Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

2010 marks my 2nd year with Team In Training. I had an amazing, life changing experience with them last year, so, I'm back for more, and God willing, many more to follow.

Last year Team In Training(TNT) took this fat, lazy, non-runner, and taught me how to run 26.2 miles, and do it with a smile. I've now become a bit addicted to running. I've since done 2 half marathons, and I'm training to run at least 2 more full marathons this year!

When I first joined TNT, I was able to say that I wasn't directly affected by cancer, specifically, leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma. I've made so many wonderful and amazing friends through TNT who are dealing with these cancers, and since then, I've learned that my aunt has been battling multiple myeloma. I can't say I'm not directly affected by these diseases, and that's why I've come back to TNT. To help in the fight against cancer.

Last year I met my goal of $2500 through the kind donations of friends, family, and coworkers, despite the rough economy. Hopefully, if you're reading this, you will also find it in yourself to help in this cause. Tell your friends, tell your coworkers, and tell your families. Please come back and visit to see how I'm doing.

Thank you!

----- Feb 14th, 2009 - Training #1 - 3 Miles:

Days like today are why most of us choose to live in Southern California. Cool in the morning, but beautiful skies and a near perfect day for a run. The first day of training is always an experience. You can feel the energy in the air. The new runners are wondering if they're up for the challenge, while the more experienced ones are eager to just run. Everyone's here for a different reason, but the excitement is definitely in the air.

My first 3 mile run with the team, heck, my first 3 mile run ever, was a chore. I remember it fondly, albeit, I remember the pain the most. This year was a repeat, but for a whole different reason. I made the attempt to keep up with one of the faster runners on the team, and that led to a lot of weezing and gasping after half a mile. I'm a much stronger runner now than I was a year ago, but still not that strong. We head South from Shutters in Santa Monica towards Venice, then back.

In the end, no matter what pains I or my teammates put ourselves through, we're all the better for it. Our bodies are becoming stronger, as is our wills and spirits. As long as we remember what TNT and the LLS represents, and why we're doing this, the aches and pains are always welcomed.

----- Feb 21th, 2009 - Training #2 - 4 Miles:

Once again SoCal proves its the palce to be when it comes to gorgeous scenery for running. On this run we start at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, and head north along Ocean Blvd, towards San Vicente. This route will be the finish line to the inaugural LA Marathon Stadium to the Sea course.

Our practices usual start with a little pep talk, this one was a bit more. The team meets Krissy Kobata, our honored teammate. Krissy is 27 years old, and has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Basically it means her bone marrow is failing her, which will eventually lead to Leukemia. She tells us her story, and how important LLS and TNT has been to her. Check out her page at http://www.teamkrissy.com

Pace groups are set this time, which, for much of the team, means these will be the people we'll get to know best as we spend the next few months running together. Already I can see that there are some pretty awesome people in this group. Definitely excited.

----- Feb 21th, 2009 - Training #3 -5 Miles:

Don't be surprised if I start all these log entries talking about how gorgeous our running course is. I don't mean to rub it in, but, it's February, the sun's out, and we're running along Santa Monica Beach. I'm wearing shorts, and a sleavless running shirt. Srsly! We head South again towards Venice, with a water stop at Washington Blvd., before we turn back.

But before our run, our team meats Stevie. He's an honored team mate. Stevie's 4 years old. Just days before his 2nd birthday, he was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. He's currently in remission, but remission doesn't mean "cured". His battle continues, and the money you donate will help build up the arsenal to win the war against cancer. Check out Stevie's page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevieramos

So, after everyone dries their eyes we head off to start our run. I'm running slow and easy today. I'm a bit sore from previous work outs, but feeling good. Last year, I waited a few days before running again. Now I have to remind myself to take it easy, else I end up injuring myself. Which is the perfect sequeue to about how awesome our coaches are. Coach Chris, Emily, and Javier, are easily some of the most awesome people I know. I look up to all of them, not because they're amazing athletes, but simply because they're amazing people. Because I'm training for two marathons, Coach Chris is keeping an eye on me, making sure I don't hurt myself. He seems to get a kick out of calling me out, but I appreciate it. Not really sure he realizes that I'm taking on these endeavors because he and the other coaches are such inspirations.