to fight through the struggle and pain, to look down- read the names written on my bike- to say their stories in my heart, to remember the "why" and keep pushing, and to see how far you have come. The journey isn't over, but it has definitely been one to remember.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to train and fundraise for a cure for cancer and to have the support of friends and family. I am grateful to be able to spend my Saturday's with equally motivated and like minded individuals who are just as passionate in fighting for a cure.
I found myself misty eyed many moments of my ride. Having the BLUE CREW back together made my heart smile. REUNITED and it feels so good. Those gals have made this season one to remember and to have them riding alongside me, I can't help but have emotions to take over just a bit.
Standing at the top of Mandeville 9 weeks after our first ride up to that green gate, I couldn't help but get emotional with how far we have come.
And there was one more moment, as we were riding our final miles, I was in the back staring at my awesome teammates (Cassie, Kurt, Shannon , Erika and Sheila) riding together-one cohesive group-one family of cancer killers. I found myself grateful and blessed.

Practice #17 (05.30.15) Westlake Village

Our last practice before Tahoe. It's crazy how fast the season has gone by.

 I updated my bike with more honored teammates to ride in memory and honor of. 70 names. 70 stories. 70 reasons to ride. I've done my best to keep the mission in why I ride at the heart of my season- every ride- every mile. Thank you, friends and family for letting me ride to honor those you love heart emoticon

 It was a 35.5 mile ride starting in Westlake, where we met for our 4th practice. During that 4th week I hadn't installed my pedals or clip shoes yet. During that practice I still didn't know how to use my gears (had no idea there was an easier gear) and struggled climbing and tipped over into the curb/sewer. That practice I was taught how to change gears efficiently (#cyclinglifechanged ) -big thanks to Kurt & Cassie making call outs on when to shift.
 And yesterday, practice 17 we rode the streets we once ride when we were just starting out. Oh how we have grown. From the white fences we thought would never end, riding the hill we first learned about all our gears, seeing the spot I fell for the first time, we just passed those places by, changing gears with ease.
 It was a ride filled with reminiscing. Filled with tons of laughs (bye Felicia!, banana peel? Banana split? Cherry on top? Dem eggs!), filled with smiles, filled with memories galore. I am beyond glad that I joined the team this season, these memories will be with me forever. And now we are just a week til Tahoe, where the memories will continue to be made, cancer killing will be done, bonds will be strengthened and a life changing experience will be had. I can't wait!

Practice #7 (03.21.15): Playa del Rey [PDR to Amalfi to Mandeville]

It took 1 hour to get to practice. It took 2 hours to get home (thanks Saturday traffic). The miles and hours spent in the car are not the ones that matter. What matters are the hours and the miles in between. Those are the ones that have the ability to speak volumes. It is the time spent with my TEAM. It is the stories we hear of honored teammates. The reasons behind why we ride. The untold stories we carry in our hearts and those that we may never hear. The journey leading to our century ride in Tahoe. The hours spent on our bikes making our way from city to city, and today not only doing our most miles of the season, but also conquering quite a climb! I'm talkin' bout you Mandeville! It was a challenging practice (not gonna lie we were ridden with anxiety before we started our ride) but it also provided much satisfaction when we got to the top of our climb. The last mile of the climb up Mandeville I was repeating my mantras with each tough pedal "for my dad", "keep pushing forward, chemo is tougher than this, pedal pedal pedal". And once I got up there, I can't tell you how awesome it felt. I knew where we started from and to be there at the top with my BLUE CREW by my side... There are no words. They provide an incredible support and make the journey that much more fun and memorable!And let me tell you, the ride down Mandeville= awesome.

Practice #8

I missed that practice :( Sad to be away from the TEAM, but I did manage to do some miles on my own at Bonelli Park. Definitely wasn't the same without my BLUE CREW by my side!

Practice #9 (04.04.15): Long Beach

You don't realize just how much you miss your teammates until you miss a practice! I missed riding with my BLUE CREW last week, but it was so great to be reunited today (what can I say, they bring lots of laughs and sunshine every Saturday!)
We rode 58-freakin'-Cancer killin- miles! From long beach to irvine and back! Saaaay what?! That's #cray! And let me tell ya, it felt pretty awesome. Although, I did have a fall at a stop light. BUT it was super graceful smile emoticon my teammates would totally agree. Aside from that it was pretty darn awesome.
 With every practice another milestone is being hit. Every practice I leave with more miles crushed. More miles than the previous week, which will eventually lead us to 100 miles in Tahoe! It blows my mind to see where we started just 9 weeks ago. We continue to grow and get stronger with every ride, and I am just pumped to have this journey continue on!
 We wake up early Saturday mornings and ride our bikes for hours when we could be sleeping in, for a reason. We are tired of Cancer. We are tired of losing loved ones. We are tired of hearing of another person diagnosed with cancer. We want cures! We want more stories of people being Cancer free! We ride carrying the stories of so many honored teammates. We ride to raise awareness. We raise funds because we know that it CAN make a difference!

Practice 10 (04.11.15): Griffith Park [Mulholland and La Tuna Cyn]

60 freakin miles.
 This was by far the most difficult and testing practice this season. Lots of climbing, 2 falls (onto rocks, I have scrapes and bruises forming), arm, rib and breathing pain, and multiple stops to get myself together, do some stretches and to dust myself off. It's definitely a practice for the books. I couldn't have finished without my awesome TEAM BLURPLE! Thanks for lifting my bike off me, thanks for waiting with me as I tried to get the rib pain to go away, thanks for the stretching break, thanks for helping dust me off and waiting as I recovered from fall number 2, thanks for the encouragement and support, thanks for the laughs, and thanks for helping me finish 60 miles! We freakin' did it!
 I could have stopped and not finished but I got back up and did it.

Practice #11 (04.18.15) Hermosa Beach [Palos Verdes, Library Hill, Crest and Switchbacks]

Today it was announced that our Cycle team has hit 100k raised for LLS!
Today marks 50 days til our century ride in Tahoe!
Today we rode just over 50 miles, with over 4,000ft of climbing.
Lots of climbing, beautiful scenery, nice weather, awesome teammates by my side, and a whole lot of cancer butt being kicked! It wasn't an easy practice, but I am happy to say I had ZERO falls!!!!! I had some close calls to falling (when stopped or having my picture taken) but I managed to maintain my balance!! My legs were screaming at me on many of our climbs and I wanted to get off my bike numerous times, but I managed to push through and make it to the top each time, with the help of repeating different mantras! My mantras and those of teammates throughout my years with TNT.
Another practice in the books. And honored teammates carried in my heart for another 50 miles

If you asked me when I made the decision to join Team in Training in May of 2011, that we would reach this point, I wouldn't have believed it. I joined Team in Training because I needed to do something in my dad's memory. I was 23 years old, the loss of my dad was fresh and I was in search of a way to keep his memory alive, to do some good and to cross something off my bucket list. I thought that I would do a half marathon, raise some money, and do something in my dad's memory. One TNT season. That's all! 

Little did I know that I would find myself still part of Team in Training, currently in my 7th season. Little did I know that I would find myself so PASSIONATE about the cause. Little did I know I would be now training for a 100 mile bike ride. Little did I know that my brother and sister would also join Team in Training. Little did I know that with our fundraising combined WE would hit $30,000 raised for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Today---March 19, 2015 we did just that. $30,000 FREAKIN' CANCER KILLIN' DOLLARS!!! I have found myself at a loss for words today... but obviously not a complete loss, because here I am still typing away. I guess you can say I have found my voice after a few hours of soaking in the moment. It's quite a MILESTONE for me. For my family. For TEAM CELERA.

Looking back on my journey with Team in Training, I can't help but get emotional. Team in Training provided me a way to heal, to grieve, to find my voice. I don't think I would be as open to sharing my dad's journey, my family's fight for my dad's life, had I not found TNT.
The people. The cause. The stories. The relationships. The experience. They are part of my story now. They have been a great part in my healing. They have been instrumental in finding a way for me to release the pain, the hurt, the tears. Instrumental in finding the joy, the happy memories, the smiles.

I wouldn't be here, my 7th season with the Team, without everyone that has supported me and my family along the way. Hundreds of donors have given to this cause that we hold so closely to our hearts. From family, to old classmates, past teachers, teammates, friends I haven't seen in years, coworkers, bosses, friends I see often, to people I have never even met. Oh the AMAZING things that can happen when we all come together! I consider ALL OF YOU part of TEAM CELERA. You have helped us reach goals. You have helped us cross start lines. You have been the encouraging  voices and cheers leading us to finish lines. Without you, TEAM CELERA, we wouldn't have reached 30k. My thanks goes out to all of you!

The fundraising will keep going on, we will keep fighting, we will keep running and cycling towards a cure. We will keep pushing on towards the FINISH LINE towards a CURE.

Here is to the miles ahead. To the next 30k raised. To PUNCHING CANCER IN THE FACE!

<3 GO TEAM! GO TEAM CELERA!

Teams are made up of individuals. Without them, there is no team.

 

Practice # 4 (02.28.15): Westlake Village

I woke up before the sun had risen so I could make sure I left my house early enough to make it to practice on time. An hour to get to practice and an hour and forty minutes to get home. Worth it? ABSOLUTELY.
Why do I wake up before the sun rises on Saturday mornings and cycle many miles? It's because I am passionate about finding a cure for cancer, I want to surround myself with fellow Cancer killers, I want to do something in memory of my dad, I want to be able to make a difference.
Now that I am learning a new sport with TNT I find myself learning so much each practice. This practice I learned how to change a tire (I also realized I'm super weak and need to do hand exercises! There has to exercises for that!) and learned more about shifting gears. Say hello to cycling efficiently! What a difference a shift in gear can make! Who woulda thunk?!
I'm really glad that I made this step to join this team. To try something new. To challenge myself. And to keep fundraising for a cure!

Practice # 5 (03.07.15): Griffith Park

I left practice feeling accomplished and supported.
I shared my mission moment with the Team. It's always a bit nerve wrecking for me the days leading up, but standing among my teammates I felt immediately put at ease. I shared my connection to Cancer. I shared my dads Cancer journey. I showed them what Team Celera is all about. And I let my dads legacy continue on. If you want to read my mission moment, let me know! I would be happy to send it to you!
At practice I was announced as 1st place of the 100 friends in 100 hours challenge. I have all of my incredible 46 donors to thank. YOU made that happen and I am grateful beyond words, you know that!

It was also my first practice clipping in to my pedals. The amount of nerves in my body fearing clipping in was out of control. I did fall once, BUT it was a graceful fall at a stop light and I got back up pretty quick. So I say that even though I did fall it was still a win in #operationclippingin.
I cycled 34 freakin'  miles and felt great doing it! Despite some chain issues, it was a great ride and I couldn't have done it without my teammates by my side.
So much #winning.  So much Cancer butt being kicked. Definitely a great practice, and one in which my dad was carried with me every pedal of the way!
 

Practice  #6 (03.14.15): Rose Bowl

35miles. 35 warm miles. 35 miles with awesome Cancer killers (what up BLURPLE CREW). 35 miles with T-REkX. 35 miles for a reason. 35 miles exploring new places. 35 miles learning more about cycling. 35 miles finding strengths and working on weaknesses. 35 miles of discovery. 35 miles of kickin Cancer butt.
I ride alongside my incredible teammates for a reason: for cures, for treatments, for research, for therapies, for loved ones. The training may get tiring, it may get hot, but we keep pushing on because we can--- and because Cancer is still affecting people. So the fight continues on. We will keep riding, we will keep raising life saving funds, we will keep doing what we can to make a difference.

If you haven't joined me in PUNCHING CANCER IN THE FACE and would like to make a tax deductible The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I would greatly appreciate it!!!
After recalculating our family total TEAM CELERA is just $28.82 away from reaching the 30k mark raised for LLS since the start of our TNT journey in 2011.

Please help us reach and then surpass that smile emoticon thanks in advance!

GO TEAM!