Run Andrea Run!!

These are the heroes whose strength & bravery will keep me going as I attempt the 26.2 miles of the Nike Marathon in San Francisco on October 19th:

Allen Novick

Barbara Cloude Turner

Joe Mulholland

October 14th Update

The marathon is only FIVE days away!! I'm getting nervous, but am also very excited. The last few weeks of training have really gone by so quickly.

My right knee has continued to give me problems, so I went to see a doctor about Active Release Therapy - turns out I have a very tight IT band, along with a lot of scar tissue from 2 previous knee surgeries. He did some work using Graston's Technique to eliminate as much of the scar tissue as he could, so it is definitely feeling better.

Your support means so much to me, and I know I will be successful on Sunday!!

September 14th Update

I am still amazed by all the support I have been given by my family, friends and coworkers with your generous donations. You have helped me become one of the top fundraisers for the Nike Marathon!!

It's hard to believe, but the marathon is only 5 weeks away. Yesterday we did our longest run to date - 18 miles. This run was a true test, because if you don't reach Mile 18 in the actual marathon in 5 hours, then you don't get to finish the race. I am happy to say I ran 18.41 miles yesterday in about 4.5 hours, and that's with mostly walking the last couple of miles because I was having an issue with my right knee. Not to worry - it's fine today!

Next weekend is the Maine Coast Half that I'm running as part of my training. One of my Team in Training coaches and one of the mentors will also be running it. I'm looking forward to it as I haven't run a race since the Stowe 8 Miler, and I'm hoping to run a better time than my first half back in May. I've learned so much since then, and run so many more training miles!

July 30th Update

Thank you again for your continued contributions to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on my behalf. I am now less than $2000 away from my personal goal of raising $7500!

Today I turned in my recommittment paperwork to Team in Training. It's a major step and means I am an official participant!

Training is going well. Our long runs are getting quite long - 13 miles is our mileage for this coming Saturday. It's hard to believe that August is here. The heat & humidity make it really tough for running, so I'm trying to run early in the day.

I ran in the Stowe 8 Miler on July 20th. It was a great race - except that it rained. It was the first time I've ever run in the rain - it was actually quite enjoyable!

The next race I have scheduled is the Maine Coast Half on September 21st, although I'm still searching for an August race.

July 4th Update

I am overwhelmed by the support I have received, and I truly appreciate each and every one of your donations!!

Things are still going well with my training and preparation for the marathon. It seems like it's so far off, but October 19th will be here before I know it.

Last week I made a couple of friends at training. Julie and Sherry, both mentors, were nice enough to run my penguin pace with me. It was great because having someone who runs a little faster than you do really helps to keep you going.

My next race is the Stowe 8 Miler in Vermont on July 20th. Jerel and I will be going up the night before since it's a little over 3 hours from Boston. It will be my longest race since I ran the Boston Run to Remember half marathon in May.

June 23rd Update

I am simply amazed at your generosity!! Thank you all so much for helping me reach the minimum contribution needed in order for me to participate in the Nike Marathon!! I'm not stopping there though - I am making it my personal goal to raise $7,500.

I will let you know how I fare in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge on Thursday. Wish me luck!

June 16th Update

I am so very thankful for everyone who has donated thus far - I have just a little over $1000 to raise until I reach my goal!!

Training is going well. This week our long run on Saturday will be 7 miles. I've missed the last couple of group runs as we were out of town and I also ran a 10K two weeks ago, so I'm looking forward to running with the group again.

Next week I am running in the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge - 3.5 miles. I've heard it's an extremely crowded race. I'll make sure to stay at the back of the pace in order to avoid the crush!

June 3rd Update

WOW!!! I want to thank everyone who has donated and supported me in my goal to run the Nike Marathon in San Franciso on 10.19.08. Thank you so much for helping me get halfway to my fundraising goal in less than a week. I am truly blessed by having the greatest friends and family!!

What I'm Doing

I'm training to participate in my very first marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training.

I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. 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 tax-deductable donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. Anything you can spare will help me reach my goal, and will help LLS continue to find a cure.

Thank you for your support!