Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up! Jimmy V

I'm training for my second marathon in 2010. This is my 4th event with Team in Training! Since my first event in 2008, the Nike Women's Half-Marathon, I have raised over $9,000 with your help! But we're not through yet. You see, there are still people battling blood cancers every single day. I am one of the lucky ones. Lance Armstrong said it best when he said "It's the obligation of the cured." It's my obligation as a survivor to do whatever it takes to help wipe out blood cancers. I hope you will join me in the on-going fight against all blood cancers. Check back for periodic updates on my training and fundraising!

Mal :)

May 16, 2010- Well, I did it. I finally crossed the line of a marathon. I did it on my own two feet and on the same day I started. I didn't push too hard because it was in the 80s and the humidity was about 91%. Welcome to Hot-lanta and it's only mid-May! This journey started on 9/22/2000 when I was diagnosed. There were days I wasn't sure if I would live, but now I'm living and running again. How amazing?! Cancer may have left my body but it hasn't left my soul. It's what drives me every day I wake up and every run I have. Running is a lot like chemo: you have good days, bad days, and no clue what the next 5 minutes is going to hold. Cancer picked a fight with the wrong girl and I'm not done fighting. It kept trying to kick me while I was down and now that I can kick back, I'm going to keep stomping it into the pavement with every step I take.

Yesterday was also the first official group training for the Chicago season. I can't believe I started the season with a marathon and will finish with a marathon. Thank you all for your support and love.

Stay tuned :)

We start training this coming Saturday, May 15th. On that day, I will get my chance to run a 26.2 course since my first marathon attempt in Nashville was thrawted by lightning and severe storms. Our TNT chapter is setting up a course for us. I can't tell you how excited I am to have a second shot at this distance so that I can get right into Chicago training knowing that I really can do this!