Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page. Check out www.marathonmalinda.blogspot.com for more!

I can't believe I'm about to say this...I am training to run my very first marathon on June 6! I'm participating in the San Diego Rock'N'Roll Marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. I've never been much of a runner, and I'm extremely nervous about running 26.2 miles at once. However, there are three reasons I decided to join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TNT).

The first reason is because I can. Our bodies have incredible capabilities. Until recently, I took this gift for granted. Back in October, I tore my calf muscle playing soccer. I couldn't walk without being in pain for nearly two months. The first day I was able to run on the treadmill was such a glorious day! I decided that I would no longer take my body for granted. I wanted to challenge myself. That challenge came, I admit, while watching The Biggest Loser. My second reason: When I saw last season's contestants run a marathon, I said to myself, "If they can do it, I can." Then, I chickened out and settled for registering for a half marathon instead (which I just finished the first weekend of March). However, over Christmas vacation, a friend Allie was diagnosed with cancer. It got me thinking about all of those I know who have been affected by cancer in some way, such as Julia, and Sherry. This is the biggest reason I decided to take on the marathon challenge. I wanted to contribute to the fight against cancer.

Allie is a 20 year-old first-year student at Messiah College, my alma mater. She also graduated from high school with my little brother Eddie. She's a great girl with a big heart and a positive attitude toward life. The community has done a lot to raise money for her family and help to cover medical expenses. It's been hard to get involved while being on the other side of the country. Joining TNT is my way of helping. Never in my life did I think I would be training for a full 26.2 mile race.

As I've been training, there have been many days, especially the freezing, early Saturday mornings when I wondered, "Why am I doing this to myself?" Then I think about Allie, Julia, Sherry, Rex, and all of the loved ones in my life who have fought cancer. While my pain is relieved after a few hours (or a few days of soreness), theri battle continues every second. They receive no water breaks. There is not set finish line. I didn't just sign up to run a marathon; I committed to raising $3,000 for cancer research.

All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop cancer, specifically leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I am completing this event in honor of my many loved one who have been fighting cancer as well as 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!

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. You can read more about my TNT experience by visiting my blog.

Thanks for your support!