Racing to Save Lives

Who would have thought I would be training for a marathon again...and actually enjoy running?

I never would have. Especially 10 years ago - when I can barely run a mile. And that's with cheating. Seriously. Even the mere thought of running already made me lightheaded.

My perspective changed a bit in 2006. I was looking for a non-profit organization where I can be active in. Literally. That's when I found Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. I can help fundraise for a good cause and be trained to something active? A win-win to me! Only thing is, I'm not exactly into running. BUT, I'm always up for a good challenge. Wait - a marathon is 26.2 miles?! Holy cow! Oh well, signed up already. Too bad, so sad. I'm not about to back off from a challenge.

I can't lie. It was a struggle. Achy muscles. Shin splints. Tensed tendons. 5 AM runs. The works. BioFreeze quickly became my new best friend. And of course, Gu as well.

After crossing the finish line, I realized that it's more than being able to finish 26.2 miles. It's also being able to help others. I had to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma society along side training with Team in Training. I tell you what, it felt great. It felt great to be part of the mission to cure cancer.

Flash forward to 2010. My sister said that she wants to run a marathon. I agreed to run with her. I signed up for Team in Training again. I figured that if I'm going to run a marathon, might as well do it for a good cause. My sister ended up looking into something else. But I've already signed up to run a marathon. Oh well.

But this time, it's more than just a marathon. Or looking for a non-profit organization to be a part of. This time, it's more personal. I've seen a bit too many episodes of those close to me have to go through the effects of cancer. It is heartbreaking to see the expenses racked up. I became a true believer with the mission of Leukemia and Lymphoma society when I found about Gleevec. Gleevec is used as a treatment for those who have blood cancer. And it was developed by research supported by money raised through Team in Training. Another name for Gleevec is Imatinib. “Until Imatinib was introduced in 2001, people with CML faced a grim prognosis, with few surviving five years after diagnosis unless they received bone marrow transplants. Imatinib has reversed that prospect, allowing 95 percent of people with CML to survive five years.” You can't just fight the facts.

This season, I've decided to be part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training to run the Nike Women's Marathon in the beautiful San Francisco, CA on October 17th, 2010.

All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

Before you press that little X in the corner of this page in fear of my proceeding plea for a donation, consider this: Every four minutes, one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every ten minutes, someone in the United States dies from a blood cancer. Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma will cause the deaths of an estimated 53,240 people in the United States this year.

I understand that times are tough, and that the current economy is having an impact on all of us. However, I assure you that every dollar will make a difference. My goal of $3,500 will be no steady feat, but with the faith of my friends and family, I have confidence that my 26.2 miles will be run for more than just a medal.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

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Summer 2010 Season's Long Runs

05/22/10 -

It's the first long run of the season. And it feels great being able to do 3 miles again =)

05/29/10 -

Memorial Day weekend. We have to run on-our-own. Schedule said 3 miles but a group of us decided to do 4.5 miles. I ended up missing my where I'm supposed to turn and ended up running 2 more miles. That makes it 6.5 miles? Whoa, I just ran more than a 10K!!!

06/05/10 -

Cocoa Beach Run. Who wouldn't kill for a nice run in the beach? Couldn't figure out where my team was so just decided to take off and run anyhow. Finally found them but since I was late, the cone for the 2 mile mark wasn't there and ended up running an extra 2 miles again. 6 miles this time around. Lots of distractions though. Who would have thought that people actually surf with poles?!

06/12/10 -

My six-days a week trainings are actually finally giving in. I feel like I can just run forever with the pace I have set up for myself. Ran for 5 miles without stopping. Nice!

06/19/10 -

Whoa, what a challenge! Have to wonder how I'll make it in San Francisco where those hills really matter. The team did a run in Altamonte Springs. Where there's little hills to run on. Feels good to actually complete that one. But it did wake me up. Need to work on those hills...

06/26/10 -

The sun's shining. There's a little breeze in the air. It's a great day for a nice long run. Headed the opposite direction from where we were supposed to run. Got to be the one-person-cheerleading member to my teammates when we pass each other, running from opposite directions. It is a wonder how I've finished so quickly. Finally figured out that my body has its own air-conditioner. While everyone else is hot and sweaty, I'm freezing my butt off. Odd, no?