Trying to make a difference...

I'm running a marathon... FOR THE FIRST TIME!.

Hey there! I'm training to participate in the San Diego Rock N' Roll Marathon 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 marathon in honor of all individuals who are battling cancer. 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. Thanks for your support!

2/8 - My FIRST Training day. I ran 3 miles today. Seems like a piece of cake! This is just the beginning & so far is awesome! Knees were a bit sore after the run... Need to workout my quads!

2/15 - 4 miles - the longest I've ever run.. haha. Knees aren't too bad this time. Just one knee is sore. Bought better shoes. I'm ready for more!

2/22 - 5 miles - another personal best! Thank you to all that have donated so far. I really appreciate your support. Today's run was good. I can't believe I'm running as much as I am!

3/1 - 7 miles - Every week I'm amazed on how the human body can push itself. Team In Training has shown me that ANYONE can accomplish anything, including running a marathon!

3/8 - 8 miles - Okay, now it's really starting to feel like I'm training for a marathon. This was a bit tough, but it was probably because I took a bathroom break during my run & I pushed myself to catch up with my pace group. And, I did! I ran a faster pace group today. I'm running about a 10 minute mile!

3/17 - 10 miles - Ran around the Rose Bowl area a little over 3 times to get a 10 mile run in. Great place to run. Feeling better when I run. Doing IT Band stretches. Finally hit the double digits!! Woo Hoo!

3/22 - 8 miles - tapered down this week. Ran the Santa Monica Mountains... Beautiful! A bit cold, ran in the rain for a bit, & the trail was hilly... glad it was "only" 8 miles! Next Sunday... 12 miles!

3/28 - 10K (6.2 miles) - Today I ran my first official race! The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills. I finished just under 58 minutes! (57:55) I'm VERY surprised. It was a great experience.

3/29 - 12 miles - Another personal best. My body is now getting used to the long distances. I was feeling under the weather but managed to push on through. 18.2 miles in 2 days! What the...?

4/5 - 13 miles - I practically ran a half marathon today. I can't believe I've been training for about 2 months already. This experience is amazing. I really have to ramp up getting donations! So, if you're reading this & haven't donated... what are you doing already?! Help me out! And of course... a million, billion THANK YOU'S!!

4/12 - 10 miles - This was tapered training week. "Only" 10 miles but it was very hilly. I paced myself pretty easy this week. Just ramping up for the 15 miles next Sunday!

4/15 - Hill Training - Happy Tax day! - I have to write about today because this was probably the most excruciating training ever. Running up a 400m hill with all your might... 8 times... is killer. I'm so glad I don't have to do this for the rest of the training season. My lungs have never felt so worked. I know it's worth it though.

4/19 - 15 miles - Continuing on with a personal best record, I just ran 15 miles. That is insane! I ran a slower pace this week since I wasnt feeling too well. I think I could have pushed myself a bit more.

4/26 - 17 miles - No tapering off this week. Pushing the limits again, I completed another personal best. Running for about 3 hours is crazy! The weather was beautiful and made it a great run. I was sick this past week (and still not completely well) but I managed to push on through.

5/5 - 10 miles - Taper week! Happy Cinco de Mayo! I was supposed to run 12 miles this week but I ended up running alone and late in the evening... so I cut it a bit short. Good run nonetheless!! Next Sunday will be the longest training run - 20 MILES. I'm excited yet scared. I need to get new shoes as I already worn out the shoes I just bought.

5/10 - 20 miles - Happy Mother's Day! I just ran 20 miles today... 20 MILES. That was both tough and so awesome. My body will be sore for a couple of days for sure. It was grueling towards the end. It's amazing what you can get your body to do. 2 MORE WEEKS till the big day! PLEASE DONATE!!!

5/17 - 12 miles - Tapering down until race day. It feels nice to "only" run 12 miles. Still tough but good way to get a sweat going! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for everyone's support!

5/24 - 8 miles - Last taper, last official training run with TNT. It was a fun run! WITH COSTUMES - http://www.flickr.com/photos/westsidelatnt/sets/72157618651992713/

This was an awesome journey. I cant believe the race is coming up. This is it!! What am I going to do with my Sunday mornings now?

Thank you to all who donated for LLS. Thanks for all your support! Although I've reached my goal, I still have a personal goal and I'm not stopping with donations. Let raise money for a great cause!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To all that have donated so far. Your support is greatly appreciated!!