I can't believe it. Race weekend is finally here. This time tomorrow I'll be departing from downtown Phoenix, running through the gorgeous Papgo Park, running over the amazing Mill Ave bridge and arrive to the finish line at the gates below:

It's hard to believe that this is all coming to light. I've had four months of practice with my running group with Team In Training, I've actually tried to run in good form, and I've reversed my typical exercise agenda, running more than I've been hitting the heavy bags.

The past couple weeks have been especially important. First and foremost I've been able to not only meet, but to exceed my fundraising goal to help LLS find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. I'm so honored and blessed to have such wonderful friends and family that are not only there supporting me as I achieve a personal goal, but are helping with an even more important goal that can impact everyone. I joined TNT in memory of two important people in my life that lost their fight with cancer. It's the strength and courage they showed throughout their entire lives, even when they weren't dealt the best hand, that is helping me through this.

It's also amazing to see me complete this goal for myself. I'm not a runner. You all know this. I can't guarantee I'll be running fast this weekend, but I'll be running fast for me and most importantly, I'll be finishing. And I'll be having a blast. This past weekend we ran the final few miles of the course for practice and even without the cheering and the bands, I was so inspired, I actually ran kinda fast, and well danced as I ran through the finish line. Just imagine what it will be like with a crowd of people. Inspiring!

I've been doing a lot fo get ready for race day tomorrow. Last night I got an amazing 12 hours of sleep. I have my race outfit out and am getting everything ready. My goo gummies and gatorade and powerbars are ready to go. I am going through my playlist and anylizing the beats per minute of songs to make a race day playlist as I type.

I want to invite you all to follow me on race day. If you're in the area, please come cheer me on. I won't be the speediest on the course, so you can probably see me at multiple spots. The half starts at 8:30 and my corral (26) will probably be around 9 or so, so you don't even have to get up that early. You can see a map of the course at the link below. Please cheer me on.

http://arizona.competitor.com/event-info/course/

If you're not in the area, you can track my progress through competitor wireless:

https://www.competitorwireless.com/

Additionally, there should be a race day web cam:

http://running.competitor.com/2011/01/races/p-f-changs-rock-n-roll-arizona-coverage_20063

http://arizona.competitor.com/

Thanks again everyone! Without you this would not be possible, nor would it be as fun.

This sign was posted at our turn around mark for the long dreaded 10 mile group training run we did yesterday. I've started to realize while I'm not a career psychopath, I mean runner, that it's really true. I'm sure some people may have physical characteristics that scream I run 100 miles a month, but I'm not one of them. I'm short and my legs are too. I probably look pretty foolish when I run, considering I have the stride of a duck. But I am running and the reward is pretty awesome I have to say.

This week, I had the fortunate opportunity to wrap gifts to raise money towards my goal at Bookstar. It started off really slow and boring but ramped up pretty quick and I was able to raise just shy of $40 in 3 hours. I helped a guy remember which book was what off the quick glance I made, talked to some others about their gift shopping and told another lady about the awesome that is the left handed store in San Francisco. I was also asked where the bathroom was, if a book was in stock and if I was there from corporate to close the place down for good (wow, did I look that scary??)!!

I ran into some issues, or disagreeances with my right leg yesterday on the run and ended up purely walking the last 2.5. However, I know now that if that happens on race day, I can still cross the finish line. My legs absolutely hated me after the fact and my body. I couldn't eat enough pretzels and stretch enough to make my legs feel better. I am happy to report that while they are still sore, I didn't fall on my ass when getting out of bed this morning, which is better than days past.

I want to again thank everyone that's help me reach my fundraising goal and let those who haven't had a chance to yet, that it's not too late. I've decided that if I reach my goal fast enough you just may see me running with a tutu on, especially if I go over my goal by a few hundred. So help me out. I promise to share the photos.

I ran the farthest I've ever ran at one time in my life this past Saturday at our team run. It was nearly 8 miles and I about died. It was hard. It sucked. Sometimes I felt like I wanted to stop, thinking of all the other places I could be.

Then something a team member said before the run kicked in. "Running 13 miles is hard, but it's easier than going through chemo."

I want to thank you all so much for your support. I'm going to keep running. I will finish and I can do this. I'm also nearly done with fundraising now because of all your help. Only $140 more to go!

One of my favorite things to do is bake. I find it relaxing and I am intrigued by the combination of ingredients that can make a fantastic cupcake or cookie or muffin.

Lucky for me, I will have an opportunity to bake here soon. Lucky for you, you can benefit.

You see, I'm going to be baking for a yard/bake sale to be held this Saturday in Scottsdale. The money raised will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and help me reach my goal of raising $1,200 to run over cancer. I only have $200 left to raise and I figure I may be able to lure some people with my delicious treats.

If you're going to be up early that morning, swing by from 6-10am this Saturday the 13th. Let me know if you'd like the address.

My tentative menu is as follows:

• Ginger Lime Coconut Cookies
• Carrot Cookies
• Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins
• Caramel Apple Cupcakes

If you aren't going to be able to make it, but still would like to place a fall order, let me know. Your money will still go towards my LLS goal. I also ship.

I hope to see you all there and thank you for supporting me!

I'm so close to reaching my goal, so I decided as I was running today to reach out to people and ask them to give me a high five by donating $5 to LLS. $5 is so simple to give and can do so much for cancer research. I know in this hard economy that a large donation can be tough. That's why I'm only asking for $5. When a lot of people each contribute a little, giant accomplishments can be made.

$5 is sacrificing a cup of coffee this week. Don't worry it'll be good for you. Make it at home instead.

$5 is bringing your breakfast from home instaed of grabbing something on the way to the office. Bananas and granola can be much more filling than McDonalds!

$5 is most importantly a big help.

Help me run over cancer. Give me a high five!