I can't believe it! I've trained so hard for the past few months and race day has seemed so far away. BUT as of today, it is 19 days away!!! That seems so surreal to know that its almost here and I will be able to walk away saying I completed my first Ironman and raised money to fight cancer!!!

Throughtout the past few months, I have learned so much about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and have become more passionate than ever about finding a cure! I've made friendships that I know will last a lifetime, I rarely have to train alone, when its tough and hurts-I have a teammate by my side to push me through and the constant motiviation from our coaches, mentors, teammates ect has been amazing! I'm not sure if all tri teams are this close but I feel as if my family just grew!

Joining Team in Training has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences I've ever had. I'll never be the same and I can't wait to come back for more!

Here's to racing my heart out on September 30th by swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 miles and running 13.1 miles. But more importantly, here's to finding a cure! Take that cancer!!!

Much love to all!

Ashley

We've been training as a team now for a little over a month. I have to say, I LOVE my team and our awesome coaches!!! I'm training with some amazing people who all share one common goal (besides being triathletes ;) ) to find a cure! Cancer is a terrible thing and knowing that I am helping others makes all the pain that I feel while training all the more bearable. Every day, I train, and will continue to train, all while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm extremely passionate about this organization and feel incredibly blessed to be able to be a part of it.

As of today, I'm 75% of the way to my goal. Please help me get there; I'll do the swimming, biking and running for you!

GO TEAM!

Welcome to my Team and Training Website!

From then...to now...marathoner & beyond!

If you are reading this, you most likely know the journey that I've been on the past several years. Just a few years ago, I weighed 416lbs and today, I'm almost to my goal weight. It took a lot of hard work but I want to show others that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself! If you had told me that I'd be doing the things that I do today, I would have told you that you've lost your mind! I am an athlete. I've done numerous 5ks, 10ks, triathlons, half marathons and I just completed my first full marathon this past March. Now, I am taking on a new goal, to complete a Half Ironman in Augusta this September.

While training, I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers. To accomplish that mission, I’m participating in a sports endurance event as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

I will get up early, I will train late, I will swim, bike & run through all types of weather, I endure pain I have never felt and I will do this because I have hope and know I am making a difference. A 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and running 13.1 miles may be painful, but it will never come close to the pain of being diagnosed with cancer, the pain of recieving chemo treatments, or the pain of losing a friend or family member to cancer.

This also is very near and dear to my heart. Two of the most important men in my life have Lymphoma & Leukemia. I will be racing for my Uncle Rob who has Lymphoma and my Grandfather John who has Leukemia. I love them both dearly and without their support, I wouldn't have made it this far!

Left: Uncle Rob and Right: Grandfather John

Please consider making a 100% tax deductible donation to support my participation in Team in Training and help advance LLS's mission. Your contribution will promote continued research, patient assistance, support systems, and ultimately help to fund a cure for these devastating diseases.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!

XOXO,

Ashley

Please contact me with any questions or if you would like to donate by check- jajohnston83@gmail.com.