Now that I am officially training for my first 100 mile trail race, I have decided to go back to my roots and raise money for charity. I have already been asked so many questions like Why? Or was I always a runner? Both of these questions take me back to training for my first race ever 9 years ago. 

I had set out to run a half marathon and I honestly couldn’t do it alone. I found the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training through my sister in law Jennifer. I joined the team and was surrounded by an amazing support system! My coaches Tony and Bridget taught me to be a long distance runner. I finished my half marathon and went on to run a marathon. 

3 years ago I decided to get back into running. I fell in love with trails and sought out training for a trail race. This was completely new territory for me and so I joined Team in Training once again. My coaches Kiley, Danny and Raul taught me to be an ultra runner. When I met them, I thought they were the craziest people in the world!! I honestly did not believe they could train me to run a 50k and by the end of my season, I finished my first 50 mile trail race.

So this next milestone is in honor of the coaches who donated their time selflessly to teach people like me to go the distance. For all the survivors I met along the way- so many incredible human beings!! Lastly, for the memory of all taken by this horrible disease and the people impacted by it. I’ve witnessed the donations save lives and simply keep people going on their journey of a lifetime. 

That is the most magical part about the road I’m heading down- It takes a team and I would love for you to “join” my team. You can do so by donating to LLS via this site. Please support me on my 100 mile journey by helping me save lives!!!