It's almost here! I did my 20 mile run on Saturday with a new friend, and now it's time to taper until the big day. The mileage was rough on Saturday with the humidity being as high as it was, but I know it's nothing compared to what someone with a blood cancer has to go through. People keep telling me I'm really tough, but I sure don't feel it. When I start struggling with a run I just use our Honored Heros as inspiration to get through. They are teh reason I'm doing this, and if they can handle the pain they have to go through on a daily basis, then I can handle a small amount for a day.

Please consider making a donation to help those suffering, and their families. Just a couple dollars can make a difference!

I wear the names of some of my Honored Heros every race I run, and below are just a few of the people I run for every race. This one was taken at the Dallas Rock N Roll half marathon in March.

Only a little over a month until my next full marathon in San Diego! I managed a PR on my last half, so I'm hoping for one on my full also. It's amazing what nutrition can do to your running...I've knocked off about 45 sec per mile since changing what I eat! I'm working to get myself ready for the run, now I just need some help with the fundraising part.

For those of you who don't know...

"The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Our Key Priorities will ensure that: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps blood cancer patients live better, longer lives.

Research

Advance the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers through continued funding of academic research, the therapy acceleration program and other special initiatives

Proactively establish a research agenda and direct a portion of research spending to specific areas of unmet medical need for leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma

Participate directly in blood cancer therapy development by expanding research beyond academic collaborations and biotech partnerships to include pharmaceutical companies and/or venture capitalists

Patient Services

Develop a services agenda for patients and their families to address their information and support needs

Inform blood cancer patients and improve access to the latest individual therapy options and blood cancer clinical trials

LLS is the key source of information and services for patients throughout their cancer journey

Public Policy

Increase funding for blood cancer research from non-LLS sources and accelerate the development of blood cancer therapies

Encourage an effective and science-driven regulatory system for efficient review of new blood cancer therapies

Ensure patients have insurance coverage for their treatments and well-coordinated and high quality cancer care"

I survived Cowtown...and was even able to run 10 miles less than a week later!! It was so much better than my first full! I had friends and family there cheering me on and running with me. This is definitely something I would not have been able to do without Team inTraining. It has been such a great experience being on a team that is so passionate about finding a cure for blood cancer. Everyone is so supportive of one another and our fundraising goals!

I didn't reach my time goal for the marathon, but I still enjoyed the company I had along the way, and REALLY appreciated having a friend run the last six miles with me. I hit a major wall, and just didn't want to keep running after mile 21, but he was there to keep pushing me. I never would have made it where I am now without my awesome coach! This is a picture of us on his Birthday Saturday, celebrating with some cake (which I did not eat...don't worry the world did not actually end!).

Next up is Dallas Rock N Roll at the end of the month! And, yes, I'm still asking for donations, and will be until we find a cure! LLS has been responsible for so many survivors out there, who otherwise would not have had a chance. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated!

Only one more week until Cowtown!! I'm getting excited...and a little nervous. I know I can do it, I just remember how great I felt after the last one (note the sarcasm here). It really is a great feeling of accomplishment though. Not only am I able to achieve personal goals, I also get to help contribute to the fight against blood cancers. Too many people are still affected by it daily. I am constantly coming across people who are impacted by cancer in some way. Elsa just celebrated her 12th "birthday" cancer free, and had a party to take up donations for LLS. Thanks to her, I'm even closer to my fundraising goal! People like her are why I continue to raise funds for cancer research. Help us find a cure by makinga donation...any amount is appreciated!

I'm at it again...I will be doing the San Diego Rock N Roll full marathon (after first completing the Cowtown full marathon in February)!! Some people think I'm crazy for doing what I do, and I would have to agree. It takes crazy people to run a marathon in the worst weather imaginable...but, there's more to it than just running, for me. I want to help find a cure for cancer so others do not have to endure worse pain than I go through from running. I have met many people who have gone through chemo and radiation, and those people know what tru suffering and pain is. Please help by donating to a cause that helps not only those suffering from a blood cancer, but also their families who may be struggling financially.

Austin (front and center) is one of the reasons I keep running for TNT to find a cure...he even completed his own run on Thanksgiving day! He is truly an inspiration and an excellent example of perseverence.

I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers. To accomplish that mission, I’m participating in a sports endurance event as a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team In Training. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

75% of all money donated to LLS goes directly to patient care, research, and family services!

Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.