(Card from Uncooked.) This is just a quick post to say thank you all so much for everything you've all done for me in the last couple of months -- whether you donated money, showed up early to help decorate for my fundraising party, encouraged me to go to practice when I really didn't feel like it, or just were there to lend an ear when all I seem to talk about lately is training and fundraising. You guys are the best! (Oh, and thanks to the girl who helped fix my bike in the park last Saturday. What would I have done without you?!?)

Our fundraising party this past weekend was a huge success and took a nice chunk out of my remaining fundraising needs. With my deadline looming, I'm making one final push for donations from people near and far. If you or your loved ones have ever been affected by blood cancers -- or you haven't and you're thankful for that fact -- remember that every little bit can help!

80s Prom Update: Now featuring cocktails from Bulldog Gin and a capella performances by the Colgate Resolutions! More sponsor info coming soon.

Welcome back to my training diary! Now for something completely different ...

Dig out those bridesmaid dresses, raid your local thrift store, or don your back-in-fashion hipster gear: We're celebrating the music, culture, and style of the awesome 80s with a prom-themed dance party that can't be missed.

That's right, my next big fundraising initiative is an 80s prom party! My friend Sarah (who's doing the NYC Triathlon with TNT in August) and I are joining forces -- along with the dynamic DJ duo Tony Rico and Sintalentos and our trusty party-planning committee -- to put together an awesome event on March 12.

$15 will get you open bar all night; bring extra cash for silent auctions, raffles, and more. Prizes (along with Prom King and Queen status) will be awarded for best dressed, best dancer, and more. We're soliciting beer and liquor sponsors, as well as donations for our raffle, auctions, and door prizes, and all profits will be split between Sarah and me to go toward our fundraising goals.

All are welcome, and RSVPs are very much appreciated. (If you're on Facebook, you can RSVP here.) If you're in the NYC area, we hope to see you (way back) then!

80s Prom Dance Party!

Raffles! Photo booth! Prizes for Best Dressed!

What: Fundraiser for Amanda MacMillan (Lavaman Tri) and Sarah Hampton (NYC Tri)

How much: $15 suggested donation at the door (bring $ for silent auction, too!)

What you get: DJ, Dancing, Open bar all night

Where: 141 S. 5th Street, Williamsburg (between Bedford and Driggs), #2W

When: Saturday March 12, 8 PM - ???

Well, it's been a while since I've updated. I've been very busy with training, of course! (And preliminary wedding planning, since I got engaged on Christmas Eve! But that's another story.) As any year-round athlete knows, training in the wintertime can be rough. We've had a few practices canceled because of the holidays and because of the snowstorms that have cripppled Brooklyn. If the snow plows can't even make it up the street, how are we supposed to be out there on bikes?

Luckily, I've been hitting the gym for Spin classes and have even logged a few miles on the dreaded treadmill. And I've realized again this year, just like last year, that I actually really LOVE running in the cold. At least once you get past that initial freezing pain. And before you get to the sweaty icicles-on-your-hat numbness that kicks in after a few miles. But for a few precious moments, running almost all alone in the park surrounded by white, it can be pretty sweet.

Thinking ahead to warmer weather, I booked my flight! I'll be flying out a few days before the race and staying a few days extra (on my own dime, of course; the money I raise here won't be covering my flight or my extra vacation time) as a nice little reward for myself.

As for fundraising, I'm hoping to plan a few events for the next couple of months. I'm currently putting together a raffle, so if you've got anything to donate, please let me know! (Unless you want to donate cash, which you can do right here :)

This week was my first preseason practice, where I met up with some other Brooklyn alumni, mentors, and new teammates, along with our running coach, for some jogging, stretching, and squats in Prospect Park. And tomorrow, I'm headed to Philadelphia to run the half marathon with my friends Sarah and Sharon, two of my former Team in Training buddies (that's us before the 2009 NYC Tri).

My time goal for the Philly half was originally 2 hours -- which is quite lofty, considering my previous personal best is 2:15. I've been training, but have not done much speedwork, and it's not looking likely. Anyone want to bet me a donation as to whether or not I can do it?

I didn't do any TNT fundraising for this event specifically, but I'll be running along side of -- and cheering on -- other TNT members who did. Plus, I like to think of this run as the official kick-off to triathlon season. And it's so good to know that I won't have to run nearly this long of a distance for quite some time again. Bring on the biking and swimming!

ALOHA!

I always thought that if and when I made it to Hawaii, I would spend my time there sipping tropical drinks out of coconuts, taking surf lessons and exploring volcanos, and laying on the beach. Instead, I'll be swimming, biking, and running my way toward a cure for cancers. That's kind of the same thing, right?

What and When

I'm training to participate in the Lavaman Olympic-distance triathlon in Kona, Hawaii on April 3, 2011. As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training, I've committed to raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

This is my third event with TNT (that's me pictured during my second event, the NJ Devilman tri earlier this year), and every season I come back more and more committed to the cause and my amazing teammates who are fighting for their own lives or for the lives of others.

How and Why

If you or someone you love has ever been affected by cancer -- of even if you're lucky enough to have no connection to the cause and you'd prefer to keep it that way -- please consider making a donation to help advance LLS's mission.

As a participant, AT LEAST 75% of the funds I raise will go directly toward cancer research (clinical trials for new drugs and therapies; bone-marrow registration and testing) and patient services (chemotherapy, counselor training, and financial aid for families). And as a mentor this year, I'll be helping new triathletes with their training and fundraising goals, as well.

All donations are 100% cash deductable -- AND, your employer may offer a matching gifts program, so check with them about a way to double your gift.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!

***Want to Join Me in Hawaii?***

Ask me for more information about the Lavaman triathlon in April, or the Saint Anthony's (Florida) triathlon in May. Check out other TNT events here!