Thank you for taking a moment to swing through and help me make a difference. I promise to do all the physical swimming, biking, running, sweating, aching, bleeding and cramping for you…I’m simply asking for your support!!!

After joining TEAM in Training last year, my life was forever changed. I was incredibly inspired by the cause and the people who so generously supported my fundraising efforts. Also, the team of people who I trained with every week became some of the best friends a girl could ask for. How could I not want to do it all again?

This year….Vineman 70.3. I plan to conquer it. What is it? It’s a 70.3 mile triathlon, a “Half- Ironman” to be precise. In order to cross the finish line, I will swim 1.2 miles in the Russian River, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles through the gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills (eeek!) of Sonoma County. Crazy?! Maybe so, but I’m excited for the challenge because I’m doing it to kick cancer’s butt (even if mine gets thoroughly kicked along the way)! I can’t say no to an awesome cause, incredible teams, and the physical challenge of my life!

Last year, I was so incredibly touched and inspired by the goodness in people’s hearts! Old classmates, co-workers, family, friends and complete strangers; they all chipped in to help me raise almost $9,000 for the cause last year. You all made me the top fundraiser in the Greater L.A. Area!

Here I am again, asking for you to help me continue the fight against cancer. Please know that every single dollar helps, so no amount is too small. It is truly the thought and participation that makes the biggest difference in the cause…and in my heart. Your donation is 100% tax deductible, and will be contributed to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to stop blood cancers from taking more lives.

Please stop back in for training stories of inspiration, ass kickings, and bloopers along the way. I’ll be sure to include fun photos too…it’ll be like you are with me the whole time. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your support!!!!

My Ultimate Motivation....

,

In recent months, my family lost two very special people. Crazy cousin Hide a.k.a. George…the funniest man I’ve ever met, who courageously fought cancer until his passing this past December, and my dearest Great Auntie Helen (Hide’s mother), who was absolutely the sweetest woman in the whole world! She warmed hearts, gave selflessly, and made me want to be a better person. She passed peacefully at age 95 this February. I dedicate my training and the completion of the Half-Iron race to them. This year, I was disappointed to discover that the Seattle Japanese Festival (Bon Odori) falls on the same weekend as Vineman. Instead of dancing in their honor this year, I vow to swim, bike and run to that finish line in their honor in Sonoma.

….it’s barely 42 degrees outside, and my alarm clock is blaring. It reads 5:30 a.m. I am no early bird by nature, nor did I ever plan on being an endurance athlete. However, TEAM in Training changed my life. I have slowly become a morning person by choice, and I am now a triathlete. For all those fighting cancer, and for those who don’t have the option to get out of bed no matter what time of day, I hop up. I’m awake and ready to train. Let’s do this….! Goooooo TEAM!