Jennifer and Sandy Kyle at the finish of the Broad Street Run

Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

May 2, 2010 - FINISHED THE BROAD STREET RUN TODAY!

Many thanks to all of you who have followed my progress and donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Today was a crazy day. I have NEVER run competitively before and starting with a 10 mile race was an adventure. The weather in Philadelphia today broke records highs. The temperature was 89 degrees and the humidity was high. The race started at 8:30am, but I didn't cross the start line until 9:00am. The first 2 miles were pretty tough because, despite my best efforts, I came outta the gate a little too fast. I quickly resumed my normal pace. Thankfully the city of Philadelphia opened fire hyndrants along the way - What a life saver.

I finished the race in 2:12:27 with a split time of 1:06:27. My Aunt Sandy was at the finish line and we celebrated together. Donations can still be made up to June 2nd!

I'm training to participate in an endurance event as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. 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!

I am specifically enrolled in this event for a good friend and colleague, Shanna. Shanna is battling lymphoma currently and needs all the support she can get in time, love, and donations for a cure.

After I made the decision to join the LLS Team in Training, my Aunt Sandy was diagnosed with CML and has begun chemotherapy. This run will benefit both women in their fight with blood cancer.

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!

Jen

3/7/2010: 4-mile run on Kelly Drive in Philadelphia! I've trained up to 3.5 miles to this point and am excited AND nervous to bump up the mileage! Thanks for your encouragement!

3/10/2010: Ran 3.3 miles last night outside going up and down hills. It started to feel better after about a mile. No leg cramps this time! Tomorrow is my homemade macaroni and cheese fundraiser at work. Hoping to raise $50 or more. Thanks everyone!

3/14/2010: Ran 5.5 miles today in a misting rain and driving wind. Once I hit that endorphin rush, I was able to push up and down hills through my neighborhood. I have officially surpassed my previous longest run. Half way to 10 miles!

I also had a very successful mac and cheese fundraiser at work, selling out of a quadruple batch of it in a few hours. Raised close to $100!

3/20/2010: Tomorrow is a 6 mile run. Yesterday I neared the $1000 mark with my fundraising. You all have answered the call so well I am increasing my goal to $1500! Way to go!

3/21/2010: Ran 6 miles today surpassing my previous best of 5.5 miles. Had to ice the knees tonight, making me a bit concerned for the longevity of my new found hobby. Funny thing happened today. I found myself feeling pretty crumby this afternoon and actually somewhat craved my run. Feeling much better afterwards. Guess I'm hooked on the endorphins?

4/3/2010: Ran 8 grueling miles today. Had to take a little time off because my knee was bothering me. Perhaps too many years of abuse on the softball field? I finished it. The fear of not finishing the race along with letting you folks down keeps me going. Four weeks until race day!

4/12/2010: A little less than three weeks to go until race day. I ran 8.2 miles this afternoon and didn't once think I would die! I would NEVER have thought I could run for nearly two hours (that's a plodding 4.5 mph) six months ago. More donations are coming in via check and will be posted soon!

4/27/2010: Just days left until the Broad Street Run. Ran 5.5 miles tonite and, I have to say, the run was pretty easy. Hoping to stay calm, cool, and collected heading into race day!