Racing to Save Lives

Thank you for visiting my Web site!

I'm training to participate in an Olympic distance triathlon as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. For the event, I will swim .9 miles, bike 24.8 miles and run 6.2 miles. Although this will be extremely challenging, it's something I have always wanted to do, and I can't think of a better way to accomplish my goal than by helping this important cause!

Cancer has affected my life in many ways. When I was 16 years old, my cousin's new wife passed away from leukemia after a brave battle. Christie Smith was only 26 years old. I will be completing this race in her honor. Six years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It's a miracle she is still with us, but I am so incredibly thankful she is! My Great Uncle Joe was also recently told he has a form of blood cancer. Just a few days ago, my Aunt Pat was diagnosed with liver cancer. We are all hopeful that she will be just fine with the right treatments.

I believe it's so important to support organizations that make research a top priority. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society exists to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. They ensure that 75% of all donations goes directly toward finding a cure and improving the quality of life for patients.

Please, please, please support me in helping this cause. We need to stop cancer from taking more lives. Every donation matters!

Thanks so much for your help!

July 6, 2009

I thought it was about time to update my family and friends about my progress so far. I can't believe we are already half-way through the training season. There are only 10 more weeks left until the big race!

Tonight, I had my best swim yet. I swam 2,000 meters without stopping and without touching a wall once! This was a huge accomplishment for me. At the first practice, I could barely make it 400 meters! It's simply amazing how our bodies adapt and improve if we just push ourselves. I'm also running about 20 miles each week and biking about 45. Every day is a challenge, but it does get easier!

Next week, all the TNT team members will "recommit" to the cause, meaning we will formally pledge to meet our fundraising goals. I want to thank all of my VERY generous family and friends for their support. I am absolutely taken-aback at how many of you donated -- even those of you who are out of work or suffering from the failing economy. Your giving spirit is much to be admired.

The more involved I am, the more passionate I become about this cause. Each and every day, more lives are lost to some form of cancer. So many need our help, and government funding is just not enough. Let's support research efforts that could one day offer a cure. If you haven't given yet, please consider it. EVERY single donation matters. No amount is too small! I am getting close to my goal, so your support would mean so much.

Thanks again!

XOXO Julie

Updated - July 26, 2009

A lot has happened since my last post. The biggest hurdle I've overcome is my fear of swimming in the open water, or should I say my fear of swimming with other creatures in the open water! I finally did it two weeks ago at Lucky's Lake. And what did we see right before we hit the water? A big snake! No gators though. I found my fear actually motivated me to swim fast. At any rate, I survived the 1 km swim and even got to sign the "Wall of Fame."

Yesterday, our practice was the hardest yet. We ran 2 miles, biked 30 miles and then ran 5 miles. This Florida heat is really making training tough. I definitely wasn't the first to finish, but I did finish! Next week, we are going to have a "mock" triathlon in Titusville. We'll get to do all three exercises (swim, bike and run) and work on our transition times between the events.

We are getting closer and closer to race day, and I am so excited! My fundraising has gone great, but I still haven't reached my goal. If you haven't given yet, please consider it. I'm soooo close, and your donation would mean a great deal to me and even more for those suffering from a blood cancer.

Thanks for your support!

XOXO Julie

Updated - August 5, 2009

We had another great week of training. Saturday was our practice sprint triathlon. We swam 1/2 mile, biked 15 miles and ran 3.5 miles. I did well but again was terrified of the open water. Right before we jumped in, I saw a huge GATOR on the opposite side of the water. It should have made me feel better that it wasn't on our side, but it didn't!

The best part of the day was when my teammate crashed on her bike. You really have to see it for yourself. It's an absolute classic!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru6Os-dvTns

We are getting closer and closer to race day, and I still haven't reached my fundraising goal. Please consider giving if you can. Every single donation can make a difference -- no matter how small!

Thanks again!

Julie